Editorial 1: An opportunity to settle Sri Lanka’s ethnic problem

Introduction

India’s recent decision to name the Jaffna Cultural Centre after the revered Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar is a symbolic gesture reinforcing the enduring cultural and historical ties between India and Sri Lanka. This move also highlights the continuing relevance of the Tamil ethnic issue, which has shaped Indo-Sri Lankan relations for decades. The ethnic conflict, rooted in historical grievances and political marginalization, necessitates a durable and inclusive resolution.

Evolution of Indo-Sri Lanka Relations and the 13th Amendment

Historical Background

• The 1983 anti-Tamil pogrom in Sri Lanka marked a turning point, drawing India into the ethnic conflict first as a mediator and later as an active player.
• The Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987 led to the introduction of the 13th Amendment (13A) to Sri Lanka’s Constitution, establishing Provincial Councils and providing limited autonomy to Tamil-majority areas.
• The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), to which Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake belongs, initially opposed 13A, viewing it as an imposition by India.
• The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the dominant Tamil militant group at the time, also rejected 13A, demanding complete separation and the creation of Tamil Eelam encompassing the Northern and Eastern provinces.

India’s Stance on 13A

Despite 35 years since its enactment, the full implementation of 13A remains elusive, particularly in Tamil-speaking regions.

• India’s Consistent Position: Successive Indian governments have urged Sri Lanka to implement 13A in letter and spirit. In October 2024, during his visit to Colombo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated this stance.
• Modi’s Diplomatic Approach: Interestingly, during Sri Lankan President Dissanayake’s visit to India in December 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi refrained from explicitly mentioning 13A. Instead, he called for “full implementation of Sri Lanka’s Constitution” and the conduct of Provincial Council elections.
• This silence has raised concerns over whether India is reconsidering its direct involvement in the devolution debate, particularly in light of JVP’s traditional skepticism towards 13A.

JVP’s Position and the Future of Devolution

• The ruling National People’s Power (NPP) coalition, led by the JVP, has maintained ambiguity over 13A. While Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya expressed support for its implementation in 2023, the party has debated whether it provides a sustainable solution.
• President Dissanayake, during his 2024 election campaign in Jaffna, avoided explicit references to greater power devolution, instead promising a new constitution ensuring democracy and equality.

Local Governance vs. Provincial Councils

• There is increasing discourse in Sri Lanka about prioritizing local government elections over Provincial Council elections.
• While strengthening local governance is essential, local bodies are not substitutes for Provincial Councils, which play a crucial role in addressing regional aspirations and challenges.
• The 2017 Constitutional Steering Committee acknowledged a broad consensus among Provincial Councils and Chief Ministers that provinces should remain the primary unit of devolution.

Way Forward: A Roadmap for Sustainable Resolution

1. Full Implementation of 13A: The Sri Lankan government must demonstrate political will to implement 13A effectively, ensuring genuine devolution of powers.
2. Holding Provincial Council Elections: Delays in conducting elections undermine the democratic aspirations of the Tamil community and must be addressed.
3. Addressing Political Concerns: Engaging all stakeholders, including Tamil parties and civil society, in an inclusive political dialogue is essential.
4. Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Engagement: India must continue advocating for meaningful devolution while respecting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.
5. New Constitutional Framework: If the Sri Lankan government aims to replace 13A, it must ensure that any alternative framework guarantees substantive autonomy to Tamil-majority regions.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture where the ruling NPP, backed by a strong mandate, has a historic opportunity to resolve the long-standing ethnic issue. The Provincial Councils, far from being an imposition by India, emerged through an evolutionary political process and remain crucial for fostering reconciliation. A well-negotiated settlement, ensuring meaningful devolution, will strengthen Sri Lanka’s democracy and national unity. India, as a key regional partner, must continue its diplomatic efforts to encourage a just and lasting resolution that aligns with the democratic aspirations of the Sri Lankan people.