By IANS,
New Delhi : A Closure to the cycle of violence in Sri Lanka is only possible after initiation of a political process that allows the aspirations of the Tamils within a united country to be met, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told parliament here Thursday.
Krishna said that the cessation of hostilities gives Sri Lanka an opportunity to make a new beginning.
“We are convinced that a closure to the cycle of violence and terrorism that has plagued Sri Lanka requires an inclusive political process of dialogue and devolution,” he said in his suo-moto statement.
The minister said that this political process had to address the “legitimate aspirations of the minorities, including the Tamil community, within the democratic framework of a united Sri Lanka”.
Sri Lankan government had assured India of their intention to pursue a broad dialogue with all parties, including Tamil parties, implementation of 13th amendment of Sri Lankan constitution and beyond, to achieve meaningful devolution of powers. “We will remain engaged with them through this process,” Krishna said.
A high level delegation, lead by senior advisor and brother to the Sri Lankan president, Basil Rajapakse had visited India last month, just a few weeks after hostilities ended with the killing of the Tamil Tigers leader V. Prabhakaran “who was a proclaimed offender in India”.
India had recently announced a provision of Rs.5 billion for the purpose of relief and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons in Sri Lanka. Besides, four Indian teams will be sent urgently – a pre-requisite for IDPs to return to their homes and supply of shelter material.
“The early return of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes is a crucial first step towards reclaiming their lives and restoring normalcy,” he said.
India has already shipped 170,000 family relief packs for civilians affected by the conflict since November 2008. Another consignment will be despatched from Tamil Nadu shortly.
The minister reminded that India was also operating a full-fledged 60 member field hospital since March 2009. It has already treated more than 14,000 patients since moving to its new location near Vavuniya.
Two consignments of medicines have also been donated to Sri Lanka.
Besides, the minister said that India closely monitors incidents affecting the safety of our fishermen in the waters. “We have reiterated to Sri Lanka the need to ensure strict compliance with the understanding on fishing arrangements reached between the two countries in October 2008,” he said.