Tigers point to Indo-Lanka accord for federal state

The historic power-sharing plan announced by Tamil Tiger guerrillas on Saturday relies heavily on a amendment based on the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord which the rebels repudiated at the time.

The interim self-governing authority proposed by the LTTE has as its centrepiece the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution setting up provincial councils. The foundation for a federal structure in Sri Lanka was laid with the 13th Amendment that was introduced as a result of the Indo-Sri Lanka pact which failed to end Tamil separatism.

Diplomatic sources here saw the LTTE proposals, the first ever blueprint by the Tigers, as a practical document that was ‘‘do-able’’. Government’s chief peace negotiator G. L. Peiris admitted there were ‘‘disparities’’ between the LTTE proposal and an offer made by the government in July, but hoped both sides could resolve differences through talks. Peiris turned to India to note that India wanted interim solutions to be an integral part of a final deal. India supports devolution of power in Sri Lanka.