By: Staff Writer
November 17, Colombo (LNW): Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alireza Delkhosh has expressed confidence in the expansion of political, economic, and cultural relations with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the recent parliamentary elections within the country. He congratulated the Government and people of Sri Lanka for their democratic process, viewed by him as a solid foundation to start strengthening bilateral relations.
He drew on the traditional friendship that has existed between Iran and Sri Lanka while expressing his hope for the new government to encourage cooperation in very vital areas.
He also highlighted how much room there was for deeper inter-parliamentary exchanges and diplomatic collaboration while committing Iran’s determination to support Sri Lanka’s economy.
The Ambassador showed eagerness by Tehran to increase economic involvement with Sri Lanka in spite of U.S. sanctions against its government.
This comes at a very critical time for Sri Lanka, which faces severe economic challenges and urgently needs to attract foreign investment and increase its trade.
Over the years, Iran and Sri Lanka have signed agreements spanning many sectors of the economy, science and technology, media, and tourism.
One well-known agreement is the $514-million Uma Oya hydropower and irrigation project completed with Iranian assistance.
Sanctions delayed this project, supposed to improve irrigation, provide drinking water and electricity to some of the poorer regions of Sri Lanka.
While Wickremesinghe was more partial towards better relations with the West, the new administration sought stronger ties with the U.S. and Israel, hence its decision to join the U.S.-led naval coalition and ink the air connectivity deal with Israel.
For its part, Iran hopes for increased ties on the economic front, amidst sanctions: trade, economic cooperation, maritime connectivity.
The developing partnership with Sri Lanka fits into Iran’s policy of strengthening its influence within the Indian Ocean Region. Sri Lanka, due to its geographical position and proximity to main sea routes-such as that of Malacca-is an important partner for Iran, which is additionally seeking regional coalitions-including proposals for a naval coalition that would involve India and Pakistan.
Expressed in other words, the present economic crisis of Sri Lanka, coupled with years of mismanagement, corruption, and reliance on imports, makes foreign partnership more vital than before.
Sri Lanka’s muddling economy has at least allowed for creative solutions like the barter trade agreement with Iran. In December 2021, Sri Lanka exported tea worth $20 million to Iran, partially clearing its $251 million oil debt due to Tehran without hurting its foreign currency reserves.
The Iran-Sri Lanka relationship is a reflection of how domestic and global pressures shape bilateral ties. Both nations are faced with internal challenges and geopolitical shifts as they try to redefine partnerships.
Iran wishes to present itself as a reliable partner to countries in such economic straits, but at the same time try to avoid being entangled deeper into conflicts like the Gaza war, which may potentially have wider ramifications on its diplomatic and economic goals.
