A New India

Chapter 120: Rohan–Senanayake Pact - IV

The grand hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan was filled with an sense of anticipation.

Indian and Ceylonese flags fluttered gently behind the long table at the front, where Prime Ministers Rohan and Dudley Senanayake sat, ready to make history.

On the table before them lay the Rohan–Senanayake Pact, the agreement that months of negotiations had produced.

It was a moment that would change the future of thousands of Indian Tamils who had lived in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) for generations, and both leaders knew the weight of what they were about to sign.

Rohan reached for the pen in front of him, his fingers brushing against the cool metal.

He paused for a brief moment, locking eyes with Prime Minister Senanayake, who gave a quiet nod.

This was it, the end result of endless discussions, compromises.

As cameras flashed and the gathered diplomats and officials looked on in silence, Rohan leaned forward and signed his name.

The soft scratch of his pen on paper seemed to echo in the room. The Rohan–Senanayake Pact was now officially a reality.

Senanayake followed suit, his signature bold and deliberate. The agreement that had been so difficult to reach, an accord that would repatriate over 500,000 Indian Tamils while granting citizenship to around 300,000 who would remain in Ceylon was now set in motion.

Polite applause filled the hall, reverberating off the high ceilings. The cameras continued to flash, capturing the moment for history.

Rohan stood, extending his hand toward Senanayake.

The two men shook hands firmly, a gesture that signified more than just a political agreement.

This was about people, the lives of families, workers, and communities whose futures were now tied to the success of this pact.

As the applause died down, the officials and diplomats in the room began to stir, preparing for the reception that would follow.

But Rohan remained still, still doubtful while being full of hope for the work to reach this point, but he knew the real challenge lay ahead.

Turning to Senanayake, who was gathering his papers,

Rohan asked quietly, "We've signed the pact, yes. But will the people, those who've lived in Ceylon for generations, agree with this? Are they ready for what we've just decided for them?"

Senanayake looked up, his expression thoughtful. "That's the real question, isn't it?"

They stood in the now-quiet room as the rest of the delegations filed out toward the reception.

KP Singh and Sir John Kotelawala stayed back, sensing that Rohan and Senanayake were about to have a private conversation about what was truly at stake.

"The truth is," Senanayake began, walking slowly around the table, "no one knows how the people will react. The Indian Tamils have been in Ceylon for generations. For many of them, it's the only home they've ever known. But now, we're asking over half a million of them to leave that behind and return to a country they may not feel connected to.

It's not just a political decision, it's personal for them."

Rohan nodded, understanding. "And then there are those who will stay behind. The Sinhalese nationalists won't make it easy for them to integrate, even with citizenship. They'll still be seen as outsiders by many."

KP Singh, standing nearby, joined the conversation. "Prime Minister, you're right. We've negotiated the terms, but now we have to deal with the human side of this. Repatriating over 500,000 people is going to be difficult logistically, yes, but emotionally too. Many of these people were born in Ceylon, and though they might be Indian by ancestry, they may not feel Indian at heart."

Senanayake sighed. "Ceylon is not the country it was when these people first arrived. The political climate has changed, and the Sinhalese population sees them as a threat to their cultural and political dominance. Even with the citizenship we're granting to those who stay, it will take years, decades, even, before they're truly seen as Ceylonese."

Rohan took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. "We need to show them a path forward. Both those returning to India and those staying in Ceylon need to know that this is not just about politics, it's about building their futures. That's the real test ahead of us."

There was a brief moment of silence between the three men.

Rohan knew the success of this agreement depended on more than signatures.

It relied on people accepting the terms and moving forward with their lives, something far more complicated than any clause in the pact could reflect.

Senanayake gave a weary nod. "It won't be easy, but with the right approach, we can get through this. The Indian Tamils who stay will need assurances, not just on paper, but in action."

Before any more could be said, Neeraj entered the room, clearing his throat softly. "Prime Minister, the press conference is about to begin."

Rohan turned to Senanayake and offered a small smile. "Shall we?"

Dozens of journalists from both India and Ceylon, as well as international media, gathered in front of the podiums where Rohan and Senanayake would speak.

The anticipation in the air was palpable, with cameras poised and notebooks ready.

Rohan and Senanayake approached the podiums side by side, with KP Singh and Sir John Kotelawala standing behind them.

As they stepped forward to address the gathered media, the cameras flashed once again.

Rohan was the first to speak, his voice steady and calm despite the weight of the moment.

"Today marks an important moment in the relationship between India and Ceylon. The Rohan–Senanayake Pact is not just an agreement between two governments, it is an agreement for the people. This pact will provide a clear path for the Indian Tamil community, offering them a future that is secure and dignified.

We understand the challenges ahead, but this pact is the first step toward resolving an issue that has affected thousands of families for generations."

He paused, letting his words settle, before continuing. "India is committed to ensuring that the repatriation process is humane, well-planned, and supportive of the people involved. For those who return to India, they will be welcomed and given the tools to rebuild their lives.

And for those who remain in Ceylon, we trust that the Ceylonese government will ensure they are integrated as full citizens, with all the rights and protections that come with it."

Rohan stepped back as the journalists jotted down notes and murmured among themselves.

Senanayake took the podium next, his tone full of hope.

"Today's agreement represents months of hard work, but it also represents years of history. The Indian Tamil population has contributed greatly to Ceylon, and now we are offering them a future, whether that future lies in India or here in Ceylon. For those who remain, we will ensure they are fully integrated into our society, but it will take time.

We ask for patience as we take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition."

Senanayake's gaze swept over the assembled reporters, his eyes serious.

"This agreement will not solve every problem overnight. There will be difficulties, but it is a step toward a more stable and just resolution. The Sinhalese people, too, must understand that the Indian Tamil community is a part of Ceylon, and they will continue to be. For those who leave, we bid them farewell with respect and gratitude for their contributions."

As Senanayake finished, a flurry of questions erupted from the gathered journalists.

Rohan gestured for quiet, signaling that the press would have their chance to ask questions shortly.

But before taking questions, Rohan spoke once more.

"We are aware that the road ahead will not be easy," he said. "There will be resistance, and there will be challenges, but I believe that together, India and Ceylon have laid the groundwork for a peaceful and fair resolution to this issue. Our people, those affected by this pact deserve no less."

With that, the floor was opened for questions. Journalists fired questions about the specifics of the pact, the logistics of the repatriation process, and the long-term impact on both countries.

Rohan and Senanayake answered patiently, explaining the complication of the agreement and reaffirming their commitment to seeing it through.

As the press conference ended, The Sri Lankan delegation rushed back to their country because a new political battle will be fought there due to this pact.

After everything which made him full of exhaustion, Rohan sat in his office.

The pact had been signed, the press conference had gone smoothly, and the first steps had been taken.

But Rohan knew that the hardest work was yet to come. The true test would be in how both countries implemented the pact

How they managed the logistics, the emotions, and the lives of the people affected. The signatures on the paper were just the beginning.

While others may not understand but how can he who is from 2024 not know the future of this issue and the worst part is even he with knowledge of so many things doesn't have any solution for this.

His only hope right now is this pact which came 10 years before the original history give more time for him to prepare.

India today is a Nucelar Power, A permanent UNSC Member which is why if India repeats the history with Sri Lanka, the consequences will be more severe.