The Promise of India-Sri Lanka Connectivity – South Asian Voices

Strengthening the Bond Between Two Neighbors
Sri Lanka and India share a long history of friendship, culture, and trade. The recent presidential victory of Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Sri Lanka is expected to bring new opportunities for these two nations to work together. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to congratulate Dissanayake, showing his hopes for stronger ties.

In July 2023, former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited India, where both countries created a vision document to improve their connection. This document focuses on improving ties in areas like trade, travel, energy, and people-to-people connections. However, turning these plans into reality is not easy.

The Dream of the Ram Setu Bridge
One of the most talked-about projects is the Ram Setu Bridge, which could physically connect India and Sri Lanka. The bridge is planned to stretch between Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. This idea uses the historic Ram Setu, a natural limestone formation with deep cultural importance, believed to have existed above water thousands of years ago.

Although this project could boost connectivity, it faces questions about local needs and its effect on the environment. The new Sri Lankan government has decided to review the project carefully, reflecting the importance of balancing development with the concerns of local communities.

The project, which could cost around $5 billion, has drawn interest from investors like the Asian Development Bank and India itself. A feasibility study is underway to decide if it is possible to build this bridge without causing harm to the environment or disrupting local livelihoods.

Opportunities and Concerns
The Ram Setu Bridge could bring many economic benefits to Sri Lanka. By connecting with India’s vast market of 1.4 billion people, Sri Lanka could cut transportation costs, make trade easier, and create thousands of jobs. Key products like textiles, sugar, and pharmaceuticals could find bigger markets, while tourism between the two countries could flourish.

Sonowal to launch Maritime Single Window and MMD Modules in Sagar Setu (NLP-Marine) tomorrow

However, some experts and nationalist groups in Sri Lanka worry about losing control. They fear that India’s growing influence could harm Sri Lanka’s independence. There are also concerns about India pushing for greater rights for Sri Lanka’s Tamil minority, which some see as interference in domestic matters.

Lessons from Past Challenges
Building the Ram Setu Bridge won’t be easy. Even smaller projects, like a ferry service between India and Sri Lanka, have struggled to succeed. Right now, only one cruise ship operates between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, showing how tough it is to launch even simpler connectivity ideas.

Environmental issues are another hurdle. Past projects, like the Sethusamudram Canal, were abandoned due to concerns about harming marine life and livelihoods. Fishing communities on both sides are particularly worried about how such a massive project could affect their income.

Moving Forward Together
Sri Lanka’s new government has an opportunity to rethink its relationship with India. President Dissanayake seems ready to balance Sri Lanka’s national interests while engaging positively with its neighbors, including China and India.

To make connectivity projects work, both governments need to focus on realistic, community-friendly initiatives. By listening to local voices and addressing environmental concerns, India and Sri Lanka can build a partnership that benefits everyone.