Q. 1541 Sri Lanka’s Thirteenth Amendment

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether India has expressed its dismay over reports that Sri Lanka plans to go back on its promise to amend its constitution to ensure autonomy to its provinces;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken up this issue with the Sri Lankan Government; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Sri Lankan Government in this regard?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR) M

(a) to (d) There have been recent reports of plans by the Government of Sri Lanka to amend certain provisions of the Sri Lankan Constitution relating to the functioning of Provincial Councils.

India has long advocated the creation of an environment in Sri Lanka in which all communities, particularly the Sri Lankan Tamils, are masters of their own destiny within the framework of a united Sri Lanka. Our objective continues to remain the achievement of a future for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka that is marked by equality, dignity, justice and self-respect. In this context, India has been engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka at the highest levels on its stated commitment to implement the 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution and to go beyond, so as to achieve meaningful devolution of powers.

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