Victory for Rajapaksa is a fresh opportunity for India-Sri Lanka to enhance

Colombo/New Delhi: Mahinda Rajapaksa sworn in for the fourth time, as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, congratulated him saying that his majority is one more opportunity for India and Sri Lanka to develop bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished him a successful tenure, over the telephone.

Last week, elections were held for the Sri Lankan parliament. The results have been declared and the SLPP party of Mahinda Rajapaksa won 145 seats out of 225. The number of seats reaches 150 after including the alliance partners, making is a two-thirds majority, in the Sri Lankan parliament. This victory for Rajapaksa is the biggest in the last five decades.

Last year, in November, Mahinda Rajapaksa’s brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the Presidential elections with 52% votes. In the elections, this time, Rajapaksa’s party has grossed nearly 60% votes. The local analysts are claiming that this increased vote share is the acknowledgement given by the voters to Rajapaksa’s leadership.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, who has been the President of Sri Lanka in the past, was known to be Pro-Chinese and India hater. He had accused India of manoeuvring his defeat in the polls, a few years ago. But there are indications of change in Rajapaksa’s policies regarding India, in view of the Chinese debt trap, deteriorating economic performance and terror attacks. Selection of India as the first destination for a foreign visit, by Gotabaya Rajapaksa, after assuming the President’s office, shows this change.

A strong front is taking shape opposing the Chinese expansionist activities, on the international level. Due to the closeness created by China with Sri Lanka, in the past, the Sri Lankan stand regarding the front can prove to be vital. Against this background, it can prove to be a decisive step for India to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka and explore possibilities for new opportunities.