Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has signaled her country’s readiness to partner with India, particularly in realizing the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision. During an event, she called for strengthened cooperation across trade, maritime security, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. Amarasuriya spoke of Sri Lanka’s commitment to an open and inclusive Indian Ocean, ensuring peace and prosperity for all regional players. She acknowledged the inherent challenges in bilateral relationships, specifically mentioning the sensitive issue of Indian fishermen encroaching on Sri Lankan waters and employing destructive methods. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for nuanced solutions that protect the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen, particularly in the North, and expressed optimism about finding reasonable outcomes through ongoing dialogue. She characterized the India-Sri Lanka relationship as mature, capable of managing disagreements constructively and resolving issues amicably through friendship and mutual understanding. Sri Lanka aims to develop into a key maritime hub in the Indian Ocean, offering a cost-effective logistical advantage for India’s global trade via its strategically located ports. Amarasuriya proposed that Sri Lanka could complement India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ goals by serving as a gateway and partner in trade. She stressed the importance of joint collaboration on maritime security, addressing threats like drug trafficking and piracy, and advancing renewable energy development for mutual benefit, noting that collective action is imperative for regional stability. The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s crucial support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, referencing the historical Free Trade Agreement and the potential for deepening economic ties through new agreements. She suggested that Sri Lanka could function as an extended manufacturing base, supporting India’s global manufacturing ambitions under ‘Viksit Bharat,’ particularly in sectors such as textiles, electronics, and food processing.
