தவறவிடாதீர்கள்..!உடனே பதிவு செய்யுங்கள்

 Leo Nirosh Darshan

As Sri Lanka's presidential election approaches on September 21st, foreign interventions and monitoring by major powers have intensified to an unprecedented level. The Colombo based diplomats    has noted that countries like the United States, India, and China are conducting direct assessments of the presidential election based on Sri Lanka's strategic significance in the geopolitical arena.

In the lead-up to the upcoming presidential election, similar to major elections in the past, key nations with regional influence have been actively engaging in Colombo to assess the country's grassroots political dynamics and movements. All the major parties held rallies on May Day, showcasing their political strength in preparation for the future election.

The outcomes of these rallies have sparked interest among major countries. It is common for international nations that maintain bilateral relations with Sri Lanka to closely observe the political developments surrounding the upcoming presidential election. In particular, countries like the United States, India, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom, among other Western nations, are closely monitoring the potential public support for the election.

During a recent visit to Sri Lanka by Sun Weidong, the Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, he directly engaged with the public to gauge their opinions. Additionally, he held discussions with representatives of all major political parties, including the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). This reflects China's keen interest in understanding the real stance of the electorate regarding the presidential election.

Similarly, other countries, including India and the United States, are also keenly interested in anticipating the possible outcomes of the presidential election. The involvement of countries like China, India, and the United States in Sri Lanka's presidential election stems from their efforts to protect their respective interests, ranging from economic investments to geopolitical influence.

Foreign interventions in Sri Lanka's elections have always existed. However, instead of direct accusations, these interventions are often met with indirect criticisms and diplomatic dissatisfaction. For Sri Lanka, the upcoming presidential election is significant not only at the national level but also regionally.

Economically, Sri Lanka's presidential election, taking place two years after the country declared bankruptcy, reveals the geopolitical concerns and involvement of major powers. The strategic location of Sri Lanka in the global arena is the primary reason for the interventions of world powers. Notably, most of the warships from various world nations visiting Colombo often make a stop at the Trincomalee harbor, highlighting the natural advantages of this port. These factors have made Sri Lanka a focal point for regional competitors.

Therefore, countries that have extended loans to Sri Lanka are closely monitoring the possibilities of recovering their debts and benefiting from Sri Lanka's resources. China, the largest lender to Sri Lanka, is keen to see favorable conditions emerge in the country to ensure the repayment of its loans. Meanwhile, India is also actively pursuing diplomatic maneuvers to safeguard its interests in Sri Lanka. Notably, India is working closely with Sri Lanka on initiatives like the Asian Highway projects and land connectivity, which are comparable to China's Belt and Road Initiative.