Tamil National alliance urges India to play a role in finding political solution in Lanka

Colombo, Jan 16 (ANI): Tamil National alliance on Monday urged India to play an important role in finding a political solution in Sri Lanka.

A delegation of Tamil MP's from Tamil National alliance met visiting Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna here today.

Senior Tamil National alliance leader R. Sampandhan speaking to Asian News International (ANI) said India is keen to ensure that Tamils in Sri Lanka are able to live with self-respect and dignity and he urged India to play a role in achieving it.

"India the regional power is long involved in our problem for several decades," said Sampandhan after the meeting with Krishna.

"India is keen to ensure that Tamils in Lanka are able to live with self respect and dignity and I think that's the genuine concern of India and we would like India to play its role, to achieve that goal," he added.

The Tamil leader also pointed out that talks between the Tamil National alliance have not made much headway.

"We discussed with SM Krishna entire gamut of issues that Tamil speaking people of Sri Lanka are confronted with. We have discussed with him ongoing discussion on political situation and the fact that as of now talks have not made any progress," said Sampandhan.

Tamil National alliance an amalgam of Tamil political parties has been in discussion with the Sri Lankan Government for reconciliation, rehabilitation, devolution and apolitical situation.

Its latest demand is the police and land power with provincial government.

"There is a need for some corrective action with regard to this matter if the talks are to be successful in evolving a acceptable political solution," said Sampandhan.

According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sources, Krishna on his part assured the delegation that India is firmly committed to ensuring political settlement, including devolution of powers to address the aspirations of Tamil community in Sri Lanka and will discuss the matter with the highest levels of the Sri Lankan Government. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)