Modi appeals to all Sri Lankans: Work together constructively
BY S VENKAT NARAYAN-August 23, 2014
Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, August 23: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today appealed to all Sri Lankans to work together constructively and evolve a political solution to the island-nation’s ethnic problem.
Talking to a delegation of six Tamil National Alliance (TNA) from Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Province here, Modi said all stakeholders in Sri Lanka should engage "constructively" in a spirit of partnership and mutual accommodation within the framework of a "united Sri Lanka."
The Prime Minister stated this after the Sri Lankan Tamil MPs briefed him on the situation, including the alleged moves by the Sri Lankan government to change the cultural and linguistics identity of the north-eastern areas and militarization in the Tamil-majority localities.
Modi 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.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the TNA delegation briefed Modi on the situation in Sri Lanka and their "assessment and expectations" regarding devolution and national reconciliation.
"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.
"In this context, the Prime Minister 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," it said.
The visit of TNA leaders is part of India`s continuing engagement with the government and political parties in Sri Lanka, the PMO statement said.
Briefing newspersons after the meeting that lasted for an hour, TNA leader and delegation head R Sampanthan said Modi expressed interest in meeting Northern Provincial Council Chief Minister of CV Wigneswaran.
"Modi has expressed his interest in meeting our Northern Provincial Council Chief Minister. He welcomed the Chief Minister," Sampanthan said.
The six-member delegation includes Mavai S Senathirajah, K (Suresh) Premachandran, P Selvarajah, Selvam Adaikkalanathan and MA Sumanthiran.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Nripendra Misra, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh were present at the meeting.
