India- Sri Lanka Relations

-

Areas of Concern between India and Sri-Lanka

Fishermen Issue:
  • The issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen allegedly poaching in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters has been an ongoing conflict, with Sri Lanka’s northern fishermen repeatedly raising concerns over their falling catch and the serious environmental damage caused by trawlers originating from India.
  • The two countries have established a Joint Working Group (JWG) on fisheries to help resolve the dispute and in future must evolve mechanisms for sustainable fishing.
Devolution of power:
  • India stands for a “united Sri Lanka”, but wants an “early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment” that provides for devolution in the Tamil majority Northern and Eastern provinces.
Reconciliation process and war crimes:
  • The UNHRC resolution on war crimes is another important issue on which both the countries have to reach an understanding.
  • India has advocated for speedy rehabilitation and ports and other facilities in friendly countries – including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
  • This concerns India as China’s encroachment on its sphere of influence and eroding its commercial and cultural links with the island resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP).
The ‘China factor’
  • China has invested heavily in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure as part of its “string of pearls” policy aimed at establishing a naval presence across South Asia by building
  • Under the previous regime, SL looked to China for economic and diplomatic backing at a time when the West was threatening to sanction Colombo for crimes committed in its conflict with Tamil separatists.
  • China is the largest investor in Sri Lanka.
  • China’s economic dominance in SL both in terms of debt as well as investments increased.
  • Sri Lanka also recently formally handed over its southern port of Hambantota to China on a 99-year lease which had become an obvious site of the India-China geopolitical tussle on the island, has in the past witnessed protests against projects involving both countries.
Way Forward
  • Sri Lanka’s importance, for India, increases many folds due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, especially with the Quad talks in progression.
  • On the other hand, SL clearly sees benefit from cultivating ties with both countries. But the government may find it hard to strike a balance between the competing interests of China and India, while fending off domestic concerns over economic colonization.
  • Further although New Delhi’s anxiety over Chinese presence might be justified, it should avoid using the China lens to view Sri Lanka, respecting the country’s autonomy to engage with any willing partner.
  • The more India treats Sri Lanka as an equal partner, the stronger the relationship is likely to grow.
  • Even SL is now seemingly trying to balance its policy between India and China, giving India a stake in Hambantota airport, Colombo port project and a key expressway, besides preventing Chinese submarines in Sri Lankan waters in the backdrop of loans from Beijing that have pushed Sri Lanka into debt trap.
  • 5 Editorials – 22nd Edition – 5th Eastern Port Terminal Project
  • 52nd Edition – Fishermen Issue.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Indian Painting - Pre History

-
Image
    History and Evolution of Painting in India - An Overview India has a long tradition of artistic excellence and painting is one of the major mediums that has been used to express it. There is several evidence suggesting that painting flourished in India since ancient times. Archaeologists have found wall paintings in parts of India, which suggest that even the early historic man in India was engaged in activities of art and leisure The history of painting can be traced through the ancient and medieval period where the books were illustrated with paintings Then came the miniature style that dominated the Mughal and Rajput courts. With the coming of the Europeans, the art of painting and engraving took a western turn. Modern painters experimented with styles, colours and designs. Many Indian painters have gained worldwide recognition and are winning prizes and accolades for their vision. Principles of Painting The history of paintings can be known from primitive rock paintings of Bhim
Read more

Classification of Indian Paintings

-
Image
    Classification of Indian Paintings Indian Paintings have been broadly classified into two. Mural Paintings Miniature Paintings Mural Paintings The work on the walls or a solid structure are referred to as Murals. These have existed in India since ancient times and can be dated between 10th century BC and 10th century AD. The evidence of such paintings can be found at several locations in India. The beauty and the exquisiteness of mural paintings can be seen in places like Ajanta, Armamalai Cave, Ravan Chhaya Rock Shelter, Bagh Caves, Sittanavasal Caves and Kailash Temple in Ellora. Most of the mural paintings are either in natural caves or in rock cut chambers. The paintings follow a theme, the most common being Hindu, Buddhist and Jain. Mural paintings were also made to adorn any mundane premise. For e.g. Ancient theatre room in Jogimara Caves. Ajanta Cave Paintings One of the oldest surviving murals of Indian sub-continent, Ajanta caves were carved between 2nd century BC to 5th c
Read more

Solar system

-
Image
Galaxy Gravitational bound system of star, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter. Ex: Milky way. A galaxy is a huge system of billions of stars. Our solar system is a part of the milky way galaxy. Our Milky way galaxy was named “Akash ganga”. There are millions of galaxies that make the Universe. Distance galaxy: GN-z11 (March 2016) Hubble classification Eliptical (E) Spiral (S): Andromeda & Sombrero (unbarred) Lenticular Celestial bodies: Sun, Moon. Two types: Emit light (Star), Don’t Emit Light (Planets) North Star – Pole Star – Indicates north Direction Constellations (Group of star) – 88 Official Ursa Major – Big Dipper Tail – Alioth – Brightest in Ursa Major Saptarishi Mandal Polaris – Brightest in Ursa Minor The Sun Made up of extremely hot gases. The sun is about 150 million km away from the earth. 30 times greater than Earth. Black hole – It absorb light but does not emit due to high gravitational force. Corona – Outer surface of the sun (About 6000 k) S
Read more