India has urged Sri Lanka to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council elections at the earliest and fully implement constitutional provisions aimed at addressing the aspirations of the Tamil community.
The appeal was made by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during his official visit to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
During the visit, Misri also raised concerns over the fisheries issue, requesting Sri Lanka’s cooperation in securing the early release of detained Indian fishermen and their boats. He stressed that both countries should continue to adopt a humanitarian approach while bilateral mechanisms work towards resolving the longstanding fisheries dispute.
The MEA said Misri called on the Sri Lankan leadership to honour its commitment to conduct Provincial Council elections as soon as possible and fully implement constitutional provisions relating to the aspirations of the Tamil people.
He also welcomed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s assurance, made in the December 2024 India–Sri Lanka Joint Statement, that Sri Lankan territory would not be allowed to be used in any manner detrimental to India’s security.
During his visit, Misri held talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and representatives of the Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil communities.
The two sides also reviewed progress on a range of bilateral cooperation initiatives, including infrastructure, energy, railway development, healthcare, disaster management, and economic projects. India reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Sri Lanka under its “Neighbourhood First” policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
