India's Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid telephoned his Sri Lankan counterpart GL Peiris on Friday and urged him not to dilute the 13th amendment, according to reports.
Reportedly concerned by increasing calls to abolish the 13th amendment, sources said,
"In this context, he urged the Sri Lankan Government not to take any step in the light of its own commitments relating to the 13th Amendment and their expressed intention to build upon it".
Referring to the Sri Lankan security forces grabbing traditional Tamil land, the Minister reportedly said, "such a move would not be helpful".
See our earlier editorial: Leaping tiger or cowering mouse
Khurshid's pleas come after several calls to repeal the amendment, including from the Sri Lankan President, his brother the Defence Secretary, professional bodies and government coalition parties.
Having met with India's former Foreign Minister SM Krishna last year, Mahinda Rajapaksa flatly denied having promised to build on the 13th amendment. Earlier this year he once again reiterated his unwillingness to devolve power.
Also see our earlier editorial: The writing on the wall