Indian Govt. convenes all-party meeting tomorrow on Sri Lanka

The Indian Government has called an all-party meeting to discuss the current crisis situation in Sri Lanka after a request from the Tamil Nadu political parties.

Indian media reported that after a request from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravdia Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the Centre Government has decided to convene an all-party meeting on the situation in Sri Lanka tomorrow.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will brief leaders of all political parties in both the Houses of Parliament, on the “present situation in Sri Lanka” tomorrow, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said in an invitation sent to the party leaders.

According to The Hindu, DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and written letters on the issue of humanitarian assistance to the economic crisis-hit island nation.

Yesterday, the DMK and AIADMK urged the Centre to intervene in the crisis to help the neighbouring country, The Hindu reported.

DMK leader in the Lok Sabha T. R. Baalu said India should intervene to address the situation. Senior AIADMK leader, Rajya Sabha MP and Lok Sabha former Deputy Speaker M. Thambidurai also demanded that the country should intervene to resolve the crisis in Sri Lanka.

Recently, Modi had said in Chennai that India is providing all possible support to Sri Lanka, a close friend and neighbour. “This includes financial support, fuel, food, medicine and other essential items,” the PM said.

During his meeting with Modi, Stalin had submitted a detailed memorandum on the economic crisis in Sri Lanka and the measures his Government had taken to help migrants. Many Opposition parties and economists had also asked the Centre to learn from the situation in Sri Lanka and address the economic problems in the country.