As the next steps in finding solutions to the ethnic issues in the island, Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for an All Party Conference at the President’s Office on 26 July 2023. The President is likely to inform party leaders about the National Reconciliation Programme. During his visit to India last week, Mr. Wickremesinghe had told Prime Minister that he is committed to finding solution to the ethnic issue as well as implementing the 13th Amendment of the Constitution. Local Newspapers have reported that all major political parties have informed that they will attend the All-Party Conference. It is also reported that the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya is in two minds about their participation in the Conference.
 
The conference is expected to be an extension of the talks the President had with Members of Parliament representing the North and the East on 18th July, and will mainly discuss the devolution of power to the North and East, the 13th Amendment, and the land issue in the North and East. India has been pressing Sri Lanka to implement the 13th amendment, brought as a result of the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987. It provides for devolution of power to the North and Eastern provinces.
 
During Mr. Wickremesinghe’s visit to India last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that India hopes that Sri Lanka will fulfill the aspirations of the Tamils, and will fulfill its commitment to implement the Thirteenth Amendment, and conduct the Provincial Council Elections.