Features

Relevance of Non-alignment or ‘dynamic neutrality’ to SL’s foreign policy

Published

3 years ago

2023/08/17

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry makes his address

There is considerable haggling in some local quarters on whether the concept of Non-alignment is of any relevance to Sri Lanka in particular and to the developing world in general. Going by some pronouncements in these sections the ideology of Non-alignment has seemingly ceased to be of importance to Sri Lanka as a basis of foreign policy formulation and implementation.

The time could not be more appropriate to probe whether this is really so. As to whether a developing country could dispense with Non-alignment as a foreign policy tool would depend primarily on the status it has achieved over the years in the international community. The Non-aligned grouping in world politics was at one time described, by some, as ‘The trade union of the world’s poor’.

In the early years of the sixties decade no descriptive label could have been more apt, considering that the Third World constituted veritably ‘The Wretched of the Earth’, going principally by economic criteria. That is, the majority of Non-aligned countries were among the poorest of the poor. Needless to say, Sri Lanka was among this bottom heap.

However, over the years, quite a few of these developing countries have proved ‘Engines of growth’ in the Southern hemisphere and have acquired for themselves First World status. That is, in economic terms, primarily, they are on par with the most vibrant economies of the West. Needless to say, one such one-time Third World country is India. Accordingly, India could afford to dispense with the concept of Non-alignment in the conduct of its foreign relations, although it is hard to see it doing so. But could Sri Lanka afford to do without the Non-aligned foreign policy strategy? This is the Question.

The stark fact is that Sri Lanka has collapsed over the past two years into absolute beggary. It cannot afford to strut around as if it can do without the international community’s material and financial help. While, dignity and integrity could come to be valued by some ruling sections in Sri Lanka, the latter cannot afford to say ‘No’ to financial assistance that is extended to it by well-meaning international quarters. We have arrived at the moment at which Sri Lanka’s day-to-day sustenance depends crucially on it accepting such assistance.

In other words, Sri Lanka is among the ranks of the poorest of the poor and needs to be a friend of all countries, lest it loses out on crucial development and other forms of assistance. To be precise, it needs to follow a Non-aligned foreign policy, since right now it cannot afford to fall out of favour with any country or international entity that could bail it out of its financial distress. It is today pathetically dependent on the IMF and the World Bank, but what choice does it have?

Accordingly, Sri Lanka cannot afford to dispense with Non-alignment or ‘dynamic neutrality’. The latter phrase was meant to be synonymous with Non-alignment when the policy was first forged by India, Sri Lanka and Yugoslavia, among other principal Third World countries, in the early sixties and no other phrase epitomizes Non-alignment in its essence.

The phrase denotes cordial, non-adversarial and constructive engagement with the world community and it goes without saying that such a policy suits Sri Lanka’s current needs best. In other words, Sri Lanka should be a friend of all and an enemy of none. The same goes for the rest of the poorest of the poor countries.

No doubt, Sri Lanka should argue out its case in the forums of the world in numerous issue areas but it would need to do some meticulous tight-rope walking, lest it offends potential helpers. This is Sri Lanka’s factual situation.

That the bi-polar world order no longer exists is of little relevance to countries as financially desperate as Sri Lanka. The simple truth is that the poorest of the poor need to be allies of all those who mean well by them in the world community and Non-alignment or ‘dynamic neutrality’ serves their interests best right now.

The question of Non-alignment and a host of other issues that have a decisive bearing on Sri Lanka’s foreign policy featured at a memorable, widely attended forum which was organized and conducted on August 9th at its auditorium by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI), Colombo, to mark the 18th death anniversary of Sri Lanka’s former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, which fell on August 12th.

The exceptional importance of the forum, which was titled, ‘The Changing Global Dynamics: Implications for Sri Lanka’, derived also from the fact that it was designed by LKI as the first in a monthly series of such discussions which would take up foreign policy issues of the first importance to Sri Lanka.

In his welcoming remarks LKI Executive Director, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinghe lucidly outlined some key trends in changing global dynamics, and his observations set the stage for the wide-ranging, lively forum that unfolded. Some of these trends are: volatile global power politics, emerging pressures on the global economy, power rivalries in the Indian Ocean and the increasing significance of India.

The expert panel consisted of: Dr. Harinda Vidanage, Director, International Relations and Founding Director, Centre for Strategic Assessment of the Gen. Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Dr. Dushni Weerakoon, Executive Director, Institute of Policy Studies, Sri Lanka, Dr. Jehan Perera, Executive Director, National Peace Council of Sri Lanka and Ambassador H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, former Foreign Secretary. Ambassador Aryasinghe moderated the forum.

Making the inaugural address, Minister of Foreign Affairs, M.U.M. Ali Sabry, among other things, highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka’s policy and decision makers making research-based and scientifically-oriented decisions and policy formulations. He stressed that technocrats and persons of professional competence needed to head our Finance and Foreign Ministries in particular.

Considering the crucial bearing it has on the future crafting of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy the question of Non-alignment has been dealt with at some length in this commentary but numerous were the insights of the first importance to foreign policy that the panelists threw-up in the course of their presentations. The Q&A that followed the presentations was thought-provoking and lively as well.

However, it could be of importance, in future forums, for experts and audiences to explore as to how strategic policy could be integrated into foreign policy, since the aim of both disciplines is to serve the national interest and none could be discussed in isolation from the latter. Besides, it struck this columnist that domestic policy cannot be isolated from foreign policy since they are thought to complement each other. Some deliberation on these questions is in order.

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Features

The hard challenge of clinching a political settlement in the Middle East

Published

21 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Bruised hearts: Displaced Palestinian civilians in the Gaza.(Photo by Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Despite some sections of the Trump administration persisting with the view that the possibility could not be entirely ruled out of there being a diplomatic solution to the current US-Iran hostilities in West Asia, the skeptic could not be blamed for thinking otherwise. The intensity, scale and frequency of the tit-for-tat strikes by the antagonists over the past few days against selected military targets and civilian infrastructure in particular in West Asia make the adoption of this stance excusable.

The continuing hostilities render the mentioning of the MOU signed between the warring parties in mid-June a laughable matter. While it could very well be that the foes are wishing privately for a cessation of hostilities before long, what seems to be uppermost on their minds right now is to negotiate with each other from a position of strength. This strategy compels them to incapacitate each other militarily to the extent possible, lest they have to concede too much to each other during negotiations. Hence the stepped-up hostilities.

However, even on the question of there being a negotiated political settlement in the West Asian theatre in the longer term, the skeptic could come to be seen as scoring over the optimist. Developments on the ground account for this.

At the time of writing Israel’s Netanyahu government is going ahead in fairly care-free fashion with the establishment of more Jewish settlements in the Gaza and the West Bank, and it’s all happening under the apparently complacent gaze of the US. In fact, some quarters estimate that Israel is in control of some 65% of the Gaza Strip. Ethnic cleansing, that is, is being drastically stepped-up.

Accordingly, in terms of the power relations of West Asia, the world is almost back to the status quo of the late forties of the last century when the state of Israel was established and the Palestinians were reduced to a microscopic minority in the land they came to inhabit. Therefore, even the impartial observer would be compelled to ask: ‘Will a negotiated peace be ever possible in the Middle East?’

The humanist in the observer would prefer to answer this question in the affirmative and it is indeed the ideal stance to adopt considering the staggering human and material costs of the conflict. But the way ahead to peace could be expected to be highly hazardous and arduous. Among other odds, it would also prove an uphill endeavour to win minds and hearts.

The US’ Trump administration would need to be counted out in this pursuit. This is on account of the fact that it has been far too wayward in its management of West Asian affairs in particular over the past couple of years. Given its unpredictable character it is a matter for conjecture whether it could be counted on to live up to its commitments.

Moreover, Israel could be expected to ‘go it alone’ in the Middle East regardless of whether US help is coming or otherwise. It has indicated as much in recent times and Israel could be doubted on this score only at the doubter’s peril. Because time and again Israel has demonstrated that it could steadfastly defend its interests even single-handedly in the Middle East. History bears this out.

However, a durable alliance with the US would stand Israel in good stead. On the matter of military and intelligence assistance, for example, the US’s help proved invaluable for Israel in the past and going forward this is bound to be so as well. Moreover, it is unlikely that the Trump administration would give up on Israel, considering that a strong Israel is crucial for the furtherance of the US’ strategic and economic interests in West Asia.

But whether the above factors would have a considerable bearing on the question of working out a durable solution to the West Asian tangle is an entirely different matter. Israel, as in the case of the Palestinian enclaves, is acutely security conscious and would need to satisfy itself fully that it could live in a security environment that would guarantee its complete safety, going forward.

The Middle East is badly in need of another peace effort on the lines of the Oslo Accords of the mid-nineties that brought the key actors together and helped hammer out a solution that addressed some of their notable concerns. To be sure, that process did not prove to be the ideal answer to the tangle, but it yielded some respite to the region and drove home that one-time sworn foes could indeed negotiate with a degree of success. The West Bank authority, although falling short of fulfilling some key Palestinian aspirations, is testimony that a degree of success is possible if the intent is right.

Given the current realities of West Asia, peace-making is bound to be an uphill challenge. The violence faced in recent times by the Palestinian community, in particular, has been nothing less than mind-numbing. Merciless has been the violence visited on them by the Israeli side. In such circumstances, durable peace in the region could smack of an idealist’s dream.

Nevertheless, there needs to be urgently, a meeting of minds over the divides. The US would need to be counted out as an honest broker in bringing the sides together but the rest of the West would do well to step up to the challenge.

In this exercise the onus would be on the world’s democracies to take the initiative and doggedly stay the course. An acceptable combination would be the EU and the UN. Given their credentials, the main sides in West Asia ought to find them the least controversial.

Even if the relevant institutional and political arrangements could be shored up to take a reconciliation process forward, winning hearts and minds for the peace drive would prove a grueling challenge. Over the past few years in particular tens of thousands of hearts and minds on both sides of the divide have been bruised badly in the runaway murderous violence that has come to define the Middle East.

These badly scarred personalities would need to experience healing without much delay. It is therefore a multi-faceted challenge that is at hand. Since wide-ranging expertise would be needed in the healing process, people’s participation in peace-making, ranging over the divides, would need to be made a durable reality. It will be a time for enthroning humanity and ensuring the rejection of all forms of violence and coercion.

Features

Amazing Thailand …right here in Colombo

Published

21 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

For many Sri Lankans, Thailand is the go-to holiday — beaches, temples, food, and that famous warm hospitality.

In fact, I’ve been to Amazing Thailand 24 times myself, and was honoured with the Friends of Thailand International Media Award by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for promoting Thai tourism.

The good news I have for you today is that you don’t even need a passport to get a taste of Amazing Thailand.

The Royal Thai Embassy, in Colombo, is bringing a vibrant slice of Thailand, to the city of Colombo, with Thai Festival 2026 — a cultural experience like never before.

Whether you are an avid enthusiast of Thai culture, a total novice, or simply just interested in exploring foreign cultures, Thai Festival 2026 is going to be the perfect opportunity for you to get more than just a glimpse into one of the most celebrated cultural heritages in South East Asia. And ENTRANCE IS FREE.

The festival will be held on the 1st and 2nd of August, 2026, at Siam Nivasa, 43, C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 7, and the East Parking Area, of the Colombo Municipal Council, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Both days will be full of live entertainment, and dispersed throughout with Thai cultural displays, including exhilarating traditional dance performances and breathtaking Muay Thai demonstrations.

Exploring art and craft specific to Thailand, tasting irresistible authentic Thai cuisine, and playing arcade games, are just a few more fun-filled events available for visitors at the festival premises.

An array of Thai products will also be available for purchase.

While at the festival, you will find Sri Lankan Alumni from Thai universities sharing their experiences with you and willing to answer any questions you might have, related to studying abroad in Thailand.

You can also register for the Muay Thai workshop that will be happening on the 7th and 8th of August, 2026, in Colombo.

Irresistible authentic Thai cuisine

Visitors can also stand a chance to win traditional Thai souvenirs, get exclusive photo opportunities, and, the big one — to enter the raffle draw, at the end of each day, for the grand prize of an all-inclusive round trip to Thailand.

Be sure to avail yourself of this exceptional opportunity and add a cultural spin to your weekend.

To keep up with the latest updates on Thai Festival 2026, head over to the Thai Festival official social media pages.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo official webpage:

https://colombo.thaiembassy.org

Official social media:

Facebook: @RTEColombo

Instagram: @thaiembassysrilanka

Thai Festival official social media:

Facebook: Thai Festival in Colombo

Instagram: @thaifestival_colombo

TikTok: @thaifestival.incolombo

Features

Thicker, stronger hair …

Published

21 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hair fall, in this heat, can be so frustrating, and noticing a thin patch is even more worrying. The good news is … yes, with a little care and kitchen ingredients, you can nourish your scalp and support healthy regrowth.

Try these four easy home remedies … even our grandmothers trusted:

* Coconut Oil and Curry Leaves Tonic:

Warm 04 tablespoons of coconut oil, with a handful of curry leaves, till the leaves turn black. Cool, strain, and massage into scalp 02-03 times a week. Leave for 01 hour, or overnight.

Why:

Coconut oil deeply nourishes, while curry leaves help strengthen roots and add shine.

* Onion Juice for Spot Treatment:

With cotton, dab the juice of 01 small onion, directly on the thin/bald patches. Leave for 20-30 minutes, and then wash with a mild shampoo. Use twice a week.

Why:

Rich in sulfur, onion juice helps boost blood circulation to the scalp.

* Aloe Vera and Castor Oil Mask:

Mix 02 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 tablespoon castor oil and apply to the scalp, focusing on thinning areas. Leave for 45 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

Why:

Aloe vera soothes the scalp, while castor oil coats hair to make it look thicker.

* Fenugreek and Curd Strengthening Pack:

You will need 02 tablespoons fenugreek seeds, soaked overnight, and 02 tablespoons plain curd.

Grind to a paste, apply to scalp for 30 minutes, and then wash.

Why:

Fenugreek strengthens strands and reduces breakage.

Extra Tips for Healthy Hair:

Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.

Eat iron and protein rich foods: greens, dhal, eggs, fish.

Use lukewarm water, not hot.

Be gentle when brushing and drying.