India expresses concern over Sri Lanka's lack of 'measurable progress' on reaching political solution to Tamil issue

New Delhi: India on Monday expressed its concern over the lack of measurable progress by the Government of Sri Lanka on its commitment towards reaching a political solution on the issue of Tamils in the island nation.

In its statement at the interactive dialogue on a report of the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka at the 51st session of the Human Rights Council, the Indian delegation said, “India has always believed in the responsibility of States for promotion and protection of human rights and constructive international dialogue and cooperation guided by the principles of the UN Charter.”

In this regard, the delegation said it “notes with concern the lack of measurable progress by Government of Sri Lanka on their commitments of a political solution to the ethnic issue- through full implementation of the 13th Amendment of the Constitution, delegation of powers to Provincial Councils and holding of Provincial Council elections at the earliest.”

India said its consistent view on peace and reconciliation in the island nation has been for a “political settlement within the framework of an United Sri Lanka, ensuring justice, peace, equality and dignity for the Tamils of Sri Lanka.”

It said the current crisis in Sri Lanka has demonstrated the limitations of a debt-driven economy and the impact it has on the standard of living.

India further said that it is in Sri Lanka’s best interests to build the capacity of its citizens and work towards their empowerment, for which devolution of power to the grassroots level is a prerequisite.

“In this connection, operationalization of Provincial Councils through early conduct of elections will enable all citizens of Sri Lanka to achieve their aspirations for a prosperous future. We therefore urge Sri Lanka to take immediate and credible action in this regard,” it added.

This comes days after a UN report said that Sri Lanka’s new Government should embark on a national dialogue to advance human rights and reconciliation, and called for accountability and deeper institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence of past violations.