Sri Lanka's newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has vowed to steer a neutral course in the country's foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of avoiding entanglement in geopolitical rivalries. In an interview with Monocle magazine, Dissanayake outlined his vision for balanced relationships with both China and India, Sri Lanka's closest neighbors.

"We won't be a competitor in that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned to any party. We don't want to be sandwiched, especially between China and India. Both countries are valued friends and, under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners. We also want to maintain relations with the EU, the Middle East and Africa," Dissanayake asserted.

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This neutral foreign policy approach, Dissanayake believes, is crucial for Sri Lanka to safeguard its sovereignty in the midst of rising regional tensions. He emphasized that Sri Lanka will not be a pawn in the power struggles between global superpowers, instead focusing on building mutually beneficial diplomatic partnerships.

Dissanayake assumed the presidency on Monday, replacing Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had been appointed by Parliament to complete the remaining term of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Dissanayake's victory came as a result of a landslide, garnering 1.27 million more votes than his closest rival, Sajith Premadasa, while Wickremesinghe finished in third place.

The new president's commitment to neutrality has been welcomed by Sri Lanka's neighbors, including India, Pakistan, and the Maldives, as well as China, the country's largest bilateral creditor. Dissanayake's approach suggests a shift away from the previous administration's close ties with China and a desire to foster more balanced relationships with a wider range of international partners.

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As Dissanayake takes the helm, Sri Lanka faces significant challenges, including an economic crisis and political instability. The new president has pledged to address these issues and bring about positive change for the island nation. His commitment to a neutral foreign policy and the pursuit of mutually beneficial partnerships offer hope for a more stable and prosperous future for Sri Lanka.

(Disclaimer: This content is generated using AI assistance.)