Expedite national reconciliation process early, Modi requests MR

... readily agrees to visit Sri Lanka

BY S VENKAT NARAYAN -May 27, 2014
Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, May 27: India’s new Prime Minister Narendra Modi today requested Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to expedite the process of national reconciliation fully and quickly.

During his bilateral meeting with Rajapaksa, Modi requested his government to expedite the process of national reconciliation "in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Tamil community for a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka," Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh told reporters here.

"Early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment and going beyond would contribute to this process," Modi pointed out.

The two leaders also discussed the fishermen’s issue, India’s development assistance programme and economic and commercial cooperation.

In particular, Modi expressed interest in the early launch of the 500 MW Sampur Coal Power project and greater connectivity between the two countries.

Both leaders reiterated their desire to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Rajapaksa extended an invitation to Modi to visit Sri Lanka.

The prime minister readily agreed to visit the island nation at a mutually convenient date in course of time.

The following is the text of a statement issued by the Presidential media unit in Colombo: "The two leaders had an in-depth discussion of issues of mutual concern.

President Rajapaksa described the initiatives Sri Lanka had taken with regard to rehabilitation, resettlement, reconstruction and the ongoing reconciliation process in the country. President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Modi also discussed the issue of fishermen of both countries and measures that could be taken to find a permanent solution through a process in which the views of fishermen from both countries can be taken into consideration. Both agreed that talks between the fishermen and the meeting of the joint committee officials must continue.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to President Rajapaksa for participating in his inauguration ceremony, stating that the presence of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) leaders augured well for the future of SAARC cooperation and solidarity. The Prime Minister was of the view that SAARC must focus on common issues that could benefit the region and reflect our concerns on a global platform.

President Rajapaksa, welcoming the views expressed by Prime Minister Modi, stated that India’s leadership was crucial for the success of SAARC ventures and Sri Lanka looked forward to working with India in taking forward SAARC programmes.

The President arrived in New Delhi on Monday (May 26), upon the invitation of PM Modi, on a two-day visit to attend the latter’s swearing-in ceremony.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Livestock and Rural Community Development Arumugam Thondaman, Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, Mayor of the Jaffna Municipal Council Mrs. Yogeswaray Patgunarajah, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in New Delhi Prasad Kariyawasam were present at the meeting.