Equality, justice, peace and dignity needed for

Tamils says India

18 March 2015
Indias External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modis visit to Sri Lanka had underlined calls for equality, justice,
peace and dignity for Tamils on the island.
The visit expressed Indias strong support for democracy and reform in Sri
Lanka, said Ms Swaraj. Prime Minister noted in his address to the
Parliament that recent elections reflected the collective voice of the nation
the hope for change, reconciliation and unity.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Ms Swaraj further added India stands with Sri
Lanka in its efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of
all sections of society, including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, for a life
of equality, justice, peace and dignity in a united Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister also declared that we believe that the early and full
implementation of the 13th Amendment and going beyond it would
contribute to this process, she continued.
In her address Ms Swaraj noted that Mr Modis visit to Jaffna and the need
for a long term solution to the issue of Indian fishermen being attacked
by the Sri Lankan navy.
See the full text of her speech here.
NFF walked out of Modi's speech to protest against 13A (16 march 2015)
BJP hails 'historic' Modi visit (15 March 2015)
In Jaffna 'to wipe tears' from those that suffered - Modi (14 March 2015)

Suo Motu Statement by External Affairs Minister Sushma

Swaraj in Lok Sabha on Prime Ministers Visit to Seychelles,
Mauritius and Sri Lanka
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of External Affairs
18-March-2015

Following is the text of the Suo Motu Statement by External Affairs Minister
in Lok Sabha on Prime Ministers Visit to Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri
Lanka:
Honble Madam Speaker,
1.
It is with great pleasure that I rise to make a statement to the House on
Prime Ministers recent visit to Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. The importance of
these visits can be gauged from the fact that an Indian Prime Minister has paid
bilateral visit to Seychelles after 34 years, Mauritius after 10 years and Sri Lanka after
28 years.
2.
These three nations are amongst our nearest ocean neighbours. We have a
long history with each one of them in which people-to-people ties, economic
cooperation and maritime security have all featured prominently. On this occasion,
each one of these facets was taken to a higher level.
Seychelles
3.
The visit to Seychelles was on 10-11 March 2015. The Prime Minister was
accorded the fullest honours and beyond, being received and seen off by President
James Michel personally. They had a bilateral meeting where issues of economic,
infrastructure and maritime cooperation were discussed. The Prime Minister
inaugurated the Coastal Surveillance Radar System set up with Indias collaboration.
He met with senior leaders of the Government and addressed the Indian community.
Among the important outcomes of the visit were our decision to gift a second Dornier
aircraft, to provide gratis visa for a period of three months and to include Seychelles in
the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. Four agreements were signed: for
development of infrastructure facilities at Assumption Island, renewal energy
cooperation, cooperation in hydrography and sale of navigational charts. The two
countries also decided to set up a Joint Working Group on Cooperation in Blue
Economy.
4.
Overall, Prime Ministers visit, though brief, made a strong and abiding
impact on India-Seychelles relations. It created positive sentiments in a country that
sits astride key sea lines of communication.
Mauritius
5.
The visit to Mauritius was on 11-12 March 2015. In keeping with the
traditional warmth that exists between India and Mauritius, the Prime Minister was
accorded the highest protocol and spontaneous welcome by all sections of Mauritian
society. He was received and seen off by Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth and
held meetings with President Purryag and Prime Minister Jugnauth. The Chief Justice,

the Leader of Opposition, the Minister of Communication, Technology & Innovation

and a delegation of the Labour Party called on the Prime Minister.
6.
Prime Minister was the Chief Guest for the National Day of Mauritius. He
addressed a special session of the National Assembly of Mauritius. He jointly
commissioned with Prime Minister Jugnauth the offshore patrol vessel Barracuda,
which is the first custom built vessel exported by India. The Prime Minister unveiled a
plaque with PM Jugnauth for the official commencement of construction of the
building of the World Hindi Secretariat. Prime Minister also addressed a well attended
civic reception. Prime Minister also visited Aapravasi Ghat and offered prayers at
Ganga Talao.
7.
Prime Minister announced a concessional line of credit of US$500 million
for project to be identified by the Government of Mauritius. Five bilateral documents
were signed: for development of sea and air transportation facilities at Agalega Island,
cooperation in ocean economy, cooperation in traditional systems of medicine and
homeopathy, cultural exchange programme for 2015-18, and importation of mangoes
from India.
8.
Overall, Prime Ministers visit served to enhance bilateral cooperation with
Mauritius to a higher level and further cement the unique and special relationship that
India shares with Mauritius.
Sri Lanka
9.
The visit to Sri Lanka took place on 13-14 March 2015. It was the fourth
high level engagement with that country since the election of President Sirisena on 9th
January 2015. The House will recall that President Sirisena paid his first visit abroad
to India later in February. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister and I did reciprocal visits
before and after that of the President.
10.
Prime Minister was received by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. He
held talks with President Sirisena and senior members of the Government. Prime
Minister also met the leadership across the political spectrum including former
Presidents Kumaratunga and Rajapaksa. He addressed the Sri Lankan Parliament and
the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
11.
The visit expressed Indias strong support for democracy and reform in Sri
Lanka. Prime Minister noted in his address to the Parliament that recent elections
reflected the collective voice of the nation the hope for change, reconciliation and
unity. He expressed confidence in the future of Sri Lanka, defined by unity and
integrity, peace and harmony, and opportunity and dignity for everyone. He
underlined, that for India, the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka are paramount.
12.
Prime Ministers talks with the Sri Lankan leadership covered a very wide
range of issues. He conveyed Indias sincere support and good wishes for Sri Lankas

new journey of peace, reconciliation and progress. India stands with Sri Lanka in its
efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of all sections of society,
including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, for a life of equality, justice, peace and
dignity in a united Sri Lanka. Prime Minister also declared that we believe that the
early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment and going beyond it would
contribute to this process.
13.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to
visit Jaffna. Prime Minister unveiled the foundation stone of the Jaffna Cultural Centre
to be built under a grant offered by India. He handed over certificates to the
beneficiaries of the Indian Housing Project for internally displaced persons. At
Talaimannar, he flagged off the inaugural train on the track to Madhu Road. Prime
Minister also visited the ancient temple of Naguleswaram at Jaffna.
14.
The problems of fishermen were also discussed during the talks. Prime
Minister pointed out that this was a complex issue involving livelihood and
humanitarian concerns on both sides, India and Sri Lanka need to find a long term
solution. Fishermens associations of both countries must meet at the earliest to work
out a mutually acceptable arrangement.
15.
During his stay, Prime Minister underscored our common Buddhist
heritage. He visited the Mahabodhi Society in Colombo, offered Dana to monks and
planted a sapling. Prime Minister also offered prayers along with President Sirisena at
the venerated Sri Mahabodhi Tree at Anuradhapura.
16.
On the economic side, Prime Minister addressed the Ceylon Chamber of
Commerce where he spoke of new purpose and clarity in our policies. He pointed out
the benefits of regional economic cooperation and urged Sri Lankan business to take
advantage of the opportunities that India is creating for its neighbours.
17.
Among the main outcomes of the Prime Ministers talks in Sri Lanka were:
a) inclusion of Sri Lanka in the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme from
14th April, coinciding with the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year; b) setting
up of a Joint Task Force to develop the Trincomalee Upper Oil Tank Farm; c)
announcement of a fresh line of credit for US$318 million for Sri Lankas railway
sector; d) extension of currency swap facility of US$1.5 billion by Reserve Bank of
India to Sri Lankas Central Bank; e) creating a Joint Task Force for cooperation in the
Ocean Economy; f) direct flights between Delhi and Colombo by Air India to begin this
summer; g) holding of a Festival of India in Sri Lanka; and h) cooperation in
development of a Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka and the Buddhist circuit in India.
18.
Four agreements/ MOUs were signed during the visit: on customs
cooperation; visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders; youth
development; and construction of an auditorium in Ruhuna University in Matara, Sri

Lanka.
19.
The Sri Lanka visit by Prime Minister provided an opportunity to strengthen
ties with a very close neighbour and a fellow SAARC member. Recent developments in
that country have created new openings and opportunities on many longstanding
issues. From our side, the intent was to assure all sections of Sri Lanka that India
wishes them well in their quest for peace and prosperity; this was fulfilled in Prime
Ministers visit.
20.
I am confident that this House welcomes Prime Ministers visit to these
three important countries in the Indian Ocean which has promoted greater
understanding and cooperation in this region.
Thank you.
YSK