Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka’ (in 2022), and ‘how domestic factors influence foreign policy between India and Srilanka’ (in 2013).

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to India drew significant attention, marking his first foreign trip since taking office. The visit highlighted the shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, with the National People’s Power’s surprising electoral success. India’s priorities have also evolved, focusing on countering China’s influence in the region.

Today’s editorial highlights the importance of Sri Lanka for India. This content can be used to substantiate the challenges and significance due to Srilanka for India in UPSC IAS mains paper GS2.

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Why in the News?

The joint statement released by New Delhi and Colombo during the Sri Lankan President’s visit to India shows what is currently important to both countries.

What is the current status of the 13th Amendment’s implementation in Srilanka?

• Stagnation in Implementation: The 13th Amendment, which was designed to provide power devolution to provincial councils in Sri Lanka, has seen little progress in its implementation. 
  • The recent joint statement from India and Sri Lanka did not address the amendment or the political solutions for Tamil aspirations, highlighting a lack of commitment from the current government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
• Political Hesitance: The Dissanayake administration has avoided explicitly referencing the 13th Amendment due to its association with “Indian imposition,” which is viewed negatively by the Sinhala-Buddhist majority. Instead, the government’s focus has shifted towards broader promises of provincial council elections and constitutional reforms without a clear plan for implementing the amendment.

How do historical grievances impact contemporary Tamil-Sinhala relations?

• Historical Conflict: Historical grievances from the civil war and ongoing issues related to Tamil rights significantly affect Tamil-Sinhala relations. The Tamil community continues to seek justice for wartime atrocities and greater political agency, while many in the Sinhala majority often view discussions about devolution and federalism with scepticism.
• Political Dynamics: The recent electoral success of the National People’s Power (NPP) signifies a shift in Tamil political engagement, as Tamils have shown support for a party that traditionally opposed Indian intervention. 
  • However, this shift raises concerns about how effectively the NPP will address Tamil issues without alienating its base among Sinhala nationalists.

What are the prospects for genuine reconciliation and autonomy for Tamils in Sri Lanka?

• Need for Clarity: There is an urgent need for the NPP to clarify its position on Tamil rights and reconciliation. While the party’s manifesto promises provincial council elections and constitutional reforms, it lacks a concrete strategy for addressing historical grievances or ensuring autonomy for Tamils.
• Challenges Ahead: Genuine reconciliation remains uncertain as long as past grievances are not adequately addressed. The Tamil polity must engage more directly with its constituents rather than relying on international actors. 
  • The NPP’s ability to foster inter-ethnic peace will depend on its willingness to confront historical failures and implement meaningful policies that reflect the aspirations of all communities in Sri Lanka.

Way forward: 

• Clear Political Vision: The NPP should outline a concrete plan for addressing Tamil rights, implementing the 13th Amendment, and ensuring provincial autonomy, while balancing the demands of both Tamil and Sinhala communities.
• Inclusive Dialogue: Engage in direct, inclusive dialogue with all ethnic groups, focusing on national reconciliation and addressing past grievances, to foster a durable peace and meaningful political solution for all communities in Sri Lanka.

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