Bangladesh–Sri Lanka relations

Bangladesh – Sri Lanka relations refers to the bilateral relations between the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Relations have been generally friendly due to trade and investments. Bangladesh also hosts a number of Sri Lankan medical students and cricket as a form of friendly communications between their people.[1]

Bangladesh – Sri Lanka relations

Bangladesh
Sri Lanka

History

The two South Asian nations have been historically tied since before the sub-continent's colonisation by the British. Sri Lanka's first King, to be mentioned in the ancient Pali chronicles, was alleged to have ancestors from the Vanga Kingdom located in modern Bangladesh. In Sri Lanka, several strands of hair gifted by the Buddhists of Bangladesh, identified as originated from Buddha, are venerated on Poya Day, a Buddhist public holiday in Sri Lanka.[2]

During the Bangladesh Liberation War, Sri Lanka saw the partition of Pakistan as an example for themselves and feared India might use its enhanced power against them in the future.[3]:7 Despite the left wing government of Sirimavo Bandaranaike following a neutral non-aligned foreign policy, Sri Lanka assisted Pakistan in the war.[4][5] As Pakistani aircraft could not fly over Indian territory, they took a longer route around India and stopped at Bandaranaike Airport in Katunayake where they were refuelled before flying to East Pakistan.[6]

In August 2008, both Heads of States discussed the implementation of new air links in hope of increasing trade, investment and stronger cultural links.[7] Sri Lanka's current investments have been in Bangladesh's garment and banking sector and expect to diversify into different areas.[1] Bangladesh also hosts a number of Sri Lankan medical students and cricket as a form of friendly communications between their people.[1]

In 2015, Sri Lanka donates 30 ‘Samadhi Buddha Statues’ to reconstructed and renovated temples after 2012 Ramu violence.[8][9]

Military

There has been discussion to increase bilateral relations, cooperation between the two navies and sending Sri Lankan Naval personnel to study in Bangladesh. Recently many Bangladesh Navy ships visited Sri Lanka for goodwill visits.[10]

Economy

The Bangladesh-Sri Lanka joint working group was formed in 2013 to increase trade. The two countries have agreed to sign a shipping agreement. Several Sri Lankan conglomerates like LAUGFS Holdings have footprint in Bangladesh.[11] In 2013 Bilateral trade between the two countries crossed the 100 million dollar mark.[12][13][14]

See also

References
  1. "Bangladesh – Sri Lanka Bilateral Talks - Establishment of New Air Link". Asian Tribune. 2 August 2008. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
  2. http://www.bookrags.com/news/bangladesh-gives-holy-relic-to-sri-moc/
  3. https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP83S00854R000200130001-0.pdf
  4. http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=13217
  5. https://www.mfa.gov.lk/brief-overview-of-sri-lankas-foreign-relations-to-post-independence/
  6. "Pak thanks Lanka for help in 1971 war". Hindustan Times. 11 June 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  7. "New air links between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh". Policy Research & Information Unit of the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. 1 August 2008. Archived from the original on 12 December 2009.
  8. "Sri Lanka donates Buddha Statues to Reconstructed Temples in Bangladesh". Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  9. "Sri Lanka donates Buddha statues to reconstructed temples in Bangladesh". Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  10. "Bangladesh Navy ship Bangabandhu arrives at Sri Lankan port on goodwill visit". Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  11. ColomboPage News Desk. "Sri Lanka, Bangladesh to sign coastal shipping agreement to boost trade". colombopage.com. LankaPage.com, LLC. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
  12. Kelegama, Saman. "Bangladesh-Sri Lanka trade and investment ties make major strides". The Daily Star. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
  13. "Laugfs Gas to invest $120m in Bangladesh in four years". The Daily Star. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  14. "LAUGFS acquires Bangladeshi LPG company for $ 18.7 m". Retrieved 15 February 2017.


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