Expressing concern over the recent developments in Sri Lanka [Images] and the plight of the Tamils there, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] said he will convey India's concern to Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse in an 'appropriate fashion' during the latter's visit to the country.

In a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Dr Singh said Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon would also be visiting Colombo to convey India's concern to the Sri Lankan government.

As also the need to provide Tamils there the same rights and privileges as enjoyed by other citizens in the country.

He said India, taking note of situation in northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka was dispatching 5,200 tonnes of rice, 1,500 tonnes of sugar and 300 tonnes of milk powder.

On the current situation in Sri Lanka, Dr Singh said, "We are making known our deep concern and anguish at the recent spurt of violence in Sri Lanka, which has resulted in civilian casualities among the Tamil population. There can be no justification for the killing of innocent women and children."

Dr Singh said the centre would reiterate to the Lankan government that there is no military solution to the problem in that country and that the only way out was a negotiated political settlement to accomodate the genuine rights of Tamils through a process of devolution of powers.

"India's interest in a solution to the ethnic problem there that would protect the interests of that country's Tamil citizens within the framework of a united and federal Sri Lanka, is deep and continuous," the prime minister said.

"However, the priority at this time has to be to ensure full respect for humanitarian standards, so that civilian casulties are prevented," Dr Singh said.

He said the leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party in Parliament, T R Baalu had met him and handed over a letter enclosing a copy of the statement dated November 10 on the killing of hundreds of Tamils in Sri Lanka by the Sri Lanka armed forces.

Karunanidhi, in a recent statement, had expressed concern over the recent killings and stated that the time was ripe for the Centre to 'rethink and find an answer' to the ethnic strife in Sri Lanka.

"How long is India going to keep patient," he had asked.