CHENNAI, India—Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa assured India that he would increase the number of safety zones for people trapped in areas of fighting between the Sri Lankan Army and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) forces. The assurance was given during a meeting between the President of Sri Lanka and India’s Minister of External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee, last week.
On returning to India, Pranab told to the Indian media: “We made it clear our concern about the civilian population, which is around 150,000, who are affected by the crossfire.” Mr Pranab also said that President had “appealed to all concerned to allow the civilians to move to safer areas, where they can get shelter, food and medical treatment.” He also added that Sri Lankan Army forces are assured not to fire in these areas.
Another item discussed during the meeting was a possible 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution, which would aim to provide devolution and autonomy to Northern and Eastern provinces. Minister Pranab said: “The President assured me that this would be area of his urgent attention, and he will try to explore the possibilities and improve conditions there.”
Pranab also urged the President to allow international organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross, and others, access to the affected areas.
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, an area embroiled in the conflict with the LTTE terrorist group, said he was satisfied with the meeting. In the meantime, the number of political parties and community groups demanding a ceasefire in the region have increased.
On returning to India, Pranab told to the Indian media: “We made it clear our concern about the civilian population, which is around 150,000, who are affected by the crossfire.” Mr Pranab also said that President had “appealed to all concerned to allow the civilians to move to safer areas, where they can get shelter, food and medical treatment.” He also added that Sri Lankan Army forces are assured not to fire in these areas.
Another item discussed during the meeting was a possible 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution, which would aim to provide devolution and autonomy to Northern and Eastern provinces. Minister Pranab said: “The President assured me that this would be area of his urgent attention, and he will try to explore the possibilities and improve conditions there.”
Pranab also urged the President to allow international organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross, and others, access to the affected areas.
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, an area embroiled in the conflict with the LTTE terrorist group, said he was satisfied with the meeting. In the meantime, the number of political parties and community groups demanding a ceasefire in the region have increased.
