PM Modi announces various projects worth Rs 750 crore for Tamil citizens of Indian origin in Sri Lanka
Release Date – Friday 23rd (July 21st) at 11:00pm
New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday India’s expectations for Colombo to meet the aspirations of the island nation’s Tamil community and ensure them a life of respect and dignity.
The issue featured prominently in wide-ranging talks between Modi and Wickremesinghe, with the prime minister stressing the need to implement the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka’s constitution.
The Tamil community in Sri Lanka has been demanding the implementation of the Thirteenth Amendment, which mandates the devolution of power to them. The 13th Amendment came after the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Agreement.
In a media statement following the talks, Wickremesinghe said he had shared with Modi his “comprehensive proposal” this week aimed at “further reconciliation, power sharing through decentralization and multiple elements of the northern development plan”. The Sri Lankan president arrived in Delhi on Thursday to start a two-day visit.
“We also discussed reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Wickremesinghe told me about his inclusive approach,” Modi said.
“We hope that the Sri Lankan government will meet the aspirations of the Tamil people; will promote the reconstruction process of equality, justice and peace; will fulfill its commitment to implement the 13th Amendment and hold provincial council elections.”
“And will ensure that the Sri Lankan Tamil community lives with respect and dignity,” Modi said.
Referring to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Lanka, Modi announced the implementation of various projects worth Rs 750 crore for Tamil citizens of Indian origin in Sri Lanka.
“Furthermore, the Indian Tamil community is about to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its arrival in Sri Lanka. I am happy to say that on this occasion, various projects worth Rs 750 crore will be implemented for the Indian Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka.”
“In addition to this, India will also contribute to the development plans of Sri Lanka’s northern and eastern regions,” he said.
Wickremesinghe said he shared with Modi his comprehensive proposals on reconciliation, power sharing through decentralization and plans for northern development.
“I also shared with him the comprehensive proposals I presented this week for further reconciliation, power sharing through decentralization, and multiple elements of the Northern Development Plan,” the president said.
“I have invited all party leaders in Parliament to work towards consensus and national unity on these measures. Thereafter, the government will present relevant legislation to Parliament.”
Wickremesinghe said Modi “expressed his solidarity and goodwill in these efforts”.
