Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the joint press conference held yesterday (29) said that India is confident that the reconciliation process under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will see the implementation of the 13th Amendment.
The newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa accepting his invitation by the Indian Prime Minister made his first official visit to India this week. A special reception was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind which was also attended by Prime Minister Modi.
“I am confident that the government of Sri Lanka will carry forward the process of reconciliation, to fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil for equality, justice, peace and respect. It also includes the implementation of the 13th Amendment,” the Indian External Affairs Ministry translation of the statement made by PM Modi states.
The 13th amendment which introduced the provincial council system to enhance devolution. However, the full application of the 13th amendment is yet to be achieved.
President Rajapaksa who won predominantly from Sinhala Buddhist votes will have a challenge ahead of him to gain the confidence of the minority.
We publish below the statement in full:
Translation of Press Statement by Prime Minister during State Visit of President of Sri Lanka to India
Your Excellency President Gotabaya Rajapaksa,
Senior officials from Sri Lanka and India,
Friends,
Ayubovan!
Vanakkam!
Namaskar!
I am pleased to welcome President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his delegation to India. I heartily congratulate the President for his decisive victory in the election. I congratulate the people of Sri Lanka for the smooth election process. The strength and maturity of democracy in Sri Lanka is a matter of great pride and joy. It is an honor for us that President Rajapaksa chose India for his first foreign visit and gave us a chance to welcome him in India within two weeks of assuming office. It symbolizes the strength and dynamism of friendly relations between India and Sri Lanka. It is also a sign of how much importance both countries attach to these relations. We look forward to working closely with President Rajapaksa for the progress of both countries and peace, prosperity and security in our entire common region.
Excellency,
The mandate that you have received expresses the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people for an organized, strong and prosperous Sri Lanka. In this regard, India’s good wishes and cooperation are always with Sri Lanka. A stable, secure and prosperous Sri Lanka is not only in India’s interest but also in the interest of the entire Indian Ocean Region.
Friends,
India is Sri Lanka’s closest maritime neighbor and a trusted friend. Our historical, ethnic, linguistic, cultural and civilizational contacts are a strong foundation of close relations between the two countries.
In line with my Government’s “Neighborhood First” policy and SAGAR doctrine, we prioritize our relations with Sri Lanka. The security and development of our two countries are inseparable. Therefore, it is natural that we should be aware of each other’s safety and sensibilities.
Today the President and myself had a very good and fruitful discussion on bilateral relations and international affairs of mutual interest. We have decided that together we will strengthen the multi-faceted partnership and cooperation between the two countries. I have assured the President of India’s commitment to a development partnership with Sri Lanka. As always, this cooperation will be in accordance with the priorities of the people of Sri Lanka. A new $ 400 million line of credit will give a boost to infrastructure and development in Sri Lanka. I am confident that the Sri Lankan economy will benefit as well as this Line of Credit will also accelerate the Project Cooperation of mutual benefit between the two countries. We are delighted that under the Indian Housing Project, 46,000 houses have been constructed for the internally displaced in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. There is good progress in the construction of 14,000 houses for Tamils of Indian origin in the Up-Country region. I am also pleased that we have agreed to use the previously announced $ 100 million credit line for solar projects in Sri Lanka early. There was a good discussion between President and me on 20 community development projects and other people-centric projects issued by India in Sri Lanka on the basis of grants in education and infrastructure.
Friends,
India has always opposed terrorism in all its forms and also expected action from the international community against other forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. On the occasion of Easter this year, terrorists in Sri Lanka launched brutal attacks on the diversity of mankind and the valuable heritage of symbiosis. I went to Sri Lanka immediately after the elections in India to express India’s unwavering support in the Sri Lankan fight against terrorist and extremist forces. I have discussed in detail with the President Rajapaksa for mutual security and to further strengthen mutual cooperation against terrorism. Sri Lankan police officers in major Indian institutions are already receiving the benefit of counter terrorist training. I am happy to announce a special Line of Credit of 50 million dollars to Sri Lanka to combat terrorism.
Friends,
Issues affecting the livelihood of fishermen were also discussed. We agreed that we will continue with a constructive and humane approach in this matter.
Friends,
We also openly exchanged views on reconciliation in Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa told me about his inclusive political outlook on ethnic harmony. I am confident that the Government of Sri Lanka will carry forward the process of reconciliation, to fulfill the aspirations of the Tamils for equality, justice, peace and respect. It also includes the implementation of the 13th amendment. India will become a trusted partner for development throughout Sri Lanka including North and East.
Friends,
I once again welcome President Rajapaksa to India. His visit will strengthen our mutual relations. And our cooperation will promote development in both countries and prosperity, peace and stability in the region.
Bohoma-Sthuti.
Nandri
Thank you
Disclaimer: PM’s speech was delivered in Hindi. This is an approximate translation of the speech.
Fred / December 1, 2019
So, what’s new? Modi is repeating a familiar refrain – ‘Implement 13A’. But let’s remember 13A was part of the Indo-SL Accord of 1987 under which India, for its part, was obliged to eradicate the Tigers, something which India spectacularly failed to achieve. You just cannot have only one party to an agreement fulfilling what it undertook to do while the other party defaults on its obligations. And besides, the Accord was forced on SL. It was an agreement which SL signed under duress, under threat from her mighty neighbour, and agreements entered into under duress are not valid. Let’s face it – 13A is dead. Let’s give it a decent burial and move on.
/
Plato. / December 1, 2019
PM Narendra Modi has asked President Gotabaya to implement the 13th Amendment to our Constitution. This has been with us since 1987 and even after more than 30 years,it has not realised its full potential,despite being an International agreement, between India and Srilanka.
President Gotabaya, in an interview with the Indian media takes up the position that it cannot be implemented in full,and needs further amendments. President Rajapakse promised India it will be 13+ at the end of the war in 2009. The Indians would have noted the duplicity. Apparently President Gotabaya is referring to the Land & Police Powers.This is not a big issue. The centre could have its checks and balances and permit the Periphery to exercise these two vital components to ensure the spirit of Devolution.From a position of carving out a Separate State [God Forbid!] to meaningful Devolution is not asking too much!
I had the impression that President Rajapakse is also travelling in the same direction as his erstwhile brother Mahinda after listening to this interview. With the impressive mandate from the Sinhala Buddhist electorate
trotting out excuses only shows the lack of will to resolve the National Question.
/
Roman Leslie / December 2, 2019
Why should Modi tell us what to implement. We didn’t ask him why he annexed and cancelled Kashmiri legislature. Hypocrisy.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 3, 2019
Modi is asking you what to implement because according to BJP Sri Lanka is a Hindu land with Buddhist majority similar to Kashmir a Hindu land with a Muslim majority. If you want to get a kick up your bum, ask Modi what he did in Kashmir. Ask your cardboard veeraya why he listened to the order without telling Modi off.
/
Sunil Abeyratne / December 3, 2019
Absolutely true!
India should its problems on Jammu and Kashmir!!
/
Good Sense / December 1, 2019
Alas! What we have is a translation of the speech of Hon. Narendra Dharmodas Modi from Hindi. Under the circumstances it is difficult to conclude at one go in what context he spoke of the thirteenth amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution. I am confident of a few things. PM of India is not a damned fool to show a domineering stance by “summoning” the President of Sri Lanka in the guise of an invitation personally delivered by the relevant State Minister of India to tell “look here! You are called here to be given the instruction of implementing the thirteenth amendment”. Clearly the thirteenth amendment is a product of India, copying some features of the Indian constitution almost verbatim in the hope of bringing amity to Sri Lanka. Even India is concerned about her security just as much as Sri Lanka is. It is in that context that India by an administrative fiat virtually abrogated the article 370 of its own constitution to effectively removing the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The requirement of seeking the consent of the Kashmiri people through the state legislature apparently did not arise because it was dissolved. IT DID SO FOR PRIMARILY FOR SECURITY CONCERNS. That entire area was in a locked state for weeks. If as implied by the translation of his speech and Modi wanted to be a “foolish woman” (In Sinhala Modi is the term referred to a foolish woman) then it would amount the pot calling the kettle black. What is required here is amity of the people and not necessarily committing security suicide like what happened in the MY3 + RW Government in allowing bombs to explode or getting lock jammed in constitutional provisions where no effective government takes place facilitating terrorist attacks.
/
Spring Koha / December 2, 2019
Gota may or may not take any of the advice he is being given. But whoever Gota listens to, he must obey the BBS, Sihala Urumaya and others if he is to enjoy a peaceful Presidency (otherwise THEY will be very, very ‘disappointed’)
BTW does anyone know when Gandasara is taking his mother to tea with the new president? Before Christmas, I hear?
/
Rivado / December 2, 2019
For all what I know Modi would have told Gota privately to take what he mentioned in the official statement about the 13th Amendment with a pinch of salt. This is all for the consumption of the crackpots in Tamil Nadu like Vaiko. Modi to Gota: Hey budd, do what you have to do with those nutters. Gota: Sure. We’ll keep the SOBs guessing. LOL
/
vithura / December 3, 2019
Remarkably, this time round there was not a whimper from any of the Tamil Nadu politicians of significance to Modi on the eve of GR’s visit, concerning Sri Lankan Tamils political issue. You should also remember, that in his congratulatory message Modi did emphasise the need to solve political issue of Tamils. You are entirely misplaced in thinking that there was some need to pacify Tamil Nadu, on the contrary the real driver behind this move looms larger and the sooner GR recognises the significance of ‘it’, it would serve him better, otherwise GR will have a repeat of JR experience. He may be tempted to try MR’s old tricks of playing the China card, he will be a ‘humpty dumpty’ falling flat on his face!
/
Udesh / December 2, 2019
For the 13th amendmend we can proudly say ” GO FLY KITE”. At last we have a leader who is willing to put the provincial council system to the bin. Hope he can do it.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 2, 2019
“At last we have a leader who is willing to put the provincial council system to the bin”. From what is happening, it is he who is going to end up in the bin.
/
Native Vedda / December 2, 2019
Udesh – Paradesh
–
“For the 13th amendmend we can proudly say ” GO FLY KITE”.
–
Not too fast.
Hindian will once again come flying in Dassault Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30, old Ilyushin Il-78, ………………….. carrying chapati flour, vegetable Ghee, …………
–
Since VP is not here to protect you better ask your women folks to protect you.
–
” At last we have a leader who is willing to put the provincial council system to the bin.”
–
Before doing that let him send the charitable $550 Million which was put in his begging bowl back to Modi’s treasury. Then lets talk bravado.
Pathetic beggars are attempting to dictate terms to the very donor who took pity on this stupid moron.
–
Don’t you think Gota would be grateful to you if you kept your mouth shut?
/
Udesh / December 4, 2019
Like we are shivering. Join the group to fly the kite. You’de be better off
/
john / December 2, 2019
Hardcore LTTE supporters and sinhala supremacists are both against federalism.
Tamilnet is the main mouthpiece for the LTTE and continues acting like federalism is ‘pandering to the sinhalese’
Ironically sinhala racists are acting like federalism is ‘pandering to the LTTE’
Prabhakaran had the same stubborness and arrogance. It cost him and thousands of lives.
The sinhala leaders have been using all manner of trickery to avoid federalism, but are now cornered! They will also face the same situation as prabhakaran if they continue trying to mock foreign powers.
Federalism is not a mere suggestion but a COMPULSORY implementation which the world powers DEMAND in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankans need to accept this reality. You cant keep showing the middle finger to nations who are far stronger than you and whom you rely on for survival (getting loans, grants, tourism, imports, exports etc). All this talk about ‘sovereignity’ is only on paper. The law of the jungle always prevails. The bigger animals will dominate the smaller ones. Sri Lankans need to accept that they are a small nation with no real clout in the world and must fit into the bigger picture in the appropriate position. The island is full of arrogant people with no humility (from both tamil and sinhala communities).
/
Sunil Abeyratne / December 3, 2019
Hello John,
‘Sinhala leaders have been using all manner of trickery to avoid federalism’ is an assertion you make. I do not know if there has been trickery, but it is clear that Federalism has been resisted by the Sinhalese.
Provincial Councils with adequate devolution are the answer to Tamil aspirations.
It is naive to think that there are grounds for international community to impose federalism.
In fact, attempts to revive calls for Federalism will lead to hardening of Sinhalese attitudes as evidenced by the recent elections. One could entertain the idea that it is the fear that drives Sinhalese to resist Federalism.
It is good to reflect on the reasons why we are where we are in the context of the tremendous contribution that Tamils made in the South.
Are we ideologically driven?
/
Rajjeeva / December 3, 2019
An unbiased and true statement.
/
Ayathuray Rajasingam / December 3, 2019
Gota was reluctant to implementing the 13th Amendment when he said that he cannot accept Police & Land powers to be given to Provincial Councils. Later as he was boarding the Plane he told he was thinking of some alternatives for Tamils to passify the Indians. But now there is a news items that Gota intends leasing Kachchativu to China. Gota failed to realize that he was placing the country in an irreparable nuclear danger. The news item reports that Gota has entered a confidentiality agreement with China to launch a non-commercial military nuclear power project on Kachchativu Island, which is adjacent to India. It is not known whether Gota or China wants to take a revenge on India. This may one of the reasons for China to spend ono Gotabaya’s election campaign. Apparently
representatives of a Chinese nuclear power company, Dongfang Electric Corporation, the backbone of the Chinese central government, president secretary P.B Jayasundera and a group of Sri Lankan Navy officers has gone an observation tour to the Kachchativu Island in a helicopter.
There is St. Anthonys church for which Indians and Sri Lankans gather during the annual feast. If a nuclear project constructed in Kachchatheevu, there is a possibility that China is assisting to generate electricity using nuclear power. But this is suspicious when he said a review the lease of Hambantota port to China. This will only strenghthen China in the Indian Ocean and a threat/challenge to India’s security Let us wait and watch the development hereafter.
/
Sunil Abeyratne / December 3, 2019
India should keep away from Sri Lanka.
The harder India pushes Sri Lanka the closer the ties with China should be.
/
Native Vedda / December 4, 2019
Sunil Abeyratne
–
“The harder India pushes Sri Lanka the closer the ties with China should be.”
–
And then?
Will China fight a nuclear war against India to protect unreliable, racist, war criminals, little islanders?
/
Roy / December 3, 2019
I think Gota is trying to cheat Modi by way of leasing Kachchativu. Gota is playing with fire.
/
Radical Ideas / December 4, 2019
Roy: Absolutely yes. The Sinhala Racism and its utter stupidity and blindness to identify the real enemy is going to cost them and all the citizens, very dearly. The people will realize in the end of the mess the GOVIGAMA MAFIA RULING ELITES have created throughout a century through Racism & Communalism (The divide & rule strategy) imposed on the society from the beginning of 1900’s with the proponents of Anagarika’s Revivalism (of Evil)…. We are living in the most interesting times of having to see how GOVIGAMA ELITES are going to eliminated by the foreign forces.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 3, 2019
It is time India takes back Kachchativu, which belongs to Sethupathi of Ramnad, which was ceded on a goodwill without the consent of Tamil Nadu, the legitimate owners. If Russia can take back Crimean peninsula which was ceded by Kuruchev on goodwill, will India have the courage to do so especially when there is a security threat. This will be within international law as Russian annexation was not contested.
/
Manisekaran Thangavelu / December 3, 2019
Believe us We as Indians in one unison will force that out, whatever that takes! Dare Gota to do!
/
Sunil Abeyratne / December 4, 2019
Hello Manisekaran,
Never realised there were Indians among us supporting Indian interests!
May be some Sinhalese have read Tamils better than I did!
People like you have business staying in Sri Lanka – ‘Traitors’ is an appropriate characterisation of people like you.
/
vithura / December 4, 2019
Pity that you’ve forgotten your roots, does state of Kalinga ring any bells!
/
Abhaya Premawardena / December 3, 2019
He said there are other priorities.
Thank you excellency
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 4, 2019
As far as I can see the priorities that Gota has is, how not to wet his pants when meeting Modi and how to stop having diarrhoea every time he gets a message from Modi.
/
shankar / December 5, 2019
and how not to take the 450 mln USD credit line offered.
/
KA / December 5, 2019
There is a talk of Gota had refused Modis request when they met one-to-one.
What is Modi’s and Hindia’s response to Gota’s open defiance against 13th amendment from within Hindia?
What is Modi’s and Hindia’s responsearm-twisting threat of going along with China if no one is ready to give them (invest) money as they wish?
/
Thanga / December 3, 2019
Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the election on an ultra-right religious agenda. The author of Mahavamsa capriciously states that Dutu Gemenu’s war cry was: “Not for Kingdom, but for Buddhism!” According to the same chronicle, when Duttu Gemenu was full of remorse over the slaughter of millions of lives during the war with Ellalan, a group of Buddhist Arahats (saints) who came to comfort him said “From this deed arises no hindrance in thy way to heaven……………Unbelievers and men of evil life were they, NOT MORE THAN TO BE ESTEEMED THAN BEASTS. But for thee, thou wilt brings glory to the doctrine of the Buddha in manifold ways, therefore, cast away cry from thy heart, O ruler of men.”
President Gotabaya pays lip service to the unity of the country and misses no opportunity to declare that although he won the election with Sinhala – Buddhist votes, he is also the president for the whole country. In practice, however, he follows the opposite. The fact that there is not a single Muslim in the Cabinet first time since independence is a telling indictment on the government’s claim to democracy at least on paper.
There are two Tamil Ministers because they managed to deliver a few thousand votes to President Gotabaya. These appointments are meant to fool the international community there are Tamil Ministers in his cabinet. Now out of the 56 Ministry Secretaries, only one is a Tamil! This must be a record in the history of Sri Lankan public service. Even on demographic grounds, there should be at least 5 Tamil Secretaries!
Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the election on an ultra-right religious agenda. The author of Mahavamsa capriciously states that Dutu Gemenu’s war cry was: “Not for Kingdom, but for Buddhism!”
/
charles / December 3, 2019
!3+ was not implemented even during the Ranil govt.(2015-2019). How can anyone even think about that Gota will implement the !3+ now. Specially after how tamils voted him and Sinhalese voted him. Gota got the presidency only from Sinhalese votes . So will never go against the their wish. It does not matter what western powers say. Wait and see. You get what you give.
/
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / December 4, 2019
Tamils are not expecting not only Gota or for that matter any Sinhala politician to implement 13th amendment. Unfortunately for them it is part of an international agreement which they cannot get rid of without India’s consent. So they have to live with it. Silly fellows like Sumanthiran could not understand that the sole purpose of making a new constitution by the last government was to get rid of 13th amendment with the excuse that Tamils also want it. In the accord it is said that the responsibility to implement provisions in the accord lies with both party. India initially failed to disarm LTTE, but now it had given help to the government to eradicate LTTE. Now that India has fulfilled its part, the onus lies on Sri Lanka to honor its share by implementing the 13th amendment fully. This is what India has reminded Sri Lanka in a gentle manner. If Sri lanka fails to do so, citing lame excuses such as Sinhalese are against it, or keeps on dragging the feet, then India can intervene, first diplomatically and if it fails militarily. Modi is fully aware of it and is playing the cards correctly. It appears that 13th amendment is a noose round Sri Lanka’s neck which will be tightened from time to time to bring Sri Lanka down to India’s feet. If Gota thinks that he can scare away Modi with Chinese and Pakistani visits, he is sadly mistaken. BJP has drawn a two state solution, which British government seem to be going along with, which means that USA and Europe have given the green light to Modi to settle the problem. Modi is a problem solver and not a pussy footer. Creation of Telengana state, dismantling Kashmir autonomy and territory and Babri mosque issue, which could not be solved by Congress have been settled by Modi.
/
charles / December 3, 2019
What ever the opinions we have about GOTA, he will be the president for next five years. He was elected by people with a big majority. It looks like he will not take sides. He wants India, China, America and Europe to invest in Sri Lanka. He will let anybody to invest in Sri Lanka. It is up to the countries who wants invest in SL more. But do not cry fool later.
/
bhumiputhra bandaara / December 3, 2019
MODI in sinhala means woman idiot he may have thought he should act accordingly in front of sinhala head of state Isay Modi Please accept my deepest sympathies no sheep skin cover the factthat you are a Hyena wild dog
/
Nalin / December 3, 2019
So the rights of the island’s Tamils are not to be enshrined in the constitution but solely depends on the whims and fancies of the Sinhalese , who are going to permanently decide what is good and bad for them , as per this man. Who is accused of war crimes and other human rights abuses not only by the Tamils but the UN itself. What sort of justice or logic is this? Sinhalese do not like Tamil political rights so it cannot be granted. What Tamils are some slaves or chattels of the Sinhalese , for the Sinhalese to decide their political future and rights?Every one knows that most of the Sinhalese are racist to the core , so is this an excuse to deny the island’s Tamils their just rights? Tamils have lived in the island as long as the Sinhalese or even longer .and were a separate nation. Now thanks to the British find themselves under the yoke of a racist Sinhalese majority , led by low life unscrupulous politicians and mad Buddhist monks and some racist Sinhalese Christian/Catholic clergy who are intent on destroying them. There is no majority or minority when it comes to human or political rights , All are equal. Who the hell is this man to go around stating Tamil rights depends on what the Sinhalese decide? What Sinhalese are masters of Tamils? This is what this racist piece of Sh-t means and this was he has been elected for . The civilised world and India should ostracise this man and his government and until he and the Sinhalese come to their senses . unfortunately this is not going to happen.
/
Pandi Kutti / December 3, 2019
As per Goat . Chingkallams now want to treat the Thamizh and Thullukans( Muslim Thamizh) as their new domestic pets, as Poutha matham ( Buddhism) does not want you to illtreat animals and keep them in captivity. Therefore as long as the Thamizh and their former partners in crime , the Thullkans heel and obey their Chingkalla master’s commands , orders and wishes , they will be homed , feed and treated well , with all sorts of enjoyable employment , like fetching hunting and rounding up sheep and other animals for their Chingkalla masters, who will decide what is good for their new domestic pets and their animal rights. Herr Gothilar and his SS waffen consisting of Poutha Pikkus, Chingkalla Poutha Fascists and select Chingkalla Christian clergy will soon producing a booklet on how to treat their new Thamizh and Thullkah pets . They will submit this for Modi’s approval , through their acolyte, Choopira Manian
/
Jayasuriya / December 4, 2019
Nalin
The reason you tamils are in this country is because of the portugese, dutch and british who brought you here as slaves and laborers. My Sinhalese ancestors fought for this country and built it from ground up, then you people prance in out of nowhere and start demanding that a part should be only for your kind who hasn’t even done a quarter of what the Sinhalese has done to this country. You people never had a home in here, maybe we Sinhalese should give you the same treatment and start claiming Sinhalese homelands in tamil nadu.
/
vithura / December 4, 2019
Oh your ancestors, are they those boatmen who accompanied Vijaya the vanquished!
/
shankar / December 5, 2019
before portueguese came tamils had jaffna kingdom for 400 years,you fool.
/
justice / December 3, 2019
What Modi did not say is “Be like us, and,
install a Federal Secular Constitution”.
But, will this ever happen.
/
shankar / December 5, 2019
no
/
Spring Koha / December 4, 2019
Leaving aside the patronizing bullocks of the host, what I liked most was the cool fashion of the two presidents. Gota looked refreshingly dapper in slacks and open-necked shirt worn outside not tucked in his trousers. But I think that it was Modi who stole the show with his diaphanous skirt over sexy leggings.
Jai Hind, shall we say?
/
Lester / December 5, 2019
There will be no federalism or devolution of any kind under GR’s watch. That is why Gota won with 52%. Federalism and devolution (in Sri Lanka) are directly proportional to terrorism, and the majority understands this after Easter Sunday.
/
Native Vedda / December 10, 2019
Lester
–
“There will be no federalism or devolution of any kind under GR’s watch.”
–
I assume Gota is going to live for another 2,500 years.
–
“Federalism and devolution (in Sri Lanka) are directly proportional to terrorism, “
–
Federalism = F
Terrorism = T
Constant = C
–
C = F/T
C = T/F
C = 1/TF
1/C = TF
…
Which one of the above equation describes exactly what you have typed in words?
I know you are week in maths, can you describe in words?
/