Sri Lanka is in talks with India to establish a facility for manufacturing small arms within the country, according to Sri Lanka's State Minister of Defence, Pramitha Tennakoon.
This initiative signals a strengthening of defence cooperation between the two nations and a move towards greater self-reliance in defence production for Sri Lanka.
The discussions represent a deepening of the relationship between Sri Lanka and India, motivated by shared security interests in the Indian Ocean Region. Both countries face a complex geopolitical environment, including the increasing presence of external powers and the critical need to protect maritime trade routes.
Cooperation in defence manufacturing offers a practical way for both nations to benefit. For Sri Lanka, a domestic small-arms production capability would decrease its dependence on foreign imports, improve the operational preparedness of its military, and generate local jobs and opportunities for skills development.
The proposed manufacturing plant would probably concentrate on the production of small arms like rifles, pistols, and light machine guns. These weapons are fundamental for infantry units and maintaining internal security.
Although Minister Tennakoon provided no details on timelines, scale, or specific Indian partners, the announcement indicates that initial discussions are taking place, and both countries are assessing the viability of the project.
The potential for such factory is high. According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India's defence exports have increase over the years. It ranked 23 among the list of arms exporters from 2019-2023.
This announcement follows a recent defence industry exhibition in Colombo, where Indian companies showcased their products and technological capabilities.
The event, attended by high-ranking Sri Lankan military personnel and government officials, displayed a variety of equipment, from small arms and surveillance systems to maritime technology, demonstrating India's progress in the defence manufacturing sector.
The exhibition allowed Indian companies, including both state-owned enterprises like the Ordnance Factory Board and private sector firms, to present their products and explore potential collaborations with Sri Lanka's defence sector.
The exhibition was not merely a commercial event; it represented India's dedication to assisting Sri Lanka in meeting its security requirements and cultivating a partnership built on mutual trust. Sri Lanka has traditionally relied on imports from multiple countries to supply its armed forces.
The possibility of local production, in partnership with India, offers a more affordable and strategically advantageous approach. This aligns with Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts to modernize its military after a period of economic difficulties and the need to counter emerging threats like terrorism and maritime piracy. It may also help Sri Lanka bolster its defence capabilities amidst the economic crisis, as importing arms drains their foreign reserves.
