Exciting New Defence Pact with India Set for Parliament Presentation, Confirms Sri Lankan President

Colombo: A New Defence Pact with India

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently announced that the defence agreement with India will soon be presented to Parliament. This statement comes after opposition parties criticized the National People’s Power (NPP) government for allegedly signing a secret pact during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in early April.

Dissanayake countered these claims, suggesting that the opposition is spreading false narratives. "They are imagining monsters that don’t exist," he said during a television talk show. He emphasized that the agreement, aimed at ensuring national security, is transparent and beneficial for both Sri Lanka and India.

During Modi’s visit, the Indian Prime Minister praised Sri Lanka’s commitment not to allow its territory to be used for anti-Indian activities. This stance aimed to alleviate any concerns about India’s national security.

However, the opposition’s skepticism stems from historical tensions. The JVP (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna), which was the NPP’s parent party, led significant protests against Indian intervention in Sri Lanka’s Tamil issues during the late 1980s. This rebellion was partly a reaction to the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord, which aimed to bring constitutional changes but faced fierce opposition.

The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation, signed on April 5, represents a significant step in the military relationship between India and Sri Lanka. This is the first time a substantial defence pact has been formalized, allowing for enhanced military engagement. According to Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Thuiyakontha, India trains around 750 Sri Lankan military personnel each year, underscoring the partnership’s value.

The MoU will be effective for five years, and both nations have committed to respecting each other’s military laws and adhering to UN principles. This collaboration reflects not only a strengthening of military ties but also an effort to maintain peace and stability in a complex geopolitical landscape.

In summary, while skepticism remains among some opposition factions, the government is moving forward with a defence pact that could reshape Sri Lanka’s security strategies in the region. This development not only highlights today’s military dynamics but also echoes the historical complexities that have long influenced Sri Lanka-India relations.

For more details on historical context and the ongoing situation, you can refer to analysis from sources like The Diplomat or The Hindu.

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SRI LANKA INDIA, DEFENCE ACCORD PACT, ANURA KUMARA DISSANAYAKE, PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT, SL INDIA DEFENCE, DEFENCE PACT WITH INDIA TO BE PRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT, SAYS SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT