Defence pact with India to be presented in parliament, says Sri Lankan president

Published on March 28, 2026

Sri Lankan President Dissanayake has announced that a defense pact with India will soon be presented in parliament, quelling rising concerns and allegations from opposition parties regarding the existence of a secret agreement. In a press conference held on Tuesday, the President emphasized that transparency is key to this significant bilateral cooperation and that the details of the pact will be made available to lawmakers for thorough discussion and scrutiny.

Addressing accusations that the agreement was made without public knowledge, Dissanayake stated, “There is no secret deal. We are committed to strengthening our national security and ensuring that no anti-India activities take place in Sri Lanka.” This assertion aligns with India’s longstanding request for its neighbor to prevent activities that could undermine regional stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged Sri Lanka’s position, reinforcing the importance of collaborative security measures in the region. Sri Lanka’s decision comes at a time when geopolitical tensions have necessitated closer cooperation between countries in South Asia, particularly in light of shared concerns over maritime security and transnational threats.

This pact is part of a broader strategy to enhance defense and military ties between India and Sri Lanka, fostering not only military cooperation but also reinforcing economic and strategic partnerships. The forthcoming parliamentary session is expected to be pivotal in clarifying the implications of this agreement for both nations.

Opposition parties have expressed skepticism and vowed to closely scrutinize the pact when it’s presented. They argue that greater oversight is needed to protect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and to ensure that the agreement does not compromise the nation’s autonomy. Dissanayake has reassured the public that their interests will be safeguarded and that any partnership with India will be in line with Sri Lanka’s strategic objectives.

As the situation evolves, both supporters and critics of the pact are preparing to engage in spirited debate, setting the stage for a crucial discussion in the Sri Lankan parliament. The outcome of this presentation could redefine the dynamics of Sri Lanka’s foreign relations, particularly with its powerful neighbor to the north.

Related News