 |
|
The recent Sri Lankan elections have resulted in the election of a new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). His victory marks a significant shift in Sri Lankan politics, with a Marxist party leader assuming the head of state position for the first time in the country's history. Dissanayake's victory has been met with congratulations from various international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, who expressed his well wishes shortly after the swearing-in ceremony.
Dissanayake's political ideology and past statements have raised concerns about his potential stance on India-Sri Lanka relations. He is known for his pro-China leanings and has expressed skepticism about India's influence in the region. His party, the JVP, has historically been critical of India's role in Sri Lankan affairs, with the party's founder, Rohana Wijeweera, characterizing India as an 'enemy' of Sri Lankan interests. Dissanayake's stance on the 13th amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution, which seeks to devolve power to the Tamil minority, further fuels concerns about his commitment to promoting inter-ethnic harmony within the country.
China's involvement in Sri Lanka's affairs has intensified in recent years, with significant investments in infrastructure projects and a prominent role in the island nation's debt restructuring. China's influence is particularly evident in the Hambantota port, which was leased to China for 99 years as part of a debt swap agreement. The new president's pro-China leanings are likely to strengthen China's position in Sri Lanka and potentially raise concerns about India's strategic interests in the region. Dissanayake's inaugural address, emphasizing the need for international cooperation, suggests a cautious approach to foreign policy and a possible willingness to balance relations with both China and India.