by Our Foreign Affairs Editor
Retired Indian Navy Captain Alok Bansal, strategic analyst and the Vice Presidnet at the India Foundation, has commented on the recent arrest of former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, describing it as “unfortunate” and reflective of indecision rather than sound governance. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Captain Bansal emphasised that such actions could create unnecessary political instability at a time when Sri Lanka requires strong, reconciliatory leadership.
“To me, putting a former leader or a former president into jail… at least on a charge which to the outside world looks quite frivolous, was not wise. It shows indecision,” Bansal said. He stressed that Sri Lanka’s government must focus on uniting society rather than making moves that could further polarise it.
Drawing on his extensive experience with the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka, where he served aboard warships and coordinated joint operations to prevent LTTE infiltration, Captain Bansal highlighted the importance of inclusive governance. “The diaspora is powerful and is still simmering. The least the government should do is to reach out to the diaspora… For any country to grow, you have to take everyone together,” he said, underscoring the need for dialogue and engagement with all sections of society.
On the legacy of the civil war, Captain Bansal acknowledged that violations of human rights occurred in the final stages, but he called for acknowledgment and reconciliation rather than punitive measures. “Those who are guilty must be acknowledged as they are guilty. Whether they need to be punished… there should be at least truth and reconciliation. That’s essential for Sri Lanka’s social fabric,” he explained. He also pointed out constructive steps taken by former LTTE leaders, noting, “KP is running an orphanage… at least see there are some gestures which are needed to bring the society together now.”
Beyond the arrest, Bansal commented on the structural reforms required for long-term stability. He advocated for more effective federalism, a reconsideration of proportional representation, and policies that genuinely empower provincial governments. Such reforms, he said, would reduce ethnic tensions and strengthen democratic governance.
The full text of Captain Alok Bansal’s interview, covering his detailed perspectives on Sri Lanka, the Indian Ocean, and regional geopolitics, will be published soon in Sri Lanka Guardian.
