Nalinda Indatissa
President’s Counsel
Following the recent remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping cautioning against a global slide toward a “law of the jungle” and calling for the protection of genuine multilateralism, Sri Lanka must respond with clarity, balance, and urgency. The response must be principled, carefully calibrated, and consistent with Sri Lanka’s long-standing foreign policy traditions—while safeguarding critical relationships, including access to the American market and maintaining the goodwill of partners such as Iran.
Sri Lanka’s position should be anchored in a reaffirmation of its commitment to a rules-based international order. This includes respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. These principles are not aligned to any one power bloc; rather, they reflect universally accepted norms embedded in international law and practice.
At the same time, Sri Lanka must maintain strict strategic neutrality. Engagement with major powers—including the United States, China, India, and regional actors—should remain balanced and issue-based. Economic cooperation, trade access, and financial stability considerations require that Sri Lanka avoids actions or statements that could be perceived as favoring one side at the expense of another. In particular, continued access to the United States market must be preserved through stable, predictable, and constructive engagement, while longstanding diplomatic goodwill with countries such as Iran must also be respected and maintained.
Sri Lanka should actively support multilateral platforms, especially within the framework of the United Nations. Its voice should consistently favor collective decision-making, adherence to international law, and the strengthening of institutional mechanisms that prevent unilateralism. Participation in such forums must be active, not symbolic, with clear and coherent positions articulated on emerging global issues.
Regionally, Sri Lanka should reinforce cooperation within the Indian Ocean space. Engagement through bodies such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association must be strengthened, with emphasis on maritime stability, open sea lanes, and collaborative security arrangements that do not exclude any party. Sri Lanka’s geographic position demands a posture that supports inclusivity and stability in these waters.
Diplomatically, Sri Lanka should position itself as a credible and neutral interlocutor. It should remain open to facilitating dialogue, hosting discussions, and contributing to de-escalation efforts where appropriate. This requires consistency in messaging and conduct—avoiding rhetoric that may be interpreted as confrontational or aligned with geopolitical rivalries.
Internally, coherence between foreign policy and domestic governance is essential. Legal certainty, institutional integrity, and policy consistency enhance Sri Lanka’s credibility abroad. A state that adheres to rules within its own system is better placed to advocate for those same rules internationally.
Sri Lanka’s response must therefore be measured but firm: supportive of a rules-based global order, resistant to any drift toward power-based arbitrariness, and carefully balanced to preserve all key relationships. Timing is critical. A clear articulation of this position, delivered without delay, will ensure that Sri Lanka remains aligned with principle while maintaining its strategic space.