Indo-Lanka ties and conflict-resolution

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella’s rather detailed observations on the nature of Indo-Lanka relations, on our front page yesterday, we hope, would put to rest the now customary apprehensions that originate in some sections of the public on this subject. It is our considered opinion that, thus far, less light and more heat has been generated on Indo-Lanka ties, when the matter is taken-up for discussion by these groups.

This is a most unfortunate trend because what we need right now is enlightened thinking on issues of this kind. It could not be emphasized enough that it is in the interests of the whole of South Asia for India’s neighbours to relate cordially and positively with her and for her to do likewise.

This lesson, the countries of this region cannot afford to ignore or gloss over. It could be stated with some certainty that the governments of South Asia know this for a fact but the valuable lesson is lost on some sections of their publics. The latter usually happen to be those who seek to convert xenophobia into votes, and their ardent backers.

As far as issues relating to Sri Lanka are concerned, we now have it on the authority of Minister Rambukwella that there will be discussions between India and Sri Lanka in the course of arriving at a solution to the conflict in this country. That is, the decisions arrived at would be of a consensual nature. There would be no question of India dictating to Sri Lanka on this question. Besides, the talks would be wide-ranging and there is no indication that this negotiatory process would be confined to only the two countries. It would be a very broad consensual process involving other parties too, and as is well known, the state is already engaged with the TNA on finding a solution.

The key to good neighbourly relations is a keen sensitivity to the susceptibilities of one’s neighbours. If India and her neighbours practice this norm in their interstate ties, there are unlikely to be ripples and tensions in their mutual relations. Sri Lanka has been abiding by this principle thus far, and there is no reason why she should entertain any apprehensions that she would be dictated to from any external actors on matters affecting her national interests.

Particularly in the case of India, Sri Lanka has the evidence of her eyes that India would not be at cross-purposes with her on issues relating to the conflict in particular. For instance, at the height of efforts by the Lankan state to crush the LTTE, India was solidly behind Sri Lanka, giving her all the relevant assistance to facilitate the downfall of the Tigers. This alone is proof that India means well by Sri Lanka and that she would do nothing to undermine Lanka’s vital interests.

This being the case, it is difficult to figure out why some sections in this country entertain an obsessive fear of India. The Lankan state has, very wisely, decided that she would be dealing only with the Indian Centre on issues growing out of the conflict, since it is the Indian central government that wields preponderant power in the Indian Union and not any state, and this should help clear all doubts in the minds of those who view India suspiciously in our midst.

Given that these fears are of a highly irrational nature, a duty is cast on the Lankan state to educate its public on the baseless character of this anxiety. To be sure, not all sections are gripped by this irrational fear but those who are thus afflicted with the malaise could be exploited by the xenophobic elements in our political community and when this happens hysterical, lawless conduct among some could not be ruled out.

There is also a case here for more people-to-people contact and stepped up cultural relations. Tourist traffic to and from India could help in bringing the countries closer and also bring into focus the commonalities between our countries. Efforts must be stepped-up at state level to bring about the closer economic integration of our countries.

As is widely known, India is an emerging economic giant, and the entirety of the public needs to see more clearly the numerous ways in which Sri Lanka stands to gain by having more frequent economic exchanges with India.

These home truths apart, it must be clearly seen in Sri Lanka that India is staunchly opposed to separatism in all its forms and nuances. Inasmuch as the Indian Centre says ‘no’ very strongly to separatism within the Union, it would oppose separatism in the region because divisive tendencies of any kind in its neighbourhood would be a strong incentive to separatist tendencies within India. Thus, India and Sri Lanka are in perfect accord on the undesirability of divisive tendencies within states which could bring about their dismemberment.