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((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Sri Lanka China India
HEADLINE: As Crisis-Hit Sri Lanka Counts Cost of Chinese Projects, India Tries to Recover Influence
TEASER: India’s dependable ally image being reinforced as it provides credit lines, aid
PUBLISHED AT: 6/10/2022 at 9:15am
BYLINE: Anjana Pasricha
DATELINE: NEW DELHI
VIDEOGRAPHER:
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Steve Hirsch, wpm
VIDEO SOURCE (S): AP, AFP, Reuters, VOA
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO __
TRT: 3:21
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:
((INTRO)) [[For a decade and a half, China’s clout in Sri Lanka grew as it built a series of infrastructure projects as part of its Belt and Road initiative. But as an economic crisis grips Sri Lanka, India, which was sidelined by China, is trying to regain the influence it lost from the country that lies on its southern tip. Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi.]]
((NARRATOR))
This sprawling port city set up on land reclaimed from the sea in Colombo is meant to compete with Dubai as a business hub. It is the latest of huge the Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka that include a port and an airport in Hambantota.
But as an unprecedented economic crisis leaves Sri Lanka with virtually no foreign exchange reserves to buy fuel and food, or repay foreign loans, these projects are under scrutiny. Billed as economic game changers, analysts say they have yielded few returns.
((Bhavani Fonseka, Center for Policy Alternatives)
((Mandatory Skype))
“For example, the airport in Hambantota is called the emptiest airport in the world because it really is not attracting the business it should be attracting. So, there are lot of questions on whether these kind of projects have also contributed to Sri Lanka’s increasing debt.”
((NARRATOR))
Chinese loans make up about 10% of Sri Lanka’s $51 billion foreign debt. The Chinese-built infrastructure had showcased Beijing’s growing clout in the strategic country in the Indian Ocean. However, now a massive public backlash against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who sanctioned many of these projects, will influence future policies.
(Bhavani Fonseka, Center for Policy Alternatives, Colombo))
((Mandatory Skype))
“The Rajapaksas are seen as very much tilting towards China. So, I think there is going to be a more balanced foreign policy and trying to get assistance from different and diverse actors.”
((NARRATOR))
That is good news for India, for which the Chinese presence close to its southern shores had become a strategic headache.
New Delhi has committed to provide $3 billion to Colombo in loans, credit lines and credit swaps since the crisis spiraled. It has also shipped food, fuel and medical supplies to ease hardships caused by the massive shortages of essential commodities.
((Harsh Pant, Observer Research Foundation)
((Mandatory Skype))
“It was seen as an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment as a net security provider in an economic sense, that India as a regional power could support Sri Lanka in a time of crisis and thereby underscore its credentials as a responsible regional power.”
((NARRATOR))
Ahead of Sri Lanka’s rice sowing season, New Delhi plans to send fertilizer to help farmers, who suffered massive crop losses as the government ordered a switch to organic farming.
As India emerges as one of the biggest aid providers, its image as a dependable ally is being reinforced.
((Bhavani Fonseka, Center for Policy Alternatives))
((Mandatory Skype))
“The fact that India has come through in terms of addressing urgent needs, urgent humanitarian needs is very welcome by many Sri Lankans, and I speak to across the board. Many are realizing that India is a true friend.”
((NARRATOR))
For New Delhi, recovering ground lost to China is a boost as it tries to counter Beijing’s growing clout in South Asia.
((Anjana Pasricha for VOA News, New Delhi))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateJune 10, 2022 08:56 EDT
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
