We will protect Tamils: Basil

(October 26, New Delhi, Sri Lanka Guardian) Assuring India that it will ensure the safety and security of ethnic Tamils, Sri Lanka has expressed readiness to allow Indian medical aid to the affected people in the island nation's embattled north.

Basil Rajapaksa, Special Advsior of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and apprised him of the steps being taken by the government to ensure that the rights of Tamils are not compromised during the ongoing military offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Basil also held talks with Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon on Sunday morning.

"Every assurance we have given (to) look after the human behaviour needs and whichever way we can," Basil, the brother of President Rajapakasa, told media persons after the meeting.

Asked about the medical aid from India, the President's advisor said, "Yes, that issue was brought up and we will take a positive look on it."

"Yes," he said when asked whether the Sri Lankan government will allow Indian medical aid to Sri Lanka.

Asked whether Mukherjee will visit Colombo on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Basil said, "He has not discussed it so"

Basil's visit to New Delhi comes in the wake of India expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in the island nation and asking it to protect the rights of the civilian Tamils. [PTI Report] - Sri Lanka Guardian