Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has signaled Sri Lanka’s readiness to partner with India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, calling for strengthened cooperation across trade, maritime security, and sustainable development. During a civic reception, she articulated Sri Lanka’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indian Ocean, promoting peace and prosperity for all nations. The Prime Minister acknowledged the inherent challenges in bilateral relations, particularly the contentious issue of Indian fishermen operating in Sri Lankan waters.
She specifically addressed the concerns of Sri Lankan fishermen in the North, whose livelihoods are threatened by practices like bottom trawling. Amarasuriya assured that both governments are actively engaged in dialogue, aiming for sensitive and sustainable solutions that respect the needs of both populations. She posited that the maturity of the India-Sri Lanka relationship is evident in its ability to navigate differences constructively, fostering an environment of friendship and mutual understanding.
Sri Lanka aspires to develop into a key maritime hub for the Indian Ocean region, offering its strategically located ports as a cost-effective gateway for India’s global trade. The Prime Minister proposed that Sri Lanka could effectively complement India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ goals by acting as a production hub for industries such as textiles, electronics, and food processing. She also emphasized the critical need for ongoing collaboration on maritime security, encompassing measures against drug trafficking and piracy, as well as joint initiatives in renewable energy, to address common regional threats.
Reinforcing the economic dimension of their partnership, Amarasuriya pointed to the existing Free Trade Agreement and the potential for deepening economic cooperation. Discussions are anticipated regarding an economic and technological cooperation agreement, with the aim of integrating Sri Lanka into India’s manufacturing and service sector value chains for mutual economic benefit.