Bangladesh–Sri Lanka relations

Bilateral relations

Bangladesh – Sri Lanka relations

Bangladesh |
Sri Lanka

Bangladesh – Sri Lanka relations refer to the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Relations have been generally friendly due to trade and investments. Bangladesh hosts a number of Sri Lankan students.[1]

## History

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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 donated 30 ‘Samadhi Buddha Statues’ to reconstructed and renovated temples after 2012 Ramu violence.[8][9]

## Military

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

## Economy

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

In 2021, Bangladesh became a lender for first time in their history[15][16] by agreeing to give Sri Lanka loans of at least $200 million from the foreign exchange reserves under a currency swap deal.[17][18]

## See also

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* Foreign relations of Bangladesh
* Foreign relations of Sri Lanka
* South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

## References

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1. ^ a b c "Bangladesh – Sri Lanka Bilateral Talks - Establishment of New Air Link". Asian Tribune. 2 August 2008. Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
2. ^ "Bangladesh gives holy relic to Sri Lanka". BookRags. Associated Press. 18 July 2007. Archived from the original on 10 March 2009.
3. ^ "India and Its Neighbors: Cooperation or Confrontation?" (PDF). CIA.
4. ^ "The Foreign Policy of Sirimavo Bandaranaike". The Island. Archived from the original on 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2019-12-23.
5. ^ "Brief Overview of Sri Lanka's Foreign Relations to Post-Independence". Foreign Ministry, Sri Lanka. Archived from the original on 2019-04-08. Retrieved 2019-12-23.
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". Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
9. ^ "Sri Lanka donates Buddha statues to reconstructed temples in Bangladesh". Daily FT. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
10. ^ "Bangladesh Navy ship Bangabandhu arrives at Sri Lankan port on goodwill visit". Retrieved 1 April 2018.
11. ^ "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". Daily FT. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
15. ^ Ibraheem, Imon. "The central bank is going to lend debt-strapped Sri Lanka $250m from forex reserve through a currency swap deal". The Business Standard. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
16. ^ "1st Time Ever: Bangladesh To Loan $200 Million To Cash-Strapped, Debt-Ridden Sri Lanka". Retrieved 29 May 2021.
17. ^ "Bangladesh agrees $200 million currency swap deal to help Sri Lanka". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
18. ^ "$200 million currency swap: Stepping up in Sri Lanka's hour of need". The Daily Star. 26 May 2021.

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