Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced plans for a feasibility study on land connectivity between Sri Lanka and India, leveraging the strategic ports of Colombo and Trincomalee.
Speaking at the Indian Ocean Summit in Perth, Australia, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the region’s resistance to single-power dominance while cautioning against growing militarization and geopolitical tensions.
He emphasized the historical significance of the Indian Ocean region’s diverse cultural and political landscape, referencing the Bandung Conference of 1955 and the Non-Aligned Movement.
President Wickremesinghe expressed concern over increasing militarization, citing the expansion of naval presence by major powers like India, the US, China, and Saudi Arabia. He warned that this rivalry could limit the maneuverability of smaller nations in the region.
Addressing recent attacks on commercial vessels and piracy threats, the President stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in key maritime routes.
Proposing Sri Lanka as a platform for discussions on Indian Ocean navigation, President Wickremesinghe announced a joint feasibility study with India for land connectivity between the two countries.
His vision includes positioning Sri Lanka as a regional logistics hub, benefitting South India through enhanced trade and connectivity.
