New Delhi (NVI): Commenting on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s statement that he will be the President of all Sri Lankans irrespective of their racial or religious identity, India today hoped that the island nation will arrive at a solution of the issues concerning Tamil community based on “equality, justice, peace and dignity”.
Addressing a weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “EAM conveyed to President Rajapaksa India’s expectation that the Sri Lankan government will take forward the process of national reconciliation to arrive at a solution that meets the aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice, peace and dignity”.
He also recalled President Rajapaksa statement affirming that he will be the President of all Sri Lankans irrespective of their racial or religious identity and without creating a distinction on whether they voted for him or not.
Raveesh Kumar further added that the Lankan President had also stated that “he is committed to ensuring the development of the Northern and Eastern provinces and considers India a valued partner towards this endeavour”.
He said that India’s relations with Sri Lanka or with any neighbouring country was independent of its relations with third country. Adding that both countries multifaceted relationship stands on its own footing and rooted in the geographical proximity and historical connections.
He further said that India is looking forward to working closely with the Sri Lankan Government for deepening our relations and for the peace, prosperity and security of the region and this was conveyed to the new President through the congratulatory tweet by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The MEA official also informed that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted PM Modi’s invitation and will be visiting India on 29-30 November.
