News
Geneva session: India reiterates call for full implementation of 13 A
India has reiterated its long standing demand for Sri Lanka to fully implement the 13th Amendment to its Constitution. Sri Lanka enacted the 13th Amendment in terms of the Indo-Lanka accord, under pressure from New Delhi, and signed it in 1987. The declaration was made at the commencement of the 60th session of Geneva HRC on Monday (08). Sri Lanka refrained from fully implementing land and police powers contained in the 13th Amendment.
The following is the text of the statement by Ms. Anupama Singh, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva: “As a close friend of Sri Lanka and an immediate neighbour with deep-rooted ties to it, India has remained steadfast in its support of the relief, rehabilitation, resettlement, and reconstruction process in Sri Lanka since 2009.
India and Sri Lanka share deep historical, cultural and civilizational ties. Today, these bonds have evolved into a strong, multi-dimensional partnership. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions).
India extended vital financial and technical support to ensure Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long term stability after the unprecedented economic crisis in 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025 and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka’s State Visit to India, in December 2024, are significant milestones in our bilateral relations.
India’s approach has always been to support the aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice, dignity and peace within the overall unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. In this regard, India has consistently called for the full and effective implementation of the Sri Lankan Constitution, early conduct of Provincial Council elections, and meaningful devolution of powers.
India believes that meaningful devolution and genuine reconciliation, through an inclusive approach, would contribute to nation-building and a durable peace. Progress in these areas will not only benefit all communities in Sri Lanka but also reinforce the strong foundation of friendship and trust between our two nations.”
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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