India has called on Sri Lanka to hold long-delayed Provincial Council elections at the earliest, while also urging the full implementation of constitutional provisions aimed at addressing the aspirations of the Tamil community.
The call was made during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s official visit to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
During the visit, Misri discussed issues relating to fishermen, requesting Sri Lanka’s cooperation for the early release of detained Indian fishermen and their boats. He also said a humanitarian approach should continue to guide both countries while bilateral mechanisms work towards resolving the longstanding fisheries dispute.
The MEA said Misri also called upon the Sri Lankan leadership to implement its commitment to hold Provincial Council elections “at the earliest” and to fully implement Sri Lanka’s constitutional provisions to meet the aspirations of the Tamil people.
The Indian Foreign Secretary welcomed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s assurance, contained in the December 2024 India-Sri Lanka Joint Statement, that Sri Lankan territory would not be allowed to be used in any manner detrimental to India’s security.
The visit included meetings with President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and representatives of the Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil communities.
Both countries also reviewed progress on bilateral cooperation, including infrastructure, energy, railway, healthcare, disaster management, and economic projects, while reaffirming India’s commitment to Sri Lanka under its “Neighbourhood First” policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. (Newswire)