A Lasting Political Settlement for Sri Lankan Tamils is in India’s Interests, Says Jaffna’s Former Mayor

According to Jaffna’s former Mayor Visvalingam Manivannan, New Delhi should encourage Colombo to establish a lasting political settlement for Tamils in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces, stating it serves India's strategic interests.

Speaking in Toronto recently, as reported by The Hindu, Mr. Manivannan stated that the North and East share strong cultural and linguistic connections with India. He argued that empowering the region politically would help secure India's security interests by preventing anti-Indian elements from entering. He also noted that a meaningful political solution would eliminate the need to pursue a separate state.

Economic Concerns and Governance

Addressing economic development, Mr. Manivannan alleged that advocates of Sinhalese Buddhism oppose the economic growth of the North and East out of fear that the region could dominate the country. To substantiate claims that the central government has hindered local progress, he recalled that during his mayoral term between 2021 and 2022, the central government discouraged a twin-city scheme involving Toronto and Kingston, United Kingdom.

Regarding the current Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) administration, Mr. Manivannan stated he has observed no changes regarding political settlements, economic development, or the withdrawal of security forces from northern lands.

Aviation and Diaspora Travel

Mr. Manivannan also discussed air connectivity challenges at Jaffna International Airport in Palaly, claiming that restrictions prevent direct travel from the West to protect the prominence of Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. He suggested introducing direct flights from Katunayake to Palaly or connecting flight arrangements via Chennai.

Perspectives on the Indo-Lanka Accord

Commenting on the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord, Mr. Manivannan described it as functionally inactive for practical purposes, though he maintained that India's security interests remain tied to it. He suggested that India could pursue a fresh pact with Sri Lanka to address security concerns while working toward a political settlement.

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