A Roadmap to Citizenship: Justice for Sri Lankan Refugees in India

Sri Lankan refugees in India deserve a clear and fair system that lets them choose their future, senior Sri Lankan parliamentarian Mano Ganesan says,

They should have access to an official, transparent process that allows them either to apply for Indian citizenship through well‑defined rules, or to keep their Sri Lankan citizenship and continue living in refugee camps if that is what they prefer. Their status should be reviewed regularly, and any return to Sri Lanka must always be safe and voluntary, the leader of TPA said.

Mano Ganesan said: “Many refugees have lived in India for decades. A whole generation has grown up here — children born or raised in India, educated in Indian schools, built their lives here, and become part of local communities. If they want Indian citizenship, they should have a straightforward way to obtain it.

“This is not just a legal issue. It is a matter of fairness, dignity, and basic humanity.

“At the same time, those who wish to remain Sri Lankan citizens must be free to make that choice without pressure.

“Another group of Sri Lankans arrived in India in the 1970s and 1980s and now live in cities such as Chennai, Trichy, Coimbatore, and Madurai.

“They are well-integrated and actively contribute to India’s economy and society. Yet some still lack proper documentation and face constant monitoring, bureaucratic hurdles, and even corruption because there is no clear policy for their situation.

“Many cannot obtain Indian passports, and they are hesitant to use Sri Lankan passports. As a result, they are unable to travel abroad and remain in uncertainty.

“It is time for the authorities to create a simple, humane, and permanent process to resolve these long‑standing issues. People who have lived here for decades should not have to wait any longer for clarity and justice.”