Features
Relevance of a neutral foreign policy
By Neville Ladduwahetty
The front page of the Daily FT (Oct. 9, 2024) carries a front page report, titled “Sri Lanka reaffirms neutral diplomacy.” The report states: “The Cabinet Spokesman and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday had assured that Sri Lanka maintains balanced diplomatic relations with all countries, reaffirming its policy of friends of all and enemy of none”. Quoting the Foreign Minister, the report states: “There is no favouritism. We do not consider any country to be special. Whether it is big or small, Sri Lanka maintains diplomatic relations with all countries – China, India, the US, Russia, Cuba, or Vietnam. We have no bias in our approach, he said ….”
The above comment by the Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath is a carry-over of the Policy of Neutrality that had existed prior to the Presidency of Ranil Wickremesinghe. Reaffirming that policy, President Wickremesinghe had stated: “We are a neutral country, but we also emphasise the fact that we cannot allow Sri Lanka to be used as a base for any threats against India” during an interview with France24. This Policy was “elaborated” upon by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena when he spelt out what was stated by President Wickremesinghe” (Daily News, June 30, 2023). However, if as claimed, Sri Lanka is a “neutral country”, it is an internationally accepted obligation that the territory of a neutral State is not allowed to be a threat to India or any other country. Therefore, repeating such assurances, specifically to India, is superfluous; a mistake the new government should not make.
A fact that should not be overlooked is that the genesis of the Foreign Policy of Neutrality goes back to the previous President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, when he publicly announced first, during his acceptance speech to the nation on being elected President, at Anuradhapura and later to Parliament, on January 3, 2020, when he stated “We follow a neutral foreign policy” (Perhaps the adoption of Neutrality as his Foreign Policy was influenced by an article published nearly one year before he was elected President (“Independence: Its meaning and a direction for the future” The Island, Feb.14, 2019.
Therefore, a Foreign Policy of Neutrality is here to stay; a fact accepted and reflected in the statement made by the Foreign Minister of the new Government, Vijitha Herath. Under the circumstances, to comment that Sri Lanka does not have a defined Foreign Policy by some in the new Government or that the Policy is one of Non-Alignment is not correct. Furthermore, to state that the Foreign Policy of Sri Lanka should be Balanced in its relations with other States, is to ignore and disregard a key tenet of Neutrality, which is impartiality; a fact emphasized by FM Vijitha Herath “There is no favourtism”.
NON-ALIGNED and/or BALANCED
There are private and Government sponsored reputed think tanks and individuals who vigorously defend the relevance of a Non-Aligned Foreign Policy, notwithstanding the fact that its relevance has ceased because circumstances and global dynamics have changed. The concept of being Non-Aligned had its relevance in a bi-polar world order because circumstances permitted individual states not to align itself with either block and stay Neutral. It was India’s Foreign Minister, Krishna Menon, who initially fiercely advocated Neutrality as India’s Foreign Policy. Later it was India, under Menon’s astute and brilliant leadership, backed by its political leaders, such as Nehru, that India campaigned for collective action in the form of a coalition of newly independent Non-Aligned States and named it the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) (Mathew, The Island, Oct. 9, 2024). Thus, unlike Neutrality that is protected by internationally accepted norms, the Policy of Non-Alignment is not a Policy that could stand on its own merits, other than to act independently managing competing self-interests.
Even during NAMs’ heyday, Sri Lanka did not support NAMs’ Resolution on the Falklands issue. Instead, it supported the UK for reasons of self-interest. Therefore, in the current context of a multi-polar world order in which individual States have become centres of power and some have formed themselves into regional alliances, it is likely that principles of NAM and the solidarity that prevailed then would be overlooked in preference for self-interest of each State. Under the new circumstances, it would be redundant for a State that claims to be Neutral to also claim that it is Non-Aligned because impartiality is one of its pillars. The reason for claiming both is perhaps because Neutrality is often misunderstood to mean that it is associated only with conflicts while Non-Aligned covers a broader spectrum.
In the prevailing context, Non-Alignment as a Policy does not serve a meaningful purpose because individual States, such as Sri Lanka that are Neutral, are already free to pursue its own interests unhampered without aligning with any other State or States. Furthermore, that freedom is lost if States, such as Sri Lanka, align or bandwagon with any other State or States. Therefore, to state that Sri Lanka is both Neutral and Non-Aligned is redundant. On the other hand, it has to be granted that a coalition of Neutral States has relevance only when common interests of several Neutral States are involved.
The alternative policy advocated by some Foreign Policy experts is for Sri Lanka to exercise Balance in its relations with other States. The theory of Balancing is supposed to mean the ability for States to equip itself individually, or collectively, to overcome external threats. Balancing under such circumstances has no relevance to Sri Lanka because it should not equip itself to develop capabilities, either individually or collectively, to meet international threats. Considering its size and resources, Sri Lanka’s best defence is reliance on Internationally recognized Laws of Neutral States.
On the other hand, if Sri Lanka entertains the interests of States in a manner that reflects partiality or “favouritism” towards one State over another, it would not only run counter to concepts of Neutrality but also seriously undermine its credibility. For instance, Balance in the context of entertaining Projects that were not initiated by Sri Lanka, such as the Wind Farm Project by the Adani Group and the Light Rail Project of Japan, means catering to the interests of the other against that of Sri Lanka. Under the circumstances, competing interests are not in balance. For it to be balanced, the interests of all concerned parties should be considered the determining factor.
NEUTRALITY in OPERATION
Those unaware of the full scope and dynamics of the Foreign Policy of Neutrality perceive it as being too weak and lacking in substance to serve the interests of Sri Lanka. In contrast, ardent advocates of Non-Alignment do not realize that its concepts are a collection of principles formulated and adopted only by a group and for the group of like-minded States to meet perceived challenges in the context of a bi-polar world. In the absence of such a world order the principles formulated have lost relevance.
The internationally recognized ICRC Publication on Neutrality states: “The sources of the international law of neutrality are customary international law and, for certain questions, international treaties, in particular the Paris Declaration of 1856, the 1907 Hague Convention No. V respecting the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers and Persons in Case of War on Land, the 1907 Hague Convention No. XIII concerning the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers in Naval War, the four 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I of 1977 (June 2022).
A few Key issues addressed in this Publication are: “THE PRINCIPLE OF INVIOLABILITY of a Neutral State and THE DUTIES OF NEUTRAL STATES.
In reaffirming the concept of Neutrality, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath stated that the Policy of Neutrality would operate in practice in the following manner: “There is no favoritism. We do not consider any country to be special. Whether it is big or small, Sri Lanka maintains diplomatic relations with all countries – China, India, the US, Russia, Cuba or Vietnam. We have no bias in our approach” (The Daily FT, Oct, 9, 2024).
Essential features of Neutrality, such as inviolability of territory and to be free of the hegemony of power blocks, were conveyed by former Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at a forum in Singapore when he stated: “We have always been clear that we are not interested in being an ally of any of these camps. We will be an independent country and work with everyone, but there are conditions. Our land and sea will not be used to threaten anyone else’s security concerns. We will not allow military bases to be built here. We will not be a pawn in their game. We do not want geopolitical games playing out in our neighbourhood, and affecting us. We are very interested in de-escalating tensions. What we could do is have strategic autonomy, negotiate with everyone as sovereign equals, strategically use competition to our advantage” (The Daily Morning, July 17, 2024).
CONCLUSION
It is indeed surprising that only the Daily FT reported the comments made by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath following a press briefing in which he outlined his take on Foreign Policy. In essence, it was to continue with the Policy of Neutrality adopted by two former Presidents as being relevant in the context of a multi-polar world with its inherent geopolitical rivalries. The fact that the decision of this Government to continue with the Foreign Policy of Neutrality was not made public when the FM addressed the Foreign Envoys nor was it given publicity in the print media could have adverse effects on Foreign Relations with other States.
Sri Lanka’s location as the gateway to the Indo-Pacific is increasingly becoming a critical enough factor for major powers to compete for influence and/or “presence” as part of their rivalry in the geopolitical equation. Consequently, every opportunity would be explored to weaken Sri Lanka’s resolve to stay Neutral and exercise its autonomy over what matters most to Sri Lanka and its people. Therefore, Sri Lanka has to be mindful of the proverbial Greeks bearing “gifts” to promote connectivity in the form of projects and exploitation and exploration of resources in land and sea at least until Sri Lanka is free of debt, assured of food security and eliminates poverty.
The most urgent need for the South Asian region right now, in the wake of the cold-blooded killing by gunmen of nearly 30 local tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir two days back, is the initiation of measures that could ensure regional stability and peace. The state actors that matter most in this situation are India and Pakistan and it would be in the best interests of the region for both countries to stringently refrain from succumbing to knee-jerk reactions in the face of any perceived provocations arising from the bloodshed.
The consequences for the countries concerned and the region could be grave if the terror incident leads to stepped-up friction and hostility between India and Pakistan. Some hardline elements in India, for instance, are on record in the international media as calling on the Indian state to initiate tough military action against Pakistan for the Kashmiri terror in question and a positive response to such urgings could even lead to a new India-Pakistan war.
Those wishing South Asia well are likely to advocate maximum restraint by both states and call for negotiations by them to avert any military stand-offs and conflicts that could prove counter-productive for all quarters concerned. This columnist lends his pen to such advocacy.
Right now in Sri Lanka, nationalistic elements in the country’s South in particular are splitting hairs over an MoU relating to security cooperation Sri Lanka has signed with India. Essentially, the main line of speculation among these sections is that Sri Lanka is coming under the suzerainty of India, so to speak, in the security sphere and would be under its dictates in the handling of its security interests. In the process, these nationalistic sections are giving fresh life to the deep-seated anti-India phobia among sections of the Sri Lankan public. The eventual result will be heightened, irrational hostility towards India among vulnerable, unenlightened Sri Lankans.
Nothing new will be said if the point is made that such irrational fears with respect to India are particularly marked among India’s smaller neighbouring states and their publics. Needless to say, collective fears of this kind only lead to perpetually strained relations between India and her neighbours, resulting in regional disunity, which, of course would not be in South Asia’s best interests.
SAARC is seen as ‘dead’ by some sections in South Asia and its present dysfunctional nature seems to give credence to this belief. Continued friction between India and Pakistan is seen as playing a major role in such inner paralysis and this is, no doubt, the main causative factor in SARRC’s current seeming ineffectiveness.
However, the widespread anti-India phobia referred to needs to be factored in as playing a role in SAARC’s lack of dynamism and ‘life’ as well. If democratic governments go some distance in exorcising such anti-Indianism from their people’s psyches, some progress could be made in restoring SAARC to ‘life’ and the latter could then play a constructive role in defusing India-Pakistan tensions.
It does not follow that if SAARC was ‘alive and well’, security related incidents of the kind that were witnessed in India-administered Kashmir recently would not occur. This is far from being the case, but if SAARC was fully operational, the states concerned would be in possession of the means and channels of resolving the issues that flow from such crises with greater amicability and mutual accommodation.
Accordingly, the South Asian Eight would be acting in their interests by seeking to restore SAARC back to ‘life’. An essential task in this process is the elimination of mutual fear and suspicion among the Eight and the states concerned need to do all that they could to eliminate any fixations and phobias that the countries have in relation to each other.
It does not follow from the foregoing that the SAARC Eight should not broad base their relations and pull back from fostering beneficial ties with extra-regional countries and groupings that have a bearing on their best interests. On the contrary, each SAARC country’s ties need to be wide-ranging and based on the principle that each such state would be a friend to all countries and an enemy of none as long as the latter are well-meaning.
The foregoing sharp focus on SAARC and its fortunes is necessitated by the consideration that the developmental issues in particular facing the region are best resolved by the region itself on the basis of its multiple material and intellectual resources. The grouping should not only be revived but a revisit should also be made to its past programs; particularly those which related to intra-regional conflict resolution. Thus, talking to each other under a new visionary commitment to SAARC collective wellbeing is crucially needed.
On the question of ties with India, it should be perceived by the latter’s smaller neighbours that there is no getting away from the need to foster increasingly closer relations with India, today a number one global power.
This should not amount to these smaller neighbours surrendering their rights and sovereignty to India. Far from it. On the contrary these smaller states should seek to craft mutually beneficial ties with India. It is a question of these small states following a truly Non-aligned foreign policy and using their best diplomatic and political skills to structure their ties with India in a way that would be mutually beneficial. It is up to these neighbours to cultivate the skills needed to meet these major challenges.
Going ahead, it will be in South Asia’s best interests to get SAARC back on its feet once again. If this aim is pursued with visionary zeal and if SAARC amity is sealed once and for all intra-regional friction and enmities could be put to rest. What smaller states should avoid scrupulously is the pitting of extra-regional powers against India and Pakistan in their squabbles with either of the latter. This practice has been pivotal in bringing strife and contention into South Asia and in dividing the region against itself.
Accordingly, the principal challenge facing South Asia is to be imbued once again with the SAARC spirit. The latter spirit’s healing powers need to be made real and enduring. Thus will we have a region truly united in brotherhood and peace.
The British School in Colombo celebrated the 2025 Sinhala and Tamil New Year with the traditional rites and rituals and customs unique to the island nation, during a special Avurudu Assembly held at the school premises.
Students from all over the world, who are part of The British School in Colombo, gathered to celebrate this joyous event.
The special assembly featured traditional song and dance items from talented performers of both the Junior and Senior Schools.
On this particular day, the teachers and students were invited to attend school in Sri Lankan national costume and, among the traditional rituals celebrated, was the boiling of the milk and the tradition of Ganu-Denu.
Boiling of
the milk
In the meanwhile, a group of swimmers from Lyceum International School, Wattala, visited Australia to participate in the Global-ISE International Swimming Training Programme in Melbourne.
Over the course of 10 days, the swimmers followed an advanced training schedule and attended sessions at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), Victoria’s Nunawading Swimming Club, and Camberwell Grammar School.
In addition to their training, the group also explored Melbourne, with visits to key landmarks, such as the Parliament House and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), along with city tours and cultural experiences.
Traditional dance item
Tug-of-war contest
On arrival in Melbourne, Lyceum International School, Wattala, with Sri Lankan officials
Got a few more beauty tips to give you … for a perfect complexion, or, let’s say, a healthy skin.
* Honey Face Mask:
Take a tablespoon of raw honey and then warm it up by rubbing it with your fingertips. Apply the warm honey all over your face. Let this natural mask stand for about 10 minutes and then wash it off gently with warm water.
* Coconut Milk Face Mask:
You need to squeeze coconut milk out of a grated raw coconut and apply this milk all over your face, including your lips.
(This will help you gain a glowing skin. It is one of the best natural tips for skin care)
* Orange, Lemon, and Yoghurt Moisturiser:
To prepare this moisturiser, you need a tablespoon of orange juice, a tablespoon of lemon juice and a cup of plain yoghurt.
Mix them together and apply the paste all over your face, leaving it as a mask for 10 to 15 minutes. Next, take a damp handkerchief and use it to clean your face.
(This moisturiser brightens the complexion of your skin)
* Cucumber and Lemon:
Apply equal parts of cucumber and lemon juice on your face before taking a bath. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. This natural face beauty tip will brighten your skin tone and lighten blemishes if used on a regular basis. The best aspect is that it is appropriate for all skin types!
* Healthy Diet:
Aside from the effective home remedies, there are certain other factors to consider for skin care – and the first of them is your diet. Without the right nutrients, your skin cannot reverse the damage it suffers every day.
Eat fruits that are high in vitamin C because they contain antioxidants.
Adjust your diet to get the right amount of protein and unsaturated fats, as well as fresh green vegetables. All of this provides the right amount of nutrients so your skin can heal and improve itself naturally.
* Sun Protection and Care:
Another thing to keep in mind is not to step out of your home without sunscreen, especially with this awful heat we are experiencing at the moment. The hard rays of the sun can do you more damage than you could ever imagine.
By the way, you can prepare your own sunscreen lotion with glycerin, cucumber juice and rose water. You can also keep this lotion in the fridge.
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