Delhi Policy Group visits Pathfinder Foundation

Ambassador Hemanth K. Singh, Director General of Delhi Policy Group (DPG) accompanied by Ambassador Biren Nanda, Senior Fellow, paid a visit to The Pathfinder Foundation head office located at ‘Riverpoint’, Peliyagoda.

 Director General Singh was welcomed by Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman, and Luxman Siriwardena Executive Director of Pathfinder Foundation (PF) and Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colambage, Director, ‘Centre for Indo Lanka Initiatives’ and ‘Centre for the Law of the Sea’, of PF. 

Both sides discussed Indo-Sri Lanka relations in general and political, economic and trade as well as security and strategic relations involving the two countries, in particular. Taking steps to improve people-to-people relations between the two countries was a subject that was discussed at length by the two sides. Both sides shared information on connectivity between the two countries during the colonial period. They noted that the steamer service between Tuticorin and Colombo Port dated back to the latter part of the 19th century, which continued until about 1949, and the Dhanushkody/Rameshwaram ferry service with Talaimannar connecting the railway network of the two countries commenced in 1914 and lasted until the service was disrupted in mid 1980 due to the separatist conflict in Sri Lanka. They observed that these services that served the two countries should be re-established soonest so that pilgrims and tourists could visit the two countries with least cost. 

Both delegations exchanged notes on the draft ‘Code of Conduct’ released by the ‘Centre for the Law of the Sea’ of Pathfinder Foundation in early January and the Indian perspective on the proposal. They also discussed dynamics relating to Codes of Conduct in the South China Sea and the Djibouti & Yaoundé Codes of Conduct for East and West Africa, respectively, adopted through the International Maritime organisation. 

Pathfinder delegation briefed the visitors regarding the measures taken by it to promote bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. In this process, the foundation has succeeded in establishing relationships with a number of Indian think-tanks including Vivekananda International Foundation , Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis, United Service Institution, Indian Foundation, National Maritime Foundation, Kalinga International Foundation and Carnegie India, with whom PF conducts regular interactions. 

Founded in 1994, the Delhi Policy Group is among India’s oldest independent think tanks with its primary focus on strategic issues. DPG undertakes research and organises conferences and interactions across a wide canvas, including strategic and geo-political issues, geo-economic, defence and security issues. DPC delegation is currently in Sri Lanka to take part in the DPG Regional Conference on “Advancing BIMSTEC Cooperation” held in Colombo for 2-3 August.