As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his three-day official visit to Sri Lanka starting this Friday, discussions have intensified over the agreements expected to be signed, particularly the proposed defense cooperation pact.
Modi’s visit, which concludes on Sunday evening, will include agreements on energy cooperation, digitalization, health, and multi-sectoral assistance, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. However, the defense agreement, which includes military training and naval collaboration, has sparked concerns among Sri Lankan political factions.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has criticized the government for signing agreements without fulfilling promises made to the public. SJB National Organizer Tissa Attanayake stressed the need for transparency and parliamentary approval, arguing that agreements exceeding a five-year term should require public consent.
Namal Rajapaksa, National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), also called for greater clarity on the agreements, questioning their potential benefits for Sri Lanka.
The Sarva Jana Balawegaya warned that the defense pact could have serious national security implications, stating that Sri Lanka has never previously signed such an agreement with another country. Similarly, the Frontline Socialist Party linked the agreement to India’s efforts to counter China’s growing military influence, with its Education Secretary, Pubudu Jayagoda, expressing strong reservations.
In response, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the pact is not a new agreement but an update to existing defense cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. “If I am not mistaken, we are working on an update of an existing agreement on defense cooperation with Sri Lanka, and we very much hope that can be concluded during this visit,” Misri stated.
With political debate intensifying, Modi’s visit is set to be closely watched, particularly regarding the finalization of the defense pact and its implications for Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning in the region.
