AKD-Modi pact: Tectonic shift, national interest negated, China double-crossed

WHO comprised the Sri Lankan team drafting the (reportedly imminent) Defence Pact with India? The Armed Forces chiefs? The Defence Ministry and its Secretary? None of the above? Were its content and text almost wholly imported?

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Shouldn't it be debated in parliament beforehand and bipartisan national consensus obtained? Wouldn't any civilized democracy submit it to a national Referendum?

Tectonic shift, existential shock

The story of a tectonic shift which will alter the destiny of the island of Sri Lanka utterly and negatively, broke in Delhi Leaks Press Trust of India (PTI) report based on a matter-of-fact announcement by a ranking Indian spokesperson. Quality mainstream newspapers followed-up.

The Economic Times story was captioned 'India, Sri Lanka set to ink major defence pact during Modi's trip to Colombo next week'. The Hindu synopsis cuts through to the crux.

Synopsis

India and Sri Lanka will sign a major defence pact during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Colombo, aimed at countering China's growing military influence. The trip will also include discussions on restructuring Sri Lanka's debt and enhancing bilateral connectivity and cooperation across various domains'.

(https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-sri-lanka-to-major-defence-pact-during-modis-trip-to-colombo-next-week/articleshow/1196665707.cms?from=mdr)

They go on to reveal that:

'For the first time, India and Sri Lanka are set to sign a major defence cooperation pact during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the island next week, a move that comes amid China's relentless attempts to increase its military influence over Colombo.

...At a media briefing Friday, Foreign Secretary Vinram Misri said a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation is expected to be inked and it is being signed for the first time.

...If signed, the Modi-defence cooperation is set to send a major upward trajectory in India-Sri Lanka defence leaving behind the bitter chapter relating to India pulling out from the flagship Peace Keeping Force (PKF) from the island nation around 35 years ago.