It is unfortunate that both in Sri Lanka and India, there are some elements engaging in negative speculation weaving conspiracy theories and opening up issues that have long been settled and are of no relevance to the current state of bilateral relations except to undermine the constructive and meaningful partnership that exists and continues to grow. So stated Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam on June 20, in response to an editorial in The Statesman on June 20.

However, he also stressed, such prejudiced action, mostly based on inimical perceptions of the past would subside soon, allowing the two countries to march forward and work together to expand common ground for the good of the peoples of both countries as well as the South Asian region.

“Over the last six decades, independent India and Sri Lanka have been through several phases in building their bilateral relations. As neighbours, both countries recognise the need to strive to work together in harmony, in the best interest of the peoples of the two nations and the region as a whole,” he further noted.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “It is, at least it should be, impossible for India and Sri Lanka to quarrel”, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner emphasized the intimate nature of the relations between Sri Lanka and India. “We are the nearest neighbours. We are inheritors of a common culture. Relations between the two neighbours, India and Sri Lanka, in the post-Independence era has matured over the years and diversified with the passage of time, encompassing all areas of contemporary relevance, including trade, services and investment, development cooperation, science and technology, culture and education.”

He also stated that the conclusion of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka in May 2009 created the space for new opportunities and further expansion of areas of cooperation between the two countries. The state visit by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India in June 2010 was a landmark event that laid a strong foundation for the future development of bilateral relations with the two leaders agreeing to harness the enormous potential available for consolidating and strengthening the bilateral partnership.

“Today, India and Sri Lanka work together on the basis of mutual respect and understanding. Interactions take place at different levels on a regular basis. All issues are discussed and resolved amicably through direct bilateral discussions. On the matter of fishermen crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), the two governments have now agreed without question that the use of force cannot be justified under any circumstances and that all fishermen must be treated in a humane manner and that their safety and security must be ensured,” he conceded.

During the conflict spanning three decades, the Sri Lankan Envoy mentioned, there were instances when Indian fishermen lost their lives in the seas of the Palk Strait. “The circumstances under which such unfortunate incidents occurred are well known, and the causes have since been removed with the demise of the LTTE terror machine. The issue regarding fishermen now relates to Indian fishermen crossing the IMBL into Sri Lankan waters in large numbers on a regular basis. Indian fishermen did cross the IMBL during the long conflict in Sri Lanka as well. At the time, Sri Lankan fishermen in the north were not allowed to fish in the sea in the Palk Bay for security reasons”.

He stated that with the conclusion of the conflict, the Sri Lankan fishermen in the North have resumed their traditional means of livelihood of fishing and demand that Sri Lankan waters should be reserved for them and should thus be free of Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters. “They often express concern regarding the fishing methods used by the Indian fishermen, such as bottom trawling and nylon nets that cause harm to the sea bed and its rich resource base. These are issues that the two governments are treating with due seriousness while being sensitive and alive to the problems faced by the fishing communities of both countries. India and Sri Lanka therefore remain engaged and are dealing with these issues in a constructive and meaningful manner through institutional and other arrangements including meetings between fishermen’s associations of the two countries as well as the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries”, he stressed.

Referring to the future endeavours, High Commissioner Kariyawasam said that the two countries will begin working on means to develop fishing and maritime resources in the Palk Bay area and conducting consultations on conservation of marine resources and protection of the environment as well as support for the fishing industry in Northern Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. “The two nations are committed to finding amicable and balanced solutions to all issues relating to fisher folks of both countries”, he further noted.

The Sri Lankan Envoy also made mention of the development partnership between India and Sri Lanka that has witnessed significant progress in the post-conflict era. While the Colombo-Tuticorin ferry service was launched this week, physical connectivity between the two countries has increased exponentially. There are more than 100 flights a week between the two countries and Sri Lanka received the largest number of tourists from India. One of Sri Lanka’s largest companies, Brandix, has established a fully integrated textile city in Vishakapatnam. The Colombo Port and the Colombo Dockyard feed on substantial Indian business. Many Indian corporations are investing in Sri Lanka, the most prominent being Tata, Ceat, Indian Oil Corporation, Airtel, Ultratech and Ircon. Indian banks and insurance companies operate in Sri Lanka as well. “People of India and Sri Lanka have tremendous goodwill towards each other and the approach of the leaders of the two countries that can become a model for deep trust, friendship, understanding and cooperation between two close neighbours”, the High Commissioner emphasized.