Sharing Maritime Boundary with India Sri Lankan Experience

Abstract

India is Sri Lanka‟s immediate neighbor. Although the Island is considered a small state it has played an important role in regional affairs from ancient times. Indo – Lanka relations run back to pre-historic times. The narrow strip of ocean between the two countries known as the Palk Strait has been a crucial factor in determining relations between them. Inevitably this characteristic of the Palk Strait has created administrative, logistical and security problems for both India and Sri Lanka. Despite the fact that the Palk Strait divides the two countries, there are strong cultural links that bind the people of Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu with those of the North and North-Eastern parts of Sri Lanka. However, due to the insurgency that prevailed during the past thirty years in these areas, Indo- Sri Lanka maritime boundary and the Palk Strait became an increasing trouble spot. Successive Governments in both Sri Lanka and India have so far resolved these issues in a spirit of compromise and understanding. This paper aims at outlining the major issues that are faced by the two countries owing to sharing of a common maritime boundary.