Indo-Lanka relations -foreign policy and shuttle diplomacy

By Sarath WIJESINGHE

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Sri Lanka relations with India dates back to thousands of years. Closeness has developed close and permanent bonds between both nations. Both nations have more similarities than differences. “Nation is a political association with effective sovereignty over a geographic area and representing a population”. India is enormous in size, rich in culture with hundreds of languages and ethnic groups. Yet she is proud to be the largest model world democracy. Sri Lanka despite continuous terrorist activities which have destabilised the peace and democratic way of life still respects and practises democratic principles and ideals since independence to date.

Difficult periods

Every human being and nation consisting of humans is selfish and has their own agenda in the interest of the ir citizens. Therefore, it is natural that Indo-Sri Lanka relations have difficult periods. Every nation has internal issues and the priority should be given to their own citizens. But to the credit of both nations nowhere during the long history India ever invaded Sri Lanka completely though there were provincial rulers who partially invaded for short periods.

We inherited religion, culture and many other values and sources of developments mainly from our big brother for which we are ever grateful. Even the 1987 episode could have been avoided had we handled it properly based on a firm and correct foreign policy sounded on trust, confidence and goodwill. The Indian central government depends for their existence on Tamil Nadu which is one of the largest provinces and generally the deciding factor of any government always hangs on the balance of power of the provinces. Tamil Nadu has 32 seats out of 552 in the Lok Sabha and has a say on the Central Government and governance in general. Dravidian parties organised themselves since 1916 by forming a welfare association of Tamils which subsequently changed to a political union.

In 1944 Dravidian Kazhagam party was formed and today it has split into many sub groups and is in power in turns mainly as leading actors in the forefront. “Muran” and many powerful dynasties (C265-238BC) never thought of invading Sri Lanka though the provinces had their own struggles, differences and bloody wars. They left Sri Lanka alone for thousands of years. Buddhism and Hinduism have been the most valuable Indian contributions to Sri Lanka which has developed close bonds in all respects. Both Sri Lanka and India are tolerant secular nations where the citizens enjoy ideals of modern democratic principles which are similar to traditional ideals practised for thousands and thousands of years.

Even closest family members at times are faced with minute differences. Therefore it is natural that both countries have at times strained there close friendly bonds due to mismanagement of foreign policy; mostly by us. In India governments may change but not the foreign policy and the system of administration. But on the whole the relations between the two countries were extremely cordial.

Friendships between leaders

King Asoka sent his son Mahinda and daughter Sangamitta as emissaries to propagate Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan King Devdenampiyatissa though they had not met has been a close friend of King Asoka who conquered the whole of India. He did not want to conquer Sri Lanka due to the close friendship with King Tissa.

King Asoka was not a happy man due to the large number of massacres and devastations as a result of war. He led a disturbed life wanting mental rest and peace when he came across Nigroda Samanera- (novice bhikkhu) walking along the road happily and peacefully accepting food offered by the public. He invited the Samanera to his Palace and requested him to sit in a proper seat. The Samanera sat on the King’s Chair- being the most suitable position to a person who has shed all worldly ties.

Foreign policy

The King was extremely happy and embraced Buddhism and spent the rest of his life for the propagation of Buddhism and the peaceful way of life. Indo-Sri Lanka relations, since then have been excellent. Mr and Mrs Bandaranaike during their regimes developed strong political and personal bonds between the two countries, leaders and their families. Today Sri Lankan President has also developed strong personal and political bonds between the two countries and leaders.

USA and Obama

A country’s “foreign policy” also called international relations policy is a set of goals, outlining how the country will interact with other countries, and international organisations and statutory bodies economically, politically, socially and militarily.

This is a very broad and a general definition of the concept on which the political culture and economy of the world and countries depend on.

Foreign policy is directly connected to politics and economy in the present globalised community living as a cluster and interconnected in the ecoomic and political world order.

In the United States foreign policy comes directly under the President as the head of the Government and the Executive. Priority is given to this subject as foreign policy helps to protect the country’s national interest, national security, ideological goals and economic prosperity.

This changes from individual to individual. Obama, the President elect in the United States is planning the changes and strategies in his administration from January mainly on foreign policy, which is capable of bringing about drastic changes in the world economy and politics. Obama is a self-made man from a common and mixed family. Barack Hussain Obama -a Christian - is the first American-African to be elected as the most powerful person in the world who has power to make peace or war.

He was born in Hawaii and educated at the prestigious Harvard Law College and Colombia University where he studied law and political science. President Bush developed his foreign policy with the UK and allies in combating war on terror and economic bonds with the EU and the West. The economic downturn and the failure in Iraqi and Afghanistan warfronts are worrying factors for not only the West; but for the entire world as in the new world economy and politics are interconnected and interdependent. It is the remaining world power and self-appointed world policeman financially and militarily powerful and backed by the powerful west and the European Union. It has a substantial influence on the United Nations.

Therefore, affairs of the United States have direct effect and impact on the entire world and it is our duty to be careful, however small we are. Today the world is eagerly waiting for the implementation of Obama policies he has put forward during the election campaign.

He is a strategist and effective speaker who has put forward new and attractive policies of healthcare and economic reforms to Americans and a novel foreign policy based on respect for world leaders and nations.

the incumbent President Barack Obama had a long telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of India- the emerging world power and former close ally of one time superpower USSR. Obama has made his views open and clear and his plans of action on many world issues during his campaign with a different vision and a new approach. He has not spoken much on the Sri Lankan issue, but commented and addressed on other global issues. His policies on nuclear power, Kashmir, Al-Qaida, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and in the economic front will have a direct and ripple effect on the world and Asia in general which includes Sri Lanka.

Now that the human rights issue too is on the top of the agenda, Obama may want to revise or change in approach to human rights and the war.

The USA expects the other countries to maintain international standards on human rights while they are hesitant to implement the conventions and enter into multilateral instruments. Obama wants to consider closing the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba consisting of 250 detainees which is a blot on the USA record on human rights. He has appointed Dennis Mc Donough - as foreign policy adviser to formulate the new policy on combating al-Qaida and world terrorist organisations.

It is positive that “Osama” cannot expect any leniency from “Obama” and it is expected that the LTTE too will be treated in the same way. There is no indication that Obama is going to be soft on terrorism and terrorist organisations. It is still premature to comment on Obama’s stand on Sri Lanka. But the short conduct has shown that it is difficult for him to destabilise the establishment so easily and he is sharp and intelligent. Indications are that he is sharper and more intelligent and pragmatic than his predecessor.

In the USA it is being changed and re demarcated based on Obama policies which appear to be different from Bush Policies. It is a 13 trillion economy which is the largest in the world, the only remaining world power and the most powerful leader which has direct influence on the European Union, West United Nations and non state sector. His attitude on the Iraqi war, Afghanistan war, oil, nuclear power, economic disasters and other volatile man-made issues worldwide will decide the future and the destiny of mankind. In India, foreign policy is decoded jointly by the leader legislature and the administration well equipped with foreign policy. In Sri Lanka it is the leader of the nation who formulates and decides foreign policy. Senanayake’s and Kotalawala’s policies adopted a pro west policy which is the most suitable and practical attitude considering the political environment of the day.

SWRD and Sirima changed it to non alignment which is the need and the order of the day. Though JR was a seasoned and matured politician he has not managed the foreign policy according to the need of the day and the political atmosphere. Antagonising India is the biggest blunder made during his regime for which the nation still pays the biggest price.

Mahinda Chintana and foreign policy

Mahinda has inherited a complicated and muddled country and a destabilised foreign policy. Though Sirima managed the conduct of foreign policy beautifully with experienced government servants on Indian line, Chandrika as well as JR mismanaged foreign policy and the NE issue as well. Mahinda took a 360 turn in his policy document Mahinda Chintana by promising an Undivided Country, National Consensus, Honourable Peace, Abrogation of the infamous CFA entered into between Ranil and Prabhakaran, discussion with all parties, parties concerned including the LTTE, India and the international community. He has fulfilled many promises. CFA is abrogated.

He attempted to discuss with the LTTE as promised. Kachchativu, Indian labour, maritime borders based on international and regional law of the sea, and achievements via Non-Alignment are his personal achievements and success of shuttle diplomacy and friendly relations with countries and individuals. It is one of the golden eras of our diplomacy. As usual the LTTE chose terror instead of democracy. The liberated east has installed a provincial administration and north is nearing liberation and democratisation. Sirima succeeded in shuttle diplomacy.

Mahinda has his own way and style of conducting affairs and innovative foreign policy based on the needs of the hour with world politics. He has developed close relations with all world leaders while developing new friends in need. Rohitha’s strategy to host the SAARC is brilliant as Mahinda is now heading the regional organisation which has brought new strengths and vigour which is an important matter at this hour of need. Mahinda is slowly and steadily emerging as a world leader with his charm, diplomacy and experience.

During the short period he has had close and fruitful discussions on various issues including NE, human rights, economies and bullying tactics by rich and powerful, with almost all the world leaders with whom he developed close ties. He has become a powerful and a convincing speaker in the world stage. Sending Basil for shuttle diplomacy during this volatile stage is strategically and practically fine. Mahinda, Gotabhaya and Basil are now known to world and regional politics as experts in their own fields in their own way shouldering substantial part of the weight in the field of governance and developments. India knows how close Basil to Mahinda is and that he is a master tactician and ruthlessly efficient and can be considered to be the voice of Mahinda. His mere presence gave relief to the Central government pressurised by Tamil Nadu.

Strategy proved successful and he did his job well.

Mahinda as world leader

Mahinda’s taking part in (BIMSTEC) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Corporation is opportune and well timed as the pressure on the centre is so high due to the oncoming elections next year. India is careful as Pakistan and China will not like bullying Sri Lanka which has now developed close connections. Sri Lanka has agreed on the 13th amendment which is the proposed Indian model. They are requesting a devolution package, concerned about Tamils caught in crossfire, food and other services to the displaced, and life and safety of the civilians used by the LTTE as a human shield.

The pressure of the artistes and counter Adhistana Pooja by the Sri Lankan artistes is an excellent move and it is time for Sri Lankan professionals and lawyers to come forward to help the nation, when the Opposition is attempting to liberate the LTTE when the forces with dedication are trying to liberate the trapped brethren from LTTE the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world. We plead the Opposition to follow the Conservative party in the United Kingdom. They helped to end IRA terror and today are heading for victory. Opposition too will be loved by the nation if they work hand in hand with the liberation movement which has now reached the last lap. Everyone of us must pray that Mahinda will succeed in his mission and shuttle diplomacy. We hope Mahinda will emerge as a successful world leader and lay the foundation for a golden era in foreign policy and international relations.

The writer is an LL.M London - International and Public Law and Senior Solicitor in England and Wales