In a bid to seek deeper and ‘pro-active’ Indian involvement in resolving the ethnic Tamil problem in Sri lanka, a delegation of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) from the island country met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday. The TNA leaders are here to push their case for full implementation of the 13(A) amendment to the Sri lankan Constitution that stems from India-Sri lanka peace accord signed in 1987. The amendment stipulates devolution of powers to the provinces which was centre of ethnic conflict.
The six-member TNA delegation made a presentation to Swaraj detailing their perception of the political environment in Sri lanka and their engagement with its Government.According to officials, Swaraj emphasised the need for political solution that addresses substantially the aspirations of Tamil community in lanka for equality, dignity, justice and self-respect within a framework of united lanka.
The TNA MPs complained about the alleged attempts by the lankan Government to change the democratic composition of the northern province. “We have explained the position currently prevalent on the ground in the north and the east. The difficulties people are facing, the aggressive program implemented by the lankan Government to change the democratic composition of the northern and eastern provinces and the cultural and linguistic identity of the areas,” said TNA leader R Sampanthan. The delegation will meet PM Narendra Modi on Saturday.