Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) and Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake says that Sri Lanka’s foreign policy should aim to maintain balanced and equal relations with all nations, without favoring one at the expense of another.
In a recent statement, Karunanayake emphasized that aligning too closely with one country while damaging ties with another is not in the best interest of Sri Lanka’s future.
He noted that while Sri Lanka should continue to strengthen its relationship with India, it should also explore and develop opportunities with China.
“There is no issue in seeking Chinese investment and opportunities even as we renew and deepen existing agreements with India,” he said.
Karunanayake also pointed out that India itself conducts its highest volume of trade with China, and it would be unjust if either party attempted to pressure Sri Lanka over its own trade relations.
“Engagement with one country should never hinder or exert pressure on Sri Lanka’s relationship with another,” he stressed, calling for a pragmatic and non-aligned approach to international diplomacy.
