By India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed his hope for a reconciliation process in Sri Lanka that addresses the aspirations of the Tamil community.
He made this statement while President Ranil Wickremesinghe is going ahead with an all-party consultation to implement the 13th constitutional amendment, which promotes power sharing.
The 13th Amendment was adopted in 1987, but it has never been fully implemented.
The amendment would devolve power to the provinces, including the Northern and Eastern provinces, which are majority Tamil-speaking.
Jaishankar said that India is committed to helping Sri Lanka achieve reconciliation and rebuild its economy. He said that India is a “dependable partner” and a “reliable friend” of Sri Lanka.
Wickremesinghe has said that he is committed to implementing the 13th Amendment and to addressing the grievances of the Tamil community. He has also said that he is committed to rebuilding Sri Lanka’s economy.
The reconciliation process in Sri Lanka is a complex and challenging one. However, India’s support and the commitment of the Sri Lankan government are essential to its success.
