India Calls Out Sri Lanka At UNHRC Over ‘Lack Of Progress’ On Solution To Tamil Ethnic Issues

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

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New Delhi: India on Monday raised concern over “lack of measurable progress” by the government of Sri Lanka on their commitment to a political solution to the ethnic issue of minority Tamil in the island nation, reported news agency ANI. India also issued a statement on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, reported the news agency. 

Speaking at the interactive dialogue on the report of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights 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 Indian delegation notes with concern the lack of measurable progress by the 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," it added.

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

"The current crisis in Sri Lanka has demonstrated the limitations of debt driven economy and the impact it has on the standard of living. It is in Sri Lanka's best interests to build capacity of its citizens and work towards their empowerment, for which devolution of power to the grassroots level is a prerequisite," the statement read.

"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," the statement read further.

(With input from ANI)