Prime Ministers Modi and Kishida join arm in arm to extricate Sri Lanka from economic crunch

May 30, 2022 at 9:22 AM

By N.U. Abdul Razzak Udayar 

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others – Mahatma Gandhi 

The visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida readily joined arm in arm in Tokyo to immediately help Sri Lanka come out of the deep economic crisis as they met for an urgent discussion on the worsening situation in Sri Lanka, on the 24th May 2022 on the sidelines of the powerful regional grouping, the ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue’ (QSD), popularly known as the Quad that is an informal strategic forum comprising the four nations, namely — United States of America (USA), India, Australia, and Japan. Interestingly, this was in response to a humble request made by the newly appointed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who is committed to getting the attention of the whole world to render their assistance to counter the economic crunch that has put the whole island nation on its knees for want of food, fuel, and essentials such as medicine, etc. 

Following this crucial meeting, the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of Japan said the leaders “Discussed the situation in Sri Lanka and confirmed that they would cooperate with each other in light of the current economic crisis and deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country.” 

The three regional powers, India, China, and Japan have been continuously assisting Sri Lanka for a long time as they all have cordial relations and ties with Sri Lanka that successfully eradicated the 30-year-old civil war in 2009. However, the two countries India and China are always in the limelight as they are close partners of Sri Lanka in the developmental activities, massive projects such as the construction of Highways, provision of assistance and grants, and support in eliminating infections like the COVID-19. Nevertheless, Japan too is a real close partner in the development of Sri Lanka though its name is not prominently highlighted as that of the other two nations. One of the reasons for this man be that it is not involved either in the development of harbor projects or the building of the Super Highways in this isle. Frankly, for over fifty years, Japan has been one of Sri Lanka’s top donors and development partners assisting this nation to have rapid progress in various fields. Its collaboration with India will certainly help in no small way to put an end to the economic crunch in this nation. Gladly, it has taken the lead to effectively set up a foreign aid consortium with the blessings of the QUAD and other international bodies to assist Sri Lanka at this hour of crisis. 

Our close neighbour and intimate ally India has never failed to extend her helping hand to Sri Lanka whenever it gets into trouble. It has significantly helped Sri Lanka with the aid package of 3.5 billion USD since January this year. The humanitarian project, the 1990 Ambulance Scheme is the most popular project that India has readily offered to Sri Lanka. Evidently, it crucially helps save hundreds of precious lives each and every day. For sure, as a true friend, India, invariably keeps on helping Sri Lanka till this nation steadily stands on its own feet. All Sri Lankans express their sincere thanks to the magnanimity of India at this critical hour. 

Author could be contacted at abdulenglish2707r@gmail.com