“Global South is not just diplomatic term…”: PM Modi at BRICS event

 In his address, the prime minister said that '' India considers the whole world as one family ''

Asian Age : Aug 25, 2023

Johannesburg:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the Global South is not just a diplomatic term but represents the shared history of these countries against colonialism and apartheid based on which modern relations are being reshaped.

Addressing the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue in the South African capital, PM Modi said BRICS countries- and all friendly nations present at the summit can contribute to the strengthening of a multipolar world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at Open Plenary
Session of BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg, South Africa,
Wednesday, Aug 23, 2023. (PTI)

“I am grateful to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for giving me the opportunity to share thoughts with the leaders of Africa, Asia and Latin America. In the last two days, we have focussed on the priorities and concerns of the countries of Global South,” PM Modi said.

“We believe that giving importance to them is the need of the current generation. We have also decided on the expansion of BRICS. We welcome all new partner countries. It is another step towards making the global institutions and forums competitive,” he added.

PM Modi recalled that it was on South African land that Mahatma Gandhi developed, tested the concepts of non-violence and peaceful resistance used in in India’s freedom struggle. He said that Gandhi’s thoughts provided inspiration to the South African leader Nelson Mandela.

In his address, the prime minister said that India considers the whole world as one family and has focussed on bringing the concerns of the Global South to the mainstream level.

“…This is also the core principle of our G20 presidency. To bring the concerns of the Global South into the mainstream, we have invited three African nations and several developing nations as guest countries. India has also put forward the proposal of giving permanent G20 membership to the African Union. I believe that BRICS and all friendly nations present today, can contribute to strengthening the multipolar world,” PM Modi said further.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi congratulated leaders and people of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE over their full membership of BRICS and said India has always supported the expansion of the organisation.

In a statement in the presence of other leaders from BRICS countries, PM Modi said India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation.

"India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation,” he said.

PM Modi said India has “historic ties” with all the new members of BRICS.

He said India will also contribute to other countries wanting to join as partner countries of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

Mahanayakas want Prez to discuss 13A with them

 Mahanayakas want Prez to discuss 13A with them

The Morning | BY Buddhika Samaraweera 25-08-2023

The Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect stated that it would be best if President Ranil Wickremesinghe would discuss the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution with religious leaders including the Chief Prelates (Mahanayakas) of the main Buddhist sects.

Wickremesinghe, who came to power following the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July last year (2022), pledged that he would fully implement the 13th Amendment, and work to resolve the issues faced by the people of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Speaking to The Daily Morning on the matter, Asgiri Maha Viharaya Supreme Sangha Council Secretary Ven. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thera said that they were of the view that the 13th Amendment should not be implemented as it may cause various adverse effects, including communal conflicts. "All former Presidents didn’t implement this, and they must have done so for a fair reason. So, we don’t approve of the implementation of the 13th Amendment. However, as the President has expressed his consent to implement it, he should discuss the matter with all religious leaders, including Chief Prelates."

Wickremesinghe has had several discussions with several parties including Parliamentarians, particularly those representing the Tamil community regarding the 13th Amendment. His preparation has, however, seen opposition from several parties including the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna itself, which recently stated that he (Wickremesinghe) did not have a moral right to implement the 13th Amendment, as he is enjoying power based on the mandate given by the people to Rajapaksa.

In February this year, the Chief Prelates of the main Buddhist Sects including Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, Makulewe Wimala Thera, and late Dodampahala Chandrasiri Thera had, in a letter addressed to the President, requested him not to implement the 13th Amendment, claiming that the granting of Police and land powers may lead to separatism.

On 29 July 1987, the Indo-Lanka Accord was signed between the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and then Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene which described the devolution of powers to the Provinces. On 14 November 1987, the Parliament passed the 13th Amendment and the Provincial Councils (PCs) Act, No. 42 of 1987 to establish PCs.

On 18 July 2023, Wickremesinghe assured a group of Tamil MPs that the 13th Amendment would be fully implemented - without Police powers - in the PCs.