While the party strives to integrate the People of Indian Origin (PIO) with the mainstream in Sri Lanka and to provide an opportunity for the advancement of their political, social and economic status, the party finds it very difficult to work with the major political parties or the Leftist parties or the North-East Tamil Political Organizations in view of their polarized communal orientation and perception, says a memorandum on issues pertaining to the PIO in Sri Lanka submitted by the Upcountry People’s Front (UPF) to visiting Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

"In this context, it has become indispensable and inevitable to seek the cooperation of the Indian Government to meet the political aspirations and development challenges of this community", the memorandum further said.

A UPF delegation led by its President, P. Chandrasekaran,

Minister for Community Development and Social Inequity Eradication, called on the Indian leader at the Taj Samudra Hotel last Friday evening.

"Under these circumstances, the UPF as the major political party representing the PIO expects recognition, support, guidance and assistance from Government of India in our endeavor to promote future wellbeing of our Community".

"The UPF represents the interest and aspirations of all the segments of the PIO community and emerged as one of the major political parties during the last two decades. It should be emphasized that it is the only political party that contested under its own symbol and members were elected to the Parliament to represent the PIO community. The party struggles to obtain national and International political recognition for the PIO in Sri Lanka".

In its memorandum, the UPF placed the following matters pertaining to PIO community for the attention of the Government of India:

* We seek the moral support of the government of India in our endeavor to preserve and foster the special identity for PIO among the Tamil community

* We urge the Indian Government to look into the possibility of providing opportunities for IT, Vocational and Technical Training and higher education for youth of PIO community.

* We also seek assistance for the preservation and promotion of the cultural traits and forms of the PIO.

* We have made very strong representations to the government of Sri Lanka to establish an Upcountry University with PIO identity. We seek assistance from the Indian government for the establishment and development of this university.

* We very much appreciate the efforts of the government of India to assist the establishment a PIO university in India. We request the Indian Government to consider providing opportunities for PIO students and Academics in Sri Lanka to benefit from this university.

* We seek representation in the PIO advisory council for our community which is expected to be established soon.

* The Mahatma Gandhi Sabha, Upcountry has undertaken to setup a Mahatma Gandhi International Centre in memory of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Matale in 1927. The party respectfully urges the Government of India to provide necessary assistance to make this proposed centre a reality.