Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has kicked off his presidency with significant intent during his first official overseas trip to India, emphasizing the need for strengthened bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. Dissanayake's visit, which took place earlier this week, is marked by discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at enhancing economic ties and addressing growing concerns over China's influence on Sri Lanka.
During talks with Modi, Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India's invaluable role during Sri Lanka's economic collapse in 2022. His remarks underscored his administration's commitment to rebuilding economic relations founded on principles of sustainable development and mutual cooperation. The two nations issued a joint statement outlining broader plans for collaboration encompassing energy partnerships and regional security.
Of note, India has pledged to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Sri Lanka and engage in renewable energy projects, which are part of India's strategy to help Sri Lanka diversify its energy portfolio. A pivotal moment of the visit was the announcement of an energy pipeline project connecting both countries, alongside plans to transform Trincomalee port as a regional energy hub—an initiative also involving the United Arab Emirates.
Apart from energy, connectivity was addressed, with commitments to revive passenger ferry services and rehabilitate key infrastructure projects, such as Kankesanthurai port. Such infrastructural investments align with India's "Neighborhood First" policy and the SAGAR initiative, aimed at promoting security and growth across the region.
Nevertheless, the potential benefits of these new agreements faced scrutiny within Sri Lanka. Criticism arose, particularly from the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), which argues the arrangements could disproportionately favor India and threaten Sri Lanka's autonomy. The FSP expressed concerns over the establishment of Trincomalee as an Indian economic hub, predicting it could force the displacement of approximately 7,000 families.
Echoing broader anxieties surrounding foreign partnerships, the FSP cited fears about the allocation of substantial land to foreign enterprises and potential resource exploration rights being granted to Indian firms, particularly concerning regions like Mannar and Kuchchaveli. These moves, they argue, risk utilizing Sri Lanka's natural wealth at the locals' expense.
The revival of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) has also come under fire. The FSP warned this could inject numerous Indian professionals—the potential influx threatens to overwhelm local employment opportunities, especially in sectors like healthcare and various trades where local unemployment is prevalent.
Energy partnerships, another focal point of Dissanayake's trip, raised alarms about long-term dependencies on Indian energy infrastructure. Critics on the home front recall Bangladesh’s experience, where agreements with India eroded energy sovereignty and handed substantial control to Indian corporate entities like the Adani Group.
Despite valid apprehensions over sovereignty, Dissanayake's visit serves as recognition of India's pivotal support amid Sri Lanka's economic turmoil. The hefty $4 billion aid from India during 2022 played a significant role, providing needed relief for food, fuel, and medicines.
During this visit, Dissanayake aims to build on the support received by pursuing investment-led partnerships to fortify long-term connections and bolster movement toward recovery. Plans including trade settlements and capacity-building programs underline efforts to empower local governance and stimulate the economy.
Balancing these benefits against potential risks presents Dissanayake’s administration with meaningful challenges. Adopting caution and ensuring transparency and equitable resource distribution remain imperative to the success of these initiatives. This delicate situation raises the question of how to capitalize on India’s support without forfeiting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty or complicity with its citizens’ existing concerns.
While the engagement efforts during Dissanayake’s visit have set the groundwork for renewed bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India, the future will depend on the transparency of implemented agreements and their tangible benefits for the Sri Lankan populace.
