During his visit, Krishna is expected to meet with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the External Affairs Minister and members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). Indian minister is expected to discuss with the President the ongoing dialogue between the Sri Lankan government and the TNA on a political solution to the ethnic issue, especially the issue of granting land and police powers to the provinces according to the 13th amendment to the Constitution. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently clarified that the government will not devolve land and police powers to the regions, in line with the 13 Amendment to the Constitution. However, the government spokesman, Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said Tuesday that though the government is concerned about giving land and Police powers to the provinces it is prepared to discuss the issue and make concessions. Meanwhile, Minister of Irrigation and Water Management Nimal Siripala de Silva, head of the government delegation for talks with the Tamil National Alliance has denied the claims that Sri Lanka is under pressure from India to devolve more powers to provinces. He said neither India nor any other county can dictate how Sri Lanka should be governed. Indian Minister has said that India is assisting Sri Lanka in the rehabilitation of displaced persons, and he looks forward to his forthcoming visit to Sri Lanka to ensure the relationship between both countries firmly anchored. India has initiated a project to build 50,000 houses for the displaced people in the North. A pilot project of constructing 1,000 houses is nearing completion now.
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