India reiterates once again for full implementation of 13A & early PC polls

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today at Presidential Secretariat, Colombo. Pix: Indian High Commission/Colombo

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s stand on the “full and effective” implementation 13th Amendment and holding PC polls at earliest during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today in Colombo.

“The full and effective implementation of the 13th Amendment of its Constitution and the early holding of Provincial Council elections will facilitate these objectives,” according to a statement issued by the Indian High Commission at the conclusion of an official visit by India’s top Foreign envoy. 

Dr Jaishankar visited Colombo today and called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and held discussions with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. He also met former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of SJB Sajith Premadasa as well.

With regard to the ethnic issue and the reconciliation process, EAM 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, according to the statement. 

The visiting Indian Minister also raised concerns pertaining to Indian fishermen who are detained in the country and pressed for their early release, as well as of their boats, and reconsideration of the heavy fines imposed on them.  “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,”

He appreciated the release of 50 Indian fishermen who were held for poaching in Lankan territorial waters today.

An invitation was extended on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the visiting Minister to President Dissanayake to visit India at a mutually convenient date. (Northeastern Monitor/ Oct 4/2024)