Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya recently articulated a vision for closer collaboration with India, focusing on trade expansion, bolstered maritime security, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. Speaking at an India Foundation event, she reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication to an open and inclusive Indian Ocean, fostering peace and shared prosperity among all nations. The Prime Minister acknowledged the complexities within the bilateral relationship, specifically addressing the long-standing concerns of Sri Lankan fishermen regarding Indian fishing activities in their waters.
Amarasuriya emphasized that sensitive issues, such as bottom trawling by Indian fishing vessels, have a significant impact on the local communities in Northern Sri Lanka who are rebuilding their lives. She conveyed confidence in the commitment of both governments to resolve these matters through dialogue, characterized by empathy and respect for the livelihoods of their citizens. The maturity of the India-Sri Lanka relationship, she noted, is demonstrated by its capacity to manage differences constructively and find amicable solutions.
Sri Lanka aims to be a strategic maritime hub within the Indian Ocean, leveraging its deep-water ports located on key shipping lanes to serve as an efficient conduit for India’s international trade. The Prime Minister suggested that Sri Lanka could play a complementary role in India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ objectives, potentially serving as an offshore production base for various industries. She also stressed the imperative of continued collaboration on maritime security, including efforts to counter drug trafficking and piracy, alongside joint ventures in renewable energy for their mutual benefit. Collective action, she stated, is essential to address shared regional challenges.
Discussions also revolved around enhancing economic ties. Amarasuriya highlighted the importance of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and expressed optimism about recommencing negotiations for a broader economic and technological cooperation pact. Exploring avenues for Sri Lanka’s integration into India’s expanding manufacturing and service value chains was identified as a key opportunity for shared growth.