New Delhi: A five-member delegation of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) led by R Sampanthan, has called on the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay on Thursday. The meeting took place at India house. The meeting observed the discussions on devolution and development in Sri Lanka including the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
"A five-member Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation led by Hon. @R_Sampanthan, MP called on High Commissioner at the India House today. Discussions on devolution and development in #SriLanka including in the Northern and Eastern Provinces were held. (1/2) @CGJaffna", the High Commission of India in Colombo tweeted.
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Leader of Ilangai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) - Maavai Senathirajah and TNA Members of Parliament - Dharmalingam Sithadthan, Selvam Adaikkalanathan and MA Sumanthiran were present during the meeting. The High Commissioner was assisted by Deputy High Commissioner Vinod K Jacob and Counsellor (Political) Banu Prakash.
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay stressed India’s longstanding support for the reconciliation in Sri Lanka that addresses aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice, peace and dignity within the framework of a united Sri Lanka. He also reiterated Indian support in rehabilitation and development in areas such as connectivity, health and education. Earlier, during his visit to Sri Lanka in January this year, EAM Dr Jaishankar had said, "India has been strongly committed to the unity, stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka".
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"Our support for the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka is longstanding, as indeed for an inclusive political outlook that encourages ethnic harmony. It is in Sri Lanka’s interest that the expectations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka are fulfilled. That applies equally to the commitments made by the Sri Lankan government on meaningful devolution, including the 13th Amendment to the Constitution", Jaishankar reiterated.
During the meeting held on Thursday, various aspects of devolution and developmental aspirations of the people from the North and East were also discussed. The TNA delegation apprised the High Commissioner on progress regarding Provincial Council elections which constitutes an integral part of Sri Lankan policy and the Constitution.
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