Sri Lanka as an island
has remained one of the most globally connected countries. Whilst expeditions
were dispatched to the Roman Empire in some of the first international
interactions, special envoys continued to traverse the world over the
centuries. Likewise Sri Lanka attracted many traders and conquerors owing to resources
and location. Numerous calls have been made to make Sri Lanka a hub in the
Indian Ocean, but often we fail to realize that Sri Lanka was a hub of strategic
importance. Traders from China, the Arab world, as well as the Portuguese,
Dutch and British all found the island to be of considered importance and
sought to control it to their benefit at varied periods. Making the island a
hub is therefore not a new policy but one which needs to be revived.
Reflection on that
which has been becomes highly relevant at this juncture. Whether in terms of
research or policy planning, foreign policy formulation needs the utmost attention
given the international ramifications of each and every step taken and word
uttered. Emphasis on research into how Sri Lanka strode the global stage, the
measures undertaken, the international developments at the time, the tight
balancing act that country had to follow, all become relevant as the country
stands on the eve of its seventieth anniversary of independence.
Today Sri Lanka is a
member, dialogue partner and observer of numerous organizations and groupings,
yet the amount of leverage the country enjoys internationally, as a result of
such affiliations, leaves much to be desired. For too long the island has
remained static owing to developments within, but now with the conflict a near
decade into history, it is time the country surges ahead, but it would only be
able to do so with strategy, which it tends to lack at the most crucial of
times.
FOREIGN
POLICY FORMULATION IOR + 5G + 11P
Identifying national
interest remains at the core of decision making. Whether in negotiations over
bilateral issues, staking a claim at the United Nations or through the plethora
of multilateral platforms that Sri Lanka sits at, the prospect of going in with
an agenda for success, rather than merely marking attendance, needs to top the
list of priorities. Security remains critical, from defence of the island from
outside interference; cyber attacks; protecting the maritime boundaries and
resources; preserving peace, law and order within the island; ensuring a
healthy population; securing sufficient food; avoiding economic downturns;
promoting investment while protecting the environment. All of these dimensions
of security are paramount for a country going forward.
Those involved in foreign
policy formulation need to constantly retain the goal of ‘Sri Lanka-First’
irrespective of who or what they are dealing with. If Sri Lanka and her policy
makers don’t put the country first, no one else will.
Sri Lanka needs a
formula to effectively formulate and implement foreign policy, and one that
would position the country to be where it intends in the next decade and
thereon. The formula IOR + 5G + 11P draws
on the strengths of the island vis-à-vis the Indian Ocean Region, five important
groupings and eleven vital global partners.
IOR
= INDIAN OCEAN REGION
The immediate concern
for the country is its larger neighbourhood. While Admiral Mahen observed the
relevance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) for its strategic importance before
the outbreak of the First World War, it has only been in the last couple of years
that Sri Lanka has begun seeking ways and means to enhance her presence.
Sri Lanka looks to
other regions for trade opportunities, provides labour to some parts of the
world, and draws upon significant investment from one global player, but the
impact and prospects of the immediate neighbourhood have been long ignored.
Regionalism has not, as yet, provided the prosperity that was envisaged in 1985.
Through a process of restructuring whereby Sri Lanka would lay greater
importance on all countries bordering the IOR, it would be possible to enhance
interaction and trade which would be beneficial to the country.
The
Indian Ocean connects an estimated 47 countries in a wider region. As the focus
of the twenty first century moves towards Asia and emphasis is also laid on the
gradual rise of Africa, Sri Lanka stands to gain immensely through two sources.
Location is paramount given the maritime connectivity the region affords the
island, as it lies along international lines of connectivity, and secondly the
economic gains from intense interactions across the region.
For
effective maritime and economic policies to be implemented Sri Lanka’s foreign
policy must be restructured to address the challenges of the day and harvest
the opportunities of its geopolitical importance. Exactly in the centre of the IOR,
Sri Lanka enjoys an excellent position to straddle two continents and regions,
while remaining the conduit through which the world passes the Indian Ocean.
5G
= FIVE GROUPINGS
Association
for South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
The ASEAN region is
growing. From its inception in 1967 to date the sub region has been able to
secure development, prosperity and more importantly peace. Identified as an
emerging hotspot, ASEAN brings together three republics, three constitutional monarchies,
two communist states, a sultanate and a former military junta. This diversity
remains a paramount challenge but one that is converted into an opportunity as
they strive forge ahead. Whilst much can be learned from the ASEAN model of
operation, it is the action of countries in the grouping that are worthy of
emulation. Sri Lanka possesses the ability to go beyond mere emulation through
the understanding of the challenges these countries faced, the ways they
overcame them and look at creating a new space for advancement.
With some of the best
diplomats the country has to offer stationed in the ASEAN region the harvest
needs to be increased but will only be achieved if the capital issues a clear,
concise, strategic and pragmatic policy that needs to be implemented across the
board. Sri Lanka forewent the opportunity of joining in 1967, but was accepted
as a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) forty years later in 2007. The
magnitude of the ARF remains untapped, with the uniqueness of the platform not understood.
Africa
Union (AU)
A continent that has
struggled for decades is seeing a wave of development, collaboration and
progress with flourishing economies, a growing young population set to ensure a
dynamic work force, high rate of urbanization and increased spending on infrastructure.
The 55 member African Union is geared towards realizing African solidarity, bringing
together countries which are distinct and diverse.
Having worked closely
with countries across the continent from independence but specifically in the establishment
of the Non-Aligned Movement, Sri Lanka possesses much goodwill. Tapping into
NAM contacts, building strong ties with the AU, and allowing that to trickle
down into closer contact at the bilateral level would result in Sri Lanka being
able to see tangible progress and concrete action with countries that shouldn’t
be relied upon only at the time of a vote in the UN.
As Asia surges ahead,
Africa isn’t too far behind. Despite concerns within, the continent is
continuing its march towards prosperity. Sri Lanka as a neighbour in the IOR would
do well to develop closer ties across the region and not just in Addis Ababa. The
closure of African missions in Colombo and the closure of Sri Lankan missions in
Africa would do little to improve relations, especially when the countries concerned
are key players in the AU.
Commonwealth
The Commonwealth will
see rejuvenation with Britain hosting CHOGM in 2018. The natural disaster in
Vanuatu and their inability to host the summit in 2017, saw the offer of
Britain to undertake the task at a time when Brexit negotiations are due to
enter a critical stage. Auguring well for the decades old grouping that Britain
created as the Empire commenced its decline, the Commonwealth has remained
relevant despite caution being expressed even at its origins.
Countries
gaining independence, including India and Sri Lanka were eager to enroll as
members, despite the caution and doubt. Diversity has remained its strength
with potential for cooperation, enhanced trade, and the creation of another
forum for leaders to meet and interact. With a total landmass of its members covering
almost a quarter of the world land area,
an estimated population of 2.328
billion, a third of the world’s
population, and including some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries, spanning five
regions, the Commonwealth is expected to get a fresh boost during the
Chair-in-Office of Britain.
Determination
to survive without an empire saw Britain bring everyone back through the
Commonwealth; similarly today as they poised to leave the European Union,
Britain would look to capitalize on the Commonwealth, improve its significance
and ensure its relevance. Being the only international organization that brings
together key stakeholders during the Heads of Government Meeting from
government, youth, civil society and the business community, the Commonwealth
is supported by an active network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil
society, cultural and professional organisations, which would do well to
benefit Sri Lanka.
Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO)
Remaining under the
radar, the SCO is the next big step in the march towards realizing the Asian
Century. Although only twenty years since its inception as the Shanghai Five,
the SCO has expanded its membership to include India and Pakistan, a move that
would strategically benefit all countries in South Asia. With countries like
China and Russia cooperating in the fields of economics and more importantly,
defence, the potential remains limitless. Adding India and Pakistan to the
equation would ensure that two countries that don’t see eye to eye converge
through the joint operations conducted thawing the animosity, which, in time to
come would augur well for South Asian cooperation.
Sri Lanka is an observer
of this organization. The country has been given an important seat in an organisation
that is often compared to NATO given its potential and promise. Strategically Sri Lanka has the ability to work in partnership with Russia
and China while also tapping into the Central Asian region, with which little or
nothing is done. The forum provides an ideal platform for exploring bilateral
ventures, attracting investment and garnering security in a range of spheres.
United
Nations (UN)
As the key stage on
which the entirety of the global community converges, the United Nations has
retained its relevance for more than seven decades. It has done so through tact,
coordinated planning and structured responses. The ability for its central
body, the Security Council, to pull through the Cold War with it divergently opposed
stances, is testimony to the longevity of the Organization.
Sri Lanka having been a
member since 1955, chaired the Security Council in 1960 and the General Assembly
in 1976. Sri Lankans have reached some of the highest positions in its varied
organs and fulfilled globally acknowledged tasks, as with the Law of the Sea
Conference. Shelter was highlighted, food security proposals have been rewarded
and maritime safety advocated. These were some of the key areas in which Sri Lanka
shone, not just in New York but throughout the UN system. Yet these achievements
are relegated to days gone by.
Sri Lanka sits complacently
today on the back benches of a system to which so much more can be contributed
and from which that much more can be derived. The diverse organs of the UN
offer member states plenty of fora through which they can collaborate, share best
practices, and implement joint activities. The degree to which this is done at
present remains questionable. One aspect is in the field of defeating
terrorism. As a country that defeated terrorism on its soil, the contribution Sri
Lanka can make to the international community in an era when terrorism dominates
most international dialogue, is much greater, yet unfulfilled.
11P
- ELEVEN PARTNERS - America, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Qatar, Russia, South
Africa, Thailand, Turkey
Sri Lanka maybe
geographically identified as an island but the country is by no means isolated.
The enhanced connectivity needs to be used to the benefit of all Sri Lankans.
Sri Lanka needs to look at strategic partners in different regions. Being ‘friends’
with all is good, but Sri Lanka needs ‘best friends’ at this juncture. Key
allies who will reach out on behalf of Sri Lanka in their respective regions
resulting in a targeted approach of implementing foreign policy goals.
Whilst America, China and
Russia remain obvious choices as key partners, Sri Lanka needs to identify movers
and shakers globally. Turkey plays a dominant role in the international relations,
South Africa is the leader in Africa, Canada is the most progressive country
today with a multicultural diversity success story, Germany is the most
prosperous nation in Europe, Qatar, the richest nation in the world, Japan, a constant
strong supporter, Thailand, a historic partner in South East Asia, and
Australia is the leader in the Pacific region. Through the consolidation of
relations with these countries, Sri Lanka would open windows into regions.
PRAGMATIC
STRATEGIZING
From 1948, Sri Lanka advocated
a policy of ‘friends to all, enemies to none’, been a founder of the
Non-Alignment Movement and developed deep ties with countries like China and
Japan owing to incidents, like the Rubber Rice Pact and the San Francisco
meeting, both of which were occasions when Sri Lanka was a true friend, and
incidents that neither of those countries forgot as they rose in power and ability.
However Sri Lanka cannot keep harping on such incidents and expecting countries
to remain grateful forever.
2018 should not be a
mere milestone of seven decades of independence but one at which foreign policy
makers take stock of where we are and where we want to be at the eightieth anniversary
and beyond. Until and unless Sri Lanka strategizes on using location, harnessing
resources and striding the international stage, the country will remain disillusioned
and relegated to a backseat on the global stage.
Emphasis on a process
of pragmatic strategizing which takes cognizance of inherent challenges, proposes
means by which they could be overcome and ensures that the island returns to
its zenith in foreign affairs, should be the targeted approach of policy makers
going into 2018. Implementers need guidance. The absence of an overall plan
results in adhoc measures, taken in good faith, but yielding ineffective
results due to the mismatch of goals. A
proper understanding of that which has been, and that which is, is critical to
determine where a country is heading. That understanding can only be derived
through effective research, clear analysis and pragmatic strategizing.The sooner Sri Lanka does it, the faster the country will prosper.
George I. H. Cooke
AWARELOGUE
Editorial
