Prez to hold talks with TNA ahead of India meeting

Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to hold talks with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in Parliament to address the Tamil minority's long-standing demand for political autonomy. 

 

 

The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Wickremesinghe will travel to India on July 20 and is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 21. 

 

 

The President aims to implement the India-backed 13th Amendment, which calls for power devolution to the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. However, the proposal has faced opposition from the Buddhist clergy. 

 

 

The TNA has urged immediate resolution of issues such as releasing private lands held for military purposes, Tamil political prisoners, and conflict reparations. 

 

 

Some former militant Tamil parties have also urged PM Modi, to press for full implementation of the 13th Amendment. Additionally, the issue of illegal fishing by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters will be discussed during Wickremesinghe's visit to New Delhi.