In an unusual move, first-time Lok Sabha MP R Sudha from Mayiladuthurai has sparked controversy by bypassing established diplomatic channels and directly writing to the newly elected Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urging him to release Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lankan jails. This approach has raised eyebrows among political observers and experts in international relations, with critics labelling the move as “immature” and a breach of diplomatic protocol.
Sudha, a practising advocate at the Madras High Court, penned the letter to the Sri Lankan president, calling for the immediate release of 37 fishermen from her constituency, out of a total of 80 Indian fishermen currently in Sri Lankan custody. She also requested the return of 173 seized fishing boats, describing the plea as an “open-hearted and open-minded” gesture of goodwill. In the three-page letter, Sudha criticised Sri Lanka’s repeated arrests of Indian fishermen, particularly those from Tamil Nadu, accusing the neighbouring country of treating them unfairly.
“No country arrests, fines, damages, and attacks fishermen from neighbouring countries so regularly as Sri Lanka does,” Sudha wrote, arguing that fishermen operating in shared waters like the Bay of Bengal should not be treated as criminals.
The letter, which details specific incidents involving arrests and alleged attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy, has sparked widespread criticism for its deviation from formal diplomatic procedures. Notably, advocate and writer K.S. Radhakrishnan, who shared the letter on social media platform X, pointed out several breaches of protocol, including Sudha’s informal salutation of “Dear brother” instead of the customary “His Excellency” when addressing a head of state.
“Her actions show a lack of understanding of basic diplomatic norms,” Radhakrishnan said, adding, “It is shocking to see such immaturity from a newly elected representative. Matters involving another country must be handled by routing concerns through the Indian Prime Minister or the External Affairs Minister, not directly engaging foreign leaders.”
Critics argue that Sudha’s decision to directly write to the Sri Lankan president reflects poor judgement and insufficient knowledge of diplomatic etiquette. They emphasise that disputes with other nations should be handled through proper channels, typically involving coordination between state leaders, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of External Affairs, which can then engage with foreign governments through official diplomatic means.
The incident has triggered a broader discussion on the preparedness of newly elected members of Parliament and their ability to navigate complex international issues. Experts warn that such “misadventures” could damage India’s bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, especially at a time when diplomatic ties between the two nations remain delicate.
The ongoing fishing disputes between India and Sri Lanka have long been a sensitive issue, particularly for Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities. However, the direct and unorthodox approach taken by Sudha has reignited debates over whether new parliamentarians receive adequate training and guidance in handling such diplomatic matters.
The controversy has also sparked concerns about the impact of such actions on India’s relationship with Sri Lanka, particularly given the political background of President Dissanayake, who has Marxist leanings. Critics warn that such diplomatic missteps could create lasting harm in maintaining steady relations between the two nations.
