Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Backs India’s Bid for Permanent UNSC Seat

In an interview with ANI during his ongoing visit to India, Premadasa said India’s inclusion in the UN Security Council “will mean recognition of the practical realities of international politics”.

“I was the one who spoke openly about giving India a permanent seat in the UN Security Council many years ago. So this is an old issue for me,” he said. “I will continue to support this effort and I think it is a practical statement of the realities of global power. You cannot sideline India. You cannot marginalize India. Representation of India in the UN Security Council will mean recognition of the practical realities of international politics.”

Premadasa’s comments come at a time when India continues to press for reforms in the UNSC to include more representation of emerging powers and developing countries.

When asked about Sri Lanka’s stance on the complex India-China dynamic, Premadasa emphasized that Colombo values ​​its “special strategic relationship” with New Delhi while maintaining ties with all countries.

“I can tell you what we believe as a party, the main opposition party. We believe that we have a special relationship, a special strategic relationship with India, and that relationship is very special,” he said.

“In this context, we also need to work with all other countries. Our common goal is to promote peace. Our aim is to build peace. While we maintain this special relationship with India, we want to act as the mediator, the middle person to ensure peace, harmony, security and tranquility in all the regions you mentioned.”

During his visit, Premadasa met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday, where both leaders discussed India-Sri Lanka relations under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

“Nice to meet Sri Lankan Opposition Leader @sajithpremadasa. We discussed India-Sri Lanka relations and our Neighborhood First policy. India will always support progress and development in Sri Lanka,” Jaishankar wrote to X after the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Premadasa attended a speech organized by the Indian Council on World Affairs (ICWA) at Sapru House, where he emphasized the need for a structured approach to resolve the long-standing fishermen issue between the two countries.

“The fisheries issue is very important. The two countries should cooperate and create a suitable, workable framework based on facts and substance,” Premadasa said in response to a question from ANI at an event titled. he said. ‘India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Relations’ Held in New Delhi.

He cited international conventions such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and called on both parties to ensure that fishing activities remain legal and sustainable.

“There are international laws and regulations regarding the continental shelf and the high seas that must be respected under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is important to ensure that illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing is dealt with in line with these legal mandates.”

He acknowledged the livelihood concerns of fishermen and said, “We understand that this includes the livelihood of households, but it is equally important to ensure that all such income-generating methods are legal. Instead of working without a clear and permanent framework, both parties should work together for a permanent solution.”

His remarks come amid ongoing tensions over Tamil Nadu fishermen entering Sri Lankan waters near Katchatheevu, which frequently leads to arrests and maritime disputes.