Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urged Sri Lanka’s leadership to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council elections “at the earliest” and to “fully implement” constitutional provisions meeting the aspirations of the Tamil people, according to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs following his one-day visit to Colombo on Wednesday.
The Indian statement said Misri also raised assistance for Sri Lanka’s recovery from Cyclone Ditwah, energy sector collaboration and a possible upgrade of the bilateral trade agreement. The two sides discussed ways to speed up India-backed initiatives including the Unique Digital Identity project, the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub, and the rehabilitation and modernisation of Kankesanthurai harbour in Jaffna.
Colombo’s readout omits the election demand
The President’s Media Division gave a markedly narrower account of the same meeting. It said talks between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Misri focused on “further strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas including technology, energy and trade, in a manner that would deliver mutual benefits to both nations.” It made no mention of provincial elections.
The PMD said the President sought India’s support and “fullest cooperation” in combating drug trafficking, and stressed regional cooperation in addressing climate change.
Daily Mirror, reporting separately on the visit, confirmed Misri encouraged Sri Lanka to hold the polls at the earliest and fully implement constitutional provisions addressing Tamil community aspirations. He also called for the early release of detained Indian fishermen and their boats, urging a humanitarian approach.
Nine councils, dormant since 2019
The terms of Sri Lanka’s nine Provincial Councils expired between 2017 and 2019, and successive governments have put off holding elections to them. The National People’s Power pledged during its 2024 campaign to hold the polls within a year of taking office. The process remains stalled before a parliamentary select committee awaiting Attorney General’s advice on legal barriers.
New Delhi’s intervention lands as a newly formed common platform of six Tamil and Muslim parties presses the same demand — including at a meeting with President Dissanayake on August 3 and in a briefing to the Indian High Commissioner a day later.
Before departing on Wednesday evening, Misri held separate meetings with Tamil party leaders from the Northern and Eastern provinces and with Sri Lankan Muslim party leaders, discussing political developments, devolution and the welfare of the Tamil community. He also met Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. Ada Derana’s report on the Indian statement carried agency inputs.
Sources: Ada Derana — India’s statement, Ada Derana — visit concludes, Daily Mirror.
