Webinar on Post-Election India and Sri Lanka: Implications on Bilateral Relations and the Foreign Policy Front

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On 15 October, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) jointly with Pathfinder Foundation (PF), Sri Lanka organized a virtual webinar on “Post-Election India and Sri Lanka: Implications on Bilateral Relations and the Foreign Policy Front.” From the VIF side, the Panel for the discussion consisted of Amb. (Retd.) Ashok Kantha, Former Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; Prof. Sreeradha Datta; and Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF (moderator). From the PF side, the panel included Amb. (Retd.) Bernard Goonetilleke; Amb. (Retd.) Ahmed A. Jawad; Amb. (Retd.) Sumith Nakandala; Prof. Rohan Samarajiva; and Dr. Ravi Rathnayake. The event was also attended by distinguished fellows and researchers from the VIF and the PF. The discussion was followed by an engaging question and answer session.

Dr. Arvind Gupta delivered the welcome remarks followed by the opening remarks from Amb. (Retd.) Bernard Goonetilleke. The webinar explored the evolving dynamics between India and Sri Lanka with a particular focus on key areas of cooperation, potential challenges, and opportunities. The discussion focussed on the recent Parliamentary elections in India and the Presidential election in Sri Lanka, along with their implications for bilateral relations between the two countries. While there has been no change in leadership in India, the recent election in Sri Lanka on September 21, with a new party coming to power, is expected to bring about significant shifts in the political landscape, impacting the country's foreign relations, especially with India.

Prof. Rohan Samarajiva gave a detailed presentation on the changing political scenario in Sri Lanka and how the new leadership in the country can upgrade its relations with India. The discussion also emphasized Indian EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to the island nation and his official invitation to the new Sri Lankan President to visit India in the coming days which is viewed as a positive signal by panellists. Dr. Ravi Rathnayake has given a brief overview of the financial scenario and how to improve the already strong economic relations between the two states; while Prof. Sreeradha Datta traced back the historical/civilizational connections between the two countries and stated how this new political environment is an opportunity for better cooperation and engagement especially in terms of youth connectivity. Ambassador Ashok Kantha further highlighted the continuation of India’s policy towards Sri Lanka based on cooperation and mutual interests. He also stressed the steps to be followed to strengthen the relationship.

It is expected that given both countries' close relations, the new government is likely to focus on expanding trade agreements, with an emphasis on boosting investments in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism. Amb. (Retd.) Sumith Nakandala has brought to light the significance of regional groupings like BIMSTEC to boost regional cooperation as the Island nation has the potential to become a hub economy for the region and thereby further enhance the bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. The discussion ended with the optimism that, if managed properly, both countries can achieve a sustainable, practical, and mutually beneficial relationship in the years ahead.
On 15 October, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) jointly with Pathfinder Foundation (PF), Sri Lanka organized a virtual webinar on “Post-Election India and Sri Lanka: Implications on Bilateral Relations and the Foreign Policy Front.” From the VIF side, the Panel for the discussion consisted of Amb. (Retd.) Ashok Kantha, Former Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; Prof. Sreeradha Datta; and Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF (moderator). From the PF side, the panel included Amb. (Retd.) Bernard Goonetilleke; Amb. (Retd.) Ahmed A. Jawad; Amb. (Retd.) Sumith Nakandala; Prof. Rohan Samarajiva; and Dr. Ravi Rathnayake. The event was also attended by distinguished fellows and researchers from the VIF and the PF. The discussion was followed by an engaging question and answer session.

Dr. Arvind Gupta delivered the welcome remarks followed by the opening remarks from Amb. (Retd.) Bernard Goonetilleke. The webinar explored the evolving dynamics between India and Sri Lanka with a particular focus on key areas of cooperation, potential challenges, and opportunities. The discussion focussed on the recent Parliamentary elections in India and the Presidential election in Sri Lanka, along with their implications for bilateral relations between the two countries. While there has been no change in leadership in India, the recent election in Sri Lanka on September 21, with a new party coming to power, is expected to bring about significant shifts in the political landscape, impacting the country's foreign relations, especially with India.

Prof. Rohan Samarajiva gave a detailed presentation on the changing political scenario in Sri Lanka and how the new leadership in the country can upgrade its relations with India. The discussion also emphasized Indian EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to the island nation and his official invitation to the new Sri Lankan President to visit India in the coming days which is viewed as a positive signal by panellists. Dr. Ravi Rathnayake has given a brief overview of the financial scenario and how to improve the already strong economic relations between the two states; while Prof. Sreeradha Datta traced back the historical/civilizational connections between the two countries and stated how this new political environment is an opportunity for better cooperation and engagement especially in terms of youth connectivity. Ambassador Ashok Kantha further highlighted the continuation of India’s policy towards Sri Lanka based on cooperation and mutual interests. He also stressed the steps to be followed to strengthen the relationship.

It is expected that given both countries' close relations, the new government is likely to focus on expanding trade agreements, with an emphasis on boosting investments in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism. Amb. (Retd.) Sumith Nakandala has brought to light the significance of regional groupings like BIMSTEC to boost regional cooperation as the Island nation has the potential to become a hub economy for the region and thereby further enhance the bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. The discussion ended with the optimism that, if managed properly, both countries can achieve a sustainable, practical, and mutually beneficial relationship in the years ahead.