Opinion
Indian Foreign Minister Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to Sri Lanka
By Harim Peiris
Indian Foreign Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, just wrapped up a three-day visit to Sri Lanka – the first by a visiting dignitary in the new year, underscoring the priority that both nations place on the value and importance of our bilateral relations. Prior to the Indian Foreign Minister’s visit, laying the groundwork as it were, was the visit, in end November, last year, of one of the highest officials in India’s foreign policy establishment, National Security Advisor Ajith Doval. The preceding few months had also witnessed several other high-level international visitors to Sri Lanka, with the visit in early November of US Foreign Minister, Mike Pompeo, and the month before, in October, of the Chinese former Foreign Minister and current Politburo member Yang Jiechi. The series of high-level visits to Sri Lanka, by powerful nations, such as the US, China and India, would indicate, even to a layman, the existence of real and competing interests of these nations in Sri Lanka. Balancing these different and often competing interests, in a neutral and non-aligned manner, which advances Sri Lanka’s own national interests, is really the strategic challenge of post-war Sri Lankan foreign policy. However, geography, history and, most importantly, modern-day economic reality, would mean that India, our closest and giant neighbour is the ‘primus inter pares’ or first among equals of international relationships, which Sri Lanka needs to nurture and protect. It was one of Sri Lanka’s most successful Foreign Ministers, the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, who used to repeatedly say that Sri Lanka’s relations with India formed the strategic base of our external affairs policies.
Entrusted with nurturing and further developing this relationship on the Indian side is Foreign Minister, Dr. Subramanyam Jaishanker, currently a Rajya Saba, or upper house, member of the ruling BJP, from Gujarat. Dr. Jaishankar is a very senior foreign affairs professional, a career diplomat, who is an expert in nuclear issues, and a former Indian Ambassador to both China and the USA. Interestingly, he also served as First Secretary in the Indian High Commission, in Colombo, in the late 1980s, just after the Indo-Lanka Accord was signed. Having served in the Indian Foreign Service for decades, he finally retired as Foreign Secretary, in 2018, and made history as the first Indian Foreign Secretary to become Foreign Minister.
As the world, and Sri Lanka, copes with the Covid-19 pandemic, and sufficient access to low-cost vaccines has become the new and most pressing Covid-19 management issue, it was indeed welcome that Dr. Jaishankar, in articulating PM Modi’s neighbour first foreign policy, pledged preferential and early provision of the Indian vaccine to Sri Lanka, no sooner India, which has a serious Covid-19 situation, in its densely populated urban centers, begins to export the vaccine to other countries.
The visit by the Foreign Minister, brought to the fore the key priority issues which currently undergirds India’s interests and engagements in Sri Lanka. Firstly, good economics is good politics and the robust Indian economy has been creating one of the world’s fastest growing middle classes. Sri Lanka, much more than India, stands to benefit from closer economic ties between the two neighbours, ideally establishing ourselves as a services, logistics and knowledge hub for the giant economy next door, as well as a low-cost entry point to the subcontinent’s economy.
It is clearly an irritant to India, that with fast track and increasing Government approval for China to pile on debt laden costly infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka of questionable utility value, such as the Port City and the Lotus Tower, that Indian investments on more mutually beneficial commercial terms, such as the Colombo Port’s East Terminal development, are stalled by government allied trade unions and political forces. India has quietly but carefully been a major grant donor to Sri Lanka, especially in the task of postwar reconstruction. The Sri Lankan Government railways beyond Omanthai, as well as rolling stock, the Palaly Airport development and indeed the 50,000 houses programme in the Central, Northern and Eastern Provinces, together with ADB funded road reconstruction, have actually formed the core of postwar rebuilding in the former war affected provinces of Sri Lanka.
It is in this context, that the most political articulation of policy made by Dr. Jaishankar was with regard to Sri Lanka’s postwar reconciliation, the devolution of power and the values of a pluralist society. It is, indeed, noteworthy that India, despite being a melting pot of ethnicities, languages, social groups and subcultures, have developed an overarching Indian national identity with a strong Indian civic identity. An example Sri Lanka can well learn from.
In a joint press conference, with his counterpart, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Dr. Jaishankar, did not leave any room for doubt, with his forthright statements. He articulated clearly if rather obviously that it was in Sri Lanka’s own interests to pursue reconciliation and that power sharing, through the Provincial Councils, introduced through the 13th Amendment, consequent to the Indo-Lanka Accord, provided the time, tested, best basis for further development of a governance structure which accommodates the diversity of Sri Lankan society. On the Sri Lankan side, the Indian Foreign Minister, met and invited to Delhi, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and had a bilateral meeting with a delegation from the TNA. Foreign Minister Gunawardena, who found himself agreeing with the sentiments expressed by his Indian counterpart, now faces the challenge of ensuring that the Administration, of which he is a part of, matches its deeds with its words.
(The writer served as Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2016-2017)
by Sudharman Siripala
Sri Lanka is grappling with the increasing threat of climate change, which has led to unpredictable weather patterns. The country faces a dangerous combination of flooding in some regions and water shortages in others, a situation exacerbated by shifting rainfall patterns. Rivers originating in the Central Hills, such as the Mahaweli, Kalu, and Kelani, flow through much of the country, but these water sources are not being distributed evenly. Districts like Monaragala and Hambantota, located in the dry zone, are experiencing severe water shortages. To address this challenge, experts suggest the development of an interconnected river system to harness excess water during floods and redirect it to drier areas, ensuring a year-round water supply for agriculture and daily use.
Global Case Studies in River Management
Several countries facing similar water-related challenges have implemented successful water management systems that Sri Lanka could adapt to its unique circumstances:
The Netherlands – Room for the River Programme
The Netherlands, a country prone to flooding, widened its rivers and relocated dikes to create floodplains. This approach allows rivers to overflow without damaging urban areas, while preserving water flow and natural habitats. Sri Lanka could apply this concept by designating specific riverbank areas for temporary flood storage.
China – South-North Water Transfer Project
China’s massive project channels excess water from the flood-prone Yangtze River to drier northern regions. This system of canals and reservoirs could inspire Sri Lanka to divert water from rivers in the Central Hills to drier areas in the south and east.
Bangladesh – River Interlinking Projects
Bangladesh has implemented river interlinking projects to redistribute water from flood-prone rivers, such as the Brahmaputra, to drier regions. Sri Lanka could link its major rivers like the Mahaweli and Kelani to smaller rivers in water-scarce districts to balance water distribution.
India – National River Linking Project
India’s National River Linking Project connects major rivers to manage both floods and droughts. Sri Lanka could use similar strategies, connecting rivers around the 500-foot contour line in the Central Hills to help distribute water more effectively.
United States – Mississippi River and Tributaries Project
The Mississippi River system combines levees, floodways, and diversion channels to manage flooding. Sri Lanka could adopt similar flood-control measures in vulnerable river basins such as the Kelani and Kalu.
Japan – Underground Reservoirs and Flood Channels
Japan’s G-Cans Project in Tokyo channels excess water into underground reservoirs to prevent urban flooding. A similar underground system could be implemented in Colombo and other flood-prone cities in Sri Lanka.
Singapore – Marina Barrage
Singapore’s Marina Barrage serves as both a flood control measure and a water supply resource. Sri Lanka could develop similar systems to control flooding in urban areas and ensure water availability during dry spells.
Thailand – Chao Phraya River Basin Management
Thailand uses diversion channels in the Chao Phraya River Basin to prevent flooding in Bangkok and direct water to agricultural areas. Sri Lanka could replicate this by creating diversion channels to supply water to its agricultural zones.
Actionable Solutions for Sri Lanka
Develop an Interconnected River System
Establish water diversion channels along the 300-500 meter contour lines of the Central Hills to capture excess rainfall during floods and redirect it to drier areas.
Build Reservoirs and Storage Tanks
Construct reservoirs to store diverted water, ensuring a steady supply for agriculture and domestic use. Sri Lanka has around 14,000 ancient tanks out of 30,000 that could be revitalized for this purpose.
Improve Urban Flood Defenses
Drawing inspiration from Japan and Singapore, build underground reservoirs and flood channels in cities like Colombo to mitigate urban flooding.
Strengthen Watershed Management
Restore natural floodplains and create wetlands to absorb excess rainwater, as seen in the Netherlands, helping to reduce flood risks.
Encourage Public-Private Partnerships
Foster collaboration between the public and private sectors to fund large-scale water management infrastructure, leveraging models from China and the United States.
Leverage Technology
Utilise modern forecasting and real-time water management systems, similar to those in Bangladesh and Thailand, to monitor water levels and manage river flows dynamically.
International Collaboration
Form partnerships with countries that have successfully implemented flood control and water management systems to share expertise and technology.
Sri Lanka’s dual challenges of flooding and water scarcity, compounded by climate change, require immediate action. By developing an interconnected river system and learning from successful global water management models, Sri Lanka can mitigate the effects of floods while ensuring a sustainable water supply for agriculture and daily life. It is crucial for the country to act now, as these solutions have the potential to transform Sri Lanka’s water management system for the better.
Sudharman Siripala Managing Director of Geoinformatics Group and a Registered Licensed Surveyor, specializes in geo-spatial applications. He also serves as a freelance value chain consultant for Vivonta Green Tech Consultants (www.vivonta.lk)
Some people have found fault with a female doctor for not coming forward to identify her rapist and help make him pay for his crime.
Do they not realise the emotional toll of facing her rapist again?
There should be a way for survivors to testify directly to the judge without enduring such distressing encounters. Making a victim relive her trauma in this manner is akin to subjecting her to the ordeal all over again.
A Ratnayake
Sri Lanka was once at an economically comparable level with some of the world’s most developed countries in the 19th century. However, despite our country’s potential, we are still striving to fully develop. Many people often blame politicians, government officers, or various sectors for the situation. However, I believe the root cause of these issues lies not in any individual or group, but in the lack of good attitudes within our society.
We are investing significant resources into our education system, which is funded by the taxes of hard- working citizens. However, when we examine the outcomes, we realise that the academic achievements of our graduates alone are not enough. There are instances where professionals, despite having the necessary qualifications, fail to uphold ethical standards. In some cases, this even results in malpractice or harmful actions that damage our country’s reputation and progress. This highlights the gap between academic success and real-world responsibilities.
The education system, which is currently focused on competitive exams and rote learning, does not emphasise the development of attitudes and character in students. While our students are academically capable, many lack the qualities required to contribute positively to society. This lack of focus on social values, such as patriotism, selflessness and respect for elders, is holding us back from achieving the level of progress we deserve.
To address these concerns, I wrote to His Excellency, the President of Sri Lanka, on 24th September 2024, proposing education reforms that emphasise not only academic qualifications but also attitudes, ethics, and social responsibility. I suggested a holistic approach to university admissions and government recruitment, incorporating moral integrity, character, and extracurricular involvement, key traits for fostering well- rounded, responsible citizens. More importantly, I strongly recommended introducing a compulsory school subject, with both theory and practical components, focused on attitude development, which would be evaluated in university admissions. Encouraging extracurricular participation alongside academics will help shape ethical and socially responsible individuals.
I am pleased to inform you that the President, recognising the importance of these reforms, has directed the relevant ministries (by a letter dated 24th October 2024) to explore integrating these ideas into the education system. This marks a crucial step in transforming the values and attitudes of our youth for the nation’s benefit.
However, meaningful change requires collective effort. Parents, teachers, students, and citizens all play a role in shaping Sri Lanka’s future. Together, we must instill responsibility, ethics, and patriotism in the next generation. I invite you to share your thoughts and suggestions on further enhancing the values and attitudes of our youth. Your feedback will be invaluable in building a brighter future for Sri Lanka, one driven not just by knowledge, but by integrity and character.
Dr. Mahesh Premarathna
Research Fellow, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka Email: mahesh.pr@nifs.ac.lk
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