In the aftermath of President AKDs visit many are talking about the Indo – Lanka joint statement to foster partnerships for a shared future (Ref. Media). Among the key points customized training & greater connectivity for bilateral growth are mentioned.  Accordingly among other points, 1500 Sri Lankan civil servants shall be trained through National Centre for Good Governance in India & recommencing the ferry service between Rameshwaram & Talaimannar is proposed. Interestingly support extended to rehabilitate Kankesanthurai port didn’t attract the spotlights which fell on Hambantota when China extended support. However, all points should be analyzed with a balanced approach.

Dambakolapatuna Corporation.

A day before the President left, Sri Lankans celebrated the arrival of Sangamitra (daughter of Emperor Asoka) at the ‘Dambakolapatuna’ port in Jaffna.  Sangamitra established the ‘Bhikkhuni Sasana’ giving space for Sri Lankan women & Chinese women to seek liberation (as China took the Bikkuni Sasana from Sri Lanka later). Her retinue which included skilled craftsmen of 64 diverse disciplines surely must have upgraded local skills through generations for the development of Sri Lanka since 250 BC (Ref. Mahavansa). Similar to ‘Kankesanthurai’ historic importance of the ‘Dambakolapatuna’ & the Bikkuni sasana may also be strengthened for tourism sector development.

Lessons from China.

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the archaeological excavations of the Terracotta Warriors & Horses in Shaanxi Province (Referred sometimes as the 8^th wonder of the world). Archaeologists recently discovered a rare statue of a high ranking officer, remains of 2 chariots, 3 terracotta horses & 3 terracotta figurines. The high ranking officer (general figurine) adorned in armor wearing a special crown may explain the Chinese military organization more clearly. Since 1974 archaeologists have uncovered more than 2,000 Terracotta Warriors & Horses, bronze chariots, stone armor, & hundreds of figurines representing various types of entertainers (Ref. Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum). While historic sites are attracting thousands of tourists into China, logistical networks developed with the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) are helping the Chinese & others in partner countries to network more with the world for a shared future in unprecedented ways.

Being a Chota Carlota (free small man)

Sri Lankans should appreciate all states which are assisting in upgrading supply chains with a win-win attitude. The powerful states should support small nations to select an industrialization path aligned with their own resource endowments, developmental stages & work force capacity etc. Governments of developing countries may encourage proactive FDIs from all interested & implement impartial policies within to expand partnerships with all. People may remember such governments even without Terracotta replicas.

(Views expressed are personal).