Ensure life of respect, dignity to Tamil community in Lanka: Modi to Wickremesinghe
Ranil Wickremesinghe India's expectations from Colombo to fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation and ensure a life of respect and dignity for it. The issue figured prominently in the wide-ranging talks between Modi and Wickremesinghe, with the prime minister highlighting the need for the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution. The Tamil community in Sri Lanka has been demanding the implementation of the 13th Amendment that provides for devolution of power to it.
The 13th amendment was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987. In his media statement after the talks, Wickremesinghe said he shared with Modi the «comprehensive proposal» he presented this week for «furthering reconciliation, power sharing through devolution and the multiple elements of the Northern development plan.» The Sri Lankan president arrived in Delhi on Thursday on a two-day visit. «We also talked about reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
President Wickremesinghe told me about his inclusive approach,» Modi said. «We hope that the government of Sri Lanka will fulfill the aspirations of the Tamils; will drive the process of rebuilding for equality, justice and peace; will fulfill its commitment to implement the 13th amendment and conduct the provincial council elections,» he said. «And will ensure a life of respect and dignity for the Tamil community of Sri Lanka,» Modi said.
Talking about the 75th anniversary of India-Lanka diplomatic ties, Modi announced implementing various projects worth Rs 75 crore for the Indian-origin Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka. «Also, the Indian-origin Tamil community is completing 200 years of its arrival in Sri Lanka. I am happy to say that on
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