India for genuine reconciliation
India today urge all stakeholders in Sri Lanka to engage constructively, in a spirit of partnership and mutual accommodation adding that only such a cooperative approach will pave the way for genuine reconciliation and a political settlement.
The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Y.K. Sinha said that the end of the armed conflict presented an unparalleled opportunity to build a brighter future for all the people of Sri Lanka.
He also noted that the Government of India had already welcomed the successful culmination of elections to three Provincial Councils, including the Northern Provincial Council, in September 2013.
The High Commissioner was speaking at the celebrations held at India House in Colombo to mark the 65th Republic Day of India which falls today.
Speaking about the state of India-Sri Lanka relations, the High Commissioner said that a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Sri Lanka continues to remain at the core of India’s neighbourhood policy.
He reiterated that India is committed to Sri Lanka as a partner for realizing peace, harmony, growth and development. Our bilateral relations have been built on a rich legacy of civilizational, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction.
The High Commissioner also stressed the need to expedite the implementation of the Sampur Power Project so that the energy needs of Sri Lanka are addressed. A host of other projects and initiatives in diverse areas are in various stages of implementation.
He said that the problem of fishermen of both countries straying across the international maritime boundary line dividing both countries requires to be handled with sensitivity, taking into account the humanitarian and livelihood dimensions. The meeting between fishermen’s associations on the two sides, scheduled to be held in Chennai on 27th January, is expected to lay the foundation for a long term resolution of this issue. (Colombo Gazette)
