Why in news?

The recent visit of Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) to India— his first trip overseas since becoming leader of his country — saw some classic diplomatic deal-making, with give and take on both sides.

What’s in today’s article?

• Win Some, Lose Some: Key Takeaways from AKD's Visit to India
• Confident President: Sri Lanka’s Evolving Stance and Domestic Actions
• Focus on Mutual Benefits: India-Sri Lanka Cooperation

Win Some, Lose Some: Key Takeaways from AKD's Visit to India

• Assurance on Anti-India Activities
  • Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) assured PM Modi that Sri Lanka’s territory would not be used for activities harmful to India’s interests.
  • This commitment addresses India’s concerns regarding the frequent visits of Chinese “research vessels” to Sri Lankan ports.
  • The reiteration of this stance is significant, as AKD is perceived to be pro-China.
• Tamil Minority Issue: Divergent Views
  • AKD resisted India’s push for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, which aims to empower the Tamil minority.
  • He opposes the amendment and investigations into alleged war crimes from the LTTE-Sri Lankan military conflict.
  • PM Modi emphasized “reconciliation and reconstruction” and urged Sri Lanka to fulfil its constitutional commitments and hold provincial council elections.
• Focus on Unity and Development
  • While AKD avoided specific commitments on the Tamil issue, he emphasized unity, social protection, and sustainable development.
  • He highlighted the importance of diversity as a fundamental principle of democracy.

Confident President: Sri Lanka’s Evolving Stance and Domestic Actions

• Firm Position on Tamil Issue
  • The joint statement reflected Sri Lanka’s influence in shaping the narrative.
  • Earlier, India had emphasized Tamil aspirations and the need for the 13th Amendment's full implementation, along with provincial council elections.
  • However, AKD’s confidence, stemming from his strong parliamentary mandate, has enabled him to resist external pressure, including from India.
• Confident Engagement with Major Powers
  • AKD’s historic parliamentary majority has bolstered his confidence in dealing with influential nations like India and China.
  • This self-assurance marks a shift in Sri Lanka’s diplomatic posture, signaling a more assertive and independent approach.
• Anti-Corruption Commitment at Home
  • The President’s adherence to the principles of the “Clean Sri Lanka” campaign has been evident in domestic politics.
  • For instance, Speaker Asoka Ranwala, a close ally of AKD, was forced to step down amid allegations about his academic qualifications, demonstrating AKD’s zero-tolerance policy toward impropriety.

Focus on Mutual Benefits: India-Sri Lanka Cooperation

• Rebuilding Sri Lanka with Focus and Clarity
  • President AKD is pursuing an ambitious agenda to rebuild Sri Lanka after recent crises.
  • The India-Sri Lanka joint statement, titled “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,” underscores this shared focus on development and collaboration.
• Bilateral Cooperation
  • Digital collaboration includes implementing Aadhaar and UPI systems in Sri Lanka.
  • Both leaders acknowledged India’s significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s socioeconomic growth through development assistance. Key projects include:
    • Phase III & IV of the Indian Housing Project.
    • High Impact Community Development Projects.
• Advancing Connectivity and Energy Cooperation
  
  • LNG supply.
  • Development of Trincomalee as a regional energy and industrial hub.
  • Offshore wind power development in the Palk Strait.
  • High-capacity power grid interconnection.
  • Three islands’ Hybrid Renewable Energy Project.
• Enhancing Physical Connectivity
• Resumption of passenger ferry services between:
  • Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai.
  • Rameswaram and Talaimannar (under review).
• Discussions on rehabilitating Sri Lanka’s Kankesanthurai port are underway.
• Defence and Security Cooperation
  • Agreements to explore:
    • A framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation.
    • Provision of defence platforms and joint exercises.
    • Maritime surveillance, cyber security, and counter-terrorism under the Colombo Security Conclave mechanism.
• Strategic Continuity Amid New Leadership
  • Despite new leadership in Sri Lanka, priorities and interests remain aligned.
  • India views Sri Lanka’s stability as critical to its strategic interests, while AKD seeks to make the next five years impactful through a mutually beneficial partnership.