India asks SL to fully implement power devolution provision

5 July 2013 02:07 pm - 48 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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India today emphasised to Sri Lanka the need to fully implement the constitutional provision dealing with devolution of powers to provinces without dilution and to go beyond it to ensure meaningful development there, on a day the Lankan government announced the much-awaited election in Tamil-dominated Northern province.

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid conveyed India's views to visiting Lankan Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, who informed Khurshid about the announcement on the conduct of elections.

Expressing his appreciation for the announcement, Khurshid also "emphasized on the need to fully implement the provisions of 13th Amendment (13A) and to go beyond it so as to ensure meaningful development of Sri Lanka. He urged Rajapaksa not to do anything to dilute the provisions of the 13th Amendment," official sources said.

On his part, the Lankan Minister expressed his appreciation for the vast number of projects that are being undertaken by India especially in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

"He said that there was great appreciation amongst the people of Sri Lanka for the variety of projects being undertaken, especially the housing project which was proceeding extremely well," the sources said.

Concerned over reports of Sri Lanka considering removal of land and police powers prior to the northern elections, Khurshid had spoken to his Lankan counterpart G L Peiris recently and underlined the need to leave the 13A unchanged, urging Colombo not to take any step contrary to its own commitments relating to the Amendment.

Apart from Khurshid, Rajapaksa held meetings with the National Security Advisor and the Foreign Secretary. (PTI)

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Comments - 48

Waz Saturday, 06 July 2013 03:56 PM

All dramas!

Ranjo Saturday, 06 July 2013 12:18 PM

This time, we will cut the supply of Lemon Puff and Glucose water

Cobra Saturday, 06 July 2013 12:18 PM

Guys, don't waste your breath for this whole thing is a charade and Wimal, Vasu JHU etc. are all in it together!!!

jazzy Saturday, 06 July 2013 12:26 PM

13 is a bad number . It always ends in disaster.Ask any Sri Lankan. Even car number plates are shunned with these numbers and International hotels tried to avoid it!

Maha Rajaneni Saturday, 06 July 2013 12:36 PM

Hey India, FULLY IMPLEMENT SIRIMA-SHARSTHRI PACT first.

Channa Saturday, 06 July 2013 12:52 PM

It is Gotabaya not Gotapaya. You must be a so called diasopora guy. NOT SRI LANKAN

sss Saturday, 06 July 2013 01:15 PM

Hope MR will not be like JR - local bully but stuck his tail as soon as Rajiv frown

Expat Saturday, 06 July 2013 02:14 PM

He should have asked Salman Khurshid to give thie list of things we are supposed to do. The audacity they have to dictate us.

Mangala Saturday, 06 July 2013 02:18 PM

I would like to tell all who gays here supporting to india, We as a nation never bow down ti india in our past until JR Jayawardhene, of course he is not true sinhalese, If MR going to listen to india, that will be his end of his regime too. In Sri Lanka deciding factor is Sinhala votes. Not indian votes. I think MR too very well knows that. And one thing if india is big brother, who is China? In villages some people are identifying them selves as big ones, after all they are just nothing. US made Alqaida, they got hit by them, India made LTTE they too got what they deserve by losing rajiv gandhi. Any politico in SL listen or warship india will be in garbage near future.

Observer Saturday, 06 July 2013 02:18 PM

Now, now we must listen to India!!

Suq Madique Saturday, 06 July 2013 02:54 PM

Since what happens in the N&E affects the whole island the referendum should be a national issue and not confined to Jaffna only .

Proteas Saturday, 06 July 2013 03:15 PM

Listen to Great Gotabaya. India is trying to interfere our affairs.

Piranha Saturday, 06 July 2013 12:15 PM

Not this time. Not just India, many other countries are watching. These countries have wised up to the devious ways of the Rajapaksas.

Maha Rajaneni Saturday, 06 July 2013 05:23 PM

Sirima Shastri Pact"

The question of citizenship for persons of Indian origin became a subject of continuing dispute between the governments of Sri Lanka and India. "The government of India made it clear that it would not accept responsibility for those Indians whose applications for citizenship were rejected by the Sri Lanka Commissioner for the Registration of Indian and Pakistani Residents.'' 11 Discussions between the two governments continued, and in October 1964 agreement was reached between Sirima Bandaranaike, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and Lal Bhadur Shastri, Prime Minister of India, an agreement popularly known in Sri Lanka as the "Sirima Shastri Pact".

Maha Rajaneni Saturday, 06 July 2013 05:24 PM

It was agreed that of an estimated 975,000 persons of Indian origin in Sri Lanka who were without citizenship,(1) 525,000 persons would be granted Indian citizenship and progressively repatriated to India over a period of 15 years (together with the natural increase in their number); (2) 300,000 persons (together with the natural increase) would be granted Sri Lanka citizenship during the same 15 year period; (3) both repatriation and granting of Sri Lanka citizenship phased over 15 years would, as far as possible, keep pace with each other in proportion to relative numbers; and (4) the status and the future of the balance of 150,000 persons were to be the subject of separate agreement between the two governments.

Daniboy Saturday, 06 July 2013 10:43 PM

It's very true when murderous VP said sinhalayas have a memory span of only two weeks
Bro's and Sis's of every colour ,race and religion of Sri Lanka please have faith in our president who had the balls to do the right thing by eradicating murderous tigers
President needs our faith, support and belief in him at this time of need
He is not trying to dance to other neighbours tunes he is not a person who signs 13 A And MOU's even if a gun held to his head
He understands that every citizen of Sri Lanka has the right to live, work and purchase land anywhere in SL
Look around you don't get fooled by miss information by anti SL opportunists both here and abroad
Sri Lanka is on a path to recovery, reconciliation and development for all of it's people

Expat Saturday, 06 July 2013 11:05 PM

India is coming to tell us wha to do, but never say anything to China regarding Tibet. Look at the double standard.

singhe Sunday, 07 July 2013 01:00 AM

what sovereignty do you expect? North with India,.south is with China,East is with International interference. India and China dictate what to do with our great nation.?Don't you realize we have lost the plot due to our internal conflict? .It is too late. The Tamils and The Sinhalese should have settled the problems with them selves. India and China Dictate what to do with the country including the world bank.

shai Sunday, 07 July 2013 02:07 AM

If we are perfect no one will dictate us. If we keep on lying and corupt, carry out hate compains against minority, abduct minority business man, and close all the dors for mijority. Belive me one day even afkanistan will dectate us what to do. South cunning policies will not work in the international communities.

Jumbuli-jumba Sunday, 07 July 2013 04:34 AM

Well said Daniboy, fine explantion to those disinformation campaigners!

Boobamba Sunday, 07 July 2013 04:39 AM

Well said Maha Rajaneni - We love learn these invaluable historic facts.

ceylon boy Sunday, 07 July 2013 08:22 AM

hey guys , don't cry ,don't laugh.
After all, you will see all 05 bad provisions in 13th amendment would be amended by the government to protect the country .

diviya Sunday, 07 July 2013 10:43 AM

Why can't Basil tell them that these deals are not valid any more? then there is nothing to discuss? Think of our problems and help this country.

ANTON Saturday, 06 July 2013 03:34 AM

WHAT POWER....... HYDRO POWER ? PNEUMATIC POWER ? OR HOSE POWER ?

Ratavasiya Friday, 05 July 2013 02:24 PM

Rajitha must be having the last laugh.Helaurumaya boys where are you now?

Mattson Friday, 05 July 2013 02:26 PM

Just an eyewash...nothing will come out this trip. Have a good two days in India, Basil...

S de Silva Friday, 05 July 2013 02:29 PM

It looks a referendum is inevitable

Harry Friday, 05 July 2013 02:34 PM

Very good move by India!

Porky Pig Friday, 05 July 2013 02:43 PM

Well size matters.

M.O.A.Careen Friday, 05 July 2013 03:02 PM

over this unrest 13.....all politicians attempt for relief - if there is no proper remedy?

Srilankan Friday, 05 July 2013 06:36 PM

Gotapaya, where are you?

Sri Saturday, 06 July 2013 12:00 AM

India can only request, it's up to Sri Lanka to decide wheather we want to implement it or not via DM Android App

C.K.Lankaputhra Saturday, 06 July 2013 01:16 AM

Mr.Kurshid, do you believe Rajapaksas. You are sadly mistaken.

Hoodwinked Saturday, 06 July 2013 03:30 AM

With one Stroke of Indian Bayya ( Big brother ) the 13A sham comes to an end. Even if there is egg on Wansas, urumiyas and likes, faces they will lick it meekly to cling on to their portfolios.

sobers Saturday, 06 July 2013 03:33 AM

This is not giving a separate state, It's better to go by the commitments made to international community and be honourable, if not it's going to be a very bleak future ahead.

Mason Friday, 05 July 2013 02:16 PM

Listen and listen carefully Mr. Minister, but do the opposite and get into a mess, for which the country is becoming famous.

nimal1962 Saturday, 06 July 2013 03:51 AM

They tell some thing to india and do another thing in sri lanka.

lankan Saturday, 06 July 2013 04:21 AM

Truly.

BuffaloaCitizen Saturday, 06 July 2013 05:52 AM

Yes certainly in the north, consisting of residents of that area only.

VoiceOfLanka Saturday, 06 July 2013 06:45 AM

Maga sitiyoth tho nasi, gedara giyoth ambu nasi. Remember the tale about what happened to the man who tried to appease everyone?

sach Saturday, 06 July 2013 07:09 AM

what referendum? If u read u see the news is abt 13 A

OMG Saturday, 06 July 2013 08:23 AM

Wimal, time's up for another fast unto death in front of Indian embassy.

the joy Saturday, 06 July 2013 10:24 AM

with some lemon puff u mean?

Aiiya Saturday, 06 July 2013 10:40 AM

Every one dreeming. Nothing will happen.

S de Silva Saturday, 06 July 2013 10:43 AM

I meant a NATIONAL referendum conducted in all provinces at the same time

Boobamba Saturday, 06 July 2013 10:53 AM

To comply with the request, will the India give us a guarantee that Sri Lanka's sovereignity will not be affected in the future?

crow Saturday, 06 July 2013 11:31 AM

turning wind

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India asks SL to fully implement power devolution provision

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