The revised draft was expected to be tabled by end of business in Geneva on Friday (12) ahead of a UNHRC deadline for submission of draft proposals. However, written revisions to the text are possible until 16 March.
The March 11 draft calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfil its commitments on devolution of power, and “respect local governance” by holding Provincial Council Elections and ensuring all Provincial Councils can function effectively in accordance with the 13th Amendment.
The most recent revision to the paragraph on devolution makes specific reference to the Northern Provincial Council.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday (13) , days before a vote in Geneva on a resolution against Sri Lanka.
All eyes are on the stand India will take on the resolution with some suggesting India will abstain from voting.
The two leaders also reviewed topical developments and the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in bilateral and multilateral forums. Prime Minister Modi reiterated the importance of Sri Lanka to India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
The conversation between Modi and Rajapaksa took place days after Sri Lanka received 10 state-of-the-art railway passenger coaches from India as part of the supply of 160 coaches to Sri Lankan Railways by the Rail India Technical and Economic Service.
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay also visited Ram Setu this week and offered his prayers on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
The official prayed for reinforcement of strong bonds between the people of India and Lanka, recalling their millennia-old links and the role of historical structures in creating these links.
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