Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has urged Sri Lanka to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council (PC) Elections “at the earliest” and fully implement constitutional provisions to address the aspirations of the Tamil community.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the issue was raised during Misri’s official visit to Sri Lanka, where he held discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya and other senior officials.
The terms of all nine Provincial Councils expired between 2017 and 2019, with elections repeatedly postponed due to disagreements over electoral reforms. The National People’s Power (NPP), during its 2024 election campaign, pledged to conduct the polls within a year of assuming office.
The two sides also reviewed progress on India-backed development projects and discussed ways to accelerate cooperation in technology, energy, trade and infrastructure.
Key projects discussed included the Unique Digital Identity initiative, development of Trincomalee as an energy hub, and rehabilitation and modernisation of the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Harbour in Jaffna under a $61.5 million Indian grant.
India and Sri Lanka also agreed to work towards expanding the 1990 Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service and welcomed progress on updating the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both countries also noted the conclusion of negotiations on a Social Security Agreement.
Misri highlighted India’s continued support under its “Neighbourhood First” policy and reviewed assistance programmes, including reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, disaster warning systems, medical equipment support, education initiatives and railway rehabilitation.
The two countries also discussed major energy projects, including the Sri Lanka-India electricity grid interconnection, the Sampur solar power project and Trincomalee’s proposed energy hub.
During meetings with Sri Lankan leaders, Misri also raised concerns over detained Indian fishermen and sought cooperation for their early release, while stressing the need for a humanitarian approach.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya’s discussions with Misri focused on strengthening education cooperation, including student exchanges, joint research and collaboration between higher education institutions.
Misri concluded his visit on Wednesday, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties while urging faster implementation of agreements reached between the two countries.