Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has articulated a strong willingness for Sri Lanka to collaborate with India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative, proposing enhanced partnerships in trade, maritime security, and the development of sustainable livelihoods. Speaking at an event, she underscored Sri Lanka’s belief in a peaceful, open, and inclusive Indian Ocean, where all nations can pursue their interests. Amarasuriya acknowledged the existence of bilateral challenges, particularly concerning the sensitive issue of fishermen from both countries.
The Prime Minister specifically highlighted the impact of Indian fishermen’s activities, including bottom trawling, on the fishing communities in Northern Sri Lanka, who are striving to rebuild their livelihoods. She expressed confidence in the mutual commitment to address these issues through dialogue, characterized by empathy and respect for the economic realities of both peoples. Amarasuriya stated that the maturity of the India-Sri Lanka relationship lies in its capacity to manage disagreements constructively and find mutually agreeable solutions.
Sri Lanka is keen to position itself as a vital maritime hub in the Indian Ocean, utilizing its deep-water ports situated on major shipping lanes to facilitate India’s global trade. Amarasuriya suggested that Sri Lanka could serve as a complementary partner in achieving India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ aspirations, potentially offering itself as a production base for industries like textiles, electronics, and food processing. She also emphasized the necessity of continued collaboration on maritime security, including combating illegal activities like drug trafficking and piracy, and jointly developing renewable energy resources for regional benefit.
On the economic front, Amarasuriya noted the significance of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and expressed enthusiasm for further economic integration. Discussions are expected to resume on an economic and technological cooperation agreement, aiming to connect Sri Lanka with India’s expanding manufacturing and service value chains for shared economic prosperity.