Pathfinder, Takshashila Institutions discuss way forward for SL- India relations

Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Senior Fellow of Pathfinder Foundation called on Sri Lankan policymakers to take advantage of the size of the Indian market speaking at a joint Takshashila Institution and Pathfinder Foundation webinar held recently.

The Webinar titled India – Sri Lanka Relations: The Way Forward was jointly organized by the Pathfinder Foundation (PF) and the Bangalore based Takshashila Institution (TI).

Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, together with Prof. Rohan Gunaratna, Professor at Nanyang Technology University, Singapore were the two main Panelists. The discussion was hosted by Anirudh Kanisetti, Associate Fellow at TI. Dr. Samatha Mallempati, Research Fellow, Indian Council of World Affairs and Dr. M. Mayilvaganan, Geopolitical and Strategic Analyst and Associate Professor, ISSSP, NIAS joined as discussants.

In this Webinar, Dr. Coomaraswamy highlighted that the ties between the two countries were long and multifaceted and that there was a sound relationship to build on. He highlighted principles that should underpin economic and trade relations between the two very asymmetric economies; identified a number of tailwinds that are favourable for building on the good foundation to further the economic and trade relations between the two countries; briefly assessed the Indo – Lanka Free Trade Agreement and then listed certain priorities for the way ahead.