Date : 19/07/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 2 – International Relations

Keywords – TNA, 13th Constitutional Amendment, MITRA SHAKTI, SLINEX

Context –

In a recent development, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has categorically rejected an offer made by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the implementation of the 13th Amendment without police powers. The 13th Amendment, which focuses on power devolution, has never been fully implemented despite being in existence for over 30 years.

About 13th Constitutional Amendment –

• The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution was a result of the Indo-Lanka Accord signed in July 1987 between then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of India and President J.R. Jayawardene of Sri Lanka. It aimed to address the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, which had escalated into a civil war between the armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant group advocating for Tamil self-determination and a separate state.
• Enacted in 1987, the 13th Amendment established provincial governments throughout the country, including nine provincial councils. It recognized Tamil as an official language and designated English as a link language. One of its key objectives was to address the Tamils' demand for self-determination, which had gained significant political momentum by the 1980s.
• The amendment outlined a power-sharing arrangement that allowed all nine provinces in Sri Lanka, including those with a Sinhala majority, to exercise self-governance rights. It sought to provide a framework for devolution of power and greater autonomy at the provincial level.

What is significance of 13th Constitutional Amendment

• The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution is viewed as a notable achievement in the context of the country's history of growing Sinhala-Buddhist majoritarianism since gaining independence in 1948. Once fully implemented, the amendment grants significant devolutionary powers to provincial councils, allowing them to govern areas such as education, health, agriculture, housing, land, and police.
• The amendment's objective is to promote unity among the various communities in Sri Lanka, fostering a sense of coexistence and enabling them to live together as one nation. By empowering provincial councils and recognizing the rights of different regions, the 13th Amendment seeks to address the grievances and aspirations of marginalized communities, particularly the Tamils, and promote a more inclusive and equitable governance structure.

Why is it contentious

• The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution has been met with opposition and skepticism from various quarters due to its association with the country's civil war years. Sinhala nationalist parties strongly opposed it, considering the devolution of power to be excessive, while the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) deemed it insufficient.
• A significant portion of the Sinhala political landscape, including the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a leftist-nationalist party that led an armed insurrection against the amendment, saw it as a manifestation of unwanted Indian intervention. Despite being signed by President Jayawardene, the Accord and the subsequent legislation were widely seen as an imposition by India, viewed as a neighboring country exercising hegemonic influence.
• Within the Tamil polity, particularly among dominant nationalist factions, the 13th Amendment is regarded as lacking in scope and substance, falling short of addressing their aspirations. However, some, including the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which represented the Tamils of the north and east in Parliament until recent elections, view it as a significant starting point that can serve as a foundation for further progress and development in addressing Tamil concerns.

A Glimpse of India Sri Lanka Relations

Bilateral Relations:

• Indeed, India and Sri Lanka share a longstanding relationship that spans over 2,500 years. The ties between the two countries have been shaped by a rich history of intellectual, cultural, religious, and linguistic exchanges. The close proximity of India and Sri Lanka, as neighboring countries, has further facilitated the interaction and development of their relationship.
• In recent years, the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka has been characterized by frequent and meaningful exchanges at the highest political level. Both countries have recognized the importance of maintaining close contacts and engaging in constructive dialogue to strengthen their ties and address shared challenges.
• Bilateral exchanges at various levels have played a crucial role in fostering understanding and cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. These exchanges involve visits by leaders, ministers, officials, and representatives from both countries. Such high-level interactions serve as platforms for discussing a wide range of issues, including political, economic, cultural, and strategic matters.

Political relations:

• India's developmental assistance projects for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and disadvantaged sections of the population in Sri Lanka have played a significant role in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries. These projects have aimed to support and uplift vulnerable communities affected by the three-decade-long armed conflict and its aftermath.
• During the course of the conflict between the Sri Lankan forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which ended in 2009, India supported the right of the Government of Sri Lanka to take action against terrorist forces. However, India also expressed deep concern for the plight of the predominantly Tamil civilian population, emphasizing that their rights and welfare should not be compromised in the fight against the LTTE.

• India consistently emphasized the need for national reconciliation in Sri Lanka through a political settlement of the ethnic issue. The country has advocated for a negotiated political solution that is acceptable to all communities within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, upholding principles of democracy, pluralism, and respect for human rights. India has reiterated this stance at the highest levels, highlighting the importance of addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and promoting long-term stability and harmony.
• In recent times, when Sri Lanka has faced various crises, such as food, fuel, and pharmaceutical shortages, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has acknowledged India as the "only nation" to provide assistance to his country. This further highlights the significance of the relationship between India and Sri Lanka and the willingness of India to support its neighbor during challenging times.
• India's assistance and support to Sri Lanka, both during and after the armed conflict, have not only contributed to humanitarian efforts but have also strengthened the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The developmental projects and ongoing assistance reflect India's commitment to the well-being and development of Sri Lanka and its people.

Commercial relations:

• The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), established in 1998 and enacted in 2000, enables duty-free access and duty preferences for goods between India and Sri Lanka.
• In 2003, a Joint Study Group (JSG) was established to propose recommendations for advancing economic integration beyond trade and achieving a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries.
• Under a new framework known as the 'Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement' (ETCA), discussions have been resumed to enhance collaboration in technical fields, scientific expertise, and research among institutions. The aim is to elevate the standards of goods and services, making them competitive on the global market, while also enhancing opportunities for manpower training and human resource development.

Trade

• India holds the largest share of Sri Lanka's total trade with the world, accounting for 16 percent.
• The bilateral trade between India and Sri Lanka has grown approximately ninefold between 2000-01 and 2018-19.
• Historically, India has consistently maintained a trade surplus with Sri Lanka.
• During the 2018-19 period, India's primary exports to Sri Lanka consisted of mineral fuels, ships and boats, and vehicles, which collectively made up 43 percent of total exports.
• In terms of imports, India's major items included ships and boats, residues and waste from the food industries, as well as coffee, tea, mate, and spices, making up 56 percent of total imports.
• India's exports to Sri Lanka are facing increased competition from China's exports to Sri Lanka, leading to a decline in their competitiveness.

Development cooperation

• India has provided grants to Sri Lanka amounting to approximately USD 570 million, while the overall commitment from the Government of India (GOI) exceeds USD 3.5 billion.
• On June 16, 2021, the Government of Sri Lanka and EXIM Bank signed a USD 100 million Line of Credit (LoC) for the implementation of solar projects in Sri Lanka.
• The Indian Housing Project, initiated by the Government of India (GoI), is a flagship grant project aimed at constructing 50,000 houses in war-affected areas and for estate workers in plantation areas.
• Another notable flagship project is the country-wide 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service.
• Several significant grant projects have been successfully completed, including the construction of the 150-bed Dickoya Hospital, livelihood assistance provided to nearly 70,000 individuals from the fishing and farming communities in Hambantota, the supply of medical equipment to Vavuniya Hospital, and the provision of 150 boats and fishing gear for Mullaithivu fishermen.
• The largest auditorium in any Sri Lankan university, named after Rabindranath Tagore, is a modern 1500-seat facility located at Ruhuna University in Matara.
• Various projects related to the procurement of rolling stock for Sri Lankan Railways, the upgrading of railway tracks, and the establishment of a railway workshop are at different stages of implementation under a USD 318 million Line of Credit (LoC).

Cultural Relations

• The Cultural Cooperation Agreement, signed in 1977 between the Governments of India and Sri Lanka, serves as the foundation for regular Cultural Exchange Programmes between the two nations.
• Buddhism has long been a significant bond connecting India and Sri Lanka, dating back to Emperor Ashoka's dispatch of Arhat Mahinda and Theri Sangamitta, his children, to spread the teachings of Lord Buddha at the request of Sri Lankan King Devanampiya Tissa.
• The revered relics of Lord Buddha from Kapilawasthu, discovered in India in 1970, have been exhibited twice in Sri Lanka.
• During the Virtual Bilateral Summit between India and Sri Lanka held on September 26, 2020, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced a grant assistance of USD 15 million for the preservation and promotion of Buddhist ties between the two countries.
• In July 2020, the Indian government declared the Kushinagar Airport in India, the site of Lord Buddha's Mahaparinibbana, as an international airport. This decision allows Buddhist pilgrims from around the world, including Sri Lanka, to visit the revered location with ease. The first inaugural flight from Sri Lanka took place thereafter.
• Since its establishment in 1998, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, has played a crucial role in strengthening the ties and fostering people-to-people connections between India and Sri Lanka.
• In 2015, India introduced the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) scheme for Sri Lankan tourists, facilitating their travel to India and promoting tourism between the two countries.

Security

• The military exercise between India and Sri Lanka is known as Mitra Shakthi, while the naval exercise is referred to as "Slinex."
• The defense teams from both countries recently convened at the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) meeting, held in Kochi, India, with the aim of advancing their defense cooperation and ties.

Issues and concerns

• India and Sri Lanka have traditionally focused their bilateral relations on key issues such as security cooperation, ethnic concerns, the fishers dispute, and the investment climate.
• In terms of investment, there were criticisms during the Rajapaksa regime regarding costly investment agreements signed with India, particularly in the power sector, which faced opposition from political opponents.
• Sri Lanka has sought to balance its relations with India and China due to China's significant investments in the country under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This balancing act has impacted Sri Lanka's relationship with India, given India's differing stance towards China.
• On the fisheries front, Indian fishermen are frequently arrested, and their boats and equipment seized on allegations of violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and engaging in poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
• Several Maritime Boundary Agreements have been signed between the two countries concerning the 12 nautical miles of international waters in the Palk Strait. However, the terms of these agreements are not consistently adhered to.
• The Sri Lankan Navy accuses Indian fishermen of crossing the agreed-upon lines and engaging in poaching within Sri Lanka's territorial waters. Another point of contention is Sri Lanka's criticism of India's use of bottom trawlers in the Palk Strait, which has been an ongoing issue.
• India remains concerned about China's influence in Sri Lanka, although there is no evidence to suggest that Chinese commercial investments have resulted in any military or security alliance that should worry New Delhi.
• The future of the China-funded Colombo Port City project is uncertain.
• Ethnic issues, including proposals from the Tamil community and the reaction from the Sinhala-Buddhist majority, also play a significant role in the bilateral relationship.
• To date, the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka's Constitution, which was a result of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed on July 29, 1987, has not been fully implemented.

Conclusion

• India, guided by its "Neighbourhood First policy," has consistently prioritized strengthening relationships with its neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka. In light of the current crisis, India is prepared to go the extra mile to assist Sri Lanka and support its journey towards realizing its full potential, fostering a stable and friendly neighborhood.
• As a co-member of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), India recognizes the strategic importance of its relationship with Sri Lanka. With its favorable geographical location, Sri Lanka holds significant value for India in terms of regional cooperation and connectivity.
• The future of India-Sri Lanka relations appears promising, as both countries stand to benefit from a strong and cooperative partnership. It is crucial for Sri Lanka to recognize the reliability and trustworthiness of a friend like India, drawing lessons from experiences with other nations. By leveraging the potential of a close alliance with India, Sri Lanka can tap into the numerous advantages that come with a stable and friendly neighborhood.
• In conclusion, the strong and mutually beneficial relationship between India and Sri Lanka, fostered through organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC, coupled with India's strategic interests and Sri Lanka's potential, lays the foundation for a promising future. Sri Lanka can seize the opportunities presented by a reliable ally like India, taking into account the lessons learned from experiences with other nations, such as China.

Source – The Hindu