Dialogue, best way to iron out differences - Lok Sabha Speaker

Manjula Fernando

COLOMBO: Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Somnath Chatterjee, commenting on India’s reservations over the decision to seek Chinese and Pakistan military assistance expressed, as long time friends, India and Sri Lanka should iron out their differences through dialogue.

Speaking to the Daily News in Shimla after attending a South Asian Parliamentarians meeting convened by SAFMA last weekend, the veteran Parliamentarian said “If there is any issue that needs to be resolved they should be resolved by discussion and negotiations between the two countries.”

He was asked about the Indian media reports that the Centre has been irked by Sri Lanka’s decision to look for military assistance from those two countries in the absence of any positive reaction from the Indian side.

Observing the problem was an internal issue Chatterjee did not directly comment when asked if he thought India had been effective in helping Sri Lanka to fight its terrorism threat.

He, however stressed the close ties and bi-lateral cooperation between the two countries should be carried forward despite minor hiccups from time to time.

A recent news report in the Indian media that Sri Lanka should not go to Pakistan and China for military aid, quoting the National Security advisor M.K. Narayanan, sparked off mixed reactions from various quarters in both countries.

Certain Lankan political parties castigated the comment as that of a dominant big brother.

The most recent comment came from Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella where he said Sri Lanka’s first preference would be India and he was confident of its assistance.

He however, did not rule out the possibility of getting Pakistani and Chinese help to bolster its military capabilities in a likelihood event.

In the declaration adopted in Shimla during the weekend the South Asian Parliamentarians unanimously called upon India, for an ‘active supportive role’ to end the North East issue. The parliamentarians included Pakistani and Indian members.

The five member Sri Lankan delegation comprising government and opposition Parliamentarians moved the proposal at the plenary sessions and after extensive deliberations it made its way to the final declaration.

“Although this will not bear any binding effect on the Indian Government the declaration will act as a pressure point to urge India to take up a more proactive role in the Peace Process,” a Sri Lankan delegate said.