New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modia had urged Sri Lanka on Saturday to ensure the justice for the minorities of Tamil Nadu. Modi had appealed Sri Lanka to ensure “equality, dignity, justice and self-respect”.
Modi appealed when a delegation of six-member of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) called on him. Notify that TNA is Sri Lanka’s main Tamil political party.
The delegation, led by veteran Tamil politician R. Sampanthan, met Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Friday.
The delegation also includes Mavai S Senathirajah, K Premachandran, P Selvarajah, Selvam Adaikkalanathan and MA Sumanthiran, all parliamentarians.
An official statement said, “The prime minister stressed the need for a political solution that addresses the aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, dignity, justice and self respect within the framework of a united Sri Lanka.”
Modi urged “all stakeholders in Sri Lanka to engage constructively, in a spirit of partnership and mutual accommodation, towards finding a political solution”.
This should be built “upon the 13th amendment of the Sri Lankan constitution”. He had said it by referring the India-backed amendment of the 1980s which called for devolving autonomous powers to the Tamils.
Modi also assured the TNA delegation of India’s continuing support to provide relief; rehabilitation and reconstruction work in Sri Lanka’s northeast, the former war zone where thousands have been displaced.
He said New Delhi’s focus would be on projects relating to housing, livelihood generation, capacity building, education, hospitals and infrastructure.
“The visit of TNA leaders is part of India’s continuing engagement with the government and political parties in Sri Lanka,” said statement.
The TNA delegation briefed the prime minister on the situation in Sri Lanka and their assessment and expectations regarding devolution and national reconciliation.
Bureau Report
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