Won’t allow our soil to be used for anti-India activities: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake - Hindustan Times

**Sri Lankan political leader rejects any use of national territory for anti‑India agendas**

In a recent interview quoted by the *Hindustan Times*, Anura Kumara Dissanayake—leader of the National People’s Power alliance and a candidate in the country’s presidential race—stated that Sri Lanka would not permit its soil to be “used for anti‑India activities.” Dissanayake’s remark came amid heightened scrutiny of the bilateral relationship, as Indian officials have intensified defence cooperation with Colombo. While not holding the presidential office, Dissanayake’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among segments of Sri Lankan politics that the island should avoid being drawn into geopolitical rivalries that could jeopardise its sovereignty or domestic stability.

The statements arrived shortly after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s official visit to Colombo, during which the two governments signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering defence equipment, joint maritime surveillance, and capacity‑building for the Sri Lankan armed forces. Singh, speaking to Indian media, described Sri Lanka as a “close friend” and underscored the importance of cooperation to address common challenges, including the long‑standing issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen who inadvertently cross maritime boundaries. Both sides highlighted the MoUs as a step toward enhancing regional security and deepening strategic ties in the Indian Ocean.

India’s outreach to Sri Lanka forms part of a broader Indo‑Pacific strategy that has gained urgency as the United States recalibrates its presence in the region. Analysts note that New Delhi’s defence diplomacy—exemplified by the recent agreements and high‑level visits—aims to secure sea lanes, counterbalance external influence, and project a stable security architecture anchored by regional partners. Dissanayake’s warning, therefore, serves as a reminder that while cooperation is expanding, Sri Lankan leaders remain vigilant about preserving national autonomy and preventing the island from becoming a battleground for larger power contests.