Iranian President, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Sri Lanka last week involved much more than just the inauguration of Iran-funded dams at Uma Oya. 

After his initial meeting with the President, Dr. Raisi met the President again at a dinner function, before leaving for Iran. Among the attendees were Mahinda Rajapaksa, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. The only notable absentee was Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

When Foreign Minister Ali Sabry concluded his successful visit to Iran in August 2023, he ensured that Sri Lanka’s ties with Iran were elevated to a more collaborative level. Sabry and Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Amir-Abdollahian engaged in extensive discussions on bilateral cooperation and addressed a range of mutually important regional and global challenges. Both ministers emphasised the necessity of further strengthening and broadening the already close and cordial bilateral relations, particularly in economic partnership programmes, and expressed their mutual desire to enter into agreements to facilitate this process. It was during this period of enhanced ties that Dr. Raisi’s visit to Sri Lanka became possible.

During this visit, Minister Sabry also had discussions with Central Bank Governor, Dr. Mohammad Reza Farzin on furthering economic cooperation between the two countries and ways and means in this regard. The Minister expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for consenting to the IMF-led debt restructuring process. According to government sources, the Iranian development assistance to Sri Lanka mainly comprises loans, aimed at improving infrastructure, irrigation and the power sectors. Sri Lanka has already repaid USD 19,301,572.6 to Iran, with a remaining gross payable amount of USD 35,246,022.56.

In the past, Sri Lanka engaged in oil deals with Iran through bartering. Currently, Sri Lanka faces approximately USD 251 million in unsettled oil import dues in 2021. As part of the barter agreement, Sri Lanka was supposed to send USD 5 million worth of tea to Iran each month. However, due to the pandemic and economic crisis, this arrangement was put on hold. Sri Lanka purchased oil from Iran in 2012 for USD 215 million, which has now accrued to around USD 36,246 million. This outstanding payment also needed to undergo restructuring with the IMF, as communicated by the Foreign Minister to his Iranian counterpart. This paved the way for Iran’s involvement in trade deals, and both countries are now seeking to further expand their business agreements.

The Uma Oya project’s total contract sums amount to USD 514 million, with the contract becoming effective on 15 March 2010. Initially, the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) funded USD 50 million until 2013. However, due to international sanctions against Iran, they were unable to continue providing funds for the project. Consequently, the Government of Sri Lanka decided to proceed with the project using government funds while retaining the same contractor, Farab Company. The 120 MW hydropower project comprises two concrete-roller dams and a 19-kilometre water transfer pipe. The power plant of this project is located at a depth of 750 metres, and it is anticipated to contribute 290 GWh to the National Grid. It would supply water for 4,500 hectares of new agricultural land and irrigate an additional 1,500 hectares of existing land.

The Government said the project aims to address water needs in the Badulla, Moneragala and Hambantota regions. 

The Uma Oya project was originally to commence on 15 March 2010, with a scheduled completion date of 15 March 2015. However, due to several factors including technical issues, particularly unexpected water ingress into the Headrace Tunnel (HRT), social impacts, financial challenges and disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic during the construction period, the completion date was extended to 31 March 2024.

Iran-Israel centred tension in the Middle East

The recent drone attacks by Iran on Israel have escalated tensions further. The US has urged Israel to exercise restraint, recognising the potential for further destabilisation in the region.

On 1 April 2024, Israel conducted an airstrike on the Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, destroying the building housing its Consular Section. It was reported that 16 people were killed in the strike, including eight officers of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and two Syrian civilians.

Israel has previously accused Iran of targeting its diplomatic missions abroad in response to alleged Israeli killings of Iranian scientists and officials, as well as attacks on its nuclear facilities. Iran has consistently denied these allegations.

This ongoing Middle East contention, involving all major players globally, started when Hamas launched a bloody onslaught of Israeli towns in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. Israel roared and destroyed several of the locations in Gaza to erase Hamas. Iran and Hezbollah collaborated with Syria to launch an attack against Israel. Along with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, ships navigating the Red Sea came under attack over this period, and the world is currently witnessing the beginnings of a “Third World War.”

Dr. Raisi’s visit must be scrutinised closely to grasp Iran’s motivations, especially considering Sri Lanka’s unique position as one of Iran’s few allies amid current geopolitical complexities.

Dr. Raisi’s speech at the mosque 

Before leaving for Iran, Dr. Raisi engaged in discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo after inaugurating the Uma Oya project. During the meeting, both presidents signed five bilateral agreements, with designated ministers from both sides accepting the agreements. Among those present were Foreign Minister Sabry, Minister Bandula Gunawardana and Susil Premajayantha.

During his visit, Dr. Raisi also made a special visit to the Kollupitiya Mosque, where he addressed many leading Muslim MPs and students. Foreign Minister Sabry was among the attendees. The Iranian President’s speech covered trending topics such as the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and actions of the regime of Israel.

The meeting included prayers and discussions about Iran’s stance on combating Western influence and supporting the liberation of Palestine. In line with these discussions, the Iranian visitor was warmly welcomed by Foreign Minister Sabry, who spoke about the deep-rooted connection both countries have. 

Young Muslim students and scholars, including Moulavis from various mosques across the country, gathered to meet and greet Dr. Raisi during his visit. Religious recitals were also conducted at the mosque. Political figures such as Musharaff Muthunabeen, Sabry, Rishad Bathiudeen and Rauff Hakeem were in attendance, along with prominent imams and Islamic scholars. Sabry described the visit as historic. Seated on the carpet, they listened attentively to Dr. Raisi’s speech. The event went beyond a mere programme, serving as a platform to address and promote Middle Eastern issues in opposition to Western influence.

Topics including what is happening in Palestine were discussed, focusing on how Palestinians should be protected and supported by Islamic countries against Israeli aggression. The attendees deliberated on the importance of Islamic nations uniting to form a strong coalition to counter these forces and ensure the safety and security of Palestinians.

Foreign Minister Sabry delivered a speech at the mosque, emphasising the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Iran. He welcomed the Iranian delegation, highlighting the long-standing friendship dating back to the 5th century. “We have enjoyed an exceptionally strong friendship, with robust support and cooperation at both national and multinational levels,” he stated. Sabry expressed confidence that Dr. Raisi’s visit would further enhance these ties. He also mentioned that during the President’s message to Iran in August, he conveyed an invitation to Dr. Raisi.

Sabry stated that approximately 8 per cent of the population in Sri Lanka are Muslims and highlighted the historical manner in which they have been cared for in the country. He further emphasised that the people of Sri Lanka have consistently supported the Palestinian cause, advocating for a two-state solution and standing for the rights of the Palestinian people in all resolutions.

Dr. Raisi then addressed the audience in Arabic, which was translated for the attendees. He expressed his country’s commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation further.

The Iranian President said he was honoured to come here at the invitation of the Sri Lankan President. He said the most serious and strategic need is for the Islamic homeland to create and regain unity.

He said the enemies of Islam are trying to separate their differences and they need to be cautious about it. “We should assure unity and integration. The enemies of Islam are trying to create groups like Daesh and the Islamic State (IS), and bring about insecurity and killing and bloodshed in the Islamic countries. They have made an impact and they are “enemies of Islam.” 

The Iranian President also pointed out that the US officials, in their election campaign, said IS was created by the US. “We should cautiously take any action and refrain from writing and making any statement that would create differences and separations among Muslims.”

“If the Islamic countries and countries in my region were united and coordinated, we can fight these differences.”

Quoting Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who is Iran’s Supreme Religious Leader, “45 years ago, Khomeini spoke of words of Islam and freedom of Palestine. With Zionist regimes which are cancerous tumours, the region would not be able to have peace, security and stability.” 

He said after 45 years, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s statement and slogan are alive in Islamic countries and people living in different parts of the world believe in it.

Dr. Raisi added that Iran is resisting the forces. “Those who advocate for freedom ought to stand up for those who are fighting for their own families, religions etc. People are divided at this point into those who support evil and those who promote honour.” 

“We have been coping with sanctions for a long time, since the US has imposed them against our nation under the guise of upholding justice and rights.”

He advocated that the younger generation, the youth, should turn these threats into opportunities. Today, in all sectors, we are making progress and developments. Our enemies are determined to stop us. “We have defeated our enemies, and we are victorious,” he said. “The Supreme Leader of our country, Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, emphasised that the secret of success is to trust in Almighty Allah and trust yourself. They imposed an 8-year war against my country but failed to achieve their objectives.”

“With explosions, sedition and bombings, they failed. 

Dr. Raisi is a follower of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who returned from 14 years in exile from France and Iraq to declare an Islamic Republic in Iran in 1979. He studied under Khomeini and joined the Jurists and Prosecution Office. He was the Attorney General as well. He also is part of the wealthiest charitable foundation. It was considered Dr. Raisi’s winning the Presidency was a win for the Supreme Leader Khomeini and the religious hardliners. 

Presidents Raisi and RW

The Iranian President and President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised the necessity for Global South countries to capitalise on their strengths and collaborate effectively. President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of their voices in tackling global challenges like climate change, food security, debt management, digitisation, technological advancement and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

President Wickremesinghe, expressing delight over Sri Lanka and Iran’s collaborative efforts towards fostering peace, security and prosperity regionally and globally through diplomatic engagements, highlighted the significance of President Raisi’s visit to Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the Palestinian matter, the President affirmed Sri Lanka and Iran’s acknowledgment of the legal and inalienable right of the Palestinian people to establish their State. Further, he reiterated Sri Lanka’s steadfast commitment to advocating for a just and comprehensive political resolution to the Palestinian issue, aligning with the United Nations’ proposals for the creation of two neighbouring states within the 1967 borders.

Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting a just and comprehensive negotiated political settlement to the Palestine issue in line with the relevant UN resolutions, leading to the two States living side by side based on the 1967 borders.

Any such solution requires first stopping the killing in the Gaza Strip. Secondly, the establishment of that Palestine State within five years. Thirdly, respect for their sovereignty and fourthly, the security of all states. Unless these are addressed, it will be difficult to find a solution. Immobilising the United Nations system will only cause a loss of confidence in the system, similar to what happened to the League of Nations. We are at a critical point in history.

Religion and politics 

The Government of Sri Lanka established a ‘Children of Gaza Fund’ and donated USD 1 million to UNRWA on 1 April 2024 to assist the affected children in Gaza. It was only President Wickremesinghe condemned the Hamas attack on Israel. 

The crucial aspect of maintaining strong ties with Iran should focus on creating opportunities such as employment for Sri Lankans rather than discussing foreign wars. Therefore, fostering these ties should aim to prepare the youth to lead the country without being swayed by the influence of religion and politics, which have already hampered the system. The clear and imminent danger of involvement in foreign wars is looming, as authorities once again find themselves taking sides between the West and the Middle East, a conflict in which we have nothing to fight for.

Iran’s historical relationship with Sri Lanka has been generally positive, marking an unusual bond within the South Asian region. It is good to be so. However, navigating national and international foreign policies demands a nuanced approach, particularly in today’s interconnected global landscape.