India presses Sri Lanka on a political solution for Tamil people

During the discussions with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the sidelines of the Rio+20 summit in Brazil, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has once again underlined the "great importance India attaches to the ability of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka to lead a life of dignity and as equal citizens of that country." A statement issued by the High commission of India in Colombo said the PM started one-on-one discussion with the President first and then in delegation-level covering all bilateral relations.. On security related issues, India's dialogue would be taken forward on the 29th June when the National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon visits Colombo.
There was a substantial discussion on the economic relations between the two countries, and the Power Minister of Sri Lanka has given an update on Sampur Power Project which is one of the very big projects being undertaken in Sri Lanka as a joint venture between the Ceylon Power Board and the NTPC. "In terms of the overall relationship, both felt that the scope for progress was very great and we must now concentrate on dealing with those areas where we can make good progress," the statement said. Sri Lankan President has also referred to the situation in his country and mentioned the continuing discussions on the issue of devolution. But the large focus was on what is being done for the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced People. He quoted the figure of about 3,000 who now continue to remain in the camps compared to 300,000 when the war ended. The President has also noted that the resettlement process was under way, and electrification of the Northern Region, the Power Minister being present mentioned, was also making very good progress. They said that as much as 95 per cent electrification had been restored in Jaffna, and in the other areas in the Northern Province it was between 50 and 70 per cent. India has expressed its intention to continue their assistance programmes. The housing project which India is undertaking will start actually disbursing funds to the beneficiaries for the houses in Sri Lanka by sometime next month. India has also reiterated the intention to continue all their bilateral assistance programmes in the economic field, the statement said.