Saturday, 22 June 2013 05:37
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Says Lanka never violated terms of Indo-Lanka Accord
Alludes to one party violating sections of the Accord relating to the surrender of arms by militants
PSC to make recommendations on 13A revisions
President claims Menon’s visit to discuss routine regional security issues
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday maintained that the Indian government has not formally addressed its concerns to Sri Lanka over the proposed revision of the 13th Amendment. Rajapaksa’s assertion came amidst preparations by New Delhi to dispatch top officials to Colombo over the next two months for talks that are expected to centre largely on the legislation that devolves power to the provincial councils.
President Rajapaksa, who hosted newspaper editors at Temple Trees yesterday, said that the visit of Indian National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon to Colombo in July was a routine tour for a discussion on regional security issues. “His visit has nothing to do with the 13th Amendment,” the President told the editors.
Menon’s visit is expected to be followed by a high level visit by Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid who is likely to be visiting Colombo for the first time since he took office in August, according to Indian media reports.
He reiterated that at no time had Sri Lanka violated the terms of the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987. “One party to the agreement has of course violated Article 2.9 of the agreement,” President Rajapaksa said during the meeting.
Article 2.9 of the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord inked by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President J.R. Jayewardene in July 1987 deals with the surrender of all arms in possession of militant groups operating in the north and east.
President Rajapaksa reiterated that a Parliamentary Select Committee will make recommendations on necessary changes to the 13th Amendment. (DB)
