Who Is Making Unilateral Decisions on Sri Lanka's National Borders?

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Hindu newspaper reported that a comprehensive agreement has been reached between India and Sri Lanka on matters relating to the boundary between the two countries in the waters of Palk Bay and related issues including the question of Kachativu.

An official spokesman who disclosed this to The Hindu, however, declined to give the details of the agreement, which will be announced to-morrow evening.

However, the report does not provide any details about the new agreements between the two countries.

Meanwhile, in a letter sent yesterday by India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, it was mentioned that the fishing issue between Sri Lanka and India began with the agreements signed in 1974.

During the recently concluded Indian Lok Sabha elections, the Kachchativu agreement was a major topic for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

At no previous time has there been a discussion, either in or outside of Parliament, regarding decisions about the boundaries of the Sea of Sri Lanka.

Who authorized such significant decisions affecting the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity without the knowledge or consent of the legislature, the Parliament?

According to the agreements between Sri Lanka and India regarding the northern maritime boundaries, Kachchativu Island was officially ceded to Sri Lanka exactly 50 years ago in 1974.

On the very day that marks 50 years since this diplomatic achievement for Sri Lanka, how unfortunate it is that we are now discussing such contentious news about our national borders.