Impact of Covid-19 on Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy

Abstract

This paper aims at discussing the impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Foreign Policy of Sri Lanka based on the question what are the long-term transformative changes Sri Lankan Foreign Policy underwent due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. As the pandemic took hold over world, number of vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka was recognized. There was a shift in the priorities of Foreign Policy. And under this circumstance, Foreign Policy was adjusted to better protect and promote interests of Sri Lanka and this has led to a long-term shift in Foreign Policy apparatus which impacted the country‟s strategic considerations and diplomatic priorities. It is important to recognize what these new Foreign Policy developments are and how they have impacted Sri Lankan Foreign Policy in the post- pandemic world as they will shape the Foreign Policy agenda of Sri Lanka. This research has employed a qualitative research method based on secondary data gathered and analyzed from various sources such as journal articles, books, and official documentation from ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka. Due to Covid-19 Sri Lankan policy makers have understood the economic vulnerability of Sri Lanka and negative implications of its overdependence on global supply chains focusing on economic realignment to reduce vulnerability. Also due to the pandemic, relations with regional powers were reevaluated and vaccine diplomacy came to the forefront of Foreign Policy priorities. The change Sri Lankan Foreign Policy underwent during the pandemic reflects its resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges and health security, economic resilience and digital diplomacy will continue to be key components of Sri Lankan Foreign Policy in post-pandemic world.