Tamil diaspora organisations, in a statement marking the 40^th anniversary of the passing of the ‘Vaddukkoddai Resolution,’ pledged to host events around the world to reaffirm and 'take it forward in all dimensions.'

The statement read,

“The essence of the Resolution declared on 14 May 1976 under the leadership of the late S.J.V Chelvanayagam was the enunciation by Tamils that, in view of their long maligned experiences, they could no longer live under the hegemonic rule of a Sinhala Buddhist State. In the subsequent General Elections of 1977, the Tamil people gave a clear mandate for the Resolution by electing all candidates who stood behind it. That mandate by the people lives in their spirit forty years on.”

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena claimed that his government is enacting “the correct foreign policy” which has led to them being accepted by the international community.

Speaking at a ceremony in Polonnaruwa Mr Sirisena also announced that he had been invited on an official visit to Germany, stating it was the first time a Sri Lankan leader had been invited to the country in 43 years.

"Attention of every country is being paid on Sri Lanka today due to the correct foreign policy of the government", claimed Mr Sirisena.

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary MP Udaya Gammanpila claimed that a plans to introduce a new act proposed by the Sri Lankan government seeks to promote a different sect of Buddhism than that practised in Sri Lanka.

The popular opposition MP said that the proposed new act “will only be applicable for the Theravada Buddhist monks”.

“Thus, it looks like, this act attempts promote Mahayana Buddhism here,” said Gammanpila.

Mahayana Buddhism, the form of the religion mainly practised across the Far East, has faced repression in Sri Lanka, with temples being attacked by Sinhala Buddhist monks and calls for its banning by government ministers.

Controversy over the proposed act comes after Buddhist group BBS voiced its opposition and the JVP party threatened street protests if it were to pass.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena though stated that the bill would not be passed without approval from the Maha Sanga.