The 13th Amendment was introduced in 1987 as part of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord between India and Sri Lanka. Its primary goal was to devolve power to provincial councils, granting greater autonomy to Tamil-majority areas and addressing longstanding ethnic tensions.
The amendment encountered significant opposition from Sinhalese nationalists, who perceived it as a threat to national unity. Conversely, Tamil groups deemed it inadequate, leading to dissatisfaction on both sides due to its partial implementation.
While the establishment of provincial councils marked a beginning, the full devolution of powers—particularly concerning land and police—has not been realized. This limitation has hindered the amendment's effectiveness in addressing Tamil grievances.
The Tamil community views the amendment as a positive step, but frustration persists regarding its incomplete implementation. Their ongoing demands focus on greater autonomy and accountability for past injustices.
India has played a proactive role, consistently urging Sri Lanka to fully implement the 13th Amendment. This is seen as vital for addressing Tamil aspirations and ensuring regional stability.
Successive Sri Lankan governments have adopted varied stances, ranging from outright resistance to commitments of implementation. Political opposition and the fear of alienating the Sinhalese majority have stalled progress.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has attempted to reframe Tamil grievances within a national framework, promoting inclusivity. However, clear commitments to fully implementing the amendment remain elusive.
The prospect of fully implementing the 13th Amendment continues to be contentious. Although it could potentially address some grievances, broader reforms—including accountability for past conflicts and economic development—are crucial for achieving lasting resolution.
Q1. What is the purpose of the 13th Amendment?
Answer: The 13th Amendment aims to provide greater autonomy to Tamil-majority areas in Sri Lanka by devolving power to provincial councils, addressing ethnic tensions.
Q2. Why did the 13th Amendment face opposition?
Answer: It faced opposition from Sinhalese nationalists fearing loss of national unity and from Tamil groups who found it insufficient for their demands.
Q3. What challenges exist in implementing the 13th Amendment?
Answer: Key challenges include the lack of complete devolution of powers, especially regarding land and police, and political resistance from various factions.
Q4. How has India influenced the 13th Amendment's fate?
Answer: India has advocated for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment, viewing it as essential for addressing Tamil aspirations and maintaining regional stability.
Q5. What are the current prospects for Tamil grievances?
Answer: While the amendment could address some grievances, achieving lasting solutions requires broader reforms in accountability and economic development.
Question 1: When was the 13th Amendment introduced?
A) 1980
B) 1987
C) 1990
D) 1995
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What was a primary goal of the 13th Amendment?
A) Increase military presence
B) Grant autonomy to provincial councils
C) Centralize power in Colombo
D) Reduce ethnic tensions
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Who opposed the 13th Amendment the most?
A) Tamil nationalists
B) Sinhalese nationalists
C) Indian government
D) International organizations
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What key issue remains unresolved regarding the 13th Amendment?
A) Implementation of education reforms
B) Full devolution of powers
C) Economic integration
D) Environmental policies
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: How has the Tamil community responded to the amendment?
A) Complete satisfaction
B) Indifference
C) Frustration over incomplete implementation
D) Total opposition
Correct Answer: C
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