India pushes for implementation of 13th Amendment

By Shamindra Ferdinando

November 3, 2012

India has reiterated its call for the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and credible investigations into allegations as regards atrocities during the eelam war IV.

The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) appreciated India’s position at the 14th session of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva on Thursday (Nov 1).

"We are encouraged by the Indian intervention at the UPR which clearly articulated serious issues including militarization, lack of political will to resolve the Tamil National Question and the lack of progress on accountability that Sri Lanka refuses to address post end of war," GTF spokesperson Suren Surendiran spokesperson told The Sunday Island yesterday.

While noting positive development with regard to resettlement of the internally displaced persons, rehabilitation of ex-LTTE personnel, de-mining and reconstruction, India urged GoSL to address remaining issues as regards rehabilitation and resettlement.

India reiterated its commitment to help GoSL to tackle these problems.

Recalling GoSL’s assurance to the previous UPR four year ago to implement the 13th Amendment and subsequent promises given to the international community, India emphasized the responsibility on the part of the GoSL to keep its pledge. India stressed the need to go beyond the 13th Amendment, while underscoring the importance of a speedy political solution to the national issue.

Noting that GoSL has announced PC polls for the Northern Province next year, India insisted that those living in that region should be given an opportunity to exercise their franchise as early as possible.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa early this year declared that Northern PC polls would be held in September 2013.

Commenting on accountability issues, India pushed Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), including investigations into human rights violations and incidents involving loss of civilian lives.