Defense Pact Sparks Debate Ahead of Modi's Sri Lanka Visit

COLOMBO (News 1st); As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his official three-day visit to Sri Lanka starting this Friday, discussions have arisen regarding the agreements set to be signed during his stay.

Among these agreements, the defense cooperation pact has sparked significant debate.

Modi's visit, which will last until Sunday evening, includes plans to sign several agreements related to energy cooperation, digitalization, health, and multi-sectoral assistance.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently confirmed these details during a media briefing.

Misri stated that the defense cooperation agreement will include provisions for military training and naval collaboration. This has led to concerns from various political factions in Sri Lanka.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has accused the government of preparing to sign agreements without fulfilling promises made to the public. Tissa Attanayake, a national organizer for the SJB, emphasized the need for transparency and parliamentary approval for such agreements.

"NPP and JVP have always stated that agreements can only be signed by the government or the president for the duration of their contract, which is limited to five years. Any agreement extending beyond this period should be subject to public approval. We demand transparency regarding these agreements."

Namal Rajapaksa, National Organizer for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), also expressed his views on the matter.

"Prime Minister Modi is visiting Sri Lanka this week. What agreements are being signed? What benefits will Sri Lanka receive? We need clarity on these matters."

The Sarva Jana Balawegaya has voiced serious concerns about the defense cooperation agreement.

"This is a very dangerous situation. Sri Lanka has never signed a defense agreement with another country before. Such an agreement directly impacts our national security. We urge the government to inform the public and present these agreements to parliament."

The Frontline Socialist Party has also raised alarms about the defense cooperation agreement.

"This is the first time in Sri Lankan history that a defense agreement is being signed with India. Reports indicate that this agreement aims to counter China's growing military influence," said Pubudu Jayagoda, the Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party.

However, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that the agreement is not new but rather an update to existing cooperation.

""If I am not mistaken we are working on an update of an existing agreement on defense cooperation with Sri Lanka and we very much hope that can be concluded during this particular visit."