President Anura Kumara Dissanayake walked the diplomatic tightrope in December when he made his first international visit as the island nation's new president to New Delhi.
Dissanayake's party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) of old, is known for both anti-India sentiments and strong opposition to the India-brokered 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution that sought to devolve power to the provinces, which the JVP felt was a provision aiding separatism in the Tamil majority areas.
This discomfort apart, the discussions went smoothly, and the political pragmatism of choosing Delhi over Beijing is a message that the JVP/NPP has a softened and practical approach towards India.
India meanwhile is increasingly concerned about China's overtures to neighbouring countries and, as far as Sri Lanka goes, Beijing's economic and military influence. China's "research vessels" are disconcerting to India and there have been a few docking close to Colombo. In December, President Dissanayake assured Indian leaders that he would prevent anyone from using Sri Lankan territory for activities inimical to India's interests.
Relations with China became strained when the island's economy hit rock bottom and loans could not be serviced. It had taken time and effort to reach an agreement with Sri Lanka's largest bilateral lender before chalking a contract with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Sri Lanka owes Beijing a hefty $4.2 billion in debt, restructured in October 2023, marking a key milestone in the nation's path to economic recovery.
The new president must navigate complex geopolitics between Asia's two powers. He is also watched by many. It is not just India and China that keep their gaze fixed on the president but also the US with its strategic interests and historical relationship with Colombo.
Esta historia es de la edición January 06, 2025 de The New Indian Express Bengaluru.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 06, 2025 de The New Indian Express Bengaluru.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
GEETU MOHANDAS: CO-WRITING TOXIC WITH YASH HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE AND A THRILL
Rocking Star Yash, the hero behind the iconic KGF franchise, celebrated his birthday on January 8, and the special day was marked with the release of a 'Birthday Peek' from his highly anticipated upcoming film, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups.
Rachana Inder joins the cast of Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige
Rachana Inder, who gained fame with her role in Shashank's Love 360, has been chosen as the female lead for the upcoming film Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige, written and directed by Ramenahalli Jagannath.
A nuanced examination into human attachment and the weight of possessions
Nimma Vasthugalige Neeve Javaabdaararu is a quirky yet introspective exploration of human attachment to possessions, woven into three distinct narratives that, while independent, share a common thread of emotional insecurity and material obsession.
Sathish Ninasam's The Rise of Ashoka to be a trilingual film
SHOKA Blade—once a dream project close to Sathish Ninasam's heart—was left in limbo after the tragic passing of its director, Vinod Dondale.
FOG ALERT
Forgetfulness is something we’ve all experienced, whether it’s misplacing keys or blanking out during a conversation. But for many, it’s no longer an occasional hiccup—it’s a daily struggle.
My Award Is A Recognition For Swimming Itself
In a candid chat with CE, ace swimmer Sajan Prakash, who has been chosen for the prestigious Arjuna Award, shares his hope of swimming getting its due in India
BFI Adopts New Weight Classes
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is conducting the men's national championships here in 10 weight categories, in line with the classification introduced by the breakaway World Boxing.
SA20: Skipper Markram aims a threepeat with Sunrisers Eastern Cape
FRESH from playing a key role in helping South Africa qualify for the third edition of the World Test Championship, Aiden Markram has set his sights on a threepeat with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20.
AFI's big push: De-centralisation of camps
New-look athletics body's one-of-a-kind policy set to encourage inclusivity & have wider pool of players to pick from
Janssen-sational: TN Dragons pip Team Gonasika
JIP JANSSEN slammed a hat-trick to steer Tamil Nadu Dragons to a tight 6-5 win over Team Gonasika in a high-scoring Hockey India League (HIL) clash here on Wednesday.
