Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, has said India’s leadership is indispensable to ensuring security and stability in the Indian Ocean region and sustaining long-term peace across South Asia.
In an interview from Colombo, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader said the national interests of India and Sri Lanka clearly converge, providing a strong basis for mutual respect, understanding and constructive cooperation between the two neighbours. He described India as a global power whose role must be acknowledged both regionally and internationally.
Premadasa reiterated his support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council, saying it would better reflect present-day global power realities. He also praised policies pursued by the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during periods of severe economic hardship.
He said strong bilateral ties have delivered tangible benefits to Sri Lankans by helping meet essential economic, social, health and development needs. “India’s leadership in the region is very important. It is indispensable to promoting both regional and global security,” Premadasa said, adding that India–Sri Lanka relations continue to add value to Sri Lanka.
Turning to broader regional developments, Premadasa underscored the importance of political stability in Bangladesh, particularly ahead of its upcoming elections. He said stability would strengthen democracy and ensure the aspirations and sovereign rights of the Bangladeshi people are reflected through democratic processes. He expressed hope that the elections would be free and fair, resulting in a genuine mandate.
Commenting on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s call to revitalise the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Premadasa said multilateral platforms remain relevant for promoting dialogue, peace and shared prosperity in the region. He noted that SAARC has historically provided an important forum for cooperation and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Emphasising inclusive growth, Premadasa said regional prosperity must be rooted in social democratic values such as equity, justice and fairness. A functional SAARC, he added, would play a key role in advancing long-term peace, stability and prosperity across South Asia.
Yunus on Thursday renewed calls to revive SAARC, saying the “SAARC spirit is alive and well,” citing the strong regional presence at the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. High-level delegations from SAARC member states, including India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan, attended the event.
Yunus also recalled efforts to convene an informal SAARC leaders’ meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York and said preparations are under way for free, fair and peaceful elections in Bangladesh, scheduled for February 12. (Source: ANI)
