Anuradha M Chenoy 26 Jan 2012 The visit by an Indian external affairs minister to Sri Lanka is always an important affair. Sri Lankans of all communities and political leanings watch it carefully. They listen to the statements and read between the lines. To many, especially for the Sri Lankan Tamils and the committed democratic sections of the Sri Lankan and Indian polity, these are moments of hope. S M Krishna has had a busy week in Sri Lanka. Can peoples’ hopes in a post-conflict situation be fulfilled by this visit?
Krishna’s visit has been more than symbolic. He handed over the first lot of 1,000 houses of the total 50,000 that is India’s contribution in post conflict reconstruction in the north of the country that remains easily one of the most devastated regions. This project is the largest among development assistance that India has undertaken in the world. In addition India has promised to pour in money to develop a platform for industry and telecom where Indian business is likely to get a decent share. More>>>