The Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, promised that his country will help Sri Lanka to recover economically “early and effectively”. Therefore, India, which has provided almost $4 billion worth of aid to Sri Lanka, would like to make “more investments” to help the country address economic challenges in the future.
According to Sajith Premadasa, Sri Lanka’s main opposition leader, India has played a crucial role in supporting the country during this difficult time.
There has been a close cultural, religious, and economic relationship between India and Sri Lanka for centuries.
Several products, especially food items, are imported from India by Colombo, which has had a long-term trade relationship with Delhi. Tamils in Tamil Nadu, a state in south India, share close cultural and ethnic ties with the island nation’s minority Tamil population.
As a credit and currency swap, India provided about 3.5 billion dollars. Many fuels, food, and fertilizer shipments have been dispatched to Sri Lanka as part of the credit line.
Additionally, Tamil Nadu has sent food and medicine to Sri Lanka, along with loans from Delhi and shipments led by Chief Minister MK Stalin. Tuesday, Tamil Nadu political parties requested a meeting in Delhi to discuss the situation in the neighboring country.
According to experts, India’s multibillion-dollar financial assistance has shifted Sri Lankan perceptions.
Tyronne Sebastian, a private sector employee, said: “India provided us with fuel and food at the right time. Without Indian assistance, Sri Lanka would not have been able to cope.”
The Indian people have shown “amazing solidarity and support,” says social activist Melanie Gunathilake.
After India announced an initial credit line in January, the two countries announced plans to operate 61 giant oil tanks in the Trincomalee harbor, built during World War II. To store its strategic oil reserves, India has been trying to access a facility built during the British era for over 30 years.
As well, in September, the Indian conglomerate Adani group was given control of the Western Container Terminal at Colombo, one of the nation’s most strategic ports. The BBC reports that Harini Amarasuriya, an MP from the left-wing National People’s Power Alliance, believes none of the countries who help us will do so without getting something in return. India will, of course, look after their interests.
