Continuity and change in India's Sri Lanka policy

Hitherto, stability and security of the Lankan government, even if it was unpopular among sections of people, was the main guiding factor. Not anymore.

by V SuryanarayanIn an interaction with the media on May 10, the spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs explained the basic principles behind India's Sri Lanka policy. He stated that India would be guided by the "best interests" of the Lankan people.

It needs to be highlighted that he did not mention the present Lankan government. This might indeed mark a departure in India's Lanka policy.

Hitherto, stability and security of the government, even if it was unpopular among sections of the people, was the main guiding factor. To illustrate, in April 1971, India rushed its armed forces to Sri Lanka after a desperate appeal made by Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike to Indira Gandhi.

India's timely assistance enabled Sirimavo to remain in power. In the same way, after a request made by President Jayewardene to Rajiv Gandhi in 1987, the Indian Peace Keeping Forces were inducted into Sri Lanka.

The stability of the Jayewardene government was equated with the stability and security of the country. The spokesman added: "India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes.

" The implication is as follows: India has no special interest in propping up the Rajapaksa family. In other words, the government, though voted to power with overwhelming support of the people, has lost its mandate to rule because of rampant corruption, abuse of power, gross violation of human rights and scant regard for the welfare of the people.

Opposition to the government was building over the past few months, but the economic crisis and galloping inflation were the catalysts that compelled the people to come to the streets.The PM had to bow before the will of the people and has resigned.

The President has appointed Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNP leader, considered to be extremely friendly to India, as PM. Ranil has a Herculean task before him.

In the last parliamentary election, the UNP was routed and Ranil came to Parliament only through the national list. Given the present realities, other parties may not oppose him, because there is a consensus that Ranil has the skill to negotiate with the IMF.

Some Lankans believe, not without reason, that Ranil and President Gotabaya are good friends and the PM would try his level best to bail his friend out of the difficult situation...