Reflecting on India’s significant support during Sri Lanka’s unprecedented economic turmoil, a Sri Lankan Member of Parliament has called on his fellow citizens to stand behind New Delhi’s position against what he described as US President Donald Trump’s “selective and unfair trade” policies. He added, “India’s courage inspires Asia.”
Economist and Colombo MP Harsha de Silva called on Sri Lankan lawmakers to have respect for India as tensions with the US continue, after tariffs were recently imposed on Indian goods. He reminded lawmakers of India's special role as the only nation to render vital support to Sri Lanka at its time of economic crisis.
"Don't laugh at India. Don't ridicule them when they are on the mat because when we were on the mat, they were the only people to give us a helping hand. It ain't over until the fat lady sings. We saw you giggling. Don't giggle. India anticipated the tariffs being reduced to 15 per cent, and so did we," de Silva was cited as saying by the Daily Mirror on Monday.
Referring to the Parliament, de Silva emphasized the close relationship between India and Sri Lanka and expressed solidarity with India's action against US tariffs.
His comments follow the US President Trump's August 6 announcement of an extra 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports on the grounds of India's continued import of Russian oil. India has termed it as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.
De Silva also posted a video of his speech in parliament on X and wrote, "Called the Govt in Sri Lankan Parliament to task for laughing at India's bold move against Trump's trade tariffs. India, our real friend, stood with us during our darkest hour. We must respect their struggle, not laugh. India's bravery inspires Asia."
The India-Sri Lanka relationship is solidly rooted in common civilization, history, religion, culture, and strong people-to-people ties. In modern times, this has matured into a strong economic, cultural, and technical cooperation. Sri Lanka is an integral component of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, and the relationship—founded on trust and goodwill—is standing the test of time.
Earlier this year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said, "India has stood by Sri Lanka at times of great need, most recently in the unprecedented economic crisis confronting Sri Lanka in 2022. India was pleased to be in a position to play a decisive role in the country's economic stabilization and recovery thus affirming its role as a reliable neighbor and as a first responder to any crisis in the region.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has also praised India as “a trusted partner,” recognizing New Delhi’s sustained support over the years, including assistance during the recent economic crisis.
As you would know, India provided in 2022 a range of forms of support worth almost four billion USD and was the first country to provide financial guarantees to the IMF, being instrumental in supporting Sri Lanka's debt restructuring initiative. At a time when the nation was facing unprecedented difficulties, without that assistance, Sri Lanka's recovery would not have been so quick," Herath tweeted on X in February.
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