short note on relation between india and srilanka
Answers
India-Sri Lanka Relations
- History
India-Sri Lanka relationship is 2500 years old with significant cultural and political contacts. In the ancient phase of history, Buddhism was introduced in Sri Lanka by Mahinda, the son of Ashoka. Sri Lanka was under British rule and got it's independence in 1948. After independence, both India and Sri Lanka became members of Commonwealth of Nations. Indian Government intervened in Sri Lankan civil war to protect the interest of Tamils and restore long lasting peace in Sri Lanka.
- Chinese Connection
China funded much of Sri Lanka's post war infrastructure under President Rajapakse administration. China signed many naval agreements and provides military equipment to Sri Lanka. China has constructed Sri Lanka's biggest sea port, called port of Hambantota with an investment of 361 million dollars. Sri Lanka has given this port to China for 99 years on leash as they were unable to pay the debt. It was under China's string of Pearls policy to encircle India in Indian Ocean. To counter that, India has signed an agreement with Sri Lanka to build Trincomalee Port and Hambantota Airport.
- Steps taken to better India Sri Lanka Bond
To better our ties with Sri Lanka, India has signed civil nuclear cooperation agreement under which India would provide technical assistance in education, training and disaster management. At last, India needs Sri Lanka strategically as well as to ensure security in their neighbourhood.