The connections between India and Sri Lanka are of epic proportions. Ramayan, is the link between two neighbors. But, the public memory is short. A total recall is unlikely even after seeing the satellite images of the legendary Ram Sethu that loosely connects the two countries.
While scholars and believers spar over the Ram Sethu, shared cultural, economic and political ties have all along strengthened the bonds. Though Lanka was vanquished in the title clash for the cricket World Cup by the men in blue, the healthy rivalry brought to bear the inextricable link between two nations, powered by sports. Both the countries share Buddhist and Tamil-Hindu traditions for millennia.
Originally part of the Non-Aligned Movement after the Independence (India gained freedom in 1947, and Sri Lanka a year after), both joined the SAARC and are co-signatories of the SAFTA and more recently the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade treaties.
Though there have been sporadic ups and downs in the relationships between the two, the nations have been let minor hiccups to spoil the cordial ties. The bonhomie had peaked when both the countries were led by women — Indira Gandhi and Sirimavo Bandarnaike. India had provided air and naval support to Lanka to quash the armed uprising of JVP. But unfortunately the transit facilities given by Lanka to Pakistani Air Force, while India was helping Bangladesh in its liberation struggle in 1971, caused much damage to the relationship. Later, the Tamilians’ bid to self-determination caused further turmoil.
The India Sri Lanka Agreement (ISLA – 1989) and the presence of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) had led to diplomatic fallout, until the IPKF was withdrawn in 1990. Though, the Lankan government has managed to quell the Tamil militancy, the Emerald Isle is in dire need of a slew of reforms. The need of the hour is a sustained truth and reconciliation mission between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamilians to make both warring communities to be at peace with each other.
On the bilateral front, the trade between the two countries are rapidly increasing. Nearly 15% of all imports to Sri Lanka come from India, while India is the fifth largest export destination for Lankan goods. India is involved in several developmental projects in the island nation in health, education, training and energy sectors. India can and should help its neighbor to develop in a big way. We’re living in a global village, where borders, as it is, are gradually getting blurred.
Better cooperation and more developmental and cultural ties are going to be beneficial for both countries. Organizations like the GOPIO are playing a key role on these lines. More cultural exchanges, tourism and people-to-people interaction are likely to grow in the coming days. Global Indians can play an important role in enhancing the range and depth of bilateral engagements, and become an example of mutual cooperation and development.
This month, the Mini PBD in Toronto would further strengthen this process of co-operation. The hope is that Indian community the world over would share its challenges together, and provide help to each other, both through their work, and the examples they set in communities the world over.
Also, we are launching a new design for our magazine. Please write in to let us know how you liked it. We are also working to have a new look and feel of our website. Once we launch it shortly we hope to engage with you in newer ways, and helping Indians tread a new path in the coming decade.
