Sri Lanka Provincial Council elections should be held soon, India says, while urging full constitutional measures for Tamil aspirations.
India has urged the Government to hold Sri Lanka Provincial Council elections at the earliest and fulfil constitutional commitments addressing Tamil aspirations.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri raised the issue during talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on August 5, according to India’s official account of the visit.
The Indian High Commission said Misri reaffirmed India’s support for fully implementing relevant constitutional provisions. These measures aim to address the aspirations of Sri Lanka’s Tamil community.
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The two sides also reviewed bilateral relations and development projects supported by India.
Their discussions covered Indian assistance for Sri Lanka’s reconstruction following Cyclone Ditwah. They also examined energy cooperation and a possible upgrade of the bilateral trade agreement.
Other matters included the Indian-supported digital identity project and plans to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub.
Officials also discussed accelerating the modernisation of Kankesanthurai Port in Jaffna.
However, the Sri Lankan Presidential Media Division’s account focused on cooperation in technology, energy and trade.
It did not publicly mention the call for Sri Lanka Provincial Council elections. The difference highlighted the contrasting emphasis placed on the meeting by Colombo and New Delhi.
The Presidential Office said Dissanayake requested India’s full assistance in combating drug trafficking. He also stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation to confront climate change.
The elected terms of Sri Lanka’s nine Provincial Councils expired between 2017 and 2019. Successive administrations have since postponed the elections for several reasons.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, the National People’s Power promised to conduct the polls within one year of taking office.
However, the Government has recently emphasised rebuilding the economy and strengthening the rule of law before advancing wider reforms.
The delay has prompted concerns among political parties and civil society groups over whether the administration will meet its election commitments.
India’s latest intervention therefore places renewed diplomatic pressure on Colombo to restore elected Provincial Councils and address longstanding demands for meaningful devolution.
