Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, currently on a three-day official visit to India, held a significant discussion with the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), a New Delhi-based advisory institution comprising leading Indian experts in foreign affairs. Established in 1943, ICWA stands as India’s first independent international affairs body. It was founded when several members of the Indian Institute of International Affairs (IIIA) chose to create a separate institution. At that time, ICWA was affiliated with the Indian National Congress, while the IIIA supported the British Indian Government.
In 2001, the organisation was declared an institution of national importance through an Act of Parliament. The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Council, with the Minister of External Affairs acting as its Vice-Chairman. The institution is headquartered at Sapru Mandir and takes its name from Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, who served as its founding Chairman. ICWA is also a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Notably, it is reported that no Sri Lankan politician has been interviewed by this institution in recent times.
During the hour-long discussion, Indian experts posed several questions to the Opposition Leader, covering key subjects including Indo-Sri Lankan relations and a political solution for the North and East.
Premadasa’s clear and comprehensive responses were widely appreciated by attendees. Additionally, many expressed gratitude for the remarks he delivered prior to the commencement of the discussion.
