Sri Lanka must implement 13A to achieve reconciliation : Modi

COLOMBO (News1st): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has insisted that Sri Lanka must implement its 13th constitutional amendment to achieve peace and reconciliation. He had expressed these views during a meeting with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday, Amith Narang, Indian External Affairs Ministry's joint secretary said. "Prime Minister Modi called on the new Government in Sri Lanka to work towards realizing the expectations of Tamils for equality, justice, peace and dignity," Narang noted. The 13th amendment was introduced after the Indo-Lanka accord had been signed in 1987, and saw the birth of provincial councils to resolve many issues through the devolution of power. "...we will create an environment in which the people of all communities can work in unity and with cooperation," cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said Monday. Douglas Devananda, a government minister, has stressed that the provincial council system must continue to be implemented in the country. "I have repeatedly stated that the provincial council system that was introduced through the Indo - Lanka accord given the political rights of the Tamils must be implemented," he said. Devananda pointed out that the various views expressed by members in the government, do not reflect the government's stance over the matter.