Election strategy of Tamil parties in spotlight

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar undertook a day-long visit to Colombo and discussed progress on key energy sector initiatives that India and Sri Lanka have agreed to undertake jointly.

Participating in a ceremony with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, he commissioned a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and handed over new homes built with Indian assistance.

In his first bilateral visit abroad after being re-appointed to the post in the newly installed coalition government, EAM Jaishankar focused mostly on progress made in the implementation of ongoing India-backed projects across the island nation, sources said, in addition to meeting the Sri Lankan leadership, and senior politicians from the ruling and Opposition camp.

In addition to a short review meeting with his counterpart Ali Sabry, Mr. Jaishankar called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

He held talks with Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa and leaders representing the Muslim and hill country Tamil community, who are part of the Opposition alliance.

Mr. Jaishankar met hill country politicians who are part of President Wickremesinghe’s government.

The EAM also met former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

His brother and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa was also present, sources said.

Mr. Jaishankar met a delegation of politicians representing Tamil people of the north and east. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the pending political solution to the national question, ongoing land grabs in the north and east by state agencies, the election strategy of Tamil parties were among the issues that came up.

Mr. Jaishankar did not meet the leader, or representatives of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP or People’s Liberation Front)-led National People’s Power, which has emerged a strong oppositional voice in Sri Lanka.