By Dr. Sarath Obeysekera

The recent visit of Jagdeep Dhankhar to Sri Lanka has once again exposed a familiar pattern in India’s engagement with its southern neighbour—symbolism over substance, visibility over viability, and soft diplomacy masking strategic hesitation.

Let me be clear at the outset: Sri Lanka must welcome goodwill. Assistance for schools, temples, and hospitals—particularly for vulnerable communities such as estate Tamils—is commendable. No reasonable person would oppose humanitarian support. But the uncomfortable truth is this: Sri Lanka today does not suffer from a shortage of temples or classrooms. It suffers from a shortage of serious, transformative investment.

And nowhere is this contradiction more glaring than in the long-delayed development of Trincomalee.

Trincomalee: The Sleeping Giant in Strategic Chains

Trincomalee is not just another port. It is one of the finest natural harbours in the world—deep, sheltered, and strategically located at the crossroads of major shipping lanes. For decades, it has been spoken of as Sri Lanka’s gateway to becoming a regional energy and maritime hub.

Yet, despite its potential, Trincomalee remains largely underdeveloped.

Why?

Because of a web of historical agreements, geopolitical sensitivities, and—let us say it plainly—India’s cautious, often obstructive posture when it comes to allowing Sri Lanka full autonomy over its development.

The oil tank farm—built during the British era—has become a symbol of this stagnation. Discussions drag on for years. Agreements are revised, diluted, and reinterpreted. Meanwhile, opportunities evaporate.

Tokenism vs Transformation

During his visit, the Indian Vice President made a passing reference to foreign direct investment and Trincomalee. But where is the roadmap? Where is the financing structure? Where are the timelines?

Sri Lanka does not need passing remarks—it needs bankable commitments.

Contrast this with India’s swift and decisive involvement in strategic assets elsewhere. When India sees value aligned with its own interests, it moves with remarkable speed. Yet in Trincomalee, where Sri Lanka seeks genuine partnership, the response has been hesitant, conditional, and slow.

This raises a legitimate question:

Is India interested in developing Trincomalee—or merely in ensuring that others do not?

The Hegemony Question

India often speaks of partnership, neighbourhood-first policies, and shared prosperity under the leadership of Narendra Modi. These are admirable principles. But partnership cannot exist without mutual respect and economic empowerment.

When Sri Lanka is subtly discouraged from independently developing its own strategic assets, while being offered piecemeal assistance in social sectors, it creates the perception—rightly or wrongly—of a hegemonic approach.

Helping build a school earns headlines.
Helping build an energy hub transforms a nation.

Which one truly reflects long-term friendship?

Sri Lanka Must Recalibrate

This is not merely about India. This is about Sri Lanka’s own strategic clarity—or lack thereof.

If India is unwilling or unable to move decisively on Trincomalee, Sri Lanka must explore alternatives. The world is not short of investors. Energy companies, sovereign funds, and maritime operators are all seeking strategic footholds in the Indian Ocean.

Why should Sri Lanka wait indefinitely?

A nation that cannot leverage its greatest natural asset risks remaining perpetually dependent on external goodwill.

A Call for Serious Engagement

India must decide: does it want to be remembered as a partner that helped Sri Lanka rise—or as a gatekeeper that slowed its progress?

If the answer is partnership, then the path is clear:

• Commit to a comprehensive Trincomalee development plan
• Provide transparent financing and timelines
• Treat Sri Lanka as an equal stakeholder, not a junior partner

Anything less will only deepen mistrust and push Sri Lanka to seek alternatives elsewhere.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka does not need symbolic gestures—it needs strategic transformation.

Temples and schools may win hearts.
But ports, energy hubs, and industrial zones build nations.

The time for polite diplomacy is over.
What is needed now is bold action—before Trincomalee becomes yet another missed opportunity in Sri Lanka’s long history of unrealized potential.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera