Tamil Diplomat

India urges Sri Lanka to fully implement the 13th Amendment

Samakalam
February 26

India has urged Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council that Sri Lanka take action to fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, including the implementation of the 13th Amendment, and that India supports Sri Lanka’s “unity and territorial integrity.”

At the ongoing session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said India remains committed to “aspirations of the Tamils of Sri Lanka for equality, justice, peace and dignity”.

“We call upon Sri Lanka to take necessary steps for addressing such aspirations, including through the process of reconciliation and full implementation of the 13th amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka,” Pandey said.

India’s statement comes after Sri Lanka requested the UNHRC to reject a draft resolution to be tabled by the Core group countries UK, Canada, Germany, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Speaking about the previous discussions about the issue at the UNHRC, Pandey pointed out: “The Council (UNHRC) has adopted seven resolutions on the question of human rights in Sri Lanka since May 2009, when the three-decades-old conflict in that country ended. India has been an active participant in the discussions on these resolutions and has remained engaged with Sri Lanka as its close friend and immediate neighbour.”

He added: “We believe that respecting the rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution, contributes directly to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka. Therefore, we advocate that delivering on the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil community is in the best interests of Sri Lanka.”

India’s full statement is as follows:

We have taken note of the High Commissioner’s report on Sri Lanka and her oral remarks.

The Council has adopted 7 Resolutions on the question of human rights in Sri Lanka since May 2009, when the three decades old conflict in that country ended. India has been an active participant in the discussions on these Resolutions and has remained engaged with Sri Lanka as its close friend and immediate neighbor.

India’s consistent position rests on two pillars:

i). Support for Sri Lanka’s unity and territorial integrity, and

ii). Abiding commitment to aspirations of the Tamils of Sri Lanka for equality, justice, peace and dignity.

These are not either-or choices. We believe that respecting the rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution, contributes directly to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka. Therefore, we advocate that delivering on the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil community is in the best interests of Sri Lanka.

We call upon Sri Lanka to take necessary steps for addressing such aspirations, including through the process of reconciliation and full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

The assessment of the High Commissioner regarding developments nearly 12 years from the end of the conflict raises important concerns. The Sri Lankan Government has articulated its position on these issues as well. In evaluation of both of these, we should be guided by a commitment to find a lasting and effective solution for this issue.