INTRODUCTION

Geopolitics is the study of the relationship between space and politics

Manilo Graziano

1. Sri Lanka is an island embedded in the sea which is shaped by the very fact that it is
south of the land mass of India. It does not share any land borders which is also very important.
Sri Lanka is geographically located in a central place in the Indian Ocean. The busiest sea lines
of communications that connect east and west are just south of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankas culture,
economy and social aspects have also been affected by the Indian influence since the ancient
time.

2. Sri Lanka was invaded several times in the history by South Indian invaders just
because of its geographical proximity to India. This resulted in Tamil ethnic inhabitation on to
the Northern part of the country which was a decisive factor in the prolonged war and also the
power politics of India. But much before the invasions, historical incidents reveal that India and
Sri Lanka had enjoyed a much favorable international diplomacy. The Buddhism and the culture
which was influenced by that religion still dictate the affairs in the island even today.

3. Sri Lanka becoming a colony of Portuguese, Dutch and British from 15 th century to 19th
century is also a result of being an island which also led to shape the political, cultural and social
aspects of Sri Lanka. After gaining the independence in 1948 and way forward Sri Lanka
experienced dramatic political changes gradually that had pros and cons affected by the practiced
foreign policy in different periods. However, Sri Lanka was not able to leap forward with the
peer counterparts of the region in terms of development due to the 3 decade long civil war. Being
a small state and the vulnerability of the geographical emergence, Sri Lanka experienced bitter
history of 03 decades having subjected to the sphere of influence of India.

4. Even eradicating the terrorism from the country Sri Lanka experience post war challenges
of national reconciliation, human right issues, and infrastructure development out of which are
dictated by a US sphere of influence.

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5. In a global view point, geopolitics refers to exercising of power. Manilo Graziano defines
geopolitics as the study of relationship between space and politics. Space can be changed within
a span of time subjected to be modified by the actions of man. Mean time, the involvement of
man is also characterized by conditions and limitations which will be determined by the space
and time.1

6.Therefore it is evident that power is a key determining factor in geopolitics. All states exercise
their power through space, time and the activities of human of that particular state. In
international arena, powerful states use their power through these phenomena to extend their
sphere of influence to the states which are not powerful. A small state like Sri Lanka may not be
able to exercise their sphere of influence being not so powerful economically, militarily or
otherwise to dominate powerful states like USA or India.

AIM

7. Aim of this assignment is to the geopolitical problems experienced by Sri Lanka as a

small state in depth to find out the reasons for the problems and to arrive at favorable
recommendations to overcome the geopolitical problems.

1 Essential Geopolitics:A handbook by Manilo Graziano, p3

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 CHARACTERISTICS OF SMALL STATES AND SRI LANKA AS A SMALL STATE

8. Characteristics of Small States in relation to the powerful States. A small state

may not have to be essentially smaller in the land mass. But the smaller states with their poor
state of economy and military are less capable of shaping the regional power balance or
dominate another state by their national interests in terms of realistic point of view.

9. Share of global domestic product, population and the extended territory are the more
frequently used determinants to define a smaller state. Geopolitics of the smaller states are
always defined by the regional powers or super powers which means invariably smaller states
have to fit into the agendas of the powerful states characterized by alliance, dependency or
vulnerability.

10. Stanley D Brunn argues that all states have a place in the world map but always defined
by themselves and others.2 But smaller states are also sovereign entities free from being
intervened externally by another state. However sovereignty of the small states is more
susceptible to be intervened by the regional or global powers to secure their own national
interests. Invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan are clear examples to the threat of sovereignty of a
weaker state by a powerful state.

11.Sri Lanka as a Small State. Sri Lanka being a smaller state, shares the common interests
and challenges in economical, political and environmental aspects like any other smaller state.
Sri Lanka is not a much more economically developed country in the region. Sri Lanka does not
possess natural resources of energy or minerals and human or cultural resources to an extent
where it can be influential in international politics.

12. Sri Lanka is a country which missed plethora of opportunities due to the prolonged
conflict sustained over 3 decades thereby does not have any major investments of other
countries. Seemingly poor and less developed and most unprofessional political policies and

2 The World View of Small States: A content analysis of 1995 UN speeches, Stanly D Brunn,
p1

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agenda have made the country economically behind the other states in the region. Yet the Sri
Lankan economy is dependent and still growing at a slower pace.
13. Sri Lankas labour force is also cheap and disruptive. However Sri Lankas geostrategic
location has made the interest of the regional and powerful states of the East and West after
eradicating the terrorism in the country with much effort.

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 GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SRI LANKA

14. Sri Lankas geostrategic location in the Indian Ocean region is a blessing as an island
being astride the busiest sea lines of communication which connects the east and west. It has
much of the potentials which can be exploited to outshine in the Indian Ocean region. However
Sri Lanka has not gained the maximum advantage from the vast sea that surrounds it since from
the history of kings era. Prince Dutugemunus expression on the dumb sea around the island
clearly exemplifies the kind of psychological influence that we had towards this marvelous asset
that we have around. Since then it is evident that Sri Lanka has not used the full potential of the
natural harbours and other related areas of maritime sphere to the advantage and the development
of the country. Trincomalee is the 3rd largest natural harbor in the world. Wincent Churchill
identified it as the most strategic in the World War 2. The headquarters of South East Asia
Command was established in Kandy, Sri Lanka is another historical proof of the geostrategic
significance of Sri Lanka.

15. As Sri Lanka is in the close proximity to the India Sri Lanka comes under the sphere of
influence in India which is carefully addressed practicing the foreign policy because India also
understands the significance of the Sri Lanka and vice versa. Sri Lanka is included in the
Chinese String of Pearls concept thus making the island significant for them.

Geopolitical Significance of Sri Lanka

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16. Sri Lanka is well bestowed with the elements of Sea Power by Alfred Thayer Mahan
pertaining to physical geography.3 But on the whole it is relatively deficient in the human
aspects of Sea Power. Human factors need to be nurtured and developed in order for Sri Lanka
to enhance its sea power.

3 Elements of Sea Power presentation by Dr Sithara Fernando at KDU on 23 Mar 15

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 GEOPOLITICAL PROBLEMS OF SRI LANKA AS A SMALLSTATE

17.Sri Lanka is not only blessed with the advantages but also influenced by the various spheres
of influence due to its geostrategic location in the Indian Ocean region. There are several
problems that Sri Lanka experiences as small state where as main problems out of them are
discussed in the assignment.

18. Dealing with Indian Sphere of Influence as a small State. Sri Lankas close
proximity to India has always been a matter of influence in Sri Lankan affairs. The second
largest ethnic community, Tamils has ethnic affiliation with the Southern Indian Thamilnadu
province. Sri Lanka has been subjected to invasions by Indian kings and they have ruled Sri
Lanka over decades followed by the invasions as per the history. In the most essence Sri Lanka is
also a part of the Indian strategy. India is the major trade partner of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan
culture, economy and most of the aspects had the influence of India.

19. Sri Lanka needs to be very careful in dealing with the Indian sphere of Influence. The
silliest mistakes we do with regard to the foreign relations may have deteriorating effects on Sri
Lanka. History teaches us such lessons of the Indian Influence as the India threatened Sri
Lanka in early 1990s by dropping dhal by invading the Sri Lankan air space. Crushing the
Tamils in July 1983 is also a biggest mistake Sri Lanka has ever had which still has not cured in
the bitter history.

20. It is not a secret that India aspires to be the leader in the region. Indian maritime strategy
is expansive with its aspiration and has a greater rivalry with china in the Indian Ocean Region.
India doubted that Sri Lanka may fall within the strategy of China with the rising infrastructure
development took place in Sri Lanka specially the Hambanthota harbour.
India doubts the Chinese aids for Sri Lanka is purely for peaceful or military intentions in the
Indian Ocean region which led them to open consulate offices in Jaffna and Hambanthota by
showing the political dominance of India over Sri Lanka.

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21. A country will not open a diplomatic office unless they do not have interest on their
country or nationals. India wants to ensure that Sri Lanka wont slip away from its sphere of
influence. India was also excited with the Chinese submarine coming to Hambanthota port. This
clearly debates that we need to be very much balance and careful in maintaining the foreign
policy with India.

22. However initiatives like Galle dialogue is an excellent move made by Sri Lanka to
maintain the power balance and to convince India of the peaceful intentions of Sri Lanka in the
region. On the other hand the initiative took by India after the civil war like Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Sri Lanka has inspired the business community
which has allowed India to create a an Indian monopoly within the Sri Lankan market.

23. The past political leadership of Sri Lanka disregarded the most of the demands of India like more
devolution of powers by going beyond the 13th amendment in the Sri Lankan constitution which had the
adverse effects in overthrowing the past regime also an example of the Indian sphere of Influence.

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24. Dealing with Western Influence and Interference as a small State. It is also not a
secret that Sri Lanka not only comes under the Indian sphere of influence but also with the
biggest sphere of influence of USA and other western powers.

Sphere of influence of USA and India

25. As a small state Sri Lanka was able to eliminate terrorism from the country but the Sri
Lankan diplomats were not able to convince the message to the western world in which Sri
Lanka has to suffer from conflict wounds. Sri Lanka faces a lot of pressure from the western
powers on the allegation of human rights violations. Western powers are behind these external
pressures on Sri Lanka.

26. In this context western politics in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) dominates the politics
of Sri Lanka too by way direct or indirect means. In geopolitics, international boundaries are
decided by the sphere of influence of each sate on another state. EUs conditions on GSP are
examples for this.

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27. Canada boycotted to attend the CHOGM in Sri Lanka unless Sri Lanka addresses human
right concerns and the meaningful reconciliation with Tamil minority. However, western strand
on Sri Lankan human rights concerns have been not so demanding after the change of the
government in Sri Lanka which clearly shows that western agendas shadows are behind.

28. One of the most important US interests in the IOR is to maintain the Indian Ocean as a
secure highway for international commerce. Ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean
is also important to the US to enable it to swing forces from the US Pacific Command to the
volatile Middle Eastern and Southwest Asian regions whenever the need arises. Whatever the
obstacles for their intentions in IOR may passively or directly addressed to safeguard their
national interests. India, as a strong ally of USA may implement the US strategy to counter any
emerging strategies in the East.

29. At a time, Sri Lanka is suspected to be within the Chinas side which aggravates the main
factor of instability in the IOR is the mistrust between USA and China.

30. Pressure of Tamil Diaspora. This is another challenging problem which Sri
Lanka face during and even after the civil war in Sri Lanka. The Tamil Diaspora are consists of
Tamil nationals migrated to USA, Canada, Europe and Australia during mid nineties with the
start of the civil war in Sri Lanka. They have contributed to the survival of the LTTE by way of
providing funds through INGOs, NGOs and front organizations and raises the pressure in
international community to the disadvantage of the Sri Lankan Government.

31. Although the war has ended, nerves of the LTTE terrorism are still underpinned in this
Tamil Diaspora. Unfortunately, they still raise voice against Sri Lankas political stability due to
the poor strategies practiced by the diplomatic envoys of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka on the other hand
pay the consequences of the Diaspora that was originated by the ruthless acts happened in July
1993 against Tamil civilians threatening the physical security of Civil Tamil people.

32. Tamil Diaspora has best used the communication means like Internet to spread their
views and ideologies to the negative implications on the Sri Lankan government. They have
lobbied up with human right activists to pressurize Sri Lanka in the post conflict now and they
were funding and feeding LTTE in the past 03 decades.
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33. However it is a fact that the Tamil Diaspora cannot be marginalized or ignored as they
have were the Sri Lankans. Despite the acts of the Diaspora a clear and more elaborative and
fruitful foreign policy has to be adapted to counter them.

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 RECOMMENDATIONS

34. A balanced non aligned foreign policy to for a healthy international relations with the
regional, western and eastern powers to ensure the friendships with all and avoiding animosity
with all.

35. Contributing to a cooperative security dialogue in the IOR with US and Chinese through
Sri Lankas annual maritime security forum the Galle Dialogue to reduce the mistrust among
greater powers.

36. Accepting the Indian hegemony and use of that to develop economical and infrastructure
development to the best interests of the nation.

37. Plans should be made to be the facility and security provider for the international trade in
the Indian Ocean.

38. A more viable and efficient diplomatic methodology to be formulated to manage and
address the issues of the Tamil Diaspora.

39. A political body of good governance to uphold the democracy and to inculcate patriotism.

40. Extending the trilateral cooperation of India, Sri Lanka and Maldives to other littoral
states in the IOR.

41. Sri Lanka needs to be proactive in informing all the major geopolitical players of its
position as a geopolitically significant nation.

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 CONCLUSION

42. Sri Lanka has undergone dramatic influences by the regional powers and western powers
due to its geopolitical significance. However, most of the geopolitical problems experienced by
Sri Lanka are just because Sri Lanka has not effectively used its significance to the advantage of
its own development.

43. It is clear that some of the problems like the issue of Tamil Diaspora need more attention
in order to avoid another ethnic based conflict in the country. On the other hand Sri Lanka needs
to understand the intentions of the major powers in order to arrive at balance friendly foreign
policy that serves the interests of the nation which establish the trust of the major powers related
to the geopolitical affairs of Sri Lanka. In this case Sri Lanka needs to understand the spheres of
influence and interests of the regional, Eastern and Western powers.

44. Having equally distant to the East and West and being astride the main sea lines of
communication Sri Lanka needs to exploit its geostrategic prominence by way of adapting a
clear maritime strategy long with its blessed harbours for the economic prosperity.

45. Finally, Sri Lankan ambitions in the Indian Ocean region should be to be among the part
of the under mentioned quote by the famous strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan.
"Whoever controls the Indian Ocean dominates Asia. This ocean is the key to the seven seas
in the twenty-first century, the destiny of the world will be decided in these waters."

Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan

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 BIBILIOGRAPHY

1. Elements of sea power by Alfred Thaya mahan

2. Essential Geopolitics: A handbook by Manilo Graziano

3. Geopolitics at the end of the Twentieth Century, The Changing World Political Map by Nurit
Kliot and David Newman

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