The Sri Lankan President today assured Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna that the 13 Amendment plus approach will be followed towards devolution of power to the Tamils in Sri Lanka. Addressing a press conference with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister GL Peires, Krishna stated that it was heartening to hear the Sri Lankan President’s commitment on the 13th Amendment. He said time and again Sri Lanka had assured India of its intent to implement the 13 Amendment for a meaningful devolution package for the ethnic minority.

Krishna said that in the quest of a genuine political settlement, India would help Sri Lanka in whatever way it could in the spirit of partnership and cooperation. He also said that some of the positive recommendations by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), if implemented will mark a step forward in genuine national reconciliation.

Krishna said the talks between Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the government would pave way for The Parliamentary Select Committee.

On the issue of straying of fishermen, Krishna said it was an emotive issue and there should be no use of force in dealing with them. He said the fishermen should be treated in a humane manner.

India and Sri Lanka also signed five MoUs covering areas of agriculture, telecom, implementation of the second phase of the Indian Housing Project and Indian line of credit facility for the reconstruction of the Northern railways lines in Sri Lanka. The second phase of the Housing Project involves repair and construction of 49,000 houses involving $260 million.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today also called on the Sri Lankan Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne.