India tells Lanka: Address "legitimate aspirations of Tamils"

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva this week called on Sri Lanka to address the "legitimate aspirations of the Tamil community" in Sri Lanka.

The envoy, Indra Mani Pandey, did not elaborate what they were, except to say they included carrying forward the process of reconciliation and implementing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

"India believes it is in Sri Lanka's own interest that the expectations of Tamils in Sri Lanka for equality, justice, peace and dignity, within a united Sri Lanka are fulfilled," Mr. Pandey added.

The Indian delegation supported the UN High Commissioner's report saying; “The report raises important concerns on promoting, reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka". India also called for early Provincial Council elections in Sri Lanka.