(Commonwealth_India) Anura Dissanayake, the president of Sri Lanka, is preparing to make his first international trip since taking office, which will take place in India from December 15 to 17. This visit, occurring shortly after his landmark election victory, is considered a pivotal step in fortifying bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations.
The Sri Lankan government has confirmed that Dissanayake’s visit will include high-level meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, alongside key officials such as Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka after Dissanayake’s election in September, extended the invitation for the visit.
India has played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, providing substantial financial support over the years. This contrasts with the growing influence of China on the island through investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China, as Sri Lanka’s largest bilateral lender, has financed major infrastructure projects, such as the Hambantota Port, which has raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and economic independence.
In contrast, India has sought to safeguard its regional influence, countering China’s strategic presence in Sri Lanka. In recent years, New Delhi has accelerated infrastructure development projects, providing alternatives to Chinese investments. Deeply rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties unite the two nations, with Dissanayake’s visit anticipated to enhance cooperation in areas like trade, security, and regional stability.
A significant topic on the agenda will likely be Sri Lanka’s ongoing debt crisis and its economic recovery efforts. Dissanayake plans a subsequent visit to Beijing in January for further dialogue, as China holds over half of Sri Lanka’s bilateral debt. Managing the delicate balance between India and China has become increasingly complex for Sri Lanka, which must navigate its external relations carefully while seeking financial support and long-term stability.
Experts highlight the strategic importance of Sri Lanka’s location in the Indian Ocean, which has drawn the attention of global powers, particularly China. India’s diplomatic initiatives in the region, including efforts to limit Chinese naval access, underscore the broader international implications of Sri Lanka’s internal political landscape.
As President Dissanayake begins his tenure, this visit to India is poised to have significant ramifications for Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and economic trajectory. It presents an important opportunity for both nations to deepen their partnership, collaboratively addressing Sri Lanka’s challenges while navigating the region’s intricate geopolitical dynamics.
