Narendra Modi becomes the first Indian PM to visit Jaffna

Photo: PTI

Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister and second international political leader after British Prime Minister David Cameron to visit Tamil-dominated Jaffna. On Saturday, the Prime Minister visited the region and called for respect for all citizens in Sri Lanka, referring Tamils who suffered in the decade long civil-war in Sri Lanka.

The last day, on his two-day trip to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister spent time in Jaffna and said he was glad that it “is one to wipe tears from the eyes of those who suffered” while handing over 27,000 new homes to Tamils who lost their homes during the civil war between LTTE and Sri Lankan army.

Narendra Modi also took surveillance of India’s effort to help reconstruction in the Jaffna.

“Sri Lanka should also progress. Unity, peace and amity are essential ingredients for equitable development where there is respect for all citizens,” Modi said while laying the foundation for a Cultural Centre being built in Jaffna by India.

Earlier in his meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena, the Prime Minister had urged the Sri Lankan government to ensure early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment relating to devolution of powers to Tamils and to go beyond that in finding a political solution.

(With Input from PTI)