Sri Lanka

Is Pakistan heeding the warning signs from Sri Lanka?
Is Pakistan heeding the warning signs from Sri Lanka?
Pakistan is showing similar symptoms to those of Sri Lanka if economic and political challenges the country faces are seen in perspective. Sri Lanka is currently engulfed in…
Russia-Ukraine: It always comes down to food
Russia-Ukraine: It always comes down to food
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to a food shortage – or crisis for some – in unexpected places across the world. For wheat, maize, barley and sunflower oil, Russia…
Australia begins to step it up in the northeast Indian Ocean
Australia begins to step it up in the northeast Indian Ocean
Australia’s focus on building the India relationship has led to the relative neglect of other important Indian Ocean states. This has left a hole in its Indo Pacific strategy. …
Indian Ocean step-up
Indian Ocean step-up
Like Australia in the Pacific, India has been pursuing its own Indian Ocean island step-up, largely driven by concerns about China’s growing influence in the region. This has…
India’s answer to China’s ports in Sri Lanka
India’s answer to China’s ports in Sri Lanka
On 30 September, Adani Group, India’s largest private port operator, signed what has been reported as a US$700 million agreement to build a new container terminal in Sri Lanka…
Sri Lanka’s simmering twin crises
Sri Lanka’s simmering twin crises
In late 2019 Sri Lanka was facing several challenges, including a slowing economy, a rising external debt burden, and compromised national security resulting from a terrorist…
Singapore and Sri Lanka: Newfound opportunities amid Covid-19 pandemic
Singapore and Sri Lanka: Newfound opportunities amid Covid-19 pandemic
Photos of empty supermarket shelves became commonplace in the first weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic. The shutting down of borders and decreasing trade have affected many…
Tackling environmental security threats in the Indian Ocean
Tackling environmental security threats in the Indian Ocean
The explosion and fire on board a supertanker off Sri Lanka this month, following closely on last month’s disastrous oil spill in Mauritius, serve as a reminder that environmental…
Debunking the myth of China’s “debt-trap diplomacy”
Debunking the myth of China’s “debt-trap diplomacy”
Against the fear and distrust that increasingly characterise Australia’s relationship with China, the Belt and Road Initiative looms large. Australian politicians from both major…
Where to for Sri Lanka’s foreign policy?
Where to for Sri Lanka’s foreign policy?
A much-anticipated general election in Sri Lanka last month ended with a resounding victory for the Sri Lanka People’s Front (Sri Lanka Podujana Party), which was spearheaded by…