There is a need to adopt a sensitive and sensible policy towards Sri Lanka

 Sri Lanka's leftist leader #Anura Kumara Dissanayake# has won the presidential election. 55-year-old Dissanayake is the head of the National People's Power (NPP) alliance. Leftist Anura Kumara Dissanayake becoming the president is very important from India's point of view, because Sri Lanka is India's neighboring country. The interests of both the countries are interlinked. In fact, the leftist ideology of Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his activist base is based on commitment to economic justice, social equality and labour rights. Therefore, his priorities will probably be towards a new model of development, which will be in the interest of the working class and the poor. This can be an opportunity for India to strengthen bilateral relations by supporting Sri Lanka in its socio-economic issues, although one of the risks of leftist policies can also be that it promotes Chinese influence. Sri Lanka has developed close relations with China in recent years. In such a situation, if Dissanayake's administration moves in this direction, it can be a matter of concern for India. Therefore, India will have to adjust its foreign policy in such a way that it can protect its interests.

If we look at the situation in the past, Anura Kumara Dissanayake has had a big agenda to reduce India's influence in Sri Lanka, but in the last few years Dissanayake's statements have been a bit balanced and thoughtful and he has emphasized on good governance, balance and non-alignment foreign policy. Therefore, his government may also focus on this. Especially, keeping in mind the after-effects of the IMF package and its impact on society. These issues have also become the reason for his victory in the election. The new government of Sri Lanka should work keeping in mind the way India helped Sri Lanka during the time Rajapaksa's government went and Wickremesinghe came in 2022. The new President will have to keep in mind the economic help given by India. This will also be in the interest of Sri Lanka.

From an economic point of view, Sri Lanka's current crisis is serious and the new government will need economic reforms. Dissanayake's leftist approach may emphasize on social security and welfare schemes, which can be a positive sign for India. If Sri Lanka succeeds in improving its economic condition, it can create new business opportunities for Indian companies, although if Dissanayake's policies are more leftist and protectionist, it can affect economic cooperation with India. India will need to ensure that its trade ties with Sri Lanka remain strong, regardless of the political dispensation.

India will first have to understand what are the economic policies of the new government of Sri Lanka and how they run the government. If they bring such economic policies which maintain stability in Sri Lanka, then it will be a good thing for India in itself. The problem for India arises when such a situation arises where our neighboring countries stand on the verge of economic ruin and then India has to support them, go there and handle them, provide solutions, help. Along with this, India will also keep an eye on whether the new government of Sri Lanka is taking care of its sensitivities or not. Sri Lanka has a very important geographical position. China has been eyeing it for a long time. What is the share of Sri Lanka and what is the share of China in the infrastructure and ports there, these are all issues on which India will keep an eye and see how this new government balances these things.

The establishment of a leftist government in Sri Lankan politics can also have an impact on regional stability. If Dissanayake's government succeeds, it could signal a revival of leftist ideology in South Asia. It could also inspire leftist movements in neighboring countries, especially Bangladesh and Nepal. This could have implications for India, as a stable Sri Lanka is important for India from a security and development perspective. If stability is maintained in Sri Lanka, it creates a stable border for India, which can help avoid terrorism and other security threats.

India and Sri Lanka have deep cultural and social ties, based on centuries-old friendship and cooperation. The coming of a leftist government could change these relations. If Dissanayake's policies are more secular and inclusive, it could promote cultural exchange. However, if the leftist government hardens its policies, it could increase ethnic and religious tensions, which could affect relations with the Tamil community in India. In such a situation, India will have to balance its foreign policy.

Overall, the presidency of Anura Kumara Dissanayake certainly presents many possibilities and challenges for India. This situation can provide a new direction for India, where it will get an opportunity to play a supportive role in the development and stability of Sri Lanka. However, India will have to ensure that its strategic and economic interests are protected, so that a positive environment for regional stability and development is maintained. Going forward, India must understand that the political change in Sri Lanka will not only affect bilateral relations, but it will also have wider ramifications in South Asia. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt a sensitive and prudent policy.