Hope Indian PM will attend CHOGM-GL

19 August 2013 02:57 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka Sunday said it would "very much like" Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November in Colombo even as Tamil Nadu parties have urged India not to participate in the event.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris, who arrived here Sunday, said he would meet Manmohan Singh Monday to invite him to the Nov 15-17 event.

"We would very much like him to be present," he said, adding that a CHOGM was being held in Asia after 24 years.

Peiris, who is to also hold discussions with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Monday, said Sri Lanka would "like to have Indian presence at the highest level" for the event.

Addressing a press conference at the Sri Lankan High Commission here, Peiris also said that India's Chief Election Commissioner V.S. Sampath had been invited as observer for the Sep 21 Northern Province elections, which is mainly inhabited by Tamils.

Besides Sampath, Colombo has also invited observers from SAARC countries and from the Commonwealth to oversee the polls, which he said would ensure "total openness" and transparency.

On the issue of the 13th Amendment, a key constitutional provision that promises autonomy to the Tamil minority, Peiris said Sri Lanka has appointed a parliament select committee to go into proposed changes in the country's constitution.

He said the select committee was "not confined to the 13th Amendment but a whole range of constitutional issues engaging the public".

He said it was "a pity" that Tamil opposition groups are not participating in the parliament panel.

In June, India had conveyed dismay at reports suggesting that Colombo planned to dilute certain key provisions of the 13th Amendment on devolution of powers to provinces ahead of the Northern Provincial Council polls.

The Indian prime minister had told a delegation on Sri Lankan Tamil MPs that the proposed changes "raised doubts about the commitments made by the Sri Lankan government to India and the international community, including the United Nations, on a political settlement in Sri Lanka that would go beyond the 13th Amendment".

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa had last month urged the Indian government to put pressure on Colombo not to axe or dilute the 13th amendment.

On Saturday, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi warned of rail blockades and black flags on houses and commercial establishments across Tamil Nadu if Manmohan Singh did not declare that India would not participate in the CHOGM in Colombo. The DMK had walked out of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue in March.

The 13th Amendment of the Sri Lankan constitution, carried out with Indian backing in 1987, aims to ensure autonomy to provinces and by extension to the Tamils in the island's north and east. (IANS)

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Comments - 13

Goofy Monday, 19 August 2013 03:03 AM

Live in Hope!

ANTON Monday, 19 August 2013 03:16 AM

IF THEY WANT BLACK FLAGS ON THEIR HOSES WE CAN SUPPLY FREE BLACK CLOTHES TO THAT SLEEPWALKER, KARUNA-BUDI.

Kiris Baba Amaray Monday, 19 August 2013 04:08 AM

Well, Indian PM's visit is a must, he must take his own decision and not listen to South Indian Cryonics.

slwala Monday, 19 August 2013 04:15 AM

Does this really matter? RathertTraitors should be kicked out

Cobra Monday, 19 August 2013 05:51 AM

I am sure he sent a message through the water boy, Ranbir, as to what his plans are!

CROW Monday, 19 August 2013 05:58 AM

HE KNOWS EVERYTHING

Sri Monday, 19 August 2013 06:01 AM

I don't think so....

mack Monday, 19 August 2013 12:00 AM

wait and see. I don't think he will go against his fellow Indians via DM Android App

Suq Madique Monday, 19 August 2013 10:02 AM

More than live in hope he lives in fear of TN politicians.

Siri Monday, 19 August 2013 10:23 AM

why shuld we this much worry about India?

Ranjith Silvar Monday, 19 August 2013 11:50 AM

They are lucky enough to have a good meal and a site visit in Beautiful Island called Sri Lanka, the Wonder of Asia!.

pissu double Monday, 19 August 2013 02:34 PM

" Manmohan dorai attending CHOGM ? Over my dead body !! " -- Jayalalitha.

Balapitendi Wednesday, 21 August 2013 12:11 AM

Wonder of Asia ?.? Wake up you fool!

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Hope Indian PM will attend CHOGM-GL

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