Sri Lanka reassures India over Tamils

Published October 27, 2008

NEW DELHI, Oct 26: A senior Sri Lankan minister on Sunday held talks with the Indian foreign minister over the safety of the island nation’s minority Tamils as its conflict with Tamil Tiger rebels escalates.

Sri Lanka’s Tamils share close cultural and religious links with the 55 million Tamils in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

New Delhi has expressed concern over the conflict, as legislators from Tamil Nadu threatened to resign unless the Indian government took action.

Basil Rajapakse, a top aide of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, said he had held “very positive” talks with Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Rajapakse told reporters after the meeting that he had given India “every assurance” that Tamils’ humanitarian needs would be met.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

AN IMF mission is in Islamabad for unusual, early talks with the Pakistani authorities as the lender seems worried...
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

BARA tehsil, a region typically known for its security challenges and socioeconomic problems, can now boast the...
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....