Colombo: India and China are closely watching Sri Lanka, as the island nation is heading towards presidential polls on November 16. The two Asian giants consider Colombo as a critical cusp in their geostrategic spot for dominance in South Asia. Yet Saman Weerasinghe, advisor to the Sri Lankan President, tells ETV Bharat that Sri Lanka shares a 1,000-year old friendship with India and “we are more than just friends”.
In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat ahead of Presidential elections, Weerasinghe said, "Sri Lanka is open for all. Many countries including India have implemented many projects in Colombo and New Delhi is doing well."
"Sri Lanka and India share 1000-year-old ties and India always extended its support when needed. So without fearing our growing closeness with Beijing, I hope more investments are in the offing from New Delhi," Weerasinghe added.
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When asked about China's debt trap, Weerasinghe said, "When it comes to Sri Lanka's external economic burden, it is less than 10 per cent and it is not a matter of concern."
"As a developing country, we need investment from across the globe. Along with other countries, the Chinese government and a lot of companies have invested in our country. I hope Indian companies and government will also do more in the economic field with Sri Lanka.”
Answering a question regarding how to tackle the debt trap, Weerasinghe – who earlier served as the former ambassador to the Russian Federation – stressed on attracting foreign direct investment and ease of doing business.
"Like other Asian nations, we need to liberalise our economic policies to woo investors across the globe. When it comes to private sector investments, we need to offer more incentives and opportunities to attract them, may it be globally or Asian nations like India and Pakistan," he asserted.
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Weerasinghe went on to add: "Moreover, the new President should consider these facts and frame economic policies so that our country can do better business in tourism, agricultural exports and many more. I hope, Sri Lanka can do it easily.”
"I think the new President should maintain a good relationship with all the countries and should pay more importance to the Asian subcontinent. I hope the new President will continue to establish a good relationship with our neighbours and try to promote this existing relationship to a new level," he said, answering to a question regarding maintaining diplomatic ties with other countries.
Asked about what will be Sri Lanka's stand on maintaining ties with India despite China's increasing closeness, he said, "India and Sri Lanka share a high level political and cultural ties. I hope the economic relations between the countries will further strengthen. In the coming five years, we will work together to take our existing relationship to a new high."
