'Parties must engage in spirit of friendship'
Manjula Fernando
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the visiting TNA delegates
that a final political solution should be based on a united Sri Lanka
and the parties must engage in a spirit of partnership and mutual
accommodation, Indian media reported.
The TNA delegation met the Indian Premier yesterday, followed a
meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on
Friday.
The TNA which is staying away from a parliamentary select committee
process to discuss a political solution and devolution of powers to the
periphery, had briefed the Indian Premier the party's assessment on the
developments in Sri Lanka and their expectations in a future political
solution.
“The visit of TNA leaders is part of India's continuing engagement
with the government and political parties in Sri Lanka,” a statement
issued from the Prime Minister's Office after the meeting said.
The delegation led by TNA Leader R. Sampanthan comprised
parliamentarians Mavai Senathirajah, Suresh Premachandran, P. Selvarajah,
Selvam Adaikkalanathan and M.A. Sumanthiran. Principal Secretary to the
Prime Minister, Nripendra Misra, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval
and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh were present at the meeting. Soon
after the Indian elections the TNA leader wrote to Tamil Nadu Chief
Minister Jayalalitha Jayaram and the Prime Minister Modi seeking
meetings to discuss their concerns including the issue of the political
solution and a suggested role for India in Sri Lanka's affairs.
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