Siva Parameswaran
Sri Lanka’s finance minister Basil Rajapaksa is on ‘Mission Delhi’ again in less than two months as the country reels under intense economic crisis amidst escalating fuel and food cost.
As the country’s human rights record is being closely watched by the international community, lending institutions are taking a cautious approach and await the outcome of the United Nations annual general session from 28 February to 1st April which includes a discussion on Sri Lanka.
UNHRC commissioner Michelle Bachelet is expected to make a written submission to the council on the status of the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.
During the visit by Basil Rajapaksa to New Delhi, both the nations are expected to finalise at least three defence agreements. While indications are that he will be seeking additional bailout package from India to tide over the grave economic crisis, the defence deals are also likely to be signed during the visit.
The defence agreements are believed to focus on boosting cooperation inmaritime security. With huge quantities of narcotics continue to be seized off the Indo-Sri Lanka waters, concerns have been raised that Sri Lanka is becoming if not already the new global hub of international drugs trade.
Security analysts say, the Afghanistan-Pakistan corridor coming under extended watch of the international radar, the Arabic Sea coast and Sri Lanka has become the focal point of the drug smugglers. They also say that a strong maritime security is need in the international waters.
Basil Rajapaksa the junior among the Rajapaksa brothers, has been continuously lobbying with New Delhi seeking close to a billion dollars in assistance partly as aid and partly as long term loan.
This line of credit by India is provided mainly for purchase of essential items including food and medicines.
Apart from the economic bailout package, the defence related agreements would boost the capabilities of the Sri Lankan armed forces and increased maritime security. South Asian security analysts say the Sri Lankan Navy lack the capabilities to tackle curb the narcotics trade in the high seas around the island nation. At the same time concerns have been raised in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu that empowering the SL Navy will cause more harm to their fishermen who regularly cross the Palk straits and are accused of using banned fishing methods.
Though India continuously raises its concern over the issue of fishermen across the narrow strip of sea between the two nations, Sri Lanka has not honoured its commitment given to India of not arresting the Indian fishermen and seizing their boats.
The visit of Basil Rajapaksa is also likely to result in the signing of an agreement for Sri Lanka to purchase two Dornier aircraft and the acquisition of a 4,000-tonne naval floating dock. Also, Sri Lanka has agreed to post a naval liaison officer at the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region based in Gurugram near Delhi.
While the Indian government tracks commercial shipping lines in and off its territorial waters, it comes under pressure of tackling maritime terrorism and piracy and actively seeks the cooperation of its neighbours in particular Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan liaison officer if-and-when posted will join other ten partner nations which include the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Maldives, and Singapore. The naval floating dock is a facility equipped with automated systems for top techrepairs of warships. It will also have the muscle to lift large ships like frigates and destroyers.
In the recent months, India has extended its financial support to Sri Lanka as part of its neighbour first policy and the four-pillar package which was agreed in principle during the visit of Basil Rajapaksa in December last year. India has provided a $500 mn line of credit for purchase of fuel and other essentials and a currency swap pf $400 million under the SAARC facility. Moreover, India has deferred the repayment of over 500 million dollars due to the Asian Clearing Union.
Political parties in Tamil Nadu are up in arms against any continued assistance to Sri Lanka, who accuse their armed forces of war crimes and committing genocide.
Basil Rajapaksa being a master negotiator, is expected to back with his substantial fund and defence pact with India.
