On The Diplomatic Strategy Of The Government Of Sri Lanka

Maithripala Sirisena defeated former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the new presidential election of Sri Lanka. Shortly after he took office, he adjusted the foreign policy, pursuing all-round diplomacy. While reducing dependence on China, alienate China, on the other hand to ease relations with India, the United States and other Western countries. Based on the principles of pragmatism, the new government made efforts to balance the relationship with the surrounding powers. The new government’s policy adjustment catered to India and the United States’ needs to counterbalance China, improved its relations with India and the West in the short term, the country’s image had also been improved.India still view Sri Lanka as its own sphere of influence, and do not allow other countries having a dominant position in the Indian Ocean region, Western countries will not stop interfering in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government’s new foreign policy still faces many challenges. As to China and Sri Lanka relations, although there had been some twists and turns, since the national development strategies of both countries highly fit, the two countries can still have extensive cooperation under the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" background. Sri Lanka needs to take advantage of China’s abundant capital and the technology, experience on infrastructure to build its country into the shipping hub in the Indian Ocean region.