FSP accuses NPP Govt. of getting entangled in Indo-Pacific power struggle

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) yesterday expressed concern about Sri Lanka becoming entangled in the ongoing Indo-Pacific power rivalries.The FSP Central Committee has in a media statement noted that the joint declarations with both China and India, within a span of a month, reflect Sri Lanka’s increasing involvement in these geopolitical rivalries.

The party called on the public to actively intervene to protect Sri Lanka’s economic, political, and geopolitical sovereignty, warning of the risks associated with the country being caught in the power struggles between major global and regional powers.

The statement comes in the wake of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s state visit to China from January 14 to 17, during which a joint declaration was issued. The declaration stated that both parties agreed to support the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and signed a cooperation framework for its implementation. It also highlighted plans to advance projects, such as the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota Port, as well as launch new livelihood programmes in line with China’s ‘Silk Road initiatives.

The statement pointed to the signing of an agreement with China’s Sinopec during the visit, allowing the construction of an oil refinery in Hambantota. This project, which has faced public opposition since its proposal during the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration, poses risks to Sri Lanka’s energy sovereignty, the FSP said.

While such projects are labelled as investments, they threaten Sri Lanka’s economic independence and national security, the statement said. The agreement to allow Sinopec to operate near the Chinese-controlled Hambantota Port raises concerns about losing key maritime revenue and creating a foothold for military facilities tied to external powers.

Similarly, ongoing discussions with India about oil pipelines and Trincomalee’s strategic development could further erode Sri Lanka’s control over its energy infrastructure, the statement warned.

The FSP criticized the government’s stance in these geopolitical negotiations and the lack of viable solutions from the parliamentary Opposition. It called on the working class and the broader public to organize and intervene to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and prevent the escalation of external dominance.

The FSP urged the public for collective action to address the economic, political, and military challenges facing the nation.