Bagley-Sampanthan powwow: India again calls for full implementation of 13 A

The Indian High Commission has quoted Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagley as having told a delegation of TNA MPs that India remained committed to devolution within a united Sri Lanka on the basis of full implementation of the 13A, which would be in line with Tamil aspirations for equality, justice, peace & reconciliation and would strengthen Sri Lanka

The meeting took place close on the heels of cancellation of a scheduled meeting between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the TNA.

The Indian HC has sent The Island the following statement: “A five member Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation led by R. Sampanthan, Member of Parliament called on the High Commissioner Gopal Bagley. The pre scheduled meeting took place today (17 June 2021) at India House. Leader of Ilangai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) Mavai 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 Political Counsellor Banu Prakash.

The meeting saw discussions on development of the North and East of Sri Lanka and improving connectivity between the two countries in the post-Covid period. The High Commissioner stressed India’s longstanding commitment towards creating social infrastructure such as housing in Sri Lanka that enabled all Sri Lankans including the people from the Northern and Eastern Provinces to enjoy the fruits of peace. He reiterated Indian support for rehabilitation and development in areas such as connectivity, health and education.

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 integral part of Sri Lankan polity and Constitution. HC reiterated India’s support for devolution within the framework of a united Sri Lanka on the basis of full implementation of the 13A which would be in line with Tamil aspirations for equality, justice, peace & reconciliation and would strengthen Sri Lanka.”