Balancing Neutrality and National Interest: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy Application in the Middle East War

By : Rashmin Fernando

Page No: 89-100

Abstract
Sri Lanka’s dedication to neutrality, which later developed into active involvement in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), has had a significant impact on the country’s foreign policy since achieving independence in 1948. The nation has been able to maintain its sovereignty, stay out of major international power struggles, and develop a variety of diplomatic and commercial ties because to this strategic strategy. In addition to shaping Sri Lanka’s international character over the years, this policy has yielded real strategic and economic benefits.

However, the resilience and adaptability of this long-standing policy have started to be tested by the quickly changing global order, which is characterised by renewed great power competition and regional crises, especially in the Middle East. Sri Lanka’s neutrality has been under intense international scrutiny following the recent IRIS DENA incident, which saw the sinking of an Iranian military vessel close to Sri Lankan waters. Concerns about maritime sovereignty, foreign military access, and humanitarian obligations have brought attention to how difficult it is to remain neutral in a divisive geopolitical setting.

This article looks at Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy’s historical development, strategic and economic advantages, and present difficulties. Recent events are given particular attention, such as Sri Lanka’s interactions with important international players, its reaction to intensifying hostilities, and the wider ramifications for its neutrality and sovereignty

Author
Rashmin Fernando, based in Colombo, is a law graduate. He also works as a Senior News Editor for the Gold FM, one of the most popular Radio Stations in the island with a wide listener base across the world. Further, he also has a website named ‘Geopolitical Column’ featuring articles on geopolitics, international relations and economics.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JIOS.2025.34.01.7