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Q.365 Devolution package in Sri Lanka
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.365
TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.02.2011
SHRI R. THAMARAISELVAN:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is true that the Government urged the Sri Lankan Government to make way for a meaningful devolution package which would help create conditions for a lasting peace in Sri Lanka;
(b) if so, the response received by the Government from the Sri Lankan Government;
(c) whether the Government had held any discussion with the Sri Lankan Government on the re-settlement of three lakh war displaced Tamil Civilians; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)
(a) & (b) During the visit of the President of Sri Lanka in June 2010, India emphasised the need for a meaningful devolution package to create the necessary conditions for a lasting political settlement in Sri Lanka. India has also reiterated the need for a structured dialogue with the Tamil parties and other stakeholders to find a lasting political settlement. The President of Sri Lanka reiterated his determination to evolve a political settlement acceptable to all communities.
(c) & (d) Government of India attaches highest priority to the rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Northern Sri Lanka. Both Governments have been holding discussions, including at the highest levels on the issue of resettlement of IDPs where India has reiterated to Government of Sri Lanka the need for their speedy resettlement. In this context, External Affairs Minister visited Sri Lanka in November 2010. It is reported that there are around 10,000 IDPs remaining in the camps.