What we want now is a postwar programme to promote reconciliation and friendship between the two communities, he has told BBC Sandeshaya.

Cooray said he has been instructed to take the message of peace to the north.

Development

Parallel to the reconciliation effort, development of the province will be undertaken, he said.

Unlike in the past when businessmen of the south carried out development of the north, people of the north themselves will be entrusted with the development of their area, he said.

Steps will be taken to rectify weakneses which had led to the return to the treasury of 60 per cent of the funds allotted for northern development, said the new governor.

He said he would mediate to ensure that the land there now with the military and the state were given back to the people within six months.

Meanwhile, TNA councilor of the north M.K. Sivajilingam has said he did not oppose Cooray’s appointment to the province.

During the Chandrika Kumaratunga regime, Cooray had been an active member of the ‘Sudu Nelum’ movement that took the concept of devolution of power to the people.

He thanked president Maithripala Sirisena for appointing him to the position and expressed his commitment to promote national and religious reconciliation and peace, as a person who was opposed to extremist ideals.

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