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Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa Calls India Central to South Asian Peace

Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa has emphasized that India's leadership is central to maintaining long-term peace and stability in South Asia. He called for greater regional cooperation to counter extremism and political violence, especially during elections in countries like Bangladesh and Nepal. The statement aligns with recent Indian assistance to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured support, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced a proposed $450 million aid package for reconstruction.

Key Points: Sri Lankan MP Stresses India's Leadership for South Asia Stability

  • India's leadership role in South Asia
  • Need for stronger regional cooperation
  • Countering extremism and political violence
  • Importance of free and fair elections
  • India's post-cyclone aid to Sri Lanka
2 min read

Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa stresses 'India's leadership central to maintaining long-term peace and stability in South Asia'

Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa highlights India's central role in ensuring long-term peace and stability in South Asia amid regional challenges.

"India's leadership is central to maintaining long-term peace and stability in the region. - Namal Rajapaksa"

Colombo, January 8

Sri Lankan Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa on Thursday underscored the importance of India's leadership in ensuring long-term peace and stability in South Asia, calling for stronger regional cooperation amid evolving global and regional security challenges.

"Amid a series of recent global security developments, there is a growing and urgent need for stronger regional cooperation in South Asia, in which India can play a central role. In recent years, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have experienced periods of political turmoil, marked by public unrest and changes in government. At times, these disruptions have been supported and promoted by extremist elements. Addressing these challenges requires a collective commitment to counter extremism, prevent political violence, and safeguard minority rights," he posted on X.

Rajapaks emphasised that regional unity remains crucial for long-term peace and coherence

"As such, South Asia requires greater regional coherence to withstand emerging crises and respond collectively to shared challenges. In this context, India's leadership is central to maintaining long-term peace and stability in the region. With aligned goals focused on growth and stability, South Asia as a whole can project greater influence internationally, and in that process, regional unity remains crucial for long-term peace and coherence. The upcoming elections in Bangladesh and Nepal present a hopeful opportunity to reaffirm democratic legitimacy through free and fair elections that will contribute to further strengthening regional security," he posted.

On December 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, assuring India's support to the neighbouring country in the aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Ditwah.

Prime Minister Modi stated that India will stand with Sri Lanka for "rebuilding lives and ensuring resilience." Hailing India's Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, he noted that the supplies and emergency materials, along with Indian teams aiding in search and rescue efforts, helped the neighbouring country to deal with the medical emergencies and restore connectivity and communications

Aligning with PM Modi's assurance of assistance, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that India has proposed a comprehensive USD 450 million assistance package to support Sri Lanka's reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to see recognition of India's role, but our foreign policy must be consistent. We help neighbours generously, which is our duty, but we must also ensure our strategic interests are protected. The $450 million package is significant.
R
Rohit P
Operation Sagar Bandhu is a prime example of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' – the world is one family. When our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka suffered, India was there. This is the kind of soft power that builds lasting trust, not just empty words.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope this leadership also translates into stronger support for democratic institutions and human rights across the board in the region. The point about free and fair elections in Bangladesh and Nepal is crucial.
V
Vikram M
South Asia rising together is the only way forward. China's debt-trap diplomacy in the region is a real concern. When India leads with genuine partnership and aid like this, it creates a more stable and prosperous neighbourhood for all of us.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, we must be careful. Leadership is welcome, but we should avoid any perception of being a 'big brother'. Our actions should always be in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. The assistance after the cyclone is the perfect example to follow.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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