Sri Lanka, a friendly neighboring country of India, has shown its support to the country time in and time out. Neighboring countries not only share their borders, but also share the values, customs, traditions, and policies. Sri Lanka, formerly attached to India through Adam’s Bridge, is showing the good amicable handlings to India by adopting the ‘India First’ policy. India showed Sri Lanka its support to fight the Jihadi terrorism in 2019 and the receiving country came forward to show the same support when India’s ties with China are at the best.
Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Colombage’s remarks
China is luring the South Asian countries into its trap via Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). BRI is a global infrastructure strategy of the Chinese government to invest in nearly 70 countries and make One Belt One Road. Gradually, the countries are understanding the exact motives behind the feat and thus, have taken a step back from the initiative. Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Jayanth Colombage also remarked that they made a mistake when they gave Hambantota port to China on a 99-year lease, in 2017. China’s ulterior motive in its deals with other countries is to strengthen its military strength.
China’s presence in Sri Lanka is growing considerably, to deviate from that, and to find a better option at maintaining the country’s wheel, Colombage said it will not back down either from ‘India First’ policy. Sri Lanka knows that India will act as their first and immediate ally whenever it needs it. Hence, Colombage remarked that Sri Lanka will not act against India’s security interests. Sri Lankan President appointed Colombage as the Foreign Secretary on August 14. Colombage has so far acted by his military background. This also serves as an advantage to the country because the person realizes the military motives of other countries as well.
Strategic Motives As Stated By Colombage
Days after taking over the position, Foreign Secretary in an interview with Strat News Global assured India that his country will put India First policy at a pedestal even though it adopted a neutral foreign policy.
A neutral policy is the one in which a country chooses to remain neutral in future wars. The Secretary remarked that such a policy will serve the country’s foreign interest. It will also save other countries from exploiting it for their advantage. In the wake of it, when the interviewer asked Colombage about where India stands, he answered in positive. He said, “President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that the country will adopt India First policy in terms of strategic security. Sri Lanka cannot afford to be a strategic security threat for India.”
Colombage also accepted that their decision to hand over the Hambantota port to China was a mistake, which it’s trying to compensate. He said that control over a property that is there for 99 years is an extremely long period. This “may not be the best option.”
In conclusion, it can be extracted that Sri Lanka wants to be on India’s side for economic prosperity. The country will not allow any other country to use its property against India. Admiral Colombage also stated that the memorandum of understanding signed with India on Colombo Port’s East Terminal will be instated. The country has chosen to not rely on Wst-oriented policies. It will direct its policies to serve its neighboring countries, Bangladesh, Africa, the Middle East, and ASEAN.
President said as far as strategic security is concerned,we'll always have India-1st approach.We'll not do anything harmful to India’s strategic security interests.For economic development,we can't depend on one country: Sri Lanka's Foreign Secy J. Colombage to a Sri Lankan daily
— ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2020
