Light of Peace

Unfortunately Sri Lanka got involved in a prolonged counter insurgency war against Tamil Tigers (LTTE), a faction of their own who started war against the central authority of Sri Lanka. This war continued for about twenty six years and took an heavy toll of life, property and the economy of the country. As Sri Lanka depended heavily on other countries for her defense needs, they had to import even the pistol bullets fro abroad. India helped them by sending a peacekeeping contingent in 1980s which failed and had to return back. Pakistan cooperated with Sri Lanka by imparting training to officers of Sri Lankan army and has been providing them defense equipment on credit. The war against terror organization LTTE ended with a total victory of Sri Lankan Army

In order to further improve their economic and defense situation, Sri Lanka has now looked towards Iran who has responded positively. Both the countries have started a new era of mutual cooperation in economic development. Both countries have been giving joint statements regarding nuclear non proliferation. Sri Lanka has recently given statement that Iran has the right to acquire nuclear technology for its energy production. Since 2008 a number of mutual visits have been carried out by the delegations of both the countries and given statements stressing the need of improving bilateral relations. Of late Iran has agreed to extend low interest loans to Sri Lanka for purchase of defense hardware. Iran has also offered to train Sri Lankan military and intelligence officers. Iran has recently signed three MOUs with Sri Lanka with a view to improving trade. At present Iran provides crude oil that meets 80 % of the requirement of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has suggested establishing a nuclear power plant by 2030 for which technical help will be sought from Iran

Iran and Sri Lanka have very few things in common; no common borders, no common religion, culture or language and no common enemy. The boosting up of the mutual relationship seems to be for mutual development and peace. As a foreign minister of Sri Lanka had remarked while on visit to Iran, "ours is a friendship based on mutual trust and understanding…Iran is sincerely committed to the development of Sri Lanka, whom we consider to be a true friend." This proves that bilateral relations can be established without any prejudice to the interests of other countries. This is what the aim in international relations should be ie to promote global peace, not at the expense of others.