Sri Lanka’s Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has expressed strong support for India’s long-standing quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), describing it as an acknowledgment of “global power realities.” Speaking to ANI, a New Delhi based news agency, during his ongoing visit to India, Premadasa said India’s inclusion would mark a necessary and realistic step in reshaping international governance.
“Years before, it was I who spoke openly about India being given a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. So it’s an old topic for me,” Premadasa remarked. “I will continue to support that effort, and I think that is a practical exposition of global power realities. You cannot discard India. You cannot marginalise India. India’s representation at the UNSC would be a recognition of the practical realities of international politics.”
His comments come at a time when India continues to lead calls for UNSC reform, advocating for a more inclusive system that represents emerging powers and developing nations. The statement also underscores Colombo’s growing alignment with New Delhi on regional and international issues amid a complex geopolitical landscape dominated by India-China dynamics.
Addressing Sri Lanka’s foreign policy stance, Premadasa emphasised that his party values a “special strategic relationship” with India while maintaining diplomatic engagement with all nations. “We believe in having a special relationship, a special strategic relationship with India, and that relationship is very special,” he said. “While maintaining this special relationship with India, we would like to act as a mediator to bring about peace, harmony, security, and tranquillity in all the regions you spoke about.”
During his visit, Premadasa met Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, where both leaders discussed strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations under the “Neighbourhood First” policy. Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared on X, “Pleased to meet Leader of Opposition @sajithpremadasa of Sri Lanka. Discussed India-Sri Lanka relations and our Neighbourhood First policy. India will always be supportive of progress and development in Sri Lanka.”
Earlier in the day, Premadasa participated in a discussion at Sapru House, organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), focusing on India-Sri Lanka bilateral ties. Responding to a question about the long-standing fishermen issue between the two countries, he called for a structured and cooperative framework to resolve the dispute.
“The fishing issue is very important. The two countries must cooperate and establish a proper, workable framework, one that is based on fact and substance,” he said, citing international conventions such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Premadasa stressed the importance of ensuring that fishing practices are both lawful and sustainable. “We understand that this involves the livelihood of households, but it is equally important to ensure that all such income-generation methods are lawful. Rather than operating without a clear and permanent framework, both sides should work together toward a lasting solution.”
Premadasa’s remarks come amid renewed tensions over Tamil Nadu fishermen allegedly crossing into Sri Lankan waters near Katchatheevu, often resulting in arrests and maritime disputes. His call for pragmatic cooperation and respect for international law highlights the need for diplomatic restraint and practical solutions in managing one of South Asia’s most persistent cross-border challenges.
