India enjoys a long-standing relationship with Sri Lanka, its neighboring island nation in the Indian Ocean. One of the major components of this relationship is the issue of the Sri Lankan Tamils, often represented by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). Recently, the TNA rejected an offer from the Sri Lankan President to implement the 13th Amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution without police powers. This refusal gains importance given the President’s forthcoming visit to India and India’s consistent emphasis on the “full implementation” of this legislation – essential for accommodating the historic demand of Sri Lankan Tamils for self-governance.
The Background of the 13th Amendment
Adopted following the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987, the 13th Amendment emerged as the only legislative guarantee for power devolution to provinces. This accord was signed by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President J.R. Jayawardene to resolve the escalating ethnic conflict that had turned into a civil war between the armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam seeking self-determination and a separate state for Tamils. The amendment led to the formation of Provincial Councils, promising a power-sharing arrangement to enable all nine provinces, including Sinhala majority areas, self-governance. However, it excluded financial powers and accorded overriding powers to the President, limiting the effectiveness of provincial administrations. Subsequent governments have refrained from granting land and police powers to provinces, leaving issues unresolved since the civil war concluded 14 years ago.
President’s Proposal and TNA’s Response
Highlighting plans for truth-seeking, reconciliation, accountability, development, and power devolution, the Sri Lankan President presented a comprehensive dossier to Tamil political parties. It proposed the implementation of the 13th Amendment, minus police powers, and empowerment of provincial councils through multiple Bills. The TNA, however, discarded the proposal as a “hollow promise.” It cited a lack of political will for power devolution, referencing the defunct state of provincial councils over the past five years without elections. Civil society leaders and the Tamil National People’s Front appealed to the Indian Prime Minister for a federal solution given the limitations of the 13th Amendment in a unitary constitution.
Key Aspects of India’s Relationship with Sri Lanka
India and Sri Lanka are South Asian nations strategically located in the Indian Ocean. Their close geographical proximity has been instrumental in shaping their relationship. Sri Lanka’s position at the crossroads of primary shipping lanes makes it a critical control point for India. Historical ties, economic relations, defense collaborations, and participation in groupings like BIMSTEC and SAARC serve as the foundation of their relationship. However, India-Sri Lanka relations face frequent strains due to issues like the killing of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities and China’s increasing economic and political influence in Sri Lanka.
The Ongoing Challenges and The Way Forward
The TNA’s rejection of the President’s proposal and concerns among Tamil political parties and civil society members spotlight the enduring difficulties in effectuating the 13th Amendment and devolving power in Sri Lanka. With the upcoming visit of President Wickremesinghe to India, India’s emphasis on “full implementation” and advocacy for a federal solution become key elements to observe.
Relevance to Civil Services Examination
This topic holds significance for UPSC Civil Services Examination. A few relevant questions previously asked in the examination include: “In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy” (2013) and “‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement” (2022).
