'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.