Prime Minister Narendra Modi favours a political solution in Sri Lanka that builds on the 13th amendment to the country’s Constitution.
In a meeting with a six-member delegation of the Tamil National Alliance, Mr. Modi 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.”
The Prime Minister conveyed to the TNA delegation on Saturday that he had already raised some concerns relating to the treatment of the Tamil community with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse.
On their part, the TNA leaders pointed to the continuing persecution of the Tamils and said that India would have to come to the defence of the minority community.
An official release described the visit of the TNA leaders to India as “part of India's continuing engagement with the Government and political parties in Sri Lanka”.
Mr. Modi urged all stakeholders in Sri Lanka to engage constructively, in a spirit of partnership and mutual accommodation, towards finding a political solution that builds upon the 13th Amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution.
In a 45-minute-long meeting, the Prime Minister assured the TNA delegation of India’s continuing support for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction works in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka, particularly in projects relating to housing, livelihood generation, capacity building, education, hospitals and infrastructure.
The TNA delegation was led by Mr. R. Sampanthan, MP, and comprises Mr. Mavai S. Senathirajah, MP; Mr. K. (Suresh) Premachandran MP; Mr. P. Selvarajah MP; Mr. Selvam Adaikkalanathan MP and Mr. M.A. Sumanthiran MP.
The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Nripendra Misra, the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Yash Singh were present at the meeting.
Published - August 23, 2014 03:18 pm IST
