International Relations and Defence Studies in Sri Lanka: A Reflection

Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean has historically demanded a nuanced understanding of evolving geopolitical currents around the island from a distinctly Sri Lankan perspective.

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This enduring reality has necessitated the careful formulation of foreign policy to safeguard national interests and resist subordination to external strategic agendas. Since the arrival of the Portuguese in the early 16th century, Sri Lanka’s experiences with colonial powers have highlighted the critical importance of identifying clear foreign policy priorities, devising realistic strategies appropriate for a small island nation and executing them with foresight. At moments when such prudence was absent, the consequences were often severe, including the erosion of sovereignty and independence. These historical memories established foreign policy as a central pillar of Sri Lankan statecraft—an understanding that was firmly embedded in the political consciousness of national leaders by the time of independence.

Even prior to independence, they recognised the geopolitical significance of Sri Lanka’s location and its broader implications, and they demonstrated a keen interest in global affairs. It was reflected in the participation of a Sri Lankan delegation—led by S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike—at the Asian Relations Conference held in New Delhi from 12 March to 2 April 1947. Organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs and hosted by Jawaharlal Nehru, the historic conference brought together leaders and thinkers from across Asia to deliberate on postcolonial cooperation and the evolving global order. The Sri Lankan delegation emphasised the importance of economic collaboration in postcolonial Asia, highlighting the country's early engagement with international diplomacy, especially within the emerging Asian and Indian Ocean context.