Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has expressed a strong desire for enhanced cooperation with India, particularly in trade, maritime security, and sustainable development. During a recent event hosted by the India Foundation, she emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indian Ocean, where all nations can thrive. Amarasuriya highlighted the shared concerns regarding Indian Ocean security, acknowledging that while no bilateral relationship is without its challenges, the partnership between India and Sri Lanka is mature enough to manage them constructively.
A key area of discussion involved the sensitive issue of Indian fishermen operating in Sri Lankan waters, a practice like bottom trawling that deeply affects the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen. The Prime Minister assured that both governments are dedicated to finding equitable solutions through empathetic dialogue and mutual respect. She stressed that the strength of their relationship lies not in the absence of differences, but in the ability to address them constructively.
Sri Lanka envisions itself as a vital maritime hub for the Indian Ocean, offering a cost-effective gateway for India’s global trade. Amarasuriya proposed that Sri Lanka could serve as a complementary partner in India’s ambitious ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative, potentially acting as a production base for sectors like textiles, electronics, and food processing. Collaborative efforts in maritime security, combating drug trafficking and piracy, and exploring renewable energy development were also underscored as crucial for mutual benefit and regional stability. The Prime Minister reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to international law and a peaceful, prosperous Indian Ocean region.
Furthermore, Amarasuriya recognized India’s pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. She spoke of deepening the economic partnership beyond the existing Free Trade Agreement, with hopes to soon recommence negotiations on an economic and technological cooperation agreement. Integrating Sri Lanka into India’s manufacturing and service sector value chains was identified as a mutually beneficial prospect.