Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Purpose: Introduce the longstanding friendship between India and Sri Lanka.
- Key Points:
- Highlight the cultural, economic, and political ties between the two nations.
- State that India’s role in Sri Lanka’s recent crisis reflects this deep-rooted relationship.
2. Background: Reasons for the Crisis in Sri Lanka
- 1. Ethnic Tensions
- Explanation: Discuss the historical ethnic tensions between Sinhalese and Tamil communities.
- Fact: Mention the discrimination faced by Tamil minorities in education, employment, and government representation.
- 2. Legacy of Civil War
- Explanation: Outline the impact of the 26-year civil war with the Tamil Tigers, which ended in 2009.
- Fact: Note how the civil war left deep social and political scars.
- 3. Economic Challenges
- Explanation: Address high levels of debt, unemployment, and corruption leading to economic instability.
- Fact: Highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these economic issues.
- 4. International Pressure
- Explanation: Discuss the calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses during the civil war.
- Fact: Mention how this pressure complicates reconciliation efforts.
3. India’s Role During the Crisis
- 1. COVID-19 Assistance
- Explanation: Describe India’s provision of medical supplies and equipment.
- Fact: Cite specific types of aid provided to support Sri Lanka’s health response.
- 2. Economic Support
- Explanation: Detail India’s financial assistance and lines of credit.
- Fact: Provide figures or examples of financial aid extended to Sri Lanka.
- 3. Diplomatic Engagement
- Explanation: Explain India’s diplomatic efforts through the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission.
- Fact: Mention specific diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering stability.
- 4. Defense Cooperation
- Explanation: Discuss collaboration in defense and maritime security.
- Fact: Highlight training programs or joint exercises conducted.
- 5. Cultural Ties
- Explanation: Emphasize the importance of cultural exchanges and preservation efforts.
- Fact: Mention specific programs or initiatives promoting cultural ties.
4. Conclusion
- Summary of Arguments: Recap India’s supportive role during the crisis.
- Final Thought: Emphasize the need for continued support for reconciliation and economic development in Sri Lanka while respecting its sovereignty.
Model Answer
Introduction
India and Sri Lanka share a long-standing friendship, characterized by deep cultural, economic, and political ties. In light of the recent crisis in Sri Lanka, India’s response has been shaped by this relationship, providing support in areas such as COVID-19 assistance, economic challenges, and diplomatic engagement.
Background: Reasons for the Crisis in Sri Lanka
Ethnic Tensions
Sri Lanka has faced persistent ethnic tensions, particularly between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamil communities. Historical discrimination against Tamils in education, employment, and government representation has fueled discontent.
Civil War Legacy
The 26-year civil war with the Tamil Tigers, which ended in 2009, left profound scars and divisions within the country. The aftermath has led to ongoing political power struggles and instability.
Economic Challenges
High levels of debt, unemployment, and systemic corruption have exacerbated economic instability. The COVID-19 pandemic further worsened these challenges, impacting livelihoods and governance.
International Pressure
The international community’s calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses during the civil war have complicated reconciliation efforts.
India’s Role During the Crisis
COVID-19 Assistance
India has provided essential medical supplies and equipment to bolster Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response, demonstrating its commitment to the health of its neighbor.
Economic Support
India extended lines of credit and financial assistance to help Sri Lanka navigate its economic challenges, reflecting a proactive approach to regional stability.
Diplomatic Engagement
Through the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission, India has engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering stability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
Defense Cooperation
India has collaborated with Sri Lanka to enhance defense capabilities, particularly in maritime security, ensuring regional safety.
Cultural Ties
India supports cultural exchanges and preservation efforts, reinforcing the strong cultural bonds that exist between the two nations.
Conclusion
India has played a crucial role in supporting Sri Lanka during its recent crisis, demonstrating the depth of their bilateral relationship. To ensure long-term stability, India should continue to advocate for reconciliation and economic development in Sri Lanka while respecting its sovereignty.
India, a long-standing friend of Sri Lanka, has significantly contributed to managing the recent crisis in Sri Lanka, marked by severe economic and political instability. Demonstrating its historical solidarity, India has provided critical humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and financial support.
India’s role extended beyond immediate relief, involving diplomatic engagement to encourage international support for Sri Lanka’s recovery. India has also facilitated discussions on economic assistance, supporting debt restructuring efforts to stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy.
This assistance underscores the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations and India’s commitment to regional stability. By offering both practical aid and diplomatic support, India highlights its ongoing partnership with Sri Lanka, reflecting a shared history and mutual interests. This proactive stance aims to help Sri Lanka navigate its crisis and reinforce long-term stability in the region