New Delhi: Harsh Shringla’s foreign secretary, during his meeting on Tuesday with President Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo, reaffirmed India’s position for complete implementation of the 13th amendment provisions on the constitution, including the election devolution of the provincial council and the earliest holding.
In another meeting with the Tamil leaders, he also underlined the “old support” of India for reconciliation that discussed the aspirations of the Tamil community for “equality, justice, peace, and dignity” in the United States and in accordance with the 13th amendment.
Shringla, during his meeting, underlined Indian interests would be attached to mutually beneficial projects, including proposals to improve air and sea connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.
The Indian High Commission, in a statement, said, “The Foreign Secretary thanked the President for his guidance and close cooperation in the field of defense and security.” India has consistently called for Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitment to protect the interests of the Tamil community and preserve the character of the island as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
The 13th amendment gave devolution of power to the Tamil community.
India has pressed Sri Lanka to implement the 13th amendment.
Which was brought after the 1987 Indo-Sri Lankan agreement.
Shringla was on a four-day visit to Sri Lanka, which began on Saturday, to review bilateral relations between India and the island state.
“He held extensive and comprehensive discussions with foreign ministers and foreign secretaries in all fields who have a common interest, including the need to face the challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemics together to reduce the economic impact,” said the Indian mission.