New Delhi
24 June 2009
A high ranking Sri Lankan delegation led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa's
Special Adviser Basil Rajapaksa called on Minister of External Affairs SM Krishna here
Wednesday.
The Lankan delegation, which also comprised Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa
and Secretary to President Lalith Weeratunge, iterated Colombo's commitment to
devolve "considerable power" to its provinces and to return the displaced Tamil
population to their homes within six months.
Mr Basil Rajapaksa told reporters after the meeting that the camps for the internally
displaced Tamils would be dismantled within the proposed time table.
"We have a 180-day programme. First how to do demining. The Indian Government had
earlier agreed to send four teams but now on the request made to them, they are trying
to increase the number by eight. That will be helpful to resettle these people," Mr
Rajapaksa said.
Mr Rajapaksa said the devolution package for the Tamils would address India's
concerns. He indicated that the elections in the northern province would take place once
the Tamils were rehabilitated.
For his part, Mr Krishna reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment for the resettlement and
rehabilitation of the internally displaced Tamils. He told the Lankan delegation about the
need to strictly adhere to the understanding reached in October last on matters relating
to fishing.
"The Sri Lankan Government clarified that it does not contemplate putting up any
structures at Katchchativu islet," Mr Krishna said. The reported move by the Sri Lankan
Navy to set up a base in Katchchativu had drawn the ire of a cross-section of people and
parties in Tamil Nadu.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa's proposed visit to India was also understood to have
figured in the talks.
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