Sri Lankan President Advocates for Stronger India Ties at AI Summit
In an exclusive interview with TOI's Sachin Parashar, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the importance of the AI Summit, backed India's legitimate security interests in the Indian Ocean, and expressed a desire to resume Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) talks in a progressive and transparent manner.
Democratizing AI for the Global South
President Dissanayake congratulated India for hosting the AI Impact Summit, highlighting its significance for technology and partnership. He stated that the summit must focus on democratizing access to AI infrastructure and turning global principles into practical partnerships for the Global South.
Sri Lanka sees this as an opportunity for India, Lanka, and the wider Global South to shape AI governance together in partnership. For developing countries like Sri Lanka, access to infrastructure, research networks, and human capital development is critical.
The country is already laying foundations for AI-driven development, including a national digital public infrastructure framework, an AI governance architecture, sectoral AI committees, and an AI Champions program to build institutional capability.
However, access to global compute ecosystems, research networks, and advanced talent development remains vital. Initiatives such as the Global AI Impact Commons and the Trusted AI Commons are important because they can help democratize AI resources and ensure innovation is not limited to a few advanced economies.
The summit's real impact will lie in turning principles into practical partnerships, and Sri Lanka stands ready to work with India in doing so.
Aligning with India's Human-Centric AI Approach
President Dissanayake noted that India's human-centric approach to AI aligns closely with Sri Lanka's own reform and development priorities. Sri Lanka supports a balanced and risk-based regulatory framework that protects citizens while encouraging innovation.
The country has enacted robust data protection legislation, strengthened its cybersecurity framework, and is establishing a structured AI governance architecture to guide responsible adoption.
Rather than fragmented standards, regional collaboration between Sri Lanka and India can promote interoperability, ethical safeguards, and shared learning. AI governance should enable growth, strengthen institutions, and expand opportunities, which is best achieved through partnership. Sri Lanka views India as a natural collaborator in building trusted and inclusive AI ecosystems.
Evolution of India-Lanka Ties
Reflecting on the historical skepticism of his party about India, President Dissanayake acknowledged the Indian government's recent support for Lanka's economic recovery and assistance after Cyclone Ditwah. He stated that his vision for India-Lanka ties has evolved significantly over the past 18 months.
The first country I visited after being elected as President was India, and the first foreign leader I received in Lanka as President was PM Modi. In recognition of India's support under PM Modi's leadership, including during the economic crisis, Sri Lanka accorded him the highest honor—the Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushana.
The link between the two countries is deep, historic, and civilizational. During his visit to India in December 2024, they adopted the India-Sri Lanka Joint Statement titled 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future'.
Relations cover every area of contemporary relevance, with India's support during Lanka's economic stabilization and Cyclone Ditwah being significant. Today, the relationship is about structural integration and long-term growth.
India is Sri Lanka's largest trading partner, a significant investor, and the largest source of tourism. Recently, many Indians visited Lanka to watch the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan.
The two nations are exploring expanded cooperation in:
- Energy connectivity and renewables
- Digital systems and public infrastructure
- Maritime security and Indian Ocean stability
- Ports, logistics, and supply chains
- Skills and human capital development
Sri Lanka is open to considering all possible cooperation, as a stronger Lankan economy complements India's growth trajectory. Working together will strengthen regional stability and economic resilience across the Indian Ocean Region.
Balancing Foreign Policy with Security Concerns
Addressing Sri Lanka's balancing act in securing Chinese investments while not jeopardizing India's security, President Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka maintains an independent foreign policy. However, geography dictates responsibility.
We recognize India's legitimate security interests in the Indian Ocean region. Our security is intertwined. Sri Lanka has signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement with India and will not allow its territory to be used in ways that undermine other countries' security.
Stability in the Indian Ocean Region is a shared responsibility, and Sri Lanka will always work closely with India to uphold it. As Sri Lanka looks to finalize the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for foreign research vessels this year, it will take into account India's concerns about vessels with dual-use military capabilities docking in Sri Lanka.
Reviving Economic Engagement Through ETCA
With negotiations for the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) stalled, President Dissanayake stressed that the time is right to re-energize economic engagement with India. Global trade dynamics are shifting, and India is expanding its trade architecture.
Sri Lanka will explore ways to integrate into this growth environment in a mutually beneficial manner. We would like to recommence discussions on ETCA in a transparent manner. The country is expanding free trade zone capacity and welcomes Indian investment.
Beyond trade agreements, Sri Lanka and India port partnerships offer tremendous opportunities. Sri Lanka's ports already serve as major transshipment hubs for Indian cargo.
By deepening cooperation, they can position Sri Lanka as a logistics and value-add partner to Indian manufacturing, develop joint ventures in maritime services, strengthen industrial connectivity, and integrate more closely into regional supply chains.
Economic integration should create jobs in Sri Lanka and build resilience for both economies. The direction is clear: deeper cooperation with India, structured integration, and shared growth for mutual benefit.
