HISTORY OF SRI LANKA-INDIA RELATIONS: A COMPLEX TALE OF COOPERATION AND CONFLICT

The relationship between Sri Lanka and India dates back thousands of years, with a rich history of cultural, economic, and political ties. From ancient Buddhist pilgrims to modern-day trade agreements, the two nations have shared a complex and multifaceted bond. In this article, we will delve into the history of Sri Lanka-India relations, exploring the highs and lows of their bilateral ties.

Ancient Ties (3rd century BCE - 5th century CE)

The earliest recorded contact between Sri Lanka and India dates back to the 3rd century BCE, when the Indian emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka. This marked the beginning of a long-standing cultural exchange, with Sri Lankan monks traveling to India to study Buddhism and Indian scholars visiting Sri Lanka to share their knowledge.

Medieval Period (5th century - 16th century)

During the medieval period, Sri Lanka and India maintained strong trade and cultural links. The Sri Lankan kingdom of Anuradhapura was a major center of Buddhist learning, attracting scholars from across India. The Indian kingdoms of the Chola and Pandya dynasties also exerted significant influence over Sri Lanka, with the Cholas even conquering the island in the 10th century.

Colonial Era (16th century - 1948)

The arrival of European colonizers in the 16th century marked a significant turning point in Sri Lanka-India relations. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British all established colonies in Sri Lanka, which became a major supplier of tea, rubber, and other commodities to India. Many Indians also migrated to Sri Lanka as laborers, establishing a significant Indian diaspora community.

Post-Independence Era (1948 - 1980s)

After gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1948, Sri Lanka and India established formal diplomatic relations. The two countries cooperated closely on regional and international issues, including the Non-Aligned Movement. However, tensions arose in the 1980s over Sri Lanka's treatment of its Tamil minority, which had strong cultural and familial ties to India's Tamil Nadu state.

Civil War and Indian Intervention (1980s - 1990s)

The Sri Lankan civil war, which began in 1983, saw the Indian government become increasingly involved in the conflict. India provided military aid to the Sri Lankan government, while also supporting the Tamil separatist movement. In 1987, India and Sri Lanka signed the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, which aimed to establish peace and devolve power to Tamil-majority areas. However, the accord ultimately failed to end the conflict, and Indian peacekeeping forces withdrew from Sri Lanka in 1990.

Modern Era (2000s - present)

In recent years, Sri Lanka and India have strengthened their bilateral ties, with cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and infrastructure development. India has become one of Sri Lanka's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $5 billion in 2020. The two countries have also collaborated on regional security issues, including counter-terrorism and maritime security.

However, tensions remain over issues such as Sri Lanka's human rights record, particularly with regards to the treatment of Tamil minorities. India has also expressed concerns over Sri Lanka's growing economic ties with China, which has invested heavily in Sri Lankan infrastructure projects.

Conclusion

The history of Sri Lanka-India relations is complex and multifaceted, marked by periods of cooperation and conflict. From ancient Buddhist pilgrims to modern-day trade agreements, the two nations have shared a deep and abiding connection. As Sri Lanka and India continue to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it is essential that they build on their shared history and culture to forge a stronger, more sustainable partnership.

Timeline of Major Events

3rd century BCE: Indian emperor Ashoka sends Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka.
5th century CE: Sri Lankan kingdom of Anuradhapura becomes a major center of Buddhist learning.
10th century CE: Chola kingdom of India conquers Sri Lanka.
16th century CE: European colonizers arrive in Sri Lanka.
1948: Sri Lanka gains independence from British colonial rule.
1980s: Sri Lankan civil war begins.
1987: India and Sri Lanka sign the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord.
1990: Indian peacekeeping forces withdraw from Sri Lanka.
2000s: Sri Lanka and India strengthen bilateral ties.
2020: Bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and India exceeds $5 billion.

References

"A History of Sri Lanka" by K.M. de Silva
"India-Sri Lanka Relations: A Historical Perspective" by S. Narayan
"Sri Lanka-India Relations: Challenges and Opportunities" by P. Sahadevan