Indian Envoy Urges Sri Lanka to Hold Provincial Council Elections

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, has reiterated India's request for the Sri Lankan government to conduct long-delayed provincial council elections. Speaking to the media, Jha emphasized that while India does not intend to interfere directly in domestic political affairs, it expects the proper implementation of power-sharing mechanisms.

Jha noted that the provincial council system is a constitutional component of Sri Lanka. He stated that as a friendly neighbor, India continues to remind the government of this necessity. However, he clarified that the decision regarding when and how to hold these elections rests solely with the Sri Lankan government and its people.

The envoy also addressed discussions with Tamil leaders and opposition representatives from the Northern and Eastern provinces. He mentioned that these leaders often request India to urge the government toward timely elections, a sentiment India conveys during official dialogues. Jha concluded by stating that a permanent political solution for the Northern and Eastern provinces must be determined by the Sri Lankan people, noting that India can only offer advice as a friendly nation while respecting Sri Lankan sovereignty.