Indo-Lanka Relations: Refreshing Resetting
Austin Fernando
The article Resetting Indo- Lanka relations by Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman of the Pathfinder Foundation had a large number of propositions for positive relations building with India. Also, I have seen a more detailed version of the recommendations in another media exposure (Financial Times). The experts have done a commendable job.
However, I am confident that the experts would have considered that “resetting” is required because the earlier settings have been displaced- past and present; and “resetting” is for the future. Of course, due to the current impasse between the two countries resetting is an urgent priority.
I have known the Sri Lanka experts also as great professionals and hence confident of capacity to deliver appropriate ‘resetting methodologies.’ Incidentally, most of them had led the Foreign Affairs terrain and one may question why they failed to convert these recommendations in to actions before the relationships became sour. My wild guess is it was due to political attitudes and decisions from both countries. These non-politician experts don’t deserve blame.
It appears that the recommendations have a basic theme. The experts have believed that problems needed to address are (a) Economic, (b) Political and Strategic, and, (c) People to People to contacts and in it sounded that economic development is primary and precedes political actions. This is the official stance of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) too.
In their words “The two countries need to work together to lay a firm foundation for closer and mutually beneficial cooperation in many fields, including security, trade, investment, education, health and culture.” No queries and appreciated though public administration is ignored. But, as stated earlier there is a past and present in operationalizing the recommendations, which are not forgotten by politicians who decide implementation or rejection of any recommendation. . Read More
