Sri Lanka has taken a significant step by electing Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist leader, as its 10th president. This historic decision comes after a referendum against the incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and marks a major shift following the ousting of the Rajapaksa family in 2022. The nation is still grappling with the aftermath of a severe economic meltdown, and Dissanayake’s leadership brings hope for recovery.
Dissanayake’s election has sparked speculation about his geopolitical stance, particularly concerning his relationship with China and India. Sri Lanka has historically leaned towards China, especially during the Rajapaksa era, with significant loans funding controversial projects like the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port. These loans ultimately contributed to the country’s debt crisis.
However, Dissanayake’s party, the National People’s Power (NPP), has attempted to alleviate concerns about potential pro-China leanings. They have assured India that the new administration will not be entangled in geopolitical rivalries. “Sri Lankan territory will not be used against any other nation,” Bimal Ratnayake, a party spokesperson, told AFP. “We are fully aware of the geopolitical situation in our region, but we will not participate.”
Professor Anil Jayantha, a member of the NPP’s national executive committee, emphasized the importance of engaging with India: “India is certainly our neighbour and a superpower. Our leader wants to deal with all major powers to stabilize the Sri Lankan economy.”
Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean has amplified its geopolitical importance, especially given interests in the Indo-Pacific and China’s growing influence in South Asia. While India is increasingly cautious about China’s footprint in Sri Lanka, particularly following the leasing of Hambantota Port to a Chinese firm, China remains a significant player. From 2006 to 2022, China committed $11.2 billion in grants and loans for infrastructure projects, dwarfing the $97 million spent by the U.S. during the same timeframe, according to a Bloomberg report citing AidData.
India’s concerns stem from the Hambantota Port lease, which has raised fears that the port could be used for military purposes. Sri Lankan officials have refuted these claims. In response to China’s growing influence, India is actively strengthening its relationship with Sri Lanka. Notably, the Adani Group, supported by U.S. funding, is leading a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Colombo West International Terminal. This initiative aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s capacity as a key shipping hub in South Asia and serve as a counterweight to China’s longstanding investments in the region, as reported by Bloomberg.
With Dissanayake’s leadership and the ongoing geopolitical dynamics, Sri Lanka’s future remains uncertain. How the new administration navigates its complex relationship with China and India will be crucial in addressing the economic crisis and shaping the country’s role in the region.
