Visiting Indian delegation tells President:
Sri Lanka’s unity not negotiable
An Indian delegation headed by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition of
the Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad, called on President Mahinda
Rajapaksa at Temple Trees last afternoon, states a release from the
Presidential Spokesman and International Media Unit.
“During the conversation, Mr. Prasad told the President that “Sri
Lanka’s unity and integrity are not negotiable.” While congratulating
President Rajapaksa for eradicating terrorism, the delegates stated that
what they saw during their visit to Jaffna “was an eye-opener,” noting
the development work that has taken place, and said that the Lessons
Learnt and Reconciliation Commission report “was a bold step and is
brilliantly written.” The delegation also spoke about the nature of the
relationship between India and Sri Lanka and said that local issues in
Sri Lanka sometimes impact India as well.
“Sri Lanka is a friend of India beyond politics, beyond government,”
Mr. Prasad said. “It’s a relationship of the heart.” The discussion also
focused on several other areas of mutual interest, including the
challenges faced by fishermen and the Parliamentary Select Committee to
find a political solution in the north and east. “All parties must get
together for an all-inclusive political solution,” President Rajapaksa
said. “We cannot import a solution, and it cannot be a Rajapaksa -
Sampanthan agreement.”
The Indian delegation asked the President about northern elections to
which President Rajapaksa reaffirmed his commitment to holding the
elections in September of this year. External Affairs Minister Prof.
G.L. Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to
the Ministry of External Affairs Karunatilaka Amunugama and Advisor the
President Dr. Sunimal Fernando were also present for the discussions.
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