-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -06.Sep.2024, 11.00 pm) Concerns have surfaced about India’s alleged support for Sri Lankan presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, with figures like Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Indian diplomats in Colombo reportedly backing him. This support has been criticized by senior Indian military officials, especially those involved in operations during the 1987-1991 Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) mission in Sri Lanka.
Critics argue that Sajith’s father, Ranasinghe Premadasa, armed the LTTE, which used these weapons against Indian soldiers, leading to many deaths. These officials, alongside retired military personnel, view this backing as a betrayal, as Sajith has never publicly apologized for his father’s role in the conflict. The legacy of the IPKF’s mission, already a sensitive subject in India, is further complicated by these allegations.
Adding to the concerns is Sajith Premadasa’s perceived alignment with policies that could promote the merger of Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces, raising fears among Sinhalese politicians. These moves are seen as controversial and could challenge the country’s internal unity.
As Sajith prepares for the upcoming election, many question India’s strategic wisdom in supporting a candidate linked to past grievances, especially when populist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the NPP seems to hold broader public support. Some argue that India is taking a significant risk in backing an unpopular figure, potentially damaging its influence in the region and alienating sections of both the Sri Lankan public and Indian military officials. Whether this policy will backfire remains to be seen, but the controversy around it is growing.
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by (2024-09-06 18:11:48)
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