As Sri Lanka votes in what promises to be a surprisingly close presidential contest on Friday, India is watching closely, the Hindustan Times reported today. Officially, it has no preferences and can do business whoever is elected to power. But sources indicate that a structural change in the Sri Lankan polity may well open up the space to look at contentious issues from a fresh perspective, albeit this will not be a smooth process.
India is watching the process closely with observers recognising this could be a ‘turning point’. Given Rajapaksa’s seeming reluctance to move on devolution to Tamils and his proximity to China, would India want him to lose? A top official who has dealt with Sri Lanka rebuts this perception, “It is entirely upto the political process there to throw up an outcome. We have dealt with Rajapaksa and we can deal with a new government. We are staying out.” But would progress be easier with a new government? He said,
“Things can unravel too since the broad opposition is too heterogeneous.
Sirisena can’t necessarily deliver everything. Let us not get too excited and wait and watch.”
He added it will all boil down to polling day an how far Rajapaksa will allow a fair election. And this is perhaps why the establishment is playing its cards close to the chest. It is still not clear who will win, and if Rajapaksa wins, it will not benefit India to be seen with the losing side. Even it Sirisena wins, there could be a backlash by Rajapaksa and it is best not to burn bridges even if he is not a favourite.
