All the World is a Pond: We Cannot Afford to Opt Out

Emerging Political and Diplomatic Tensions
The ongoing sessions of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) have raised a number of issues regarding the conduct of Sri Lanka’s international relations. The Pathfinder Foundation (PF) does not wish to get involved in areas of politics, diplomacy or human rights. However, the course of the country’s international relations will have a crucial bearing on its economic prospects. There are serious concerns that have arisen about the policies and actions of the US, Europe and India, as well as some other countries that are likely to support the US sponsored Resolution. Sri Lanka already has advantageous economic relations with a number of these countries, or has the potential to do so in the future. Therefore, political, diplomatic or human rights issues need to be addressed in a pragmatic manner that best serves Sri Lanka’s national economic interests, in a context of mutual respect. It is important not to let them have a negative impact on the economic arena in a manner that fundamentally compromises the country’s future prospects.