Dr Sarath Obeysekera 

Sri Lanka–India Land Bridge: Opportunity or Strategic Risk?

The proposed India–Sri Lanka land bridge must be viewed not merely as an infrastructure project, but as a long-term strategic and geopolitical decision with deep political, social, demographic, and security implications for Sri Lanka.

At a time when Tamil Nadu politics is becoming increasingly assertive, Sri Lanka must proceed with extreme caution. The emergence of political figures such as Joseph Vijay, reportedly supported by influential Christian NGOs and regional nationalist groups, may create future pressures on Sri Lanka far beyond trade and connectivity.

Sri Lanka has already experienced how regional political waves from Tamil Nadu can influence domestic affairs. History reminds us how external political sympathy and ethnic politics affected Sri Lanka during difficult periods in the past.

While maintaining excellent relations with the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lanka must distinguish between cooperation with New Delhi and pressures emerging from Tamil Nadu state politics.

Before even discussing a physical bridge, priority should be given to carefully negotiated maritime connectivity under India’s Sagarmala initiative, by developing Trincomalee together with regulated shipping, ferry services, energy cooperation, and port and offshore industry  development. 

A sea-based connection provides flexibility, control, and security without permanently altering Sri Lanka’s strategic vulnerability.

The example of Bahrain and the King Fahd Causeway also demonstrates that such links fundamentally reshape demographics, economics, labour movement, and political influence over time.

Sri Lanka must first complete comprehensive national security, environmental, economic, and demographic impact studies before committing to any irreversible land connection.

Bridges can unite economies — but they can also create dependencies and vulnerabilities if built without strategic foresight.