-By A Staff writer
(Lanka-e-News -29.Nov.2024, 7.05 AM) Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe recently made headlines during what was ostensibly a private visit to India. Ostensibly traveling to attend an event at the Sai Baba Institute’s educational unit, Wickremesinghe’s actions quickly shifted attention to diplomatic undercurrents. His attempts to stir controversy by pressuring Sri Lanka’s current President Anura Kumara to implement the “Vision 25” proposals—a policy document Wickremesinghe himself never implemented—have raised eyebrows on both sides of the Palk Strait.
Wickremesinghe’s efforts appear to be aimed at fostering tensions between Sri Lanka and India. By demanding President Anura take up “Vision 25,” a largely dismissed document from his administration, Wickremesinghe risks positioning the new president in a geopolitical quandary. Should President Anura refuse to act on the document, Wickremesinghe seemingly hopes to portray him as uncooperative toward India, potentially provoking a diplomatic reaction from New Delhi.
However, Wickremesinghe’s maneuver appears to have backfired. Senior Indian diplomatic sources have publicly dismissed his attempts as inappropriate, underscoring that it is highly irregular for former leaders to comment on current political matters while on private visits abroad.
“Former leaders visiting India have no standing to meddle in their home country’s politics. Such behavior is against established protocol,” remarked a senior Indian diplomat. “Ranil Wickremesinghe should focus on the purpose of his private visit rather than making unproductive statements.”
New Delhi’s dismissive stance reflects India’s prioritization of its relationship with President Anura , a leader who enjoys strong domestic popularity and a cooperative approach to bilateral ties. Wickremesinghe, on the other hand, faces mounting challenges to his political legacy and leadership position within Sri Lanka’s United National Party (UNP).
After his landslide defeat in the last presidential election, where he secured a historically low share of the vote, Wickremesinghe’s influence has waned significantly. The UNP itself is in disarray, with internal leadership struggles adding to his woes. Most notably, party veteran Ravi Karunanayake has positioned himself as the de facto leader, having already secured a parliamentary seat while Wickremesinghe remains sidelined.
India’s current focus lies on strengthening ties with President Anura , whose administration has been seen as a valuable partner in regional cooperation.Anura’s forthcoming visit to India in mid-December, during which several key bilateral agreements are expected to be signed, underscores the growing warmth between the two nations.
“India has no interest in revisiting outdated proposals or engaging with leaders who no longer hold sway in Sri Lanka’s political landscape,” said an expert in South Asian diplomacy. “Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tactics of creating a media frenzy by labeling his successors as anti-India have lost credibility. New Delhi has moved on, and so has Colombo.”
Wickremesinghe’s recent actions echo a familiar pattern. During his tenure, he frequently used media narratives to question the India-alignment of leaders like Maithripala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa. These narratives often succeeded in eliciting reactions from New Delhi, creating diplomatic ripples that played into his domestic political strategies.
However, the current circumstances are markedly different. With a diminished political standing and little influence, Wickremesinghe’s efforts to revive such tactics appear increasingly futile. The Indian government’s measured response, or lack thereof, signals a shift in approach.
At the heart of the controversy lies the “Vision 25” policy document. Initially introduced during Wickremesinghe’s administration, the proposal was met with skepticism from multiple quarters. Critics have labeled it as unrealistic, poorly thought out, and overly ambitious. Wickremesinghe himself failed to implement its recommendations during his time in office, raising questions about the sudden urgency to see it adopted now.
Supporters of President Anura have dismissed “Vision 25” as a “farcical” and “outdated” piece of policy. “It’s ironic that a leader who lost public confidence so decisively is now trying to dictate terms to a government that enjoys widespread support,” commented a political analyst in Colombo.
Wickremesinghe’s efforts to draw attention to “Vision 25” have seemingly backfired on multiple fronts. Indian officials have refused to entertain his rhetoric, while Sri Lanka’s domestic audience sees his actions as desperate attempts to stay relevant.
Political observers note that Wickremesinghe’s miscalculation lies in underestimating the strength of President Anura’s position, both at home and abroad.Anura’s administration has earned praise for its pragmatic foreign policy, which emphasizes cooperation over confrontation.
India’s decision to sideline Wickremesinghe during his visit underscores a broader strategy of pragmatism. New Delhi’s focus remains firmly on advancing bilateral ties with the current Sri Lankan government. With President Anura’s state visit on the horizon, India appears determined not to let distractions derail its agenda.
The silence from Indian leaders during Wickremesinghe’s visit has sent a clear message: past leaders have little room to influence current diplomatic narratives. This approach ensures that New Delhi avoids unnecessary entanglements in Sri Lanka’s domestic politics.
Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent visit to India serves as a stark reminder of how quickly political fortunes can shift. Once a prominent figure in Sri Lankan politics, his attempts to regain relevance through controversial statements and outdated policies have found little traction.
As President Anura prepares for his official visit to India, the focus will likely remain on strengthening bilateral ties and fostering regional stability. Wickremesinghe, meanwhile, faces the challenge of redefining his legacy in an increasingly indifferent political landscape.
India’s handling of the situation reflects a broader commitment to pragmatic diplomacy, favoring substantive partnerships over distractions from former leaders with dwindling influence. For Wickremesinghe, the message is clear: the era of old tricks and media theatrics is over.
This version has been structured to reflect journalistic standards, emphasizing clarity, flow, and a balance of perspectives. If you’d like further adjustments or additions, feel free to ask!
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by (2024-11-29 01:36:39)
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