September 13, 2023
1 min read

India Urges Lanka To Implement Its Commitments

Pandey expressed hope that the Sri Lankan government would address Tamil aspirations by implementing the 13th Amendment and conducting Provincial Council Elections…reports Asian Lite News

India has called on the Sri Lankan government to “work meaningfully” towards promptly fulfilling its commitments to safeguard the basic rights and freedoms of all its citizens, particularly the Tamil community.

Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, emphasised India’s historical support for Sri Lanka’s post-2009 relief, rehabilitation, resettlement, and reconstruction efforts.

He outlined India’s guiding principles of supporting Tamil aspirations for equality, justice, and peace, as well as respecting the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

Pandey expressed hope that the Sri Lankan government would address Tamil aspirations by implementing the 13th Amendment and conducting Provincial Council Elections. The 13th Amendment, established after the India-Sri Lanka agreement in 1987, established nine provinces as devolved units with a temporary merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces.

However, elections for these provinces have been on hold since 2018 due to proposed electoral reforms, requiring a parliamentary amendment to proceed under the existing proportional representation system.

While acknowledging Sri Lanka’s reaffirmation of its commitments, Pandey noted that progress in this regard had been insufficient. India encouraged Sri Lanka to take meaningful actions to protect the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all its citizens. Pandey also highlighted India’s significant financial support, exceeding USD four billion, to help Sri Lanka overcome its economic challenges in the past year.

During Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India in July, both leaders issued a Vision Statement on Connectivity, emphasizing the importance of a robust India-Sri Lanka economic partnership for inclusive growth and reconciliation. Finally, Pandey expressed condolences for the recent earthquake in Morocco, which resulted in the loss of many lives.

ALSO READ: Trudeau Finally Flies Out From Delhi

Previous Story

Trudeau Finally Flies Out From Delhi

Next Story

Etihad Airways Partners with Katrina Kaif as Brand Ambassador

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan’s Shadow War in Balochistan

At least 50 killed by Pakistan-backed death squads in Balochistan in April, says HRCB — toll expected to rise in May….reports Asian Lite News The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) reported

Russia, Ukraine Resume Talks

The upcoming talks follow a significant hiatus in diplomatic engagement between the two nations, which have been locked in a brutal conflict since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 Russia and

UN Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers

Thursday was observed as the 77th UN Peacekeepers Day, honouring the work of 61,353 peacekeepers, of whom 5,375 hailed from India….reports Asian Lite News Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who

Modi’s New Warfare Playbook

Modi has upended the old playbook and India and Pakistan are entering dangerous new territory where nuclear deterrence is no longer a guarantee against conventional conflict…writes Collins Chong Yew Keat The India-Pakistan
Go toTop

Don't Miss

IMF slashes India’s 2022 growth forecast to 7.4%

The downward revision of India’s growth forecast by the IMF

India endorses Commonwealth roadmap on gender equality

The roadmap was the result of three-day deliberations among ministers