Revisiting Sri Lanka’s Foreign policy Panel Discussion Series
Panel discussion Series 01
Sri Lanka in the Midst of the Changing World Politics
On January 22, 2025, the Department of International Relations at the University of Colombo hosted its inaugural monthly panel discussion, themed & quot;Sri Lanka in the Midst of the Changing World Politics." This event convened prominent academics and policymakers to discuss about alternative strategies for Sri Lanka to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global order, particularly in light of escalating geopolitical rivalries. The distinguished panel consisted of Professor Chaminda Padmakumara, Dr. George Cooke, and Professor Shahar Hameiri, with Dr. Pavithra Jayawardena moderating the session. The audience included students, diplomats, and military personnel, all eager to gain insights into Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning in a transforming world. Key topics addressed during the discussion included navigating the US-China power struggle, where the panel examined the evolving dynamics of this rivalry and how both nations were recalibrating their foreign aid strategies. Dr. Cooke emphasized the need for diplomacy to extend beyond traditional foreign ministries, advocating for a more nuanced approach, while Professor Padmakumara called for broader engagement with regions such as Latin America and Southeast Asia. The interactive session addressed potential concerns regarding the impact of the Trump administration’s trade policies on Sri Lanka, while also exploring the concept of multi-alignment. A recurring theme was the disconnect between foreign policy and public awareness, highlighting the importance of civic engagement in shaping national policy. The session concluded with a strong call for Sri Lanka to adopt a dynamic, multi-pronged foreign policy strategy, emphasizing key factors such as public perception, economic diversification, and diplomatic adaptability to ensure the country remains competitive in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Revisiting Sri Lanka’s Foreign policy Panel Discussion Series
Panel discussion Series 02
Non-Alignment in Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy: Reality or a Myth?
The second consecutive panel discussion of ‘Revisiting Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy 2025’ organized by the Department of International Relations, University of Colombo took place on March 5, 2025, at the Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, under the title ‘Non-Alignment in Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy: Reality or a Myth?’
Revisiting Sri Lanka’s Foreign policy Panel Discussion Series
Panel discussion Series 03
On April 2nd, the Department of International Relations at the University of Colombo hosted the third panel discussion of the monthly panel discussion series of the “Revisiting Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy”
Our esteemed panelists included:
– Mr. Manjula Gajanayake (IR Batch 2000)- Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms & Electoral Studies
– Mr. Harshana M. De Silva (IR Batch 2013) – Accomplished Attorney at Law
– Mr. Sageeth Manimelwadu (IR Batch 2017) – Project Assistant at the UN Development Programme
– Ms. Gayanga Dias (IR Batch 2020) – Assistant Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
These inspiring figures shared their personal journeys, illustrating how their education in International Relations has equipped them to tackle real-world challenges in policy-making, legal frameworks, and sustainable development.
The session illuminated the practical applications of IR theories, offering our undergraduates invaluable insights and sparking thought-provoking discussions about the future of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy. With every story shared, the audience gained a deeper understanding of the critical role they can play in shaping their nation’s trajectory.
This enriching experience reinforced the importance of our IR community and inspired the next generation to step into impactful roles.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect and learn from leaders shaping our world!
