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.
Denne historien er fra January 06, 2025-utgaven av The New Indian Express Kalaburagi.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 06, 2025-utgaven av The New Indian Express Kalaburagi.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
How To Be A Travel Junkie!
This two-day travel festival in Mumbai this week brings together destinations, cultural experiences, food and more to inspire Indian globetrotters.
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.
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.
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.
Malaysia Open: Prannoy, Sat-Chi Enter Round of 16
HS Prannoy's match, his first since the Paris Olympics, was halted by rain on Tuesday.
Selective application undermines credibility of sports governance
PT Usha and sports ministry are at loggerheads over the Indian Golf Union recognition.
Newcastle FC put one foot in League Cup final
NEWCASTLE took a giant stride towards the League Cup final as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon earned a 2-0 semifinal, first leg lead at Arsenal on Tuesday.
Sebi finds broker with 1,103 fake client codes
MARKET regulator Sebi has found that a little known stock broker, Stockholding Services, which is the broking arm of Stock Holding Corporation of India, made thousands of fake client codes in violation of the mandatory KYC norms.
SBI Lowers FY25 Economic Growth to 6.3%
The State Bank of India has revised its forecast for India's GDP growth for financial year 2024-25 (FY25) to 6.3%, down from the National Statistical Office's (NSO) projection of 6.4%.
Sebi Warns Ola Electric Over Lapses in Disclosure Norms
MARKETS regulator Sebi on Wednesday issued an administrative warning to electric two-wheeler maker Ola Electric Mobility for violating disclosure norms.
