Unique Features of Foreign Policy of UNP Regimes (1948 – 1965) and Bandaranaike Regimes (1956 – 1965)

Abstract

Foreign policy is a key component of a state which represents the nature of its relations with the world. Regime changes in a particular state are always have an impact on the foreign policy and it changes the nature of it. This study has been conducted in order to “identify the common and unique features of the foreign policy of UNP regimes from 1948 -1965 and Bandaranaike regimes from 1956 – 1965.” The methodology that has followed for the study is qualitative in nature while only based on secondary data and used descriptive analysis. The study has been conducted as a comparison as well as contrast of the two regimes in the particular periods in order to find out the features. According to the study, during the period of 1948 to 1965, foreign policy of the most of UNP leaders were similar in nature with the distinctive feature of pro-western policy and anti-communist attitude. UNP regimes did not conduct firm relations with the India during the particular period. Foreign policy of the SLFP regimes was mainly characterized by the “nonalignment policy” which emphasized on equal relations with all the countries. At the same time specially, Mr.Bandaranaike had cordial relations with the communist countries as well as with India which was a great achievement in the foreign policy of Sri Lanka.