Re-designing Sri Lanka's foreign policy, 'need of the hour': Eran.

Sri Lankan's economy is not standalone, but is interlinked with foreign policy, says SJB parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne.

'Whilst our internal decision making is decisive, international decision making and events play a key role in our economy, lifestyle and security, more so, because we are a small island nation,' he says.

Wickramaratne is of the view that the government must follow a multi-aligned foreign policy, whilst refraining from leaning towards any policy that poses a threat to the security of our nearest neighbour, India.

Addressing the press conference held on Sunday at the office of the Leader of the Opposition, he further said that our foreign policy must follow law and international standards, such as that of the Charter of the United Nations.

Highlighting a few key components, he stressed on rejecting force on others, peaceful resolution and settlement of conflict, acknowledging and supporting sovereignty of nation states and the adherence of human rights - all of which he emphasised, should be key pillars of Sri Lanka's foreign policy.

'Today, national security is not solely a military endeavor, but has great political and economic relevance. We must pursue peaceful coexistence with our neighbours and reject military alliances, taking the lead in promoting regional integration. We must evolve from non-aligned to a timely multi-aligned foreign policy. In the current context, our agenda must be driven by economic survival and progression, however, the MP alleged that the Sri Lankan government has been inconsistent in its foreign policy causing tension with friendly countries since of late, a path leading to economic suicide,' Wickramaratne said.

'We must not forget that more than 10% of Sri Lanka's population is based overseas for economic reasons. Policy that we adopt has a direct impact on this segment of our people. Albeit being a small nation, we must endeavor to be one of the key hubs and a strong player in the region.'

We must work toward regional security, peace and stability. Just last week, Sri Lanka assumed Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Our territorial waters are 8 times our land extent. It befalls on us to maintain peace in the Indian Ocean's waters. We must also strengthen our relationships with countries encompassing the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) which is an economic initiative. Sri Lanka must diversify its export markets working bilaterally and with...