Source: The post India strengthens Tamil ties with Sri Lanka has been created, based on the article “An opportunity to settle Sri Lanka’s ethnic problem” published in “The Hindu” on 31st January 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.
Context: The article discusses India’s symbolic move to name a cultural center in Jaffna after Thiruvalluvar. It mentions the importance of the 13th Amendment in Sri Lanka’s Constitution. It notes the JVP-led government’s stance on power devolution. It highlights many unresolved ethnic issues.
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Why Did India Name the Jaffna Cultural Centre After Thiruvalluvar?
- India named the Jaffna Cultural Centre after Thiruvalluvar, a Tamil poet-philosopher, to strengthen ties with Sri Lankan Tamils.
- Initially, the centre did not include “Jaffna” in its name, causing protests among Sri Lankan Tamils.
- India responded quickly by renaming it “Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre.”
- The centre was built by India, highlighting India’s support for Sri Lanka’s Tamil heritage.
- This move reinforces the shared cultural and historical ties between India and Sri Lanka.
How Has India’s Role in Sri Lanka Changed Over Time?
- 1983 Anti-Tamil Violence: The anti-Tamil pogrom drew India into Sri Lanka’s ethnic issue.
- Indo-Lanka Accord (1987): India mediated and signed the Accord, leading to the 13th Amendment (13A) and creating Provincial Councils.
- JVP and LTTE Opposition: JVP opposed 13A as an Indian imposition, while LTTE rejected it and demanded Tamil Eelam.
- India’s Continued Support for 13A: Indian leaders, including Jaishankar in October 2024, urged its full implementation.
- Modi’s 2024 Statement: During Dissanayake’s visit, he avoided direct mention of 13A but called for Provincial Council elections.
- Jaffna Cultural Centre (2024): India reinforced Tamil ties by naming it “Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre.”
Why Has the 13th Amendment Not Been Fully Implemented?
- Lack of Full Political Commitment: Though the 13th Amendment (13A) was passed in 1987, it has not been fully implemented, especially in Tamil-speaking areas. Successive Sri Lankan governments have hesitated to grant full autonomy to Provincial Councils.
- Opposition from Political Parties: The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) opposed 13A, calling it an Indian imposition. Even now, the JVP-led National People’s Power (NPP) coalition has not clarified its stance.
- India’s Changing Stance: India has long urged Sri Lanka to fully implement 13A. However, during Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India in December 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not explicitly mention it, raising concerns about India’s position.
- Political Uncertainty in Sri Lanka: In February 2023, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that 13A should be implemented but questioned its effectiveness. The NPP’s 2024 manifesto promised a new constitutionbut made no strong commitment to devolution.
- Delay in Elections: Provincial Councils operated from 1988 to 2019, but elections have been indefinitely postponed. Local body elections may happen soon, but they cannot replace Provincial Councils, which handle larger governance issues.
- Judicial Interference: The Northern and Eastern provinces were merged for nearly 20 years, but the Sri Lankan Supreme Court annulled the merger in 2006, reversing a key devolution effort.
What Should the Sri Lankan Government Do?
- Stop Viewing 13A as an Indian Imposition: Sri Lanka’s past constitutions were influenced by British, American, and French systems. The JVP-led government should recognize 13A’s evolutionary process (1983-87).
- Hold Provincial Council Elections: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Sri Lanka to conduct these elections. Local bodies cannot replace Provincial Councils as they lack financial independence.
- Use the NPP’s Majority to Solve Ethnic Issues: The National People’s Power (NPP) coalition holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament. It has a rare chance to ensure democracy and equality.
Question for practice:
Examine the reasons for the incomplete implementation of the 13th Amendment in Sri Lanka and its political implications.
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