Indo-Lanka ties robustly alive

THERE is no issue between India and Sri Lanka that cannot be talked about by the two countries and resolved amicably. This sentiment expressed by Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran at the conclusion of his four day fruitful visit to Sri Lanka, points to the continuing cordiality in Indo-Lanka relations, which has proved time and again to be the cementing factor in our enduring relations with India.

The persistence of this cordiality and camaraderie in Indo-Lanka relations is mainly attributable to the emphasis placed in the foreign policies of both states on the cultivation of close ties with their immediate neighbours and to the prominence given in both foreign policies to the principle of non-alignment.

These unchanging bases in our foreign policies have enabled Indo-Lanka relations to brave some short-lived, stormy spells in the past and reemerge, refreshed and strengthened.

Fresh proof of the durability of the Indo-Lanka relationship has emerged in the degree of understanding which has been reached by the states on the Sethsamudram project, which was seen in some quarters as having the potential to ruffle Indo-Lanka ties. We have it on the authority of the Indian Foreign Secretary that this is not so.

There is no conflict between the countries on this issue - we are told by the latter. In fact, it is now clear that India is working in close cooperation with Sri Lanka on this project. Foreign Secretary Saran made it amply clear that India is continuing to be open to objections by Lanka on issues arising from the project. There is no question of Lanka being kept in the dark.

There is no doubt that India's willingness to help out in the post tsunami reconstruction process, in particularly Lanka's Eastern Province, will keep Indo-Lanka relations robustly alive, which in turn would help in advancing the legitimate interests of both countries.

Accordingly, it is only to be expected that India would provide Lanka with all the necessary moral support to work out a just political solution to the latter's ethnic conflict.

Time and again India has made it clear that she would be backing a just solution which addresses the legitimate concerns of all our communities. This is likely to prove an unshakable policy on the Lankan conflict.

However, Sri Lanka would need to bear in mind that she should take the initiative in working out a political solution to the conflict, in collaboration with all important parties to the issue. Ready moral support in this endeavour would come from India. But the push for peace must come from Lanka.