| Sri Lanka is progressively engaging China-politically,socially and economically--especially through the central governmental institutions.Some studies claim that the impact of Chinese engagement in Sri Lanka-whether it is positive of negative and whether it is on a comprehensive scale or on a limited scale that only benefit the elite-is a function of the Sri Lankan government's policies relating to China.On the surface,it is clear that Sri Lanka has found in China,a solid partner for trade,aid,investment as well as useful political diplomatic support to resist western and Indian initiated policies.It is also evident that in order to ensure a sustainable and beneficial partnership,Sri Lanka should proactively manage its China relations.This thesis asserts that Sri Lanka is a willing partner of the Chinese,motivated by the state-centric notion that engagement with China is in its national interest.Therefore,this study challenges the wide spread assumption on Sri Lanka's bandwagoning of China and goes on to explore Sri Lankan perceptions that drive its involvement with China.This thesis intends to make a case for Sri Lanka to further increase its engagement with China.Using Sri Lanka as a case study,this analysis tries to extrapolate the motivation and objectives of Sri Lankans who are progressively engaging with China.This analysis additionally contends that an additional complicated relationship is at work,distinct from Sri Lanka's previous pattern of international relations.It tries to work out and outline Sri Lanka's China policy and establish its specific objectives.The bulk of this study contributes to understanding the motivations of Sri Lanka's engagement with China.Clearly,Sri Lanka is accruing benefits from its relationship with China.A case study of Sri Lanka in 2016 revealed that Sri Lankans are willing to expand the continuing all weather relations with China so as to realize its vital objectives.Sri Lankans are trying to learn from China's industrial expertise and also the economic policies that have resulted in higher growth rates and ameliorated economic condition.Chinese investments in Sri Lankan infrastructure development are a driver for economic and social development.The inflow of reasonably priced Chinese merchandise has enlarged the purchasing power of the average Sri Lankan shopper and increased the profit margins for Sri Lankan retailers.The thesis argues that Sri Lankans are engaging with China as it is in their best interest and that as this relationship continues to grow,Sri Lankans would learn through the exposure to better handle its China relationship in order to maximize its benefits to Sri Lanka.This study is follows the theoretical tradition of neo classical realism.In a context of state-centric notion,all actors driven by their own interests and act in pursuit of them.The motivations of Sri Lanka are vital determinants of the connection.As most literature on Chinese engagement in Sri Lanka has explored the difficulty from the Chinese perspective,this analysis provides an understanding on the Sri Lankan facet of this relationship. |
PDF Full Text Request