Suresh Premachandran Questions Tilvin Silva’s Claim on 13th Amendment Talks

24-Feb-2026

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Suresh Premachandran, spokesperson for the Democratic Tamil National Alliance, has cast doubt on claims by the National People’s Power (NPP) that discussions on the 13th Amendment and power-sharing did not take place during the government’s recent visit to India.

Commenting on a statement made by Tilwin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), that the 13th Amendment and devolution of powers were not discussed during the official visit, Premachandran said it is unclear how credible such a claim is.

He noted that India has consistently raised the issue of the 13th Amendment, either firmly or at least in passing, during meetings with Sri Lankan government representatives. 

Given this history, he questioned how it could be possible that the matter was not discussed at all during the latest visit.

Premachandran further stated that India itself should respond to Silva’s claim.

He emphasized that regardless of whether India applies pressure, the Sri Lankan government bears an independent responsibility to conduct Provincial Council elections without further delay.