BS EDIT: Anura Dissanayake’s India Visit: A New Chapter in Ties

By Business StandardPublished On Dec 18, 2024

Strengthening Ind-SL ties

Sri Lanka’s Prez Anura Dissanayake chose India for his first overseas visit. This signals a strategic shift towards fostering stronger bilateral relations

Balancing China’s influence

China is Sri Lanka’s largest lender, but Dissanayake assured India that its territory won’t be used in ways detrimental to Indian interests

Hambantota port and concerns

China's 99-year Hambantota port lease and 2022 activities raised India’s concerns; Dissanayake’s statements aim to ease security tensions

India’s economic assistance

India aided Sri Lanka with $4 billion and IMF support; talks continue on infrastructure projects like energy and railways

Lingering challenges remain

Issues like Tamil provincial rights under 13th amendment and Adani wind-power project cancellation are pending. These will test bilateral cooperation further

A balancing act for SL

Dissanayake’s pragmatic diplomacy will determine Lanka’s success in managing ties with China, honoring IMF obligations, and fulfilling his welfarist promises