NON-ALIGNED, FIRM & POLITE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

Sir Arthur C. Clarke who renewed global respect for Sri Lanka in the 20th century said it’s inappropriate to call this planet Earth, as it’s quite clearly ocean with 71% of its surface covered by the five oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, Southern & Indian Ocean). Sri Lanka (Lakdiva) stands at the centre of the ‘Lakdiva Sea’. Although Chinese Admiral Zheng He who had stronger trade interests with India than SL during the 14th century wasn’t interested in renaming it, western colonizers renamed it the ‘Indian Ocean’. Quite a number of pages in Sri Lanka chronicles are filled with similar activities on the Ocean surface.

The latest is the commencement of the ferry service connecting the people of India & Sri Lanka after nearly 40 years due to the conflict. It is a winwin development implemented with mutual respect. Mutual respect has been a cornerstone in Indo-lanka relations on the Ocean surface, even during the 30-year conflict. One example was when SL Navy prevented Indian fishing boats entering Sri Lankan waters with Red

Cross flags carrying essentials for Sri Lankans in the North & East without

Sri Lankan government approval. Referring to the incident, late Lalith Athulathmudali, Minister of National Security said “Good sense has prevailed. We decided to stand firm but be polite.”

21ST CENTURY OCEAN

The Indian Ocean is the meeting place of the thriving economies of the Middle East, Africa, India & China. It is rich in biological & non-biological resources. The strategic significance it possesses due to the linkage to international trade is globally accepted. Being a ‘Maritime’ country at the centre of it, this is an opportunity for the Sri Lankans to take the country out of the economic crisis as SL lags behind in the development & utilization of its maritime potential. Unlike in the past ‘Surface Usage’ isn’t enough. Harnessing its ocean & mineral resources within its territory is crucial to generate wealth. Still, it is no secret that SL isn’t wealthy to command the latest technological capabilities.

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea grants coastal nations the right to develop & utilize ocean resources. Sri Lanka should fully leverage the rights provided by the convention to develop its ocean resources to boost economic growth. Although Sri Lanka has worked with many on maritime cooperation, the benefits have been visibly limited. In recent years, Sino-lanka joint scientific research has paved the way for Sri Lanka to lay a tangible foundation to benefit from the Indian Ocean. As per Sri Lanka statistics, without spotlights China has provided technical equipment, shared research outcomes, & participated in expert training enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities. Still, as always it seems to have attracted spotlights from elsewhere.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe once said, “Many countries’ vessels dock in Sri Lanka, but only Chinese vessels attract sensationalism.” Free ports are the low-hanging fruits for economic recovery & they aren’t new in the world. Sri Lanka’s right to operate Free Ports should be respected. Britain implemented the Free Ports Act in 1766. The USA has 293 Free Ports, while Croatia has the highest number in the EU. Sri Lanka has been managing Free Ports centuries before the British & USA (Jaffna, Mannar, Trincomalee, Beruwala, Galle & Godawaya) (Ref. Maritime stats).

MARINE RESEARCH

The Sri Lankan government temporarily suspended approvals for foreign scientific research vessels in 2024, generating speculation. Sri Lanka clarified that this decision applies to all countries. However, the news was distorted by a few sources including some in India while others went to the extent of suggesting it was a response to Indian pressure. It may paint a hegemonic mindset on the image of the great Indian civilization, which has stood by Sri Lanka from the times of Great Emperor Ashoka. Those who work for peace on Earth see it as disrespecting Sri Lanka’s independent foreign policy. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stressed that “it is for Sri Lanka to build its own capacity to participate in such research activities as equal partners.” Strengthening scientific research capabilities requires collaboration with other countries. Based on current capabilities & intentions, China is an important partner. Amid escalating geopolitical competition, Sri Lanka faces significant pressure. The best approach is for Sri Lanka to steadfastly uphold national sovereignty & independence. As always Sri Lankans should pursue a balanced foreign policy, refraining from taking sides. They should maintain positive cooperative relations with all countries, including China.

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Sri Lankan government temporarily suspended approvals for foreign scientific research vessels in 2024, generating speculation. Sri Lanka clarified that this decision applies to all countries. However, the news was distorted by a few sources including some in India while others went to the extent of suggesting it was a response to Indian pressure