Jaishankar raises 'full and effective implementation of 13th Amendment' in meeting with Sri Lankan president

by admin
Oct 5, 2024

 

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Sri Lanka on Friday, meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake less than two weeks after his inauguration, and raised the issue of devolving powers to Tamils through the 13th Amendment.

According to New Delhi, Jaishankar “reiterated India’s support for the aspirations of all communities, including Tamils, for equality, justice, dignity, peace while maintaining the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka”.

“The full and effective implementation of the 13th Amendment of its Constitution and the early holding of Provincial Council elections will facilitate these objectives,” the External Affairs Ministry said.

The 13th Amendment was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987, which calls for a merged North-East and the devolution of police and land powers to the province. However, it has been consistently rejected by the Tamil people as not being an adequate solution, whilst the Sri Lankan state for decades has obfuscated its implementation.

Dissanayake’s party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), staged a violent insurrection in 1987 and has been staunchly opposed to devolving powers to the Tamil North-East.

Honored to call on President anuradisanayake today in Colombo. Conveyed warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and PM narendramodi.

Appreciate his warm sentiments and guidance for the relations. Discussed ways to deepen ongoing cooperation and strengthen India-Sri… pic.twitter.com/bDIpaiT4te

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 4, 2024

Jaishankar also reportedly “raised the concerns pertaining to Indian fishermen who are detained in Sri Lanka”. Throughout the years the Sri Lankan navy has repeatedly assaulted and arrested Indian fishermen, with dozens detained in recent weeks alone.

The Indian minister “pressed for their early release, as well as of their boats, and reconsideration of the heavy fines imposed on them,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
“A humanitarian approach focused on livelihood issues would create a durable basis for addressing this matter. A meeting of the Joint Working Group on Fisheries and of the Fishermen Associations would be timely.”

The diplomatic engagement comes at a crucial time as India seeks to reinforce its interests in Sri Lanka, particularly in the realm of business and economic collaboration in the North-East. India has significant investments in Sri Lanka, including several Indian-backed projects such as renewable energy projects in the Tamil homeland. Among these is the controversial Adani wind power project in the North-East, which  Dissanayake has indicated he may reconsider. 

According to Sri Lanka's President Media Divison, Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's economic rehabilitation, pointing to opportunities in sectors such as tourism, investment, energy, and dairy production. He noted that Sri Lanka could leverage India's vast market to stimulate its economic revival. He had also met Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya

Pleased to meet PM @Dr_HariniA today. Conveyed good wishes for her new responsibility.

Discussed Digital Public Infrastructure, training and capacity building. Agreed to work together to advance our partnership.

pic.twitter.com/81XZLb0VJY

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 4, 2024

Dissanayake reportedly said he appreciated India's financial support during Sri Lanka's economic crisis, while Jaishankar also extended an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Dissanayake to visit India. It would mark Dissanayake's first overseas trip as Sri Lankan president.

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___

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