Katchatheevu Row Erupts: Sri Lanka's Dissanayake Says India Admitted Island Belongs to Colombo

Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake on Monday highlighted the 'good relations' between Sri Lanka and India, pointing to New Delhi's stance on the disputed island of Katchatheevu. Dissanayake said India has acknowledged before its Supreme Court that Katchatheevu belongs to Sri Lanka, a statement that underscores the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding the long-standing maritime dispute.

The remarks come after India's Attorney General R. Venkataramani told the Supreme Court last week that India does not intend to reopen the 1974 and 1976 agreements with Sri Lanka that ceded the island to Colombo. The agreements, signed by then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Sirimavo Bandaranaike, have been a contentious issue in Indian politics, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where fishermen's livelihoods are affected.

Dissanayake's comments signal a desire to maintain stable ties with India amid ongoing negotiations over fishing rights and maritime boundaries. The Indian government's position, as stated in court, suggests continuity in its policy despite domestic pressures. The development is likely to be closely watched by stakeholders in both countries, with potential implications for bilateral relations and regional stability. Next steps may include continued diplomatic engagement to address the concerns of fishermen and resolve outstanding issues.