Tamil MPs of Sri Lanka write to Indian PM Modi on implementing 13th amendment
Categories: Politics news
Prominent Tamil MPs from Sri Lanka's north and east have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting India's assistance in ensuring that Colombo finds a long-term political solution to the island's long-standing Tamil dilemma.The seven-page letter highlights the numerous unfulfilled pledges made by the Colombo government to implement the 13th Amendment and go beyond it to secure substantial power devolution. The letter, which was signed by TNA constituent party leaders Mavai Senathiraja (ITAK), Dharmalingam Sithadthan (PLOTE), and Selvam Adaikalanathan (TELO), as well as former Northern Province Chief Minister CV Wigneswaran and former MP Suresh Premachandran (EPRLF), traces past attempts to bring about a constitutional settlement, beginning with the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987. Prime Minister Modi has been urged to "ensure Tamil speaking people live with dignity, self-respect, peace and security in the areas of their natural habitation, exercising the right to self-determination within the framework of a united undivided country". "The government of India has actively engaged in this pursuit for the past 40 years, and we are grateful for the firm commitment expressed by India to find a just and lasting solution,", the letter adds.India on Tuesday announced a $500 million credit line to help Sri Lanka purchase petroleum products as the island nation struggles with a massive fuel and energy crisis.