PM Modi Tells Sri Lankan President To Ensure Respect And Dignity For Its Tamil Community

During their meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed to Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe the expectations of India regarding the fulfillment of the Tamil community's aspirations in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring a life of respect and dignity for the Tamil community.

Notably, the issue of Tamil community's aspirations was a key topic discussed during the extensive talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Wickremesinghe.

Prime Minister Modi specifically highlighted the need for the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution.

The Tamil community in Sri Lanka has long been demanding the implementation of the 13th Amendment, which allows for the devolution of power to the community. This amendment was introduced as a result of the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement in 1987.

Following the talks, President Wickremesinghe shared with Prime Minister Modi a comprehensive proposal for furthering reconciliation, power sharing through devolution, and the development plan for the Northern region.

In his media statement, President Wickremesinghe expressed his commitment to these initiatives.

PM Modi expressed his hope that the government of Sri Lanka would meet the aspirations of the Tamils, promote equality, justice, and peace through the rebuilding process, honor its commitment to implement the 13th amendment, and hold provincial council elections.

Furthermore, PM Modi emphasized the importance of ensuring a life of respect and dignity for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of India-Lanka diplomatic ties, PM Modi announced the implementation of various projects worth ₹ 75 crore specifically aimed at benefiting the Indian-origin Tamil citizens in Sri Lanka.

During a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted that PM Modi raised concerns about the aspirations of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. Additionally, he reiterated India's consistent stance on the full implementation of the 13th amendment.

The Foreign Secretary conveyed that PM Modi emphasized India's commitment to seeking a political resolution that addresses the desires of the Tamil community for equality, justice, and self-respect. This resolution should be achieved within the framework of a united and prosperous Sri Lanka, he stressed.

The facilitation of the reconciliation process requires the meaningful devolution of powers and the complete implementation of the 13th amendment, he further added.