Sri Lanka’s New President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: ‘We Won’t Be Sandwiched…’

Sri Lanka’s newly appointed President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has made it clear that under his leadership, the country will pursue a balanced foreign policy, avoiding entanglement in the geopolitical struggles between China and India. In an interview with Monocle magazine, Dissanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka will not align with any global power blocs but will instead focus on fostering mutually beneficial relationships with its closest neighbors and other international partners.

A Neutral Foreign Policy Stance

Dissanayake highlighted his administration’s commitment to maintaining neutrality in the face of growing tensions between global superpowers. With China and India as two of Sri Lanka’s closest neighbors, Dissanayake underscored the importance of balanced diplomacy to safeguard Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. He stated, “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. Both countries are valued friends, and under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners.”

This stance of neutrality, the president suggested, is crucial in helping Sri Lanka navigate the increasingly multipolar world, as regional tensions rise. Additionally, he noted that Sri Lanka will aim to maintain productive relationships with the European Union, the Middle East, and Africa.

Dissanayake Takes Office Amid Economic Crisis

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who represents the leftist National People’s Power (NPP), officially assumed office as president on Monday, signaling a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. The NPP leader, often referred to as “AKD,” rose to power on the back of widespread frustration with the country’s traditional political elites, displacing the incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had taken over following the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Dissanayake secured his presidency by winning over 1.27 million votes, surpassing his main opponent, Sajith Premadasa, while Wickremesinghe finished in third place.

Congratulatory Messages from Neighbors and China

Following his victory, Dissanayake received congratulations from Sri Lanka’s neighboring countries, including India, Pakistan, and the Maldives. China, Sri Lanka’s largest bilateral creditor, also extended its congratulations. A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that Sri Lanka will continue on a path of national stability and economic development, stating that China remains committed to playing a constructive role in the country’s recovery.

Rescuing Sri Lanka from Economic Collapse

On the domestic front, President Dissanayake faces the monumental challenge of addressing Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis. In his interview, Dissanayake acknowledged the country’s dire financial situation, referring to Sri Lanka as a “bankrupt nation” due to its €34 billion external debt, rising poverty rates, and skyrocketing prices of essential goods.

He criticized the previous governments for adhering to neoliberal economic models, which, he claimed, contributed to the country’s economic downfall. Dissanayake pledged that his government will introduce reforms aimed at pulling Sri Lanka out of its financial collapse and restoring stability to the country.

A New Era for Sri Lanka

As Sri Lanka looks to recover from its worst economic crisis in over seven decades, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration is set to introduce reforms that prioritize national sovereignty and economic recovery. By charting a neutral course in foreign policy and focusing on alleviating domestic financial burdens, Dissanayake hopes to lead the island nation toward a more stable and prosperous future.