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Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces various projects worth ₹75 crore for Indian-origin Tamil citizens in Sri Lanka, marking the 75th anniversary of India-Lanka diplomatic ties
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held extensive discussions on Friday, with the former expressing India’s expectations regarding the well-being and aspirations of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
The issue of implementing the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, which provides for the devolution of power to the Tamil community, took centre stage during their talks.
The Tamil community in Sri Lanka has long been advocating for the implementation of the 13th Amendment, which was introduced following the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987.
Glad to welcome President Wickremesinghe. I congratulate him on completing a year in office and working for Sri Lanka’s progress with great courage. Sri Lanka is key to our ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘SAGAR’ efforts and thus, we discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties. @RW_UNP pic.twitter.com/Dz3A8j4BPg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2023
Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of fulfilling the aspirations of the Tamils and ensuring a life of respect and dignity for them.
He urged the Sri Lankan government to drive the process of rebuilding for equality, justice, and peace and to conduct the provincial council elections as part of its commitment to the 13th Amendment.
“We hope that the government of Sri Lanka will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamils, drive the process of rebuilding for equality, justice and peace; fulfil its commitment to implement the 13th Amendment and conduct the provincial council elections,” PM Modi said following his talks with President Wickremesinghe. “And will ensure a life of respect and dignity for the Tamil community of Sri Lanka,” he added.
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of India-Lanka diplomatic ties and the Indian-origin Tamil community’s 200 years of presence in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Modi announced the implementation of various projects worth ₹75 crore for the Indian-origin Tamil citizens.
“Also, the Indian-origin Tamil community is completing 200 years of its arrival in Sri Lanka. I am happy to say that on this occasion, various projects worth ₹75 crore will be implemented for the Indian-origin Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka,” PM Modi said.
Additionally, India pledged to contribute to development programmes in Sri Lanka’s northern and eastern regions.
“Along with this, India will also contribute to the development programmes in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka,” PM Modi said.
I am confident Sri Lanka will keep working to fulfil aspirations of the Tamil community. This year we mark 75 years of India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations and 200 years since the Indian origin Tamil community arrived in Sri Lanka. During the joint press meet with President…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2023
President Wickremesinghe shared with Prime Minister Modi a comprehensive proposal for furthering reconciliation, power-sharing through devolution, and the Northern Development Plan.
“I also shared with him the comprehensive proposal I presented this week for furthering reconciliation, power sharing through devolution and the multiple elements of the Northern Development Plan,” the Lankan President said.
He expressed his inclusive approach and invited all party leaders in parliament to work towards consensus and national unity on these measures.
“I have invited all party leaders in parliament to work towards consensus and national unity on these measures. Thereafter, the government will place the relevant legislation before parliament,” he added.
In a major decision, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology will now be accepted in neighbouring Sri Lanka. So far, France, the UAE and Singapore have partnered with India on emerging fintech and payment solutions.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra later revealed that Prime Minister Modi raised concerns about the Tamil people’s aspirations in Sri Lanka and reiterated India’s steadfast position on the full implementation of the 13th Amendment.
Meaningful devolution of powers and the full implementation of the 13th Amendment are seen as vital components in facilitating the reconciliation process between communities in Sri Lanka, Kwatra said.
