Sri Lanka’s Diplomatic Mastery: An Overlooked Strategic Player in South Asia

Sri Lanka’s diplomatic history demonstrates a level of strategic acumen often overlooked in mainstream geopolitical discussions. From British colonial rule to modern Sino-Indian tensions, Sri Lanka has consistently shown diplomatic flexibility and resilience. This paper explores how Sri Lanka has maintained strategic autonomy despite regional and global power struggles, including its role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the Cold War, and post-2009 international alignments. It argues that Sri Lanka’s diplomacy has been a calculated and highly effective instrument in safeguarding its sovereignty while engaging multiple world powers.

1. Introduction: Research Problem & Hypothesis

Sri Lanka has played a crucial but underappreciated role in global diplomacy. This paper examines how Sri Lanka managed to:

• Secure independence from Britain without significant conflict.

• Navigate Cold War alliances effectively.

• Balance relations between India, China, and the West post-2009.

• Support Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War while maintaining relations with India.

This study challenges existing narratives that overlook Sri Lanka’s diplomatic expertise and argues that Sri Lanka has consistently exercised diplomatic leverage to secure its interests.

2. Sri Lanka’s Strategic Diplomacy during British Rule (1918–1948)

Unlike India, which engaged in mass movements and armed resistance against British rule, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) pursued a diplomatic path to independence. The absence of significant anti-British revolts suggests a non-confrontational strategy (De Silva, 1981).

By working within colonial structures, Ceylonese elites facilitated a smooth transition to independence on February 4, 1948 (Manor, 1989).

3. The 1947 Soulbury Constitution & Post-Independence Diplomacy

The Soulbury Constitution (1947) provided a framework for governance under British oversight (Ceylon Independence Act, 1947). Sri Lanka diplomatically rejected the Soulbury Constitution in 1972, asserting its sovereignty and forming a fully independent republic (Wickramasinghe, 2015). This departure from colonial legal structures was achieved without major conflicts, demonstrating diplomatic finesse.

4. Sri Lanka’s Role in the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)

During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Sri Lanka allowed Pakistan Air Force planes to refuel at its airports while India backed Bangladesh’s independence (Samaranayake, 1990). Despite this, Sri Lanka continued to maintain strong ties with India, demonstrating its ability to navigate conflicting regional interests. The West and India largely ignore Sri Lanka’s delicate diplomatic balancing act during this period.

5. Cold War Diplomacy: Balancing India, the West, and China

During the Cold War, Sri Lanka successfully engaged with both India and global superpowers. India’s involvement in Sri Lanka (1980s–2009) was deeply linked to regional security concerns, yet Sri Lanka retained diplomatic independence (Muni, 1993). Even as India supported Tamil militant groups, Sri Lanka reasserted national sovereignty by eliminating separatist forces by 2009 (Hoole, 2001).

6. Sri Lanka’s Post-2009 Geopolitical Strategy: Strengthening China Ties

After 2009, Sri Lanka deepened its diplomatic and economic relations with China, securing infrastructure projects and financial aid (Attanayake, 2021). Western and Indian scholars often focus on Sri Lanka’s dependence on China, overlooking its ability to balance multiple global powers. Sri Lanka remains an indispensable player in Indian Ocean diplomacy, engaging with India, China, the U.S., and regional partners (Pant, 2012).

7. Why Scholars Overlook Sri Lanka’s Diplomatic Success

Many Western and Indian analysts fail to recognize Sri Lanka’s diplomatic expertise due to historical bias and focus on larger powers like India and China. Sri Lanka’s success in navigating shifting alliances and geopolitical tensions remains an underrated yet crucial factor in South Asian diplomacy.

8. Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s diplomatic history showcases a high level of strategic acumen that is often overlooked. Whether during British colonial rule, the Cold War, or modern geopolitical tensions, Sri Lanka has consistently exercised diplomatic leverage to protect its sovereignty and advance its national interests. As the Indian Ocean remains a key strategic region, Sri Lanka’s ability to engage with multiple world powers without being dominated by any single force highlights its extraordinary diplomatic success.

References:

Attanayake, C. (2021). China-Sri Lanka Relations and the Belt & Road Initiative.

De Silva, K. M. (1981). A History of Sri Lanka.

Hoole, R. (2001). Sri Lanka: The Arrogance of Power.

Manor, J. (1989). The Expedient Revolution: Sri Lanka Politics 1951-1978.

Muni, S. D. (1993). Pangs of Proximity: India and Sri Lanka’s Ethnic Crisis.

Pant, H. V. (2012). Indian Foreign Policy: An Overview.

Samaranayake, N. (1990). Sri Lanka and the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Wickramasinghe, N. (2015). Sri Lanka in the Modern Age: A History from 1931 to the Present.

Nila Bala (Balananthini Balasubramaniam)

United Kingdom

14:43

31 - Mar - 2025

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