Sri Lanka’s energy minister Udaya Gammanpila slammed the Tamil lawmakers from the country for seeking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention over the long-standing 13th Amendment issue.

Speaking exclusively to WION, he said that “if they have an issue, they must bring it up with the Sri Lankan government and not India.”

The minister's&nbsp;comments come days after 13 Tamil MPs from Sri Lanka wrote a letter to Modi seeking India’s help in ensuring that Colombo addresses the island’s long-pending Tamil issue with a lasting political solution.

The 13th Amendment was the result of the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987, inked by the then Sri Lankan president JR Jayawardena and former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-wanted-to-develop-trincomalee-oil-tank-farm-for-security-reasons-not-commercial-sl-minister-448455">India wanted to develop Trincomalee oil tank farm for security reasons, not commercial: SL minister</a>

It provides for the devolution of power to the minority Tamil community in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The letter also cites the Indian political leadership's interventions at various moments, such as Prime Minister Modi's 2015 address to the Sri Lankan Parliament, in which he expressed his staunch confidence in "cooperative federalism."&nbsp;

He said that since the MPs are from Sri Lanka, they should have called on the country’s president to redress their grievances.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tamil-mps-of-sri-lanka-write-to-indian-pm-modi-on-implementing-13th-amendment-445942">Tamil MPs of Sri Lanka write to Indian PM Modi on implementing 13th amendment</a>

“Instead of writing their issues to the government, the 13 members wrote to the Indian PM. I am against this. Sri Lanka is a separate entity and not a part of India,” Gammanpila said.

Over the years, India had reaffirmed its commitment to protect the rights of the Tamils through the implementation of the 13th Amendment.

However, the ruling Sri Lanka People’s Party’s Sinhala majority hardliners have been advocating for total abolition of the island’s Provincial Council system.

Sri Lanka’s energy minister Udaya Gammanpila slammed the Tamil lawmakers from the country for seeking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention over the long-standing 13th Amendment issue.

Sri Lanka’s energy minister Udaya Gammanpila slammed the Tamil lawmakers from the country for seeking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention over the long-standing 13th Amendment issue. Speaking exclusively to WION, he said that “if they have an issue, they must bring it up with the Sri Lankan government and not India.” The minister's comments come days after 13 Tamil MPs from Sri Lanka wrote a letter to Modi seeking India’s help in ensuring that Colombo addresses the island’s long-pending Tamil issue with a lasting political solution. The 13th Amendment was the result of the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987, inked by the then Sri Lankan president JR Jayawardena and former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Also read | India wanted to develop Trincomalee oil tank farm for security reasons, not commercial: SL minister It provides for the devolution of power to the minority Tamil community in Sri Lanka. The letter also cites the Indian political leadership's interventions at various moments, such as Prime Minister Modi's 2015 address to the Sri Lankan Parliament, in which he expressed his staunch confidence in "cooperative federalism." He said that since the MPs are from Sri Lanka, they should have called on the country’s president to redress their grievances. Also read | Tamil MPs of Sri Lanka write to Indian PM Modi on implementing 13th amendment “Instead of writing their issues to the government, the 13 members wrote to the Indian PM. I am against this. Sri Lanka is a separate entity and not a part of India,” Gammanpila said. Over the years, India had reaffirmed its commitment to protect the rights of the Tamils through the implementation of the 13th Amendment. However, the ruling Sri Lanka People’s Party’s Sinhala majority hardliners have been advocating for total abolition of the island’s Provincial Council system.

Lankan minister slams Tamil MPs for seeking Indian PM’s intervention on 13th Amendment issue

India is all set to sign a long-dragging deal with Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil tank farm in the island’s north-eastern Trincomalee province, making its entry into the ‘China Bay’, according to reports.

The signing of the deal will reflect a positive sign, amidst strained relationship between the two countries.

The timing&nbsp;of the deal comes amid tensions between Sri Lanka and China over a contaminated consignment of organic fertiliser.

<img alt="An aerial view of oil tank farm in north-eastern Trincomalee province " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f492eb9c-d7b8-4790-8e7b-86a86027edde" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/gt3.jpeg" />

Sri Lankan energy minister Udaya Gammanpila told Indian newspaper The Hindu that New Delhi and Colombo are close to finalising the terms of the project after negotiating for 16 months.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas |&nbsp;India and Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil farms in Trincomalee Harbour

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-and-sri-lanka-to-jointly-develop-oil-farms-in-trincomalee-harbour-441039/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“We don’t have a Cabinet meeting this week because of the holidays. We will get the decision ratified in the next one,” Gammanpila was quoted as saying.

The Trincomalee oil tank farm, located in 'China Bay', was built during the Second World War by the British to serve as a refuelling station.

The nearly century-old oil tanks need an urgent overhaul, which might cost of millions of dollars, if they are to be fit for use again.
<img alt="Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla " data-caption="Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla&amp;nbsp;standing near one of the storage tanks run by India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74bc4d82-2559-449f-85ff-40900c35b29a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/gt2.jpeg" />
According to local media reports, the Trincomalee oil farm&nbsp;has 99 storage tanks with a capacity of 12,000 kilolitres each and spread across the Upper Tank Farm and the Lower Tank Farm, where LIOC— a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation— currently runs 15 tanks.

The new agreement being negotiated pertains to the remaining tanks.

The deal is part of the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord, whereby it was decided that the work of refurbishing the tank would be undertaken jointly by the two countries.

But the deal never came to fruition because of the civil war in Sri Lanka, where the government was fighting against local Tamil insurgents.

(With inputs from agencies)

India is all set to sign a long-dragging deal with Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil tank farm in the island’s north-eastern Trincomalee province, making its entry into the ‘China Bay’, according to reports.

India is all set to sign a long-dragging deal with Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil tank farm in the island’s north-eastern Trincomalee province, making its entry into the ‘China Bay’, according to reports. The signing of the deal will reflect a positive sign, amidst strained relationship between the two countries. The timing of the deal comes amid tensions between Sri Lanka and China over a contaminated consignment of organic fertiliser. Sri Lankan energy minister Udaya Gammanpila told Indian newspaper The Hindu that New Delhi and Colombo are close to finalising the terms of the project after negotiating for 16 months. Watch: Gravitas | India and Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil farms in Trincomalee Harbour “We don’t have a Cabinet meeting this week because of the holidays. We will get the decision ratified in the next one,” Gammanpila was quoted as saying. The Trincomalee oil tank farm, located in 'China Bay', was built during the Second World War by the British to serve as a refuelling station. The nearly century-old oil tanks need an urgent overhaul, which might cost of millions of dollars, if they are to be fit for use again. According to local media reports, the Trincomalee oil farm has 99 storage tanks with a capacity of 12,000 kilolitres each and spread across the Upper Tank Farm and the Lower Tank Farm, where LIOC— a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation— currently runs 15 tanks. The new agreement being negotiated pertains to the remaining tanks. The deal is part of the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord, whereby it was decided that the work of refurbishing the tank would be undertaken jointly by the two countries. But the deal never came to fruition because of the civil war in Sri Lanka, where the government was fighting against local Tamil insurgents. (With inputs from agencies)

India to enter Sri Lanka's ‘China Bay’ with Trincomalee oil farm deal

India has sent 100 tonnes of Nano Nitrogen fertiliser to Sri Lanka in the backdrop of latter barring the use of contaminated Chinese fertilisers.

Sri Lanka had barred shipment of Chinese organic fertiliser after it was found to be contaminated with bacteria, a development that has miffed Beijing which was quick to blacklist People’s Bank of Sri Lanka in a quid pro quo move. The People's Bank is the second largest commercial bank in Sri Lanka.

Indian supplies reached on two Indian Air force Globemaster aircraft on Thursday, which was Diwali day. The supplies were requested by Sri Lankan government.

A release by the Indian high commission in Colombo said, "the deployment was essentially to support the government of Sri Lanka's initiative towards organic farming and to expedite availability of Nano Nitrogen fertiliser to the Sri Lankan farmers".

The C17 aircraft operations were coordinated in close liaison with Sri Lanka Air Force.

The Indian mission pointed out that the close coordination between the two services led to the "quick deployment....and expeditious disembarkation" of IAF aircraft.

The Indian crew was received by Chief of Staff,&nbsp;Sri Lanka Air Force AVM Prasanna Payoe.

This is not for the first time that New Delhi has reached out to Colombo as part of its "Neighbourhood First' policy" and 'First Responder' in the region.

Indian Navy and Coast Guard have promptly responded to several crises in Sri Lanka such as containing the fire onboard MT New Diamond and MV XPress Pearl.

India also sent 100 T Liquid Medical Oxygen during the fourth wave of Covid pandemic via INS Shakti.

Supplies of vaccines and medicines from India to Sri Lanka have been key element of ties amid the Covid crisis.

New Delhi has provided 1 million doses of Covishield vaccine to Sri Lanka with 50% of it being gifted by India.

India has sent 100 tonnes of Nano Nitrogen fertiliser to Sri Lanka in the backdrop of latter barring the use of contaminated Chinese fertilisers. Sri Lanka had barred shipment of Chinese organic fertiliser after it was found to be contaminated with bacteria, a development that has miffed Beijing which was quick to blacklist People’s Bank of Sri Lanka in a quid pro quo move.

India has sent 100 tonnes of Nano Nitrogen fertiliser to Sri Lanka in the backdrop of latter barring the use of contaminated Chinese fertilisers. Sri Lanka had barred shipment of Chinese organic fertiliser after it was found to be contaminated with bacteria, a development that has miffed Beijing which was quick to blacklist People’s Bank of Sri Lanka in a quid pro quo move. The People's Bank is the second largest commercial bank in Sri Lanka. Indian supplies reached on two Indian Air force Globemaster aircraft on Thursday, which was Diwali day. The supplies were requested by Sri Lankan government. A release by the Indian high commission in Colombo said, "the deployment was essentially to support the government of Sri Lanka's initiative towards organic farming and to expedite availability of Nano Nitrogen fertiliser to the Sri Lankan farmers". The C17 aircraft operations were coordinated in close liaison with Sri Lanka Air Force. The Indian mission pointed out that the close coordination between the two services led to the "quick deployment....and expeditious disembarkation" of IAF aircraft. The Indian crew was received by Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Air Force AVM Prasanna Payoe. This is not for the first time that New Delhi has reached out to Colombo as part of its "Neighbourhood First' policy" and 'First Responder' in the region. Indian Navy and Coast Guard have promptly responded to several crises in Sri Lanka such as containing the fire onboard MT New Diamond and MV XPress Pearl. India also sent 100 T Liquid Medical Oxygen during the fourth wave of Covid pandemic via INS Shakti. Supplies of vaccines and medicines from India to Sri Lanka have been key element of ties amid the Covid crisis. New Delhi has provided 1 million doses of Covishield vaccine to Sri Lanka with 50% of it being gifted by India.

India sends in 100 tonne fertiliser to Sri Lanka amid Colombo's row with China over contamination

Sri Lanka's Public Order Minister Sarath Weerasekera on Monday said negotiations were on with Indian officials to extradite a wanted criminal who has alleged links with the assassination bid on former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in 1999.

Weerasekera said Indian officials earlier in the month had informed their Lankan counterparts that 'Kimbula Alay Guna' -- identified only by his alias -- was arrested in Chennai by the Tamil Nadu Q branch Police.

The minister said talks were ongoing to extradite 'Guna' from India.

Other than the failed assassination attempt, 'Guna' is suspected to have links with drug trafficking and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

On December 18, 1999, former president Chandrika Kumaratunga, the only female president to date, sustained serious injuries when a woman suicide bomber attacked her convoy during an election rally in Colombo.

The Tamil Tigers were blamed for the attack, in which 34 people had died and scores injured.

'Guna' is suspected to have escaped to India after the attack.

Weerasekera said the government was seeking the arrest of over 100 criminals from overseas using Interpol Red Alert notices.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's Public Order Minister Sarath Weerasekera on Monday said negotiations were on with Indian officials to extradite a wanted criminal who has alleged links with the assassination bid on former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in 1999.

Sri Lanka's Public Order Minister Sarath Weerasekera on Monday said negotiations were on with Indian officials to extradite a wanted criminal who has alleged links with the assassination bid on former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in 1999. Weerasekera said Indian officials earlier in the month had informed their Lankan counterparts that 'Kimbula Alay Guna' -- identified only by his alias -- was arrested in Chennai by the Tamil Nadu Q branch Police. The minister said talks were ongoing to extradite 'Guna' from India. Other than the failed assassination attempt, 'Guna' is suspected to have links with drug trafficking and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). On December 18, 1999, former president Chandrika Kumaratunga, the only female president to date, sustained serious injuries when a woman suicide bomber attacked her convoy during an election rally in Colombo. The Tamil Tigers were blamed for the attack, in which 34 people had died and scores injured. 'Guna' is suspected to have escaped to India after the attack. Weerasekera said the government was seeking the arrest of over 100 criminals from overseas using Interpol Red Alert notices.

Sri Lanka in talks with India to extradite criminal wanted in assassination bid on former president

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka during which he will hold talks with the country's top leadership and discuss issues of mutual and bilateral interests,

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaches Sri Lanka to meet President & PM

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval took part in the dialogue along with Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major Gen (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne and Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi.

India, Lanka and Maldives agree to bolster maritime security cooperation

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived here on Friday for a trilateral maritime dialogue among India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

NSA Ajit Doval arrives in Sri Lanka to attend 4th trilateral maritime meet

India on Saturday announced a $15 million grant to Sri Lanka, in a major push strengthen Buddhist cultural link between New Delhi and Colombo. The development is the key outcome of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapakse's over-an-hour long virtual meet.

The joint secretary of Indian ocean region in the Ministry of External Affairs, Amit Narang, to this end said, "​Testifying to the long-standing civilisational links and cultural heritage, Prime Minister Modi announced grant assistance of US$15 million for the promotion of Buddhist ties between the two countries. The grant will assist in deepening people-to-people linkages between the two countries in the sphere of Buddhism."

The grant will be used for constructions and renovation of Buddhist cultural sites in the Indian ocean country, archaeological cooperation, the reciprocal study of Lord Buddha’s relics, strengthening of Buddhist scholarship, and supporting the clergy.

India will also facilitate the visit of a delegation of Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka in the first inaugural flight to Kushinagar. Recently, in a bid to promote Buddhist tourism, Kushinagar airport was designated as an international airport. Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh is the place where it is believed that Buddha attained Parinirvana or death after achieving Nirvana.

India is already engaged in a number of cultural projects in the country including the building of the Jaffna Cultural Centre. In fact, during the virtual summit, PM Mahinda extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate the project.

India on Saturday announced a $15 million grant to Sri Lanka, in a major push strengthen Buddhist cultural link between New Delhi and Colombo. The development is the key outcome of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapakse's over-an-hour long virtual meet.

India on Saturday announced a $15 million grant to Sri Lanka, in a major push strengthen Buddhist cultural link between New Delhi and Colombo. The development is the key outcome of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapakse's over-an-hour long virtual meet. The joint secretary of Indian ocean region in the Ministry of External Affairs, Amit Narang, to this end said, "Testifying to the long-standing civilisational links and cultural heritage, Prime Minister Modi announced grant assistance of US$15 million for the promotion of Buddhist ties between the two countries. The grant will assist in deepening people-to-people linkages between the two countries in the sphere of Buddhism." The grant will be used for constructions and renovation of Buddhist cultural sites in the Indian ocean country, archaeological cooperation, the reciprocal study of Lord Buddha’s relics, strengthening of Buddhist scholarship, and supporting the clergy. India will also facilitate the visit of a delegation of Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka in the first inaugural flight to Kushinagar. Recently, in a bid to promote Buddhist tourism, Kushinagar airport was designated as an international airport. Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh is the place where it is believed that Buddha attained Parinirvana or death after achieving Nirvana. India is already engaged in a number of cultural projects in the country including the building of the Jaffna Cultural Centre. In fact, during the virtual summit, PM Mahinda extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate the project.

India announces $15M grant for Sri Lanka to strengthening Buddhist ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held wide-ranging talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa, covering the entire expanse of bilateral ties and with a focus on further expanding cooperation in key areas.

PM Modi holds talks with Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa

Indian Coast Guard on Saturday tweeted that firefighting to put out the fire at oil tanker MT New Diamond was still on. The Coast Guard added that there was 'no oil slick'. The oil tanker ship contains around 300,000 tonnes of crude oil and an oil spill would be disasterous.

Sri Lanka oil tanker fire: Firefighting continues, tweets Indian Coast Guard

Sri Lanka is prepared to hold the general elections on Wednesday to elect a 225 member parliament with strict health guidelines amidst the COVID-19 situation.

Why India is keeping a close watch on Sri Lanka Polls | India-Sri Lanka | South-Asia

Sri Lanka is re-thinking a port deal with Japan and India. This year, The Sri Lankan Government shelved a railway project with Japan. There is resistance to accept a $480 million grant from the US government.

Gravitas: China pushing India out of a Sri Lankan port?

The year 2018 would be etched in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</a>'s history as the most turbulent one politically as the cash-strapped country saw an unprecedented power struggle between the president and the prime minister, causing much concern in major world capitals, including in New Delhi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-meets-party-organisers-hints-2019-may-be-election-year-186363">President Maithripala Sirisena</a>'s dramatic move to sack <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wickremesinghe-acknowledges-differences-with-sirisena-on-ministerial-appointments-185841">Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> and install former strongman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pm-mahinda-rajapaksa-becomes-sri-lankas-main-opposition-leader-185083">Mahinda Rajapaksa</a> in his place following differences over policy issues left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months.

Rajapaksa's return to power drew concern in India that China would tighten its grip on the country. The veteran leader, who is credited for ending the brutal civil war with the LTTE in 2009, is under intense criticism for his decade-long authoritarian rule.

However, a Supreme court verdict forced President Sirisena to reinstate United National Party (UNP) leader Wickremesinghe on December 16, ending Rajapaksa brief regime.

During the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-political-crisis-ends-as-president-sirisena-names-new-cabinet-185567">political crisis</a>, New Delhi sought to maintain a hands-off approach not wanting to be seen as taking sides. India chose to stay non-committal when Rajapaksa succeeded Wickremesinghe, who is seen as pro-India.

Following Wickremesinghe's re-appointment, India welcomed the resolution of the political crisis and exuded confidence that relations between the two countries will continue to move on in an upward trajectory.

The US, the European Union, Australia and Norway also welcomed the peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka came closer to China under Rajapaksa's decade-long tenure as the president, with Beijing pumping millions of dollars in the country's infrastructure since the end of the civil war.

However, some of the projects had been reversed under the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government as Chinese debt hit the country's economy.

China sees Lanka as crucial in its ambitious plan to expand trade routes, while India is concerned about growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.

Despite India's concerns over China's forays in Sri Lanka, including its acquisition of the strategic port of Hambantota, New Delhi and Colombo kept their relationship warm in 2018 with high-level exchanges and signing of pacts.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe visited India in October and held talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on ways to deepen the bilateral ties.

During the talks, Modi and Wickremesinghe reviewed the progress in the implementation of various decisions taken during the high-level exchanges in the recent past, including Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in May 2017. They also discussed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation.

The two countries signed an agreement for construction of 1,200 houses through 50 model villages, using Indian grant assistance of 60 crore Srilankan rupees.

The long-standing issue of fishermen, however, remained unresolved as India and Sri Lanka could not find common ground.

Both sides have agreed to set up Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to expedite the release and handing over of fishermen in each other's custody on completion of respective legal and procedural formalities.

During the year, the Lankan economy grew at a slower than expected. The economy suffered due to nearly two month of political turmoil that led to government dysfunction.

Sri Lanka owes over US $50 billion to foreign lenders, which is 77 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP).

The country has to pay back more than US $4 billion of its foreign loans, which just got harder as the political turmoil has sent the rupee to its lowest ever level against the US dollar. Sri Lankan rupee weakened nearly 17 per cent this year.

Though the reinstatement of Wickremesinghe has brought some hope in Sri Lanka, the political stability in the country in the coming months would be decided by how the prime minister and the president work together despite their differences over policy issues.

This will also determine the path of India's ties with Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The year 2018 would be etched in Sri Lanka's history as the most turbulent one politically as the cash-strapped country saw an unprecedented power struggle between the president and the prime minister, causing much concern in major world capitals, including in New Delhi.

The year 2018 would be etched in Sri Lanka's history as the most turbulent one politically as the cash-strapped country saw an unprecedented power struggle between the president and the prime minister, causing much concern in major world capitals, including in New Delhi. President Maithripala Sirisena's dramatic move to sack Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and install former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place following differences over policy issues left the country without a functioning government for nearly two months. Rajapaksa's return to power drew concern in India that China would tighten its grip on the country. The veteran leader, who is credited for ending the brutal civil war with the LTTE in 2009, is under intense criticism for his decade-long authoritarian rule. However, a Supreme court verdict forced President Sirisena to reinstate United National Party (UNP) leader Wickremesinghe on December 16, ending Rajapaksa brief regime. During the political crisis, New Delhi sought to maintain a hands-off approach not wanting to be seen as taking sides. India chose to stay non-committal when Rajapaksa succeeded Wickremesinghe, who is seen as pro-India. Following Wickremesinghe's re-appointment, India welcomed the resolution of the political crisis and exuded confidence that relations between the two countries will continue to move on in an upward trajectory. The US, the European Union, Australia and Norway also welcomed the peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka came closer to China under Rajapaksa's decade-long tenure as the president, with Beijing pumping millions of dollars in the country's infrastructure since the end of the civil war. However, some of the projects had been reversed under the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government as Chinese debt hit the country's economy. China sees Lanka as crucial in its ambitious plan to expand trade routes, while India is concerned about growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. Despite India's concerns over China's forays in Sri Lanka, including its acquisition of the strategic port of Hambantota, New Delhi and Colombo kept their relationship warm in 2018 with high-level exchanges and signing of pacts. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe visited India in October and held talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on ways to deepen the bilateral ties. During the talks, Modi and Wickremesinghe reviewed the progress in the implementation of various decisions taken during the high-level exchanges in the recent past, including Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in May 2017. They also discussed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation. The two countries signed an agreement for construction of 1,200 houses through 50 model villages, using Indian grant assistance of 60 crore Srilankan rupees. The long-standing issue of fishermen, however, remained unresolved as India and Sri Lanka could not find common ground. Both sides have agreed to set up Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to expedite the release and handing over of fishermen in each other's custody on completion of respective legal and procedural formalities. During the year, the Lankan economy grew at a slower than expected. The economy suffered due to nearly two month of political turmoil that led to government dysfunction. Sri Lanka owes over US $50 billion to foreign lenders, which is 77 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP). The country has to pay back more than US $4 billion of its foreign loans, which just got harder as the political turmoil has sent the rupee to its lowest ever level against the US dollar. Sri Lankan rupee weakened nearly 17 per cent this year. Though the reinstatement of Wickremesinghe has brought some hope in Sri Lanka, the political stability in the country in the coming months would be decided by how the prime minister and the president work together despite their differences over policy issues. This will also determine the path of India's ties with Sri Lanka.

2018 will be remembered for worst political crisis in Lanka's history

Sixteen Indian fishermen were nabbed by the Sri Lankan navy in two separate instances for crossing the maritime border.

The arrests were made following a little more than a week after both New Delhi and Colombo released captive fishermen in a bid to normalise bilateral relations.

The two countries, which are separated by 12 nautical miles, have been embroiled in a terse fishing dispute over the last few years.

India says the island nation have been guilty of arresting people fishing in the Palk Strait, and Sri Lanka accuses India of using mechanised trawlers that are damaging to the ecosystem.&nbsp;

In both incidents, eight fishermen each were apprehended by the Sri Lankan navy for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The first batch of people was nabbed&nbsp;for poaching in the seas northwest of Analathivu Island off Jaffna, while the second group were caught in the seas north of Mannar, Colombo Page reported.

Transgression of IMBL has been a prickly point for the neighbouring countries.

Relations had hit a low point in 2015 when the then prime minister Ranil Wickramsinghe&nbsp;had told a television channel that &quot;if Indian fishermen cross the sea boundary, Sri Lankan navy can shoot them&quot; -- comments that were condemned by human rights activists and was also objected strongly by New Delhi.

But recently, the two South Asian nations have endeavoured to erase the creases between them.&nbsp;

On March 13,&nbsp;77 Indian and 12 Sri Lankan fishermen in each other&#39;s custody were repatriated following the diplomatic tension triggered by the killing of a fisherman a week earlier.

(WION)

The arrests come after the two countries decided to repatriate fishermen held in each other's custody

Sixteen Indian fishermen were nabbed by the Sri Lankan navy in two separate instances for crossing the maritime border. The arrests were made following a little more than a week after both New Delhi and Colombo released captive fishermen in a bid to normalise bilateral relations. The two countries, which are separated by 12 nautical miles, have been embroiled in a terse fishing dispute over the last few years. India says the island nation have been guilty of arresting people fishing in the Palk Strait, and Sri Lanka accuses India of using mechanised trawlers that are damaging to the ecosystem. In both incidents, eight fishermen each were apprehended by the Sri Lankan navy for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The first batch of people was nabbed for poaching in the seas northwest of Analathivu Island off Jaffna, while the second group were caught in the seas north of Mannar, Colombo Page reported. Transgression of IMBL has been a prickly point for the neighbouring countries. Relations had hit a low point in 2015 when the then prime minister Ranil Wickramsinghe had told a television channel that "if Indian fishermen cross the sea boundary, Sri Lankan navy can shoot them" -- comments that were condemned by human rights activists and was also objected strongly by New Delhi. But recently, the two South Asian nations have endeavoured to erase the creases between them. On March 13, 77 Indian and 12 Sri Lankan fishermen in each other's custody were repatriated following the diplomatic tension triggered by the killing of a fisherman a week earlier. (WION)

16 Indian fishermen nabbed by Sri Lanka for crossing maritime boundary

Sri Lanka&#39;s navy fatally shot an Indian fisherman off the coast of India&#39;s southern Tamil Nadu state, a development that threatens to sour relations between the two&nbsp;countries.

Three other fishermen were injured during the shooting in Adambalam, part of India-controlled waters, Indian media reports suggested.

The latest flash point comes a week after the Sri Lankan Navy detained 15 Indian fishermen and took away their equipment and fishing gear.

The incident comes on the heels of Tamil Nadu&#39;s chief minister E. Palanisami writing a letter to India&#39;s federal government, shedding light about Colombo&#39;s repeated harassment of fishermen from the state.

The chief minister&#39;s letter had highlighted how Sri Lanka was wantonly detaining fishermen in the past few months.

The two countries, which are separated by 12 nautical miles, have been embroiled in a terse fishing dispute over the last few years.

India says the island nation have been guilty of arresting people fishing in the Palk Strait, and Sri Lanka accuses India of using mechanised trawlers that are damaging to the ecosystem.&nbsp;

Colombo in the past has urged the Indian side to ban the trawlers but New Delhi has remained reticent about it.

Sri Lanka also cites the advantage the Indian fishermen have when they use mechanised trawlers. They claim the Indian fishermen often transgress the International Maritime Border and deprive their fishermen of their daily catch.

Relations had hit a low point in 2015 when the then prime minister Ranil Wickramsinghe&nbsp;had told a television channel that &quot;if Indian fishermen cross the sea boundary, Sri Lankan navy can shoot them&quot; -- comments that were condemned by human rights activists and was also objected strongly by New Delhi.

(WION with inputs from ANI)

The latest flash point comes a week after the Sri Lankan Navy detained 15 Indian fishermen and took away their equipment and fishing gear

Sri Lanka's navy fatally shot an Indian fisherman off the coast of India's southern Tamil Nadu state, a development that threatens to sour relations between the two countries. Three other fishermen were injured during the shooting in Adambalam, part of India-controlled waters, Indian media reports suggested. The latest flash point comes a week after the Sri Lankan Navy detained 15 Indian fishermen and took away their equipment and fishing gear. The incident comes on the heels of Tamil Nadu's chief minister E. Palanisami writing a letter to India's federal government, shedding light about Colombo's repeated harassment of fishermen from the state. The chief minister's letter had highlighted how Sri Lanka was wantonly detaining fishermen in the past few months. The two countries, which are separated by 12 nautical miles, have been embroiled in a terse fishing dispute over the last few years. India says the island nation have been guilty of arresting people fishing in the Palk Strait, and Sri Lanka accuses India of using mechanised trawlers that are damaging to the ecosystem. Colombo in the past has urged the Indian side to ban the trawlers but New Delhi has remained reticent about it. Sri Lanka also cites the advantage the Indian fishermen have when they use mechanised trawlers. They claim the Indian fishermen often transgress the International Maritime Border and deprive their fishermen of their daily catch. Relations had hit a low point in 2015 when the then prime minister Ranil Wickramsinghe had told a television channel that "if Indian fishermen cross the sea boundary, Sri Lankan navy can shoot them" -- comments that were condemned by human rights activists and was also objected strongly by New Delhi. (WION with inputs from ANI)

Sri Lanka's navy fatally shoots one Indian fisherman, wounds three

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