India Urges Sri Lanka to Expedite Provincial Council Polls and Advance Tamil Reconciliation
August 06, Colombo (LNW): India has renewed its call for Sri Lanka to conduct long-overdue Provincial Council elections without further delay, while emphasising the need for the full implementation of constitutional measures intended to address the political aspirations and concerns of the Tamil community.
The appeal was made during the official visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, according to a statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
During his discussions with Sri Lankan leaders, Misri also raised the longstanding fisheries issue, seeking Colombo’s cooperation in securing the early release of Indian fishermen currently in Sri Lankan custody, along with their fishing vessels. He stressed that both countries should continue to adopt a humanitarian approach in handling such incidents while existing bilateral mechanisms work towards a lasting solution to the cross-border fisheries dispute.
The MEA said the Indian Foreign Secretary reiterated India’s expectation that Sri Lanka would honour its commitment to hold Provincial Council elections at the earliest opportunity. He also encouraged the government to fully implement the relevant constitutional provisions aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the Tamil people, describing political reconciliation as an important element of long-term stability and inclusive governance.
Misri also welcomed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s assurance, set out in the India–Sri Lanka Joint Statement issued in December 2024, that Sri Lankan territory would not be permitted to be used in any way that could undermine India’s security interests.
As part of his visit, the Indian Foreign Secretary held talks with President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. He also met representatives of Sri Lanka’s Tamil community as well as the Indian Origin Tamil community to discuss matters of mutual interest.
The visit further provided an opportunity for both sides to review the progress of ongoing bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including infrastructure development, energy, railways, healthcare, disaster management and economic initiatives. India reaffirmed its continued support for Sri Lanka’s development under its “Neighbourhood First” policy and the Vision MAHASAGAR framework, underscoring the importance of strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two neighbouring countries.
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