The Implications of Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Presidency for India and Sri Lanka Relations

Politics John Brightwater September 23, 2024

The Implications of Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Presidency for India and Sri Lanka Relations

Summary
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has become Sri Lanka’s new president, presenting potential challenges for India due to his leftist affiliations and perceived closeness to China. While his election suggests a possibility of shift in Sri Lankan foreign relations, Dissanayake has expressed a desire to engage positively with India. His policy decisions will be closely watched, especially concerning Tamil rights and Indian investments.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, commonly referred to as AKD, has recently ascended to the presidency of Sri Lanka on September 21, securing a significant victory with an excess of 1.27 million votes over his nearest competitor, Sajith Premadasa. As the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition and the Marxist-leaning Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), his election marks a shift towards leftist governance in Sri Lanka. His administration may present challenges for India, particularly concerning Sri Lankan foreign policy and relations with China. Dissanayake campaigns as a proponent of change in the wake of the economic crisis that led to widespread protests in 2022, which culminated in the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. With roots in a working-class background, he began his political journey during his student days and joined the JVP during its insurrection against the government in the late 1980s. His strong performance in the past elections, notably his leadership in the Aragalaya protests, has bolstered his status as a candidate of economic relief and anti-corruption. The new president is the first Communist to hold the presidency in Sri Lanka, and his victory raises concerns within India regarding Dissanayake’s potential alignment with China, especially in light of Sri Lanka’s existing economic agreements and infrastructure projects with Beijing. Analysts have posited that Dissanayake’s natural inclination may be towards China, potentially complicating New Delhi’s efforts to maintain strategic influence in the region and protect Indian interests in the Indian Ocean. Despite his party’s historical opposition to Indian involvement in Sri Lanka, Dissanayake appears to be aiming for a constructive relationship with India, softening his rhetoric against New Delhi as he seeks to foster bilateral ties while asserting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. The complexity of the Indian-Sri Lankan relationship is magnified by the cultural and political commonalities shared, particularly given the significant Tamil population within Sri Lanka, which is of interest to India. Dissanayake’s administration will be closely monitored by India, especially as concerns over the 13th Amendment, which addresses Tamil political representation, arise. Additionally, strategically important Indian investments in Sri Lanka may be at risk as Dissanayake consolidates his political power. Nevertheless, both nations have the potential to collaborate, contingent upon Dissanayake’s actions in the forthcoming period.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s ascent to the presidency in Sri Lanka comes against the backdrop of significant political upheaval in the country following severe economic distress and public protests in 2022. His leadership can be viewed both in light of his leftist political ideology and as a reaction against the earlier ruling powers. The geographical proximity of Sri Lanka to India and the presence of a substantial Tamil population further complicate the political landscape, making Sri Lanka’s foreign relations of strategic importance to India. Dissanayake’s party, the JVP, has historically held anti-India sentiments, particularly during past conflicts, which leads to apprehensions regarding Sri Lanka’s future diplomacy under his leadership.

In conclusion, Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s presidency may yield challenges for India, particularly regarding its influence in Sri Lanka amid rising Chinese interests. However, Dissanayake seems to recognize the importance of establishing a workable relationship with India. The forthcoming year will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and its implications for Indian interests in the region.

Original Source: www.firstpost.com