Consulate General of India
Jaffna
Press Release
Visit of delegation from Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Sri Lanka to India

In response to questions from the media on the visit of a delegation from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Sri Lanka to India, the Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, India said yesterday:

"A six-member delegation of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Sri Lanka is visiting India from 16-19 June 2013. The delegation is led by Mr. R. Sampanthan, MP, and consists of Mr. Mavai S. Senathirajah, (MP), Mr. K. (Suresh) Premachandran (MP), Mr. P. Selvarajah (MP), Mr. Selvam Adaikkalanathan (MP) and Mr. M.A. Sumanthiran (MP). A TNA delegation had also visited India in October 2012.

The TNA delegation called on the Prime Minister today. They had earlier called on the External Affairs Minister and the National Security Adviser.

The Prime Minister conveyed to the TNA delegation that he was dismayed by reports suggesting that the Government of Sri Lanka planned to dilute certain key provisions of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution ahead of elections to the Northern Provincial Council. It was noted 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. The changes would also be incompatible with the recommendation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), set up by the Government of Sri Lanka, calling for a political settlement based on the devolution of power to the provinces.

The Prime Minister stated that he was deeply concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. He stressed on the expectation that the Sri Lankan Tamil community would lead a life of dignity, as equal citizens, and reiterated that India would make every effort to ensure the achievement of a future for the community marked by equality, justice and self-respect."