India-Sri Lanka Diplomatic Engagement: Key Takeaways from President AKD's Visit

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• 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

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.

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 Development Cooperation
  • 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.
    • Three islands’ Hybrid Renewable Energy Project.
    • High Impact Community Development Projects.
• Advancing Connectivity and Energy Cooperation
  • Digital collaboration includes implementing Aadhaar and UPI systems in Sri Lanka.
  • Energy initiatives under discussion:
    • 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.
• 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.

Q.1. What were the key assurances from Sri Lanka during AKD's visit?

President AKD assured India that Sri Lanka’s territory would not be used for anti-India activities, addressing concerns over Chinese activities in Sri Lankan ports.

Q.2. What major bilateral projects were discussed during the visit?

Key projects included Indian Housing Project phases, renewable energy projects, passenger ferry services, and digital collaborations like Aadhaar and UPI implementation in Sri Lanka.

News: As Dissanayake visits, takeaways from the India-SL engagement