President Anura Kumara Dissanayake undertook his first official State visit abroad after being elected President in September and travelled to India from December 15 to17 at the invitation of Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
The world witnessed the grand welcome extended to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake by Indian state officials, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Dissanayake was accorded a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial guard of honour by the Indian armed forces.
The public witnessed the camaraderie between the two leaders, both of whom come from humble backgrounds, highlighting their shared vibrancy and common values. As expected, the Opposition quickly seized the opportunity to raise suspicions, flocking to media platforms to cast doubts over the visit. They alleged secrecy and hinted at undisclosed deals, accusing the National People’s Power Government of striking covert agreements with India.
The Sunday Observer spoke to Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath at his ministry office last Thursday to discuss the outcome of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India. Minister Herath accompanied President Dissanayake during the visit.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Q: How significant was President Dissanayake’s visit to India for Sri Lanka?
A: The visit marked several milestones in strengthening economic and political ties between the two nations. Two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. The first involves providing two-week training courses for 1,500 Sri Lankan civil administrators at the Indian National Centre for Good Governance over the next five years. The second aims to avoid double taxation, which will benefit Sri Lanka by facilitating smoother financial activities.
Discussions were also held to enhance cooperation in the power and energy sector. These talks addressed the technical and administrative aspects of various projects to ensure their viability and sustainable implementation.
Q: Are these projects State-led or involve private sector collaboration?
A: Both approaches are being considered. For instance, one key proposal is a wind power generation project in Sri Lanka to harness kinetic wind energy for electricity. The power generated would be exported to India and other BIMSTEC nations. This project has been agreed to in principle, with further discussions to finalise the details.
We also agreed to expedite the solar energy project in Sampur, a joint venture between an Indian company and the Ceylon Electricity Board, which had been initiated by the previous Government. Regarding the Colombo Port’s Eastern Jetty, we reaffirmed a previous agreement with India’s Adani Group, with India pledging full support to move the project forward.
Q: There are claims that the Government agreed to implement the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). Is this true?
A: No, that is false. While discussions about ETCA have been ongoing for some time, we only agreed to continue the dialogue. No final agreement was reached regarding that.
Q: What about allegations of constructing a bridge from Rameswaram to Thalaimannar?
A: That proposal was initiated by the previous Government. During this visit, no agreement was signed to build such a bridge.
Q: Has the Government agreed to hand over oil tanks in Trincomalee to India?
A: The Indian Oil Company (IOC) already operates 15 tanks in Trincomalee under a previous agreement. Sri Lanka retains 24 tanks, while the remaining 61 tanks are to be jointly operated by both countries. These are existing agreements and no new deals were signed during the visit.
Q: The Opposition says that laying an oil pipeline connecting India and Sri Lanka poses a threat to national security. What is your response?
A: The Governments of India, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates are currently discussing a proposal to build a multi-product pipeline from India to Sri Lanka to ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply. No final agreement was reached during the President’s visit; the project remains at the proposal stage.
We also made it explicitly clear to the Indian Government that Sri Lanka’s oceanic territory and land would never be allowed to pose a threat to India or the security of the region.
Q: Were there any agreements on developing the tourism industry?
A: Yes, we agreed to expand pilgrimage tourism. Many Sri Lankans travel to India to visit Buddhist shrines, while Indian Hindus visit sites in Sri Lanka. Both sides saw the potential for further development in this area.
Q: Were any defence-related agreements signed?
A: No military agreements were signed. However, we requested equal social security benefits for Sri Lankans working in India, similar to what Indian workers in Sri Lanka receive. We asked India to waive visa fees for Sri Lankans as we do not charge Indians for visas.
Q: Were there discussions on the illegal fishing issue in Sri Lankan waters?
A: Yes, discussions are ongoing between the Fisheries Ministries and Societies of both countries. Bottom trawling which is banned in both nations, remains a concern. Despite financial incentives from the Indian Government for their fishers not to cross into Sri Lankan waters, violations persist. All parties agreed to find a permanent solution to this issue.
Q: It had been reported that an MP from Jaffna, Gajendra Kumar Ponnambalam had urged the Indian Government to pressure Sri Lanka into establishing a federal system. Did this have any impact on discussions?
A: Not at all. We made it clear to the Indian Government that the Tamil people in the North, East and Central highlands had expressed their confidence in us through their votes. We have ensured the security and well-being of all ethnic groups—Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim. We assured them that, with the approval of all citizens we would address these concerns comprehensively through a new Constitution. The Indian Government was satisfied with our position.
Q: Were there any agreements to sell local dairy industries such as MILCO and NLDB, to India’s Amul?
A: Absolutely not. No agreements were made to sell local dairy industries. However, we did express interest in learning from Amul’s cooperative model to strengthen Sri Lanka’s dairy sector. This is about adopting a proven structure for development, not selling our assets.
Frankly, some people, bankrupt in political credibility fabricate baseless criticisms when they find nothing substantial to attack this Government. But let me assure you, such empty rhetoric will not shake this administration.
We maintain strong and principled relations with India and we will never compromise the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country. Nor will we allow anyone else to do so.
In fact, we are focused on strengthening foreign relations with all nations—China, the United States, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, South Korea, Japan, and others. Instead of aligning ourselves with a select group of countries, we aim to maintain equal and balanced friendships across the globe. This approach reflects a modernist perspective, going beyond the traditional non-aligned policy.
Q: Did Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressure the Sri Lankan delegation to hold the Provincial Council elections without delay, as reported by some Tamil and Sinhala media?
A: Absolutely not. During the joint statement made by our President and Prime Minister Modi, the Prime Minister in his speech said that he had learned about the Government’s plans to hold Provincial Council elections. He said that it was a positive development. Claims that Prime Minister Modi pressured us to hold any election are complete falsehoods.
Q: There are claims that Sri Lanka had failed to join BRICS because it was rejected. Is this true?
A: Absolutely not. We formally requested membership in BRICS, and friendly countries, including India, assured us of their support.
However, BRICS has not yet decided to expand its membership beyond the current main member nations. The notion that Sri Lanka was rejected is baseless and misrepresented by certain sections of the media.
What actually happened is that BRICS decided not to recruit new members at this stage.
Q: Is Sri Lanka exploring any other connections with BRICS-related institutions?
A: Yes, we are in discussions with the New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. We have received positive responses regarding potential collaboration. However, further negotiations with the Central Bank are needed to finalise an agreement.
This relationship has the potential to bring significant financial benefits to Sri Lanka in the future.
Pic by Shan Rambukwella
