Menon Sri lanka visit leads to political resolution

New Delhi,Jan 18 (ANI): Sri lanka has committed that it will move a political resolution after the military campaign ends. India's Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa based their discussions in Colombo primarily on this subject.

The Ministry of External affairs (MEA) said, Menon "conveyed India's concerns at the humanitarian situation in the northern part of Sri Lanka and the need to ensure the safety and security of the internally displaced civilian population."

The MEA spokesperson revealed that the Foreign Secretary has requested Sri lanka to take an early step towards a peacefully negotiated political settlement in the island including the North. He stressed on the significance of a political understanding in the country wherein all the communities, including the Tamil community lives in unity and peace.

India has maintained pressure on Rajapaksa to implement the 13th amendment of Sri lanka's constitution, which calls for further devolution of powers to the provinces.

The next SAARC Foreign Minister's meeting will also be held in Sri lanka in early February. India, with the help of other SAARC members is expected to pressurise Pakistan to take effective steps to curb terrorism.

The post terror attack, Mumbai development were also discussed between Menon and Rajapaksa during the former's visit.

Menon met several other leaders, including the Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona, Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, senior Adviser Basil Rajapaksa and family members of the President.

India has already announced civilian supplies for refugees living in the north of the island including 1700 tonnes comprising 80,000 ready-to-use family packs containing food, clothing and personal hygiene items.

Menon also handed over a second installment of approximately SLR 40 million to Colombo as part of a financial aid promised by New Delhi. (ANI)