India–Sri Lanka Relations: MCQs and Long Answer Questions (English)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. The Indo–Sri Lanka Accord was signed in:
Options: a) 1974 b) 1987 c) 1998 d) 2009
Answer: b) 1987
Explanation: Signed between Rajiv Gandhi and J.R. Jayewardene to resolve the Tamil issue.
Q2. Which Indian force was sent to Sri Lanka after the 1987 Accord?
Options: a) BSF b) IPKF c) CRPF d) Coast Guard
Answer: b) IPKF
Explanation: The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was deployed but faced resistance.
Q3. The civil war in Sri Lanka lasted from:
Options: a) 1950–1970 b) 1965–1980 c) 1983–2009 d) 1990–2000
Answer: c) 1983–2009
Explanation: It was fought between LTTE and the Sri Lankan government.
Q4. Katchatheevu Island was ceded to Sri Lanka by India in:
Options: a) 1954 b) 1974 c) 1987 d) 1996
Answer: b) 1974
Explanation: Through an agreement, though Indian fishermen still claim traditional rights.
Q5. The India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in:
Options: a) 1974 b) 1987 c) 1998 d) 2005
Answer: c) 1998
Explanation: It boosted bilateral trade and made India a key partner.
Q6. Which Sri Lankan port has been leased to China for 99 years?
Options: a) Trincomalee b) Hambantota c) Colombo d) Galle
Answer: b) Hambantota
Explanation: Leased to China under BRI, raising security concerns for India.
Q7. India assisted Sri Lanka with nearly $4 billion during which crisis?
Options: a) Civil war b) 2004 Tsunami c) 2022 Economic Crisis d) COVID-19
Answer: c) 2022 Economic Crisis
Explanation: India provided fuel, medicines, and essential aid.
Q8. Which religion is a major cultural link between India and Sri Lanka?
Options: a) Hinduism b) Buddhism c) Christianity d) Islam
Answer: b) Buddhism
Explanation: Buddhism spread from India to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE.
Q9. Which policy of India emphasizes cooperation in the Indian Ocean with Sri Lanka?
Options: a) Look East Policy b) SAGAR c) Neighbourhood First d) Act East Policy
Answer: b) SAGAR
Explanation: Security and Growth for All in the Region – India’s maritime strategy.
Q10. Which issue creates recurring tension between Indian fishermen and Sri Lanka?
Options: a) Kargil conflict b) Palk Strait fishing c) Maritime piracy d) Oil exploration
Answer: b) Palk Strait fishing
Explanation: Indian fishermen often cross into Sri Lankan waters, leading to arrests.
Long Answer Questions
Q: Discuss the historical background of India–Sri Lanka relations.
Answer:
India and Sri Lanka share centuries-old ties rooted in culture, religion, and trade. Buddhism is the strongest cultural link, introduced in Sri Lanka by Emperor Ashoka’s son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta in the 3rd century BCE. Over time, Indian traders, scholars, and monks enriched Sri Lankan society, and both nations influenced each other’s art, architecture, and language.
During colonial times, British rulers brought Indian Tamils to Sri Lanka to work on tea plantations. This community later became a political issue as they sought rights and recognition. After Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948, India was among the first to establish diplomatic ties. The relationship was cordial, strengthened by cultural diplomacy and trade.
However, ethnic tensions between Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka later became a central point of strain. India attempted to mediate, especially during the civil war, through the 1987 Indo–Sri Lanka Accord and deployment of IPKF. Despite challenges, the shared heritage continues to act as a stabilizing factor, making the relationship unique in South Asia.
Q: Explain the ethnic conflict and India’s role in Sri Lanka’s civil war.
Answer:
The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka arose mainly between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority, particularly the Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian-origin Tamils. The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) launched an armed struggle for an independent Tamil Eelam, which escalated into a civil war from 1983 to 2009.
India played a complicated role in this conflict. Initially, Tamil Nadu provided support to Tamil militants due to ethnic solidarity. However, the violence and instability affected regional security, pushing India to intervene at the national level. In 1987, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President Jayewardene signed the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord, promising devolution of powers to Tamils. Following this, India deployed the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to disarm LTTE. The mission, however, faced resistance from both LTTE and some Sri Lankan groups, leading to casualties and political backlash.
Eventually, India withdrew IPKF in 1990. Although India stopped direct involvement, it continued to support peace efforts. The conflict ended in 2009 with the defeat of LTTE. The episode remains a lesson in balancing humanitarian concerns, ethnic sensitivities, and strategic interests.
Q: What are the major disputes between India and Sri Lanka?
Answer:
Despite strong cultural and economic ties, India–Sri Lanka relations have seen disputes. One major issue is the fishermen conflict in the Palk Strait, where Indian fishermen are often arrested by Sri Lankan authorities. This issue is linked to Katchatheevu Island, ceded by India in 1974. While legally Sri Lanka’s, Indian fishermen continue to claim traditional fishing rights.
Another key dispute was Sri Lanka’s civil war. India’s involvement through the 1987 Accord and IPKF deployment created political controversies. The Tamil issue continues to remain sensitive, with Tamil Nadu closely monitoring Sri Lanka’s policies towards Tamils.
Additionally, China’s increasing presence in Sri Lanka through projects like Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City creates strategic friction. For India, these are not direct disputes with Sri Lanka, but they complicate the bilateral relationship.
Overall, disputes revolve around fishermen rights, ethnic issues, and external influence. Resolving them requires sensitive diplomacy and regional cooperation.
Q: Analyze India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during the 2022 economic crisis.
Answer:
Sri Lanka faced its worst economic crisis in 2022, triggered by foreign exchange shortages, debt defaults, and shortages of food, fuel, and medicines. India emerged as the first responder, extending assistance worth nearly $4 billion. This included lines of credit for fuel and essential imports, currency swaps, and humanitarian supplies.
India supplied fuel shipments to keep Sri Lanka’s transport and power running, medicines to address health shortages, and food grains to support vulnerable populations. This assistance was crucial in stabilizing the island nation during a period of political and social turmoil.
India’s support also demonstrated its commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). By helping Sri Lanka during crisis, India not only strengthened goodwill but also countered China’s growing influence.
This episode showcased India’s role as a regional leader and humanitarian partner, ensuring stability in its maritime neighborhood while deepening long-term strategic ties.
Q: Suggest measures to strengthen India–Sri Lanka relations in the future.
Answer:
India and Sri Lanka must build on their historical and cultural ties while addressing contemporary challenges. Firstly, the fishermen issue in the Palk Strait requires a cooperative solution, possibly joint fishing arrangements or alternative livelihoods for affected communities.
Secondly, economic integration must be deepened by expanding trade beyond traditional sectors. India can provide greater market access for Sri Lankan goods, while joint ventures in IT, energy, and tourism can create mutual benefits.
Thirdly, cultural diplomacy should be enhanced through promotion of Buddhist tourism and Ramayana circuit projects, which will strengthen people-to-people ties. Educational exchanges and scholarships can also build long-term goodwill.
Fourthly, India should continue to provide timely development assistance and infrastructure support, ensuring that projects are transparent and community-oriented. This will help counterbalance Chinese investments.
Finally, regional security cooperation should be expanded. Joint naval exercises, counter-terrorism measures, and maritime security initiatives will enhance trust and safeguard the Indian Ocean region.
By addressing disputes sensitively and focusing on shared growth, India–Sri Lanka relations can evolve into a model of balanced, cooperative, and future-oriented partnership.