Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged his successor, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to fully implement the vision document agreed upon with India last year. Dissanayake, who assumed office in September, is set to visit India in mid-December. During Wickremesinghe’s visit to India in July 2023, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a vision document focusing on economic cooperation between the two nations.

The vision document outlines key areas for bilateral collaboration, including maritime, air, and energy ties, as well as enhancing people-to-people connectivity. It also aims to boost cooperation in tourism, power, trade, higher education, and skill development. Wickremesinghe expressed his belief that Dissanayake should advance these initiatives and fully implement the agreement.

Focus on Economic Partnership

Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of the vision document while attending an event at the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar school in Indore. When asked about potential areas of cooperation during Dissanayake’s upcoming visit to New Delhi, he emphasised the need to adhere to the agreed-upon framework with Indian leaders, including PM Modi.

During his speech at the school event, Wickremesinghe also inaugurated a sports complex and addressed the audience on “Common Heritage: India and the Indian Ocean.” He acknowledged India’s support during Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis and expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by PM Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Historical Ties and Recent Challenges

Sri Lanka faced its first-ever sovereign default in April 2022 since gaining independence from Britain in 1948. The financial crisis led to civil unrest and the resignation of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. In response, India extended approximately USD 4 billion in aid to help Sri Lanka recover from its economic turmoil after defaulting on over USD 51 billion in foreign loans.

Wickremesinghe noted that India and Sri Lanka have shared religious, trade, linguistic, and cultural ties since ancient times. He cited various examples at the school gathering to illustrate this long-standing relationship between the two countries.

As Dissanayake prepares for his visit to India, there is hope that both nations will continue to strengthen their partnership by implementing the vision document’s objectives. This collaboration aims to foster economic growth and mutual benefits for both countries.