India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka had underlined calls for “equality, justice, peace and dignity” for Tamils on the island.
“The visit expressed India’s strong support for democracy and reform in Sri Lanka,” said Ms Swaraj. “Prime Minister noted in his address to the Parliament that recent elections reflected the collective voice of the nation – the hope for change, reconciliation and unity.”
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Ms Swaraj further added “India stands with Sri Lanka in its efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of all sections of society, including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, for a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity in a united Sri Lanka.”
“Prime Minister also declared that we believe that the early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment and going beyond it would contribute to this process,” she continued.
In her address Ms Swaraj noted that Mr Modi’s visit to Jaffna and the need for a “long term solution” to the issue of Indian fishermen being attacked by the Sri Lankan navy.
See the full text of her speech here.
NFF walked out of Modi's speech to protest against 13A (16 march 2015)
BJP hails 'historic' Modi visit (15 March 2015)
In Jaffna 'to wipe tears' from those that suffered - Modi (14 March 2015)
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