Don’t want to be sandwiched between India, China: Lanka President

Sri Lanka values both China and India and doesn’t want to be sandwiched between the two Asian giants, said the country’s new president, Anura Dissanayake.

In an interview with Monocle magazine, he added, “We won’t be a competitor in that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned to any party. We don’t want to be sandwiched, especially between China and India.” 

India, China and the world

“Both countries are valued friends and, under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners,” he said.

“We also want to maintain relations with the EU, the Middle East and Africa,” Dissanayake further added, enunciating his mind on the foreign policy the cash-strapped island nation wants to pursue.

The new president, who took office on Monday, made it clear that Sri Lanka does not want to be dragged into geopolitical rivalries.

Sri Lanka needs neutrality

Instead of aligning with any power bloc, the National People’s Power (NPP) government will foster balanced relationships with both China and India, who he described as Sri Lanka’s closest neighbours.

Such a neutral approach, Dissanayake said, is vital for Sri Lanka to safeguard its sovereignty amid growing regional tensions.

He said Sri Lanka will not be a player in the power struggles between global superpowers, focusing instead on building diplomatic partnerships that are mutually beneficial.

Won’t harm Indian interests: Anura

During the election campaign too, Dissanayake, a Marxist, underlined that Sri Lanka was aware of the competition between China and India in the Indian Ocean region.

“Our approach to India will reflect its close proximity and significant role in geopolitics,” he told an Indian publication.

“We will ensure that our seat, land and airspace are not used in ways that threaten India or regional stability,” pointed out Dissanayake.