| by Jayalath Jayawardena
( September 07, 2012, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) There has been an unfortunate incident of harassment to the Sri Lankan pilgrims who have been visiting Tamil Nadu, purely on religious grounds. I do not approve such violence. Over centuries, Buddhists, Catholics, Hindus and Islam Sri Lankans have been visiting Tamil Nadu for religious observances. Indians from the State of Tamil Nadu too have been visiting Sri Lanka for religious observances for several centuries. India is our neighboring country and Tamil Nadu is the closest State of India to Sri Lanka.
The Government of Sri Lanka headed by President Mahinda Rajapakse should not only have a close and cordial diplomatic relationship with India, but also should take into consideration the matters concerning India, especially to Tamil Nadu as there is so much of close affection and relationship between the Sri Lankan Tamils and the Tamils in Tamil Nadu. Naturally, the Politicians in Tamil Nadu will show a great concern about the situation of the Sri Lankan Tamils because of this close relationship.
The present Government has given so much of assurances to the Government of India, such as, the implementation of the Thirteenth Amendment in full, and also willing to consider to go beyond the Thirteenth Amendment. Also, to find an acceptable, justifiable and reasonable political solution within one country as a permanent solution to the National issue as early as possible.
The Economic and Trade policy of the present Sri Lankan Government by trying to create competition between India and China too has caused unwarranted displeasure towards Sri Lanka by India.
Unfortunately, the present Government has not taken speedy steps sincerely and honestly to fulfill the assurances given by them to the Indian Government. Although more than three years have passed after the end of the war, there are serious issues with regard to the resettlement, rehabilitation, human rights, establishment of democracy in the Northern Province.
These issues have led to this unfortunate and unwarranted situation. The Government of Sri Lanka headed by President Mahinda Rajapakse should have a sincere and honest policy towards India and fulfill whatever the commitments given by this Government to India.
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