Lanka gets $50 million aid to fight terrorism

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Lanka Prez

“Security is an area of key focus. Sri Lanka is looking forward to India’s continued support in intelligence- sharing and to counter terrorism.”

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Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 29

India and Sri Lanka sought to close the previous chapter of acrimony under the Rajapaksas with mutually accommodative gestures. Shortly after meeting the newly elected Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, PM Narendra Modi announced a financial assistance of $50 million which, for the first time, includes $50 million to fight terrorism. Gotabaya reciprocated the gesture by assuring his government would not be unduly harsh towards Indian fishermen straying into Sri Lanka’s maritime zone.

Indo-Sri Lanka ties had frayed during the 10-year presidency of Mahinda, the elder brother of Gotabaya, over China being permitted to make inroads into Sri Lanka and the lack of perceptible movement in achieving a closure on the Tamil issue. Mahinda has now been elected PM of Sri Lanka, replacing India-friendly Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Before the $450 million announcement, India has offered $2.17 billion under line of credit to Sri Lanka since 2005 and another $436 million as grant assistance. Having landed on the wrong side of Colombo by backing the Tamil separatist movement in Sri Lanka during the 80s and the 90s, PM Modi has sought to address the island-nation’s terrorism-related apprehensions after the Easter bombings that killed over 250 by extending a credit line that will allow its government to choose appropriate security measures.

On the Tamil issue, PM Modi in a statement said both sides exchanged views on the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka. “President Rajapaksa told me about his inclusive political outlook on ethnic harmony. I am confident that the government of Sri Lanka will pursue the process of reconciliation to meet the aspirations of the Tamils for equality, justice, peace and respect. It also includes implementation of the 13th amendment. India will become a trusted partner for development throughout Sri Lanka, including North and East,’’ he said.

The Sri Lankan President said he would strive hard to take his country’s bilateral relationship with India to a very high level.