'Indian federalism a model for Sri Lanka'

Favouring replication of the Indian model of federalism in Sri Lanka to solve the ethnic problem, members of Parliament from three Tamil parties of the island nation on Tuesday asked New Delhi to play a more active role in persuading the main political parties of that country to undertake devolution of powers.

Tamil United Liberation Front chief V Anandasangaree, D Sitharthan of People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam and T Sritharan of Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front said the Indian model of governance gives confidence to Tamils in Sri Lanka and, if implemented, a solution could be in sight.

The MPs are in Delhi to meet the Indian leadership to impress upon them to get involved in Sri Lankan affairs more actively so that peace is ushered in there.

Sri Lankan Tamils hope India once again involves itself and brings about peace in the island nation, Sitharthan said at a seminar in Delhi.

He said India's help should envisage getting Tamils a share in power and democratic space in the northeast of Sri Lanka.

Describing India as a "motherland", Anandasangaree said the Indian model of federalism could provide a solution to Sri Lanka's problems and the main parties of the island should work for it.

India, Anandasangaree said, has influence on both the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the United National Party and should persuade them to devolve power.

"Everyone I have spoken to in Sri Lanka supports an Indian model of governance," he said adding, the Indian Constitution is neither unitary nor federal and accepting such a model would silence pro-Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam politicians of Tamil Nadu.

Support for such an idea had come even from the president and opposition leader of his country.

The leaders represent parties which are opposed to LTTE and their visit follows that of five pro-LTTE MPs of Tamil National Alliance.

The three MPs are expected to meet Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed and officials of external affairs ministry. A meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also been sought.

Sitharthan described former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi as a "very sincere" person who wanted to see Sri Lankan Tamils live with honour, but regretted that "his vision has still not been fulfilled."