NEW DELHI, October 2: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa is aware that India would like his government to implement the 13th Amendment to devolve powers to the provinces.
Speaking to reporters on board his special aircraft while returning home from New York on Tuesday , Dr Singh said in response to a question: “As far as the devolution of more powers for the Northern Province is concerned, our views are well known. On umpteen number of occasions, we have discussed with the Sri Lankan President the need to implement 13th Amendment. Therefore, our position is well known to the Government of Sri Lanka.”
Asked why he could not meet President Rajapaksa in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session despite a request for such a meeting from the Sri Lankan leader, Dr Singh explained: “I would have no hesitation in meeting with him. He asked for a meeting on dates which were not convenient to me. “
I came to New York only on Sept. 27. He had asked for a meeting between 24th and 27th. So the meeting could not be arranged. There is no other reason,” the PM added.
VENKAT NARAYAN
IS