The Relevance of Singapore's Foreign Policy: A Contemporary Analysis

By Nishali Ranasinghe

Upon gaining Independence from Malaysia in 1965, Singapore became a sovereign state, showcasing a rapid economic development under then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. As a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious nation with no natural resources, Singapore’s future had to be reliant on the connections of other states. Thus, necessitating a clear foreign policy. A foreign policy of a nation has the ability to construct an image of that particular nation and identify its characteristics. Laura (2008, as cited in Bojang, 2018) states that George Modelski defines foreign policy as “the system of activities evolved by communities for changing the behavior of other states and for adjusting their activities to the international environment". Likewise, foreign policy must illuminate the ways states attempt to change, and succeed in changing, the behavior of other nations. 

Currently, Singapore is a rising power among the world's small states and holds a uniquely influential position in the Southeast Asian region and beyond. The question arises as to how Singapore became a rising power despite the challenges presented by fluctuating global and regional affairs. It must also be noted that Singapore's foreign policy has remained relevant to the changing world and regional contexts, assisting the country in navigating these rapid changes. Thus, this foreign policy should be analyzed in different categories, offering valuable lessons to other states whether small, medium, or large on how to navigate transformations and reach their objectives and fullest potential. 

 

An analysis of the relevance of foreign policy under varied factors

Notwithstanding the rapid changes in the regional and global landscapes, Singapore has attained its current standings. The primary reason for this success could be the consistent relevance of its foreign policy, which has effectively adapted to the evolving landscapes. Consequently, the foreign policy of Singapore will be analyzed through several perspectives, including fundamental aspirations, changing geopolitical landscapes, economic landscapes, and technology landscapes. 

1. Analyzing the Relevance of Fundamentals

Like any other country, Singapore’s foreign policy is grounded in fundamentals and principles. These core fundamentals articulate the nation's aspirations, which serve as a bedrock, robust, foreign policy.

 

Note: Adapted and organized by Ranasinghe based on information from Singapore Government, Our fundamentals, SG101, 2023

The graph above illustrates the fundamentals that have laid the groundwork for the creation of Singapore’s foreign policy. An analysis of these fundamentals reveals two primary aspects: the external, encompassing regional and global considerations, and the internal, reflecting local factors. Regarding regional and global aspects, these fundamentals articulate the underlying principles that Singapore respects, which inform its decision-making. Additionally, the principles to which it adheres are internationally recognized, enhancing the value of its foreign policy. Moreover, Singapore has emphasized regional collaboration and advocated for ASEAN, demonstrating its interest and mutual respect for its neighboring countries. This suggests a preference for more regional collaboration over-reliance on larger powers.

 Additionally, Singapore has demonstrated a commitment to mobilizing its citizens in support of its foreign policy, as the government reflects the people’s voice. This underscores the rule of law and transparency within the country and illustrates its efforts to inform the masses about evolving global dynamics. These efforts not only cultivate an informed Singaporean but also, consequently, enable the government to respond swiftly to changing geopolitical landscapes with public backing. As a result, the risk of internal instability, such as uprisings, terrorism, and excessive nationalism, is mitigated. Furthermore, maintaining an independent military signals a commitment to self-reliance and highlights the understanding that, in a volatile world, small states cannot solely depend on external actors. This provides a valuable lesson for small states globally. 

Similarly, the fundamentals have been structured to clearly reflect Singapore's national character. This provides a distinct advantage for Singapore in its interactions with both external and internal actors, as they gain a clear understanding of Singapore's principles and intentions. This strengthens Singapore's trust and credibility among all actors, contributing to its current standing in the global arena. Speaking at the University of Singapore Society in July 1966, the then-Minister for Foreign Affairs, S. Rajaratnam highlighted the challenges that Singapore faced then and would encounter in the future.

“In a nutshell, our problem is how to make sure that a small island with a teaming population and no natural resources to speak of, can maintain, even increase, its living standards and also enjoy peace and security in a region marked by mutual jealousies, internal violence, economic disintegration and great power conflicts." (SG101, 2023). 

                       

His words effectively articulate the challenges faced by a small state. A review of the fundamentals reveals that Singapore has directly addressed these challenges by highlighting its national interests and aspirations. The clarity, simplicity, and precision of these fundamentals emphasize the consistency and relevance of Singapore's foreign policy. Moreover, Singapore's forward-looking approach is evident in its foreign policy. Singapore has mastered the art of achieving its national interests by navigating these challenges through a strong, coherent foreign policy, which has been instrumental to its success. 

2. Analyzing the relevance of adaptation to evolving geopolitical landscapes

In the contemporary world, the geopolitical landscape has become increasingly tense and volatile through various situations. The rise of new actors, shifting power dynamics, globalization, technological and Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements, and weaponry developments are some of the reasons for a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. This applies to both regional and global spheres. However, changing geopolitical landscapes are inevitable, and it is the responsibility of all countries to adapt accordingly.

Globally, the Russian-Ukrainian war is ongoing, and tensions in the USA-China relationship, as well as those within Europe, have escalated since the appointment of US President Donald Trump. Although tensions between China and Taiwan are currently dormant, they have the potential to escalate into a full-scale conflict. These tensions will undoubtedly affect the harmony of the Southeast Asian region and ASEAN. Additionally, internal challenges in some countries, such as the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, will further pressure regional unity. To navigate these turbulent times, Singapore, a rising small state committed to cooperation, mutual respect, and adherence to the principles of International Law, has focused on balancing these tensions. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, provided commentary regarding the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war to articulate Singapore's thoughts and stance in such situations. 

“We do not choose sides, we uphold principles. Small countries must avoid becoming sacrificial pawns, vassal states or “cat’s paws” to be used by one side against the other” (SG101, 2023).

“Standing up for our national interests may come with some cost. Safeguarding one’s sovereignty and national interests often requires some sacrifice and pain” (SG101, 2023).

These two statements by Dr. Balakrishnan are significant in several ways. Firstly, he affirms that Singapore is a country that operates by respecting and adhering to principles such as non-violence and the non-use of force, which are enshrined as fundamentals of its foreign policy. It is also evident that Singapore prioritizes its aspirations and national interests over alignment with any particular camp, thereby avoiding labels that could have drastic consequences. In this context, the statement also reinforces Singapore’s credibility amidst various challenges.

Additionally, the latter statement demonstrates Singapore's resolve to address any challenge in order to protect its national interests and sovereignty. This underscores that Singapore should not be underestimated, despite being a small state, and that it is prepared to commit to protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and national interests at all costs. Given that Singapore is not the only state facing instability, it has also taken the initiative to build capacity and cooperation among other Southeast Asian states. This is because the failure of one state could create a ripple effect across the entire region. Singapore has identified that open, exclusive, rules-based collaboration and cooperation within ASEAN is vital, and therefore, has integrated it as a key fundamental in its foreign policy.

Beyond traditional security threats, non-traditional security threats have surged in the 21st century. To combat these, Singapore has proactively engaged with other states globally, fostering open and inclusive ties. In this context, Singapore's foreign policy assists the country in engaging with states outside the region by articulating its core principles and providing a clear understanding of its national character.

The co-founding of The Forum of Small States (FOSS) symbolizes Singapore's position in the global arena, particularly among small states. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore (n.d.), Singapore established FOSS in 1992 as an informal and non-ideological grouping of small states in New York, and has since served as its Chair. FOSS now comprises 108 countries across all geographical regions and development levels, meeting several times a year to discuss issues of concern to small states. This forum is built on mutual trust, capacity building, strengthened connections, knowledge and experience sharing, and mutual understanding. As a result, it facilitates the resolution of common issues such as climate change, domestic violence, and the negative consequences of artificial intelligence, and so many contemporary issues.

Singapore's active participation and commitment to understanding each member country is commendable. In 2015, Singapore launched the FOSS Fellowship Programme to foster better understanding and closer cooperation among FOSS states. Under the Fellowship Programme, Ambassadors based in cities where FOSS Chapters exist are invited to Singapore for study visits, where they can exchange views on development challenges with Singapore’s leaders and policymakers. As of 2020, Singapore has hosted 88 Ambassadors from 62 countries under the Fellowship Programme (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore, n.d.).

Beyond FOSS, Singapore is also a part of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). According to the United Nations (n.d.), SIDS are concerned with Sustainable Development Goals such as zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, and partnerships for the goals. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore (n.d.), Singapore has offered special technical assistance packages for SIDS since 1999. By finding common ground and assisting one another, Singapore has established itself as a highly trusted partner. This can also be considered as a step to demonstrate that Singapore is more interested in collaborating on non-traditional issues that hinder human development, human security, and human rights, rather than being politically aligned with any particular camp or party. Collaborating on common issues and non-traditional security threats is a perfect way to demonstrate that Singapore is not a threat to rising powers and can be a good friend to all. Balancing super, medium, and small powers reduces potential threats to Singapore and fosters positive relations with all states.

3. Analyzing the relevance of adaptation to economic landscapes

The relevance of a country's foreign policy can also be measured through its adaptation to the regional and global economic landscape. Adapting to evolving economic landscapes is crucial for any nation. Nonetheless, economic factors are dominant and intertwined with other elements such as politics, social dynamics, digital advancements, and environmental concerns. In the current global context, the economic landscape is highly volatile for numerous reasons. Firstly, a new wave of trade wars emerged during the presidential term of Donald Trump, creating a fragile global economic landscape. Although China, Europe, Canada, India, and Mexico were significantly impacted, the effects were felt regionally as well. This is primarily due to the globalization of trade and the interconnectedness of economies, and that no country can operate in isolation. Secondly, the digitalization of the economy and the rise of cryptocurrencies also impact the global economy. While cryptocurrencies are considered economic innovations, they carry negative consequences such as economic instability, effects on national currencies and trade regulators, and an increase in illicit activities like money laundering. Regionally, in Southeast Asia, the rise of innovations, manufacturing, and tourism has significantly impacted the economy. However, the growth and impact of these sectors are contingent on rapidly changing global affairs, as the Southeast Asian region is connected to major markets like the USA and China. Cushman & Wakefield (2024) notes that in the Southeast Asian region, the influence of Chinese investments is increasingly felt due to evolving economic landscapes and the shifting dynamics of its real estate market.

Singapore recognizes the unsteady nature of the global economic landscape. It has prioritized identifying new areas for cooperation and adapting to evolving scenarios. This emphasis is reflected in its fundamental principles. Despite its size and lack of natural resources, Singapore is an economically strong state with one of the world's highest economies. After rapid industrialization in the 1960s lifted the island nation’s development trajectory, manufacturing became the main driver of growth. In the early 1970s, Singapore reached full employment and joined the ranks of Hong Kong SAR, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan, China, a decade later as Asia’s newly industrializing economies. The manufacturing and services sectors remain the twin pillars of Singapore’s high value-added economy (World Bank, 2024)

To achieve this status in the region and globally, Singapore has prioritized several factors. For example, Singapore's Financial Services Industry Transformation Map (ITM) aims to strengthen its position as a leading international financial center in Asia (Monetary Authority of Singapore, 2017). The map highlights an overall vision that includes becoming a top global financial center in Asia, connecting global markets, supporting Asia’s development, and serving Singapore’s economy. The importance of this vision underpins the fundamentals of Singapore's foreign policy. It also underscores their commitment to building economies not only in the Southeast Asian region but across all of Asia. Singapore's clear ambition to link regional markets with global markets indicates that it is not dismissing or ignoring major players in this field, suggesting a willingness to collaborate with them in the long run. 

Apart from the above, another initiative that distinguishes Singapore from the rest of the small states is the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP). The SCP was established to offer various training programs to share Singapore’s development experiences with other developing nations. It has worked with more than 50 local and international partners, nearly 150,000 government officials from 180 countries, territories, and intergovernmental organizations. The specialty of the SCP is that it helps Singapore to find new other partners, which makes them less reliant on the big powers. It also allows Singapore to make good connections not just with states, but also with INGOs, NGOs and other international actors. Another instance is that Singapore works hand in hand with the World Trade Organization.

As a small and open economy with a high reliance on trade, Singapore is a strong supporter of an open and rules-based multilateral trading system that is embodied by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) (Ministry of Trade and Industry, n.d.). This underscores the primary fundamentals of Singapore's foreign policy. It is important to note that these initiatives are all guided by the country's national interests. As these national interests are clearly articulated in their foreign policy, it can be concluded that Singapore's foreign policy is relevant to the evolving economic landscape, both regionally and globally.

4. Analyzing the relevance of adaptation to technological landscapes

Singapore, as a rising state, aspires to become a ‘Smart Nation’ and has been working towards this goal since the 1980s. However, the technological landscape can be viewed as relatively recent compared to other landscapes. This does not diminish its importance. In fact, the technological landscape is one of the most rapidly evolving and plays a pivotal role in all the aforementioned factors. In the present context, numerous challenges have increased over time. For instance, the current technological competition among superpowers can cause issues for the Southeast Asian region, as it comprises sub-players in this field and is likely to be caught in potential conflicts. This will impact their supply chains and manufacturers of semiconductors, electronics, computer devices, etc.

Furthermore, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its negative impacts are increasing daily. From spreading misinformation and disinformation to exacerbating climate change, these impacts take a toll on people indiscriminately, thus becoming a non-traditional security threat. Another challenge is posed by Digital Sovereignty. According to Svantesson, (2019, as cited in CTIC, 2023, p. 28), nation-states with different visions are seeking to increase their control over the Internet, primarily by using national tools rather than transnational cooperation and coordination. The rise of Digital Sovereignty can be extremely challenging for a small country like Singapore. In the same report, the challenges it poses to Singapore are described as follows.

‘The pursuit of digital sovereignty by different states poses numerous challenges for Singapore. It has drastically escalated the likelihood of an impending “splinternet” — the situation where, rather than a singular, unified global Internet, governments isolate the Internet in national or regional networks with separate infrastructure that cannot interact with one another. However, as a regional hub that is highly connected with the rest of the world, such fragmentation would threaten Singapore’s economy, connectivity and cybersecurity, amongst many other impacts. Hence, it is critical that Singapore actively monitors and responds to this development’ (CTIC, 2023, p.28).

Given the aforementioned challenges, Singapore's journey to become a ‘Smart Nation’ has been complex. According to the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (n.d.), Singapore has undertaken numerous innovative initiatives, such as the launch of the Singapore ONE (Online Network Exchange) network in 1997 and the implementation of a nationwide broadband network. Since then, Singapore has worked to maintain its regional leadership. The launch of National AI Strategy 1.0 (NAIS 1.0) established the technological and AI ecosystem in Singapore, and the recent development, National AI Strategy 2.0 (NAIS 2.0), is targeted to expand beyond the region and engage in collaboration with international players in the field. Singapore's ascent as a global tech powerhouse is anchored on the pillars of innovation, business networks, and robust tech infrastructure. By actively fostering collaboration with local and international entities, the government solidifies the nation's position as a preferred destination for tech companies seeking growth (Singapore Economic Development Board, 2023). 

All the aforementioned achievements and initiatives would not have been successful without a strong and adaptive foreign policy capable of withstanding change. Especially in this landscape, where technology changes and innovates rapidly, countries can struggle to keep pace. Recognizing this challenge, Singapore has taken progressive steps since the 1980s, and has now established its position regionally and globally. The commitment of the government, as well as the acceptance and willingness of Singaporeans, should be acknowledged, as they have played a vital role in transforming Singapore into a ‘Tech Hub’. To garner support from internal and external parties, Singapore ensured a clear foreign policy that adheres to international rules and policies, facilitating collaboration with regional and global actors. Prioritizing ASEAN countries before engaging with global players was a strategic move in safeguarding close connections with neighboring countries and international partners in this landscape.

Conclusion

Singapore's foreign policy is designed to facilitate the achievement of its targets and goals. This includes maintaining sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, supporting multilateralism, and building open, exclusive connections with various actors in the international system. The relevance of Singapore's foreign policy was analyzed through four interconnected layers. The discussion began by examining the significance of the fundamentals and principles of foreign policy, followed by an analysis of its relevance amidst geopolitical tensions, economic changes, and technological advancements. It became evident that being a small nation, Singapore has advanced significantly compared to other small states globally. The balancing act of achieving national aspirations, cultivating connections with international actors, and maintaining a clear stance is challenging. However, Singapore has managed to remain in the spotlight without appearing threatening to other nations and stakeholders. Therefore, Singapore's foreign policy can be seen as relevant and has helped the country maintain its status while maximizing benefits from both regional and global actors and institutions. 

 

References 

Balakrishnan, V. (2025, March 3). Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan during the Committee of Supply Debate. https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2024/02/FM-COS-2025-Speech

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Cushman & Wakefield. (2024, May 13). Navigating Southeast Asia's economic growth. https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/singapore/insights/navigating-southeast-asias-economic-growth

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A Glimpse into Sri Lanka-United Kingdom Relations

By J. K. Janith Prabashwara Perera

University of Leeds, United Kingdom

Introduction

With Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) under British rule for 133 years, the ties between Sri Lanka and United Kingdom extend across colonial history, trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. From its past as a British colony to its present as a sovereign state, Sri Lanka maintains a complex yet dynamic relationship with United Kingdom—marked by strong bilateral cooperation and a trilateral connection through the Commonwealth of Nations. This article provides an overview of these relationships, offering insights to further strengthen the foreign policies of both nations for mutual growth and collaboration.

Pre-Colonial Era

In Pliny, the Elder's Naturalis Historia, Sri Lanka (then referred to as Taprobane) is described as an exotic and wealthy island renowned for its pearls, gems, and spices, which were highly prized in the Roman Empire. This led to the establishment of trade connections between the two regions. Pliny also mentions an embassy from Sri Lanka to Roman Emperor Claudius (41–54 CE), highlighting the early diplomatic and trade relations between them (Murphy, 2004). It is noteworthy that, during this period, Britain was part of the Roman Empire, known as Roman Britain.

Colonial Era (1796–1948)

The coastal areas of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) came under British control in 1796, when the Dutch ceded power during the Napoleonic Wars (Sivasundaram, 2007). This presented an opportune moment for the British Empire to extend its dominance, especially considering the island’s strategic maritime position and the wealth of precious stones and spices it possessed. However, it was not until 1815, following the signing of the Kandyan Convention, that the British gained control over the entire island (Amarasinghe and Rajhans, 2020). With this consolidation of power, Ceylon officially became a British colony. During this period, the British introduced plantation agriculture, infrastructure development, educational reforms, and an administrative and judicial system—many of which have left a lasting legacy on the country today.

The introduction of plantation crops such as tea, rubber, and coffee, which became vital to Sri Lanka's export economy, was one of the most significant legacies of British rule. Tea and rubber remain two of Sri Lanka’s primary exports, providing essential foreign income. In 2022, the United Kingdom was Sri Lanka’s second-largest export partner, accounting for 7.44% of the total export share (World Integrated Trade Solution, 2025). In terms of infrastructure, the railway system, established during British rule, remains one of the main forms of public transportation. Despite ongoing modernisation efforts, much of the original infrastructure is still in use and maintained.

The administrative and democratic reforms implemented by the British also left a lasting impact. Although local representation was limited, the establishment of the Legislative Council in 1833 marked a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s move toward democratic governance (Jayasinghe and Welikala, 2013). However, communal representation in the Legislative Council has been criticised for deepening ethnic divisions, which later contributed to the rise of Tamil nationalism and ultimately plunged the country into nearly three decades of ethnic conflict (Soherwordi, 2010). In 1931, the Donoughmore Reforms introduced universal suffrage, paving the way for a more representative government. These changes eventually led to the Soulbury Constitution in 1947, which set the stage for Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. However, Sri Lanka remained a dominion until 1972, with the British Queen as the head of state (Abeyratne, 2019). The parliamentary system, based on the British Westminster model, remained in effect until 1978, when an Executive Presidential system was introduced through the second Republican constitution. Today, Sri Lanka operates under a semi-presidential hybrid presidential-parliamentary system, with the Prime Minister also playing a significant role in governance.

The judicial and education systems in Sri Lanka are also deeply influenced by British practices. English Common Law, based on legal precedents and judicial decisions, which was adopted during the colonial era, continues to govern Sri Lanka's legal framework (University of Minnesota, 2018).  Similarly, Sri Lanka’s education system has been heavily influenced by British models, with remnants of its colonial legacy still evident. For example, the university system follows the British higher education structure (Jayasuriya, 2001), while gender-segregated schools—established during British rule—continue to function today, reflecting the enduring impact of coloniality (Albrecht, 2024).

Post Independence (After 1948)

On 4 February 1948, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) became a self-governing independent state with a Westminster-style parliamentary system (Abeyratne,2019). D. S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of independent Ceylon, also assumed the roles of Minister of External Affairs and Defence, maintaining close ties with the United Kingdom. In 1949, Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake signed the London Declaration, officially making Ceylon a founding member of the Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of independent states that preserved Ceylon’s sovereignty while maintaining strong diplomatic and historical connections with Britain. However, the British monarch remained the Head of State, British military forces continued to operate in Ceylon for few years even after independence, and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the UK remained the highest court of appeal. As a result, Ceylon functioned as a Dominion until 22 May 1972, when it became a republic and was renamed the Republic of Sri Lanka (Abeyratne, 2019).

In the decades following independence, Sri Lanka and the UK maintained strong relations centered around trade, education, and governance. Many Sri Lankan political leaders travelled to the United Kingdom for education and exposure to new ideas. At the time of independence, Sri Lanka was an open economy, with a tariff-based preference to products of the British Empire, before efforts to diversify trade with the rest of the world was focused (Jayawardena, 2018). The UK continued to be a major export market for Sri Lankan products, including tea, rubber, textiles, and coconut products. In the 1970s, when Sri Lanka attempted trade liberalisation and more open economic policies, the UK remained a key trade partner. Records from the UK Parliament (2000) confirm that since 1964 Sri Lanka has received formal development assistance through British government aid agencies. These aid and technical assistance have been invested in the development of public administration, healthcare, agriculture, and community development projects. Relations between the two countries took a significant turn during the years of the civil war and its immediate aftermath.  

Civil War and Post-War Diplomatic Challenges

Relations between Sri Lanka and the UK became strained during Sri Lanka’s civil war (1983-2009) due to the UK’s concerns over human rights violations by both the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The UK also became home to a significant Tamil diaspora, many of whom voiced concerns over the human rights abuses in Sri Lanka (Vimalarajah and Cheran, 2010).

During the civil war and its aftermath, the UK provided humanitarian aid to displaced Tamil populations and civilian victims. British humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam GB, Save the Children UK, and the British Red Cross, played key roles in relief efforts despite significant access challenges (Goodhand, 1999; Harris and Lewer, 2002; Save the Children, 2024; Tran and Chamberlain, 2009). Additionally, the UK supported international peace efforts, particularly during the failed peace talks and the Ceasefire Agreement in 2002 (UK Parliament, 2002).

Although the UK became home to a large Tamil diaspora, the LTTE’s violent campaign for Tamil Eelam, employing tactics of terrorism, led the UK to designate the LTTE as a terrorist organization in 2001. Additionally, due to LTTE supporters in the UK engaging in fundraising and lobbying efforts, the UK viewed the LTTE as a threat to national security and banned it under the Terrorism Act 2000 (Curtis and Robinson, 2024). After the military defeat of the LTTE in 2009, the UK advocated for justice and accountability, calling for an independent investigation into war crimes allegations (Mason, 2013). This created diplomatic tensions between the two countries, but the UK remained a key partner in Sri Lanka’s post-war reconstruction and reconciliation efforts, providing financial and technical aid for peacebuilding, human rights, and governance projects.

Contemporary Ties

In recent years, marked by Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and political and economic instability in Sri Lanka, trade, development, and political relations between the two countries have demonstrated both cooperation and diplomatic concerns. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) provides free international export sales leads to UK Businesses to facilitate trade between the two countries (UK Government, 2025a).

While the policies of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (2019-2022) were met with mixed reactions in the UK, particularly regarding concerns over freedom of speech, press freedom, and minority rights, the UK's assistance for economic reforms and humanitarian aid played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations (Walker and Curtis, 2022). However, in 2023, British Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan visited Sri Lanka to further solidify ties, focusing on areas such as climate change, security, and human rights. During her visit, she travelled to both Colombo and Jaffna, where she met with then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other key government figures (Daily FT, 2023).

More recently, in January 2025, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West visited Sri Lanka with a focus on boosting exports and economic growth, meeting with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka (UK Government, 2025b). This signifies strong and continued diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Development assistance from the UK has played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's post-war recovery, as well as during the pandemic and the subsequent economic recovery phases. In particular, the UK provided lifesaving aid to Sri Lanka's most vulnerable populations, further strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations (UK Government, 2022).

Today, Sri Lanka and the UK continue to engage in trade, investment, education, and sustainable development. The UK remains a top destination for Sri Lankan migrants, and British influence is still evident in almost every sector in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the two nations collaborate in areas such as climate change, security, and tourism.

Conclusion

From the colonial era to the present day, the two nations have maintained strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. Sri Lanka’s trade with the UK, particularly in commodities like tea, rubber, and textiles, has remained a cornerstone of this relationship, while the UK continues to show interest in Sri Lanka's development, economic growth, and political stability. In conclusion, despite challenges, such as differing perspectives during Sri Lanka’s civil war, the diplomatic ties between the two nations have remained resilient. As Sri Lanka navigates its post-war reconstruction, development, and economic recovery, the partnership with the UK remains a vital pillar of progress, fostering growth, stability, and shared prosperity.

 

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