RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3437
TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.03.2021.
HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE IN SRI LANKA
3437. SHRI SANJAY SINGH:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) whether Government has taken due note of the gross human rights violations against Tamils and critics of the ruling Government in Sri Lanka;
(b) whether Government is considering changing its foreign policy orientation towards Sri Lanka in view of the aforementioned issue of human rights abuse;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the stand of Government on the resolution concerning Sri Lanka in the 46th session of the Human Rights Council?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)
(a) to (d) The Government of India has consistently called upon Sri Lanka during bilateral discussions at all levels to fulfill its commitments on addressing the issues related to protecting the interest of Tamils in Sri Lanka. This was reiterated during the visits of President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to India in November 2019 and February 2020, respectively, and during the recently held India- Sri Lanka Virtual Bilateral Summit on 26 September 2020 between the two Prime Ministers as also EAM’s visit to Colombo in January 2021. India continues to remain engaged with Sri Lanka at all levels in its efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of all sections of society, including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, for a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka.
(e) At the UNHRC, India stressed its abiding commitment to aspirations of the Tamils of Sri Lanka for equality, justice, peace and dignity. It was reiterated that respecting the rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution, contributes to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka. Therefore, India believes that delivering on the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil community is in the best interests of Sri Lanka.
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