Though cultural and religious ties between India and Sri Lanka are very old, it was only until recently that both started developing good relations. An exclusive conversation with Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, senior Embassy official in India testified that Sri Lanka is more worried about India’s vulnerable relations with China and Pakistan than others. Some excerpts:
“5 things Sri Lanka appreciates about India...”
HARMONY IN RELATIONS: 30-40 years back, relations were limited to political contacts, religio-cultural tourism. Relations were also hindered by the ramifications of the ethnic conflict. But now there is harmony in the relationship with the political leadership of both countries staying in close contact. The relationship has also become multifaceted with increased trade, aviation links, tourism and people to people contact.
TRADE RELATIONS: It is very progressive. India and Sri Lanka were the first to initiate a Free Trade Agreement in the region. Trade volumes also went up from just $600 million to $3 billion. Many Indian MNCs have set up businesses in Sri Lanka in oil and lubricants, telecom, healthcare etc. Aviation has seen a sea change.
POLITICAL LEADERSHIP: The relationship has also reached a level where top level political leadership does not need to go through cumbersome bureaucratic procedures. India’s political leadership directly contacts top level Sri Lankan political leadership bypassing bureaucratic channels today.
JOINT INITIATIVES AGAINST TERRORISM: Both the countries initiated many joint anti-terror initiatives. India provides training to around 1,500 members of the Sri Lankan armed forces annually, the largest foreign contingent. India has also provided a few naval vessels to the Sri Lankan navy.
“And the 5 things we dislike...”
SECURITY ISSUES: Though infiltration is not a big problem today as the LTTE is destroyed, it is possible that remnants of the LTTE may try to regroup using Tamil Nadu, with support of pro-LTTE elements there. Sri Lanka wants India to maintain a continuous vigil of its maritime borders.
INVOLVEMENT OF CHINA: The issue of China’s involvement in Sri Lanka is a sensitive issue in India. Media or academic think-tanks are slightly to blame as they often over-hype issues. For example, many analyse China’s investment in developing Hambantota Port as a step to use Sri Lanka against India. However, Sri Lanka’s position is that it will never allow a third party to use its territory against India. Its engagement with China is purely commercial in nature.
SETHUSAMUDRAM ISSUE: India wanted to dredge a Channel in the Palk Straits and Adams Bridge area as it would give vessels a shorter route. Sri Lanka’s stand is that since it is an environmentally sensitive area, both should work to jointly manage the environmental repercussions.
NON-TARIFF TRADE BARRIERS (NTBS): Many Sri Lankan exporters and Indian importers have expressed concerns over the non-tariff import burdens from India. The concern is that NTBs have contributed to widening the trade gap in favour of India.
DIRTY POLITICS: Tamil Nadu politicians use Sri Lanka in vote garnering exercises. Political support to LTTE and Jayalalithaa’s call to retrieve Katchativu are prominent examples. These measures tend to vitiate an otherwise friendly relationship between the people of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu.
“5 things Sri Lanka appreciates about India...”
HARMONY IN RELATIONS: 30-40 years back, relations were limited to political contacts, religio-cultural tourism. Relations were also hindered by the ramifications of the ethnic conflict. But now there is harmony in the relationship with the political leadership of both countries staying in close contact. The relationship has also become multifaceted with increased trade, aviation links, tourism and people to people contact.
TRADE RELATIONS: It is very progressive. India and Sri Lanka were the first to initiate a Free Trade Agreement in the region. Trade volumes also went up from just $600 million to $3 billion. Many Indian MNCs have set up businesses in Sri Lanka in oil and lubricants, telecom, healthcare etc. Aviation has seen a sea change.
POLITICAL LEADERSHIP: The relationship has also reached a level where top level political leadership does not need to go through cumbersome bureaucratic procedures. India’s political leadership directly contacts top level Sri Lankan political leadership bypassing bureaucratic channels today.
JOINT INITIATIVES AGAINST TERRORISM: Both the countries initiated many joint anti-terror initiatives. India provides training to around 1,500 members of the Sri Lankan armed forces annually, the largest foreign contingent. India has also provided a few naval vessels to the Sri Lankan navy.
“And the 5 things we dislike...”
SECURITY ISSUES: Though infiltration is not a big problem today as the LTTE is destroyed, it is possible that remnants of the LTTE may try to regroup using Tamil Nadu, with support of pro-LTTE elements there. Sri Lanka wants India to maintain a continuous vigil of its maritime borders.
INVOLVEMENT OF CHINA: The issue of China’s involvement in Sri Lanka is a sensitive issue in India. Media or academic think-tanks are slightly to blame as they often over-hype issues. For example, many analyse China’s investment in developing Hambantota Port as a step to use Sri Lanka against India. However, Sri Lanka’s position is that it will never allow a third party to use its territory against India. Its engagement with China is purely commercial in nature.
SETHUSAMUDRAM ISSUE: India wanted to dredge a Channel in the Palk Straits and Adams Bridge area as it would give vessels a shorter route. Sri Lanka’s stand is that since it is an environmentally sensitive area, both should work to jointly manage the environmental repercussions.
NON-TARIFF TRADE BARRIERS (NTBS): Many Sri Lankan exporters and Indian importers have expressed concerns over the non-tariff import burdens from India. The concern is that NTBs have contributed to widening the trade gap in favour of India.
DIRTY POLITICS: Tamil Nadu politicians use Sri Lanka in vote garnering exercises. Political support to LTTE and Jayalalithaa’s call to retrieve Katchativu are prominent examples. These measures tend to vitiate an otherwise friendly relationship between the people of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu.
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