ISSRS 2019

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/22767

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 41

Impact of China’s Political and Economic Behaviors for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Kumari, H.M.Thusitha
The People’s Republic of China receives continual coverage in the popular press of its emerging super power status, and has been identified as a rising or emerging economic growth and military super power by academics and other experts. The emergence of China as an economic power has been noticed by many but not welcomed by all. Many see it as a challenge to their supremacy. But for others, China’s economic impact is beneficial. They see it as the center of a ‘virtuous trade cycle’ that is helpful to most developing economies in the region. China is affecting to South Asia both directly and indirectly. According to that, the main objective of this research is to determine whether China’s foreign policy is a threat to the South Asia and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Therefore the main research problem is to find out how China’s foreign policy affect the regional stability and SAARC’s future. This is a qualitative study based on the conceptual framework of stratification. The data triangulation method is used to gather data form various secondary source such as published journal, articles, books and electronic documents. The existing theories are used to interpret data as for the world politics. SAARC’s aims to improve their member’s quality of life through accelerated economic growth, social progress and cultural development are not successful because of China’s involvement as a major power in the region. The domestic political analysis on many of South Asian countries provides the incentives for them to bandwagon with China for economic prosperity and certain countries like Sri Lanka indicated more inclination towards China to avoid the pressures coming from the western powers on issues pertaining to human rights and other humanitarian issues. This research concluded that there is no a clear way to reduce this interferences and its negative impact for the South Asia. As a major power, India and SAARC have not responded adequately towards China’s foreign policy towards the region.
The Maritime Relationship between China and Sri Lanka during the Period of 2010-2018
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Kamburugamuwa, K.V.C.S.A.
Today China is the world’s second largest economy with a GDP over US$ 1,100,000 billion and the major power in Asia with huge influential capacity. On other hand, Sri Lanka is smaller state in South Asia that ranked as an upper middle-income country. Both states have been in good relationship over 60 years. During the period of 2010- 2015 Sri Lanka-China relationship increased and it was mainly focused on maritime relations. With the establishment of new government in 2015 those relations were limited. The objectives of this study are examining the nature of China-Sri Lanka maritime relationship and identifying the reasons for China-Sri Lanka maritime relationship, opportunities and challenges of China-Sri Lanka maritime relationship to China and to Sri Lanka and how it affected to outsiders. The methodology of this study is qualitative and it will continue based on grounded theory. This study will use both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the research problem. The data will be collected through secondary data sources. In conclusion the study explains that there is maritime relationship between China and Sri Lanka. And also, there are impacts from the maritime relationship between China and Sri Lanka to both states and outside states too. The study shows that there are positive impacts and negative impacts too. In addition, difference of the maritime relations with China under different governments. Through this research it studies what are the reasons to establish China-Sri Lanka maritime relationship, how it programmed and impact of the relationship on both states.
A Study of the Role of India and Pakistan on Kashmir Crisis
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Weerakoon, W. G. D. Nimeshika
The Kashmir crisis occupies a special place among the political crises in the postcolonial South Asian region. After seventy-two years of partition of British India, Kashmir still remains an unresolved issue. It has not only been a cause of wars and crisis in India -Pakistan bilateral relations, but also regional peace and stability hinges upon its resolution. Ever since the emergence of India and Pakistan independent states the relationship between two countries has been conflictual. The best evidence for this is the Kashmir crisis which arose between the two countries. The Kashmir conflict is a territorial conflict primarily between India and Pakistan regarding the ownership of the Kashmir region. Accordingly, “Kashmir” became the decisive factor within the Indo-Pakistani diplomatic relations. The main problem of this study is to understand the role of India and Pakistan on Kashmir Crisis. This study expects to understand the root causes of the Kashmir crisis, the main actions and policies of India and Pakistan on crisis. And seeks to study the contribution and successes of international community in their efforts to resolve the Kashmir crisis. The above mentioned objectives will be achieved in the light of data taken by secondary data sources which was collected from academic journals, reports, publications and articles. Besides these, relevant literature has been obtained through various websites to collect secondary data. The analysis of this study is based on qualitative analysis. And also the descriptive analysis has been used by the researcher. Finally, it analyses the main reasons for inability to resolve the Kashmir issue. Accordingly, the nature of the Indian political system, the extremely emotional narratives surrounding the Indian military, the presence of an overly nationalistic populace of India that sometimes takes its views on Kashmir out of the confines of realities. And also, India and Pakistan have been effectively disempowered by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in all attempts to resolve the Kashmir conflict. These are the main reasons for Kashmir issue is not being resolved.
Comparative Analysis between the Foreign Policy of Sirimavo Bandaranaike and J. R. Jayawardhana: Special Reference to South Asia
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Fernando, U.G.G.
Foreign policy encompasses the tactics and process by which a nation interacts with other nations in order to further its interests. Political parties form the basis for the views of political leaders in the states. This study is mainly focused on the foreign policy of Sri Lanka in South Asia under Sirimavo Bandaranaike and J. R. Jayawardhana. The study will discuss similarities and differences under two different leaderships. To achieve aforesaid objectives, qualitative approach has been used and secondary data is the main type of data obtained from various sources such as books, journal articles, newspapers and other relevant documents available in both printed and electronic versions. Through the study, it has been identified that during the period of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Sri Lanka attempted to balance East-West interests and maintain neutrality. The Sirima-Shasthri pact in 1964 which is known as the Republic of India and the Dominion of Ceylon which focused on the citizenship of workers of Indian Origin in Ceylon was a significant incident at that time. On the other hand, J.R. Jayawardhana’s foreign policy was aligned with the West. But the establishment of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) can be considered as a mean J.R Jayawardhana utilized to diversify his foreign policy refocusing his attention to regionalism. The 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord was a mile stone in the relations between India and Sri Lanka, which led to the amendment of Sri Lankan constitution. However, both leaders were careful to maintain good neighborly relations with India without antagonize it.
Legal Limits on the Use of Chemical Weapons: A Case Study of Syria
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Nishshanka, N. A. S. S.
For more than six years the international community and the people of Syria have had to face the fact that chemical weapons have become part of the Syrian civil war. By using these weapons, the Syrian government have violated international laws. The latest use of chemical weapons in the Syrian civil war has revived the debate on the problem. The use of chemical weapons is a war crime and is prohibited in a series of international treaties. All State parties have agreed to chemical disarmament by destroying any stockpiles of chemical weapons. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of international legal frameworks on use of chemical weapons through determining the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian civil war. The methodology that will be used for achieve the said objective is qualitative in nature based on secondary sources of data like books, journal articles, reports and institutional documents. The findings of the study illustrate that the problem is for years, the international community has struggled to understand how and why the Assad regime, in defiance of norms and threats, has persisted in its use of banned chemical weapons. There have been at least 336 chemical weapons attacks over the course of the Syrian civil war. However, in recent years, the international community, the UN and the OPCW have found several creative strategies to address this problem, but no strategy has so far succeeded in truly treating the problem. This is mostly due to the political dynamics control the effective handling of the crisis. The international community has found ways to address this problem, but it has not managed to exclude the possibility of further chemical attacks once and for all. To uphold the international norm on the non-use of chemical weapons, the international community should consider new, short and long term steps like enhancing national criminal investigations and adopting new powerful universal jurisdiction on use of chemical weapons.
Study of Sri Lankan Skilled Migrant Workers in Australia: Special Reference to Economic Impacts on Sri Lanka
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Karannagoda, K.S.S.
In the world, in a lot of developing countries’ people tend to migrate because of push and pull factors. Especially skilled migrants tend to migrate to another developed country because of the economic benefits and life satisfaction. As a country Sri Lanka is still developing country and Sri Lankan skilled workers tend to migrate to developed countries such as Europe, USA, New Zealand and Australia. When considering about Sri Lankan trends in migration, Australia has become a popular destination for Sri Lankan Migrants, mainly skilled migrants. Sri Lankan immigrants are the 13th largest overseas-born group in Australia and their movement to Australia has a long history. It has become increasingly complex. Skilled migration creates so many negative and positive impacts on the country. The study is focused on how Sri Lankan skilled migrant workers in Australia impact on Sri Lankan economy. When considering about economic impact of skilled migration, the study mainly focuses on brain drain. Furthermore migration of the professionals affects the fields of health, education and development. Other intellectual migration, such as engineers, scientists and experts, also affects the country's development. Sri Lankan health sector is largely hit by the brain drain. Shortages of doctors in Sri Lanka due to their migration can be seen Annually Sri Lanka produces considerable amount of doctors, but lots of them are finding employment abroad. That would be a huge effect for economic development of Sri Lanka. This research is entirely based on secondary data since only secondary data will be analyzed using content analysis and the research assumes a qualitative approach. Research objectives will be achieved through several theories, approaches and concepts, especially through international migration theories
The Impact of United States’ Withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council to the Zero Tolerance Policy Victims
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Kuruppu, K. A. D. N. S.
Many Central American families arrived to US illegally through US –Mexico border from last several years to seek asylum from the United States. In order to discourage this illegal immigration and to reduce the burden of processing asylum, The Department of Justice of United States implemented Family Separation policy under Trump administration on May 07th 2018. Under this policy, when anyone crossed the US-Mexico border illegally with their children, may separate and parents will arrest while children will take for the custody and care. Soon after implemented this family separation policy in US, on July 19th 2018 United States announced their withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council by saying that the Council has chronic bias against Israel. As the main human rights protection body in the world the UNHRC failed to address the US family separation immigration policy with their withdrawal from the Council even their policy violating many human rights of those immigrants. The article will discuss the reason for withdrawal from the Council, the violation of human rights regarding the policy and the impact of the US withdrawal from the Council for the separated families. The methodology of the study is composed of qualitative data. Scholarly articles, publications, research papers and public statements used as the secondary data. Because of the family separation policy violating many fundamental human rights, many countries raised their voice against the policy the US created their own human rights panel to address the family separation policy. The paper concludes that through the strong human rights implementation body world can address such issues when violating human rights throughout the world regardless the states’ power status.
Ideology and Foreign Policy: Case Study of US
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Nonis, P. K. S. Taniya
Ideology is an element of national power and determinant of foreign policy. Foreign policy enables a state to establish its relations beyond the borders. A state formulates its foreign policy to cater its multiplicity of interests. It is possible by building strong and cordial relations with the international community. Ideology assumes key position in the formulation of foreign policy making and interacting with other states. As the former super power and major power in prevailing situation in the world, ideology has played a key role in foreign policy formulation of the United States. Main ideology they used to change their foreign policy behavior and influence into other countries was democracy. Democracy and respect for human rights have long been central components of US foreign policy. Several leaders of the US practiced foreign policy by using democracy as their ideology in different perspectives. Former US Presidents Theodor Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D Roosevelt, Harry Truman and George W Bush have taken democracy as their ideological tool to change US foreign policy. This study find out how ideology can be used as a tool to change the US foreign policy formulation. With analysis the case study of USA. The research consist of the interpretation of ideology and foreign policy, ideology as a tool of foreign policy, US foreign policy under several leaders. Study has used secondary resources such as Journal articles, newspaper articles, books, Presidents’ annual statements, web sources to collect data. Thus study is a content analysis. The results identify that, ideology has been highly influential to change the foreign policy formulation of a nation.
Human Rights Violations of Sri Lankan Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Oshan, U.M.U.
Saudi Arabia is the one of main destinations for Sri Lankan Migrant workers. Since 1980s Sri Lankan government has provided thousands of migrant workers to Saudi Arabia. Among these workers, most are house maids. This study was aimed at evaluating the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia for domestic workers in Sri Lanka, and to identify reasons as to why Saudi Arabia does not follow the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to analyze the steps taken by the international community and Sri Lanka for the protection of housemaids in Saudi Arabia. Qualitative data approach was used as the research method and secondary data and primary data were collected from laborers who have migrated to Saudi Arabia. Data was collected through online videos, journal articles, books, reports etc. Consequently this research finds that that Saudi Arabia is a challenging and critical destination for labor migration as house maids are exploited in many ways. Lack of minimum wages, lack of safety and healthy environment, no explicit time of rest, no explicit working hours, lack of access to justice, inhuman treatment and sexual harassment aggravate this situation further. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not following United Nations’ Human Rights conventions including the International Convention on Migrant Workers and Their Families Rights. Their situation Kafala System, working agreement, absence of proper internal labour system for protect housemaids and tied social political legal situation, afraid mentality of house maids increase violation of their Human Rights. In the context of protecting migrant domestic workers' human rights in Saudi Arabia, the United Nations has some difficulties in establishing more effective human rights mechanisms as the main intergovernmental organization for protecting Human Rights. Sri Lankan government has taken some action to prevent labor rights violation, however those are not being successful.
Ideology and US Foreign Policy: Foreign Policy under George W. Bush
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Perera, G.K.G.H.
The terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre changed United States of America’s National Security Strategy from deterrence and containment to pre-emption. This new strategy of combating new security challenges, allows them the opportunity to secure US against countries that harbour or give aid to terrorist groups pre-emptively. The Bush Doctrine of pre-emption as formulated in the National Security Strategy (NSS) after the 9/11 attack goes beyond narrow principle pre-emption, but reserves the right to US to attack pre-emptively even without a definite and imminent threat. The war in Iraq is most bothersome in the implementation of the doctrine. Customary international law permits pre-emptive self-defence only when a threat is so grave and imminent. In spite of this, the Bush Doctrine of pre-emption calls for anticipatory self-defence against international law as a way of fighting terrorist group and havens of terrorism. However, the doctrine has encouraged attacks on less powerful nations by more powerful nations, spread of terrorists groups, and emergence of insurgencies and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction across national borders. This study therefore seeks to find whether Bush Doctrine promoted democracy or pursued hegemonic position in the Middle-East region. The research will be a descriptive analysis. It utilizes qualitative data gathered from secondary sources such as scholarly articles, magazines, newspapers, books published by local and international authors. Strategic and ideological interests are quantified utilizing content analysis data collected from foreign policy speeches that President George W. Bush delivered from September 11, 2001 to March 19, 2003. The data and speeches are evaluated to classify the Bush strategy as realist, liberal or neoconservative and to determine whether the Bush Doctrine represents change or continuity in US foreign policy.
BREXIT: Economic Implications for Sri Lanka and the Way Forward
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Wisidagama, W.D.D.Shevoni
The European Union (EU) is the largest trading block in the world, accounting for around one third of global trade. Therefore, when the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union in 2016 referendum, it presented significant implications to the economy of the rest of the world. Sri Lanka shares strong trade relations with the EU compared to other trading blocs in the world and the involvement of Sri Lanka with the UK is considerably higher than its involvement with any other EU country, annual trade with the UK amounting to over ten percent. Hence, it is evident that Brexit would bring about changes to trade relations Sri Lanka enjoys with the UK at present. Thus, this study aims to examine the challenges that Sri Lanka might encounter in the post Brexit context by analysing the current relations between Sri Lanka and the UK and the Brexit process. Further, the study explores the changes that should be made to the current trade policies of Sri Lanka to strengthen its trade relations with the UK. The methodology of this study includes qualitative methods which gathered statistical data from secondary sources to calculate the impact of Brexit on trade relations between Sri Lanka and the UK. The findings of this study illustrate that Brexit could prompt a drop in demand for Sri Lankan goods in the UK post Brexit and that there could be changes in tariff access to the UK, reducing Sri Lankan exports to the UK. The study identifies that Brexit negatively impacts the economy of Sri Lanka and suggests making policy changes to strengthen economic relations of Sri Lanka with the UK to overcome post Brexit challenges.
Predicting the Next Decade of Sri Lankan Foreign Policy: Special Reference to the Manifesto of Gotabaya Rajapaksha
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Peiris, T.C.M.K.
Foreign Policy of a country can be defined as a set of principles, decisions and means, adopted and followed by a nation for securing goals. The foreign policy of a nation is formulated and implemented by its policy makers. Sri Lanka on the brink of new generation just after selecting the 7th executive president of the country in November 16th of 2019. Gotabaya Rajapaksha, the newly elected president of Sri Lanka has a major task as the head of policy maker in foreign policy. Looking at Sri Lanka’s situation right now main problem of the country is huge debt followed by Security problems. Main challenge of the newly elected president also will be to follow a balance foreign policy in order to solve above mentioned problems. Main research problem of this paper will be to identify how our political leaders have understood the important of using the foreign policy to solve upcoming issues. To achieve aforesaid objectives qualitative approach has been adopted and secondary data is the main type of data obtained from various such as manifesto and the paper publications and specially political speeches. Based on the findings of the study a SWOT analysis which discusses strengths to identify and improve, weaknesses to be rectified, opportunities on which Sri Lanka can solve their major concern with the help of foreign policy. The strength includes: location of the country, Natural resources and experienced Foreign Service unit. Weaknesses include how little interest toward our foreign policy by general public and the administrative, and lack of regional integration. Opportunities include strong bond with ASEAN and good relationship with India and China.
Rise of Populism in Foreign Policy of the United States under Donald Trump
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Mihidumi, K. G. A. M.
After the independence, the United States had a number of presidents. At the beginning George Washington started to adopt political ideology called democracy. This democratic ideology was protected by presidents throughout the history even though they had some differences. When Donald Trump came to power, he was different from other presidents due to his populist policies. US foreign policy is important to all other countries, because US intervenes in other countries’ internal matters. As mentioned above Trump’s populist policies made a huge impact on US foreign policy. The main objective of this study is to understand the impacts made by Trump’s populist policies to foreign policy of the United States. Other objectives are to understand the concept of populism and foreign policy evolution in the United States. In order to understand foreign policy under Trump, US foreign policy evolution is important. This research will be a predominantly qualitative and both primary and secondary data will be used to analyze the research problem. Some analysis says that in next presidential election Trump can win again. Even though Trump didn’t maintain the international image of the United States he won his own peoples’ heart by proving that he is a peoples’ leader. Trump did so much to make cheerfully his country even though didn’t care about international image which maintained by earlier presidents. At the end can say that Trump’s populist policies were good inside of the country but not for the outside world.
Security Dimension of the Foreign Policy of Sirimavo Bandaranaike
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Chamathka, I. W. P.
The Foreign Policy decision-making is considered to be one of the greatest vital areas of a state to achieve its national interests. It is based on full of political activities of the state. According to Huge Gibsons “Foreign policy is a well-rounded comprehensive plan based on knowledge and experience for conducting the business of government with rest of the world. It is aimed at promoting and protecting the interests of the nations.” Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the first female prime minister in the world in 1960 and served as the Prime Minister for three times during 1960-1965, 1970-1977 and 1994-2000. This research describes her efforts to transform the Indian Ocean into a Peace Zone, through the political maturity. In addition to that her model was able to win the Kachchathivu Island. With the friendly relations with India she got the willing from India to redirect the Tamil immigrants. India automatically involved this Tamil emigrants’ issue because majority of Tamils living in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Indian leadership was able to show her concern from time to time whenever the situation took a grave turn. Neighborhood diplomacy promoted at normally creating a climate of confidence essential for good concentration on the developmental priorities during Mrs. Gandhi’s period. This research will explain the security dimension of Sirimavo and her foreign policy will be analyzed by the rational actor model and Non-Aligned concept. This research will be based on both qualitative and quantitative data. Both primary and secondary data will be utilized for this research. During her term of office focused on maintaining a friendly and non-aligned foreign policy with regional and extra regional governments. When she was appointed as the prime minister, Sri Lanka was politically and economically unstable. She also called for making the Indian Ocean a peace zone and all the nations should be banned the nuclear weapons. She usually stated that she concerned on the security of her own state and the world as a woman and a mother.
Assessing the Role of India in SAARC as a Regional Power
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Subarathne, P.R.S.M.
Regional Organizations are very important things in the world. The World has already developed on economically, politically, military power in the world. Among organizations, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation or (SAARC) is very important in the South Asian region. SAARC is a manifestation of the determination of the people of South Asia to work together towards finding the solution to their common problems in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding create and order based on mutual respect, equity and shared benefits. SAARC is an economic and geopolitical organization. That was established to promote socio- economic development, stability and welfare economics and collective self- reliance within its member nation. It was included by eight countries. India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Maldives. India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world with a kaleidoscopic variety and rich cultural heritage. It is the second-most populous country and the most populous democracy in the world. India is the largest economy in SAARC. There by having the highest influence in economic matters, political matters. Also in terms of geography, land size, population and political clout, India dominates SAARC. The real role is to ensure stability, peace and development in the South Asian Region. Hence, this study focuses on did India fulfill its responsibilities in SAARC as a regional power. This study is a qualitative research which utilizes secondary data collected from previous studies and books. India is playing the role of a big brother in the formation and functioning of SAARC. We can identify India’s role in SAARC. From that we can go in to the SAARC has already succeed or not. On the time of its establishment SAARC was facing many problems. The relationship of India and Pakistan has especially affected the way of SAARC. The main problems in the way of SAARC are, Tension between India and Pakistan, Interference of superpowers, Political disturbance, Terrorism. Accordingly India has a big responsible for resolving these problems in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
Challenges and Barriers for the Reconciliation in the Post War Period of Sri Lanka (Special Reference to Northern Province)
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Hettiarachchi, Sadeepa Randunu
The Sri Lankan government engaged in a war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). And they declared the end of the 30 years’ war with LTTE on May 2009. After the end of the war, reconciliation has become the first task of the peacebuilding discourse in Sri Lanka. Although the civil war has finished through the war victory, the ethnic conflict is still going on with the absence of physical violation movements with each other. But there are great possibilities for a restoration of the civil war. Hence, it is necessary to distinguish the major factors which will lead to a reproduction of war in the future. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify the challenges and barriers for the reconciliation in the post-war period of Sri Lanka. This study has used questionnaires to gather the primary data and previous research, books, online web articles were used as secondary data. The survey was conducted in the Vavuniya district with a total sample of 100 and it represented Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim ethnicities. According to the findings, it was found that the possible factors for the restoration of civil war in the future are the lack of consensus within the political actors of government regarding the post-war reconciliation; the lack of confidence among the ethnic groups about the policies of reconciliation; the contradictory policies among the government, NGOs, civil society organizations and international community for the reconciliation mechanism; and the inequalities of government policies regarding language. Although the war has ended, still Sri Lanka has failed to eliminate the risk of war in the future. Therefore, the lack of a formal mechanism of national and international policies for the reconciliation can identify as a decisive factor for the reproduction of civil war in the future.
Rise of Sinhala Buddhist Nationalism: Special Reference to Post War Period in Sri Lanka
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Fernando, U.G.G.
Nationalism is described as one’s own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations. Sinhalese are an Indo- Aryan ethnic group native to the island of Sri Lanka, who make up around 73% of the island’s population, whose majority adheres to the teaching of Buddha, in other words Buddhists. They try to maintain superiority over the other ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. This particular study will discuss the rise of Sinhala Buddhist nationalism with special reference to post war period in Sri Lanka after 2009. To achieve aforesaid objectives, qualitative approach has been used and secondary data is the main type of data obtained from various sources such as books, journal articles, newspapers and other relevant documents available in both printed and electronic versions. This study can be identify as a desk study. Through the study it has been identified that the vacuum left by the 30 years of ethnic conflict, has seemingly been filled by Sinhala Buddhist nationalism. The victory mind set of Sinhala Buddhist majority and the sense of defeat in the minds of Tamils in the North and Northeast provinces made a gap of unity and triggered mutual suspicions between the two groups. Tamils also feel that they are marginalized and discriminated in the South. By making discussions between people, identify the key issues and address them as the government, by formulating a common mechanism to fight against all sorts of ethnics and religions and introduce new amendments to the constitution to make it more secular as a country. However there are positive and negative impacts in rise of Sinhala Buddhist nationalism in Sri Lanka.
The Practice of Economic Diplomacy by China in South Asia (With Special Reference to Sri Lanka)
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Weerasekara, W.M.C.D.
Most states use diplomacy as a tool of soft power. These states frequently use economic diplomacy in their international relations. China is one of the famous countries that use economic diplomacy in its international relations. China uses its state-sponsored economic diplomacy for strengthening resource security, enhancing political relationships and soft power, and boosting commercial opportunities for national firms abroad. China economically engages to developing countries like the Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Thus, China has given foreign aid and started infrastructure development projects, foreign direct investments in Sri Lanka especially from 2012-2018 due to Sri Lanka’s strategic importance. Thus, the objectives of the study are to identify the strategies of Chinese economic diplomacy, identify the objectives of Chinese economic diplomacy, identify the consequences of Chinese economic diplomacy in Sri Lanka, and examine the accomplishment of the objectives of Chinese economic diplomacy. This study is a qualitative research which utilizes secondary data collected from previous studies and books. China uses foreign direct investments, infrastructure development projects, and overseas economic zones as the strategies of China’s economic diplomacy. China uses economic diplomacy to achieve its national objectives and interests. These objectives are to increase its economic development, national revitalization, and state security. The practice of China’s economic diplomacy has influenced economy as well as politics of Sri Lanka. In that period, Sri Lanka witnessed an increased economic development because of Chinese aid, infrastructure development projects, and foreign direct investments. And politically, the foreign policy of Sri Lanka mostly aligned with China. Similarly, China has accomplished its national interests and objectives of Chinese economic diplomacy using its strategies like One Belt One Road and especially String of Pearls. This study concludes that China could expand its power in South Asia using the practice of economic diplomacy. Therefore, today most of the South Asian countries have aligned with China than South Asia’s regional big brother ‘India’.
Vietnam War: Application of Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” by Viet Cong
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Kalansooriya, K. L. S. R.
The Vietnam War was a long, costly and divisive conflict that pitted the communist government of North Vietnam against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. The conflict was intensified by the ongoing Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. More than 3 million people (including over 58,000 Americans) were killed in the Vietnam War, and more than half of the dead were Vietnamese civilians. Opposition to the war in the United States bitterly divided Americans, even after President Richard Nixon ordered the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 1973. Communist forces ended the war by seizing control of South Vietnam in 1975. When considering about two main reason for defeat of U.S and victory of Vietnam, Sometimes reason is North Vietnam Viet Cong’s military strategy is strong or U.S military strategy is week or it can be a result of these both incidents. When explaining the different situation of the Sun Tzu and Vietnam War it shows many similarities. This thesis reviews the hidden factors what are the strategies used by Viet Cong guerillas to achieve their military objectives. What are the strategies followed by Viet Cong learn from the Sun Tzu’s Art of War to achieve their military objectives. The methodology of study includes quantitative data including a content analysis. It’s a case study and this paper concludes that how Vietcong applied Sun Tzu’s Art of war in Vietnam War and outcome of it.
Reconciliation for Ethnic Harmony in Post War Sri Lanka from 2015- 2019
(Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, 2019) Rajasooriya, J.K.C.M.
Sri Lanka is a multi-religious country where Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians have lived in peace and Harmony. The Sinhalese are the largest ethnic group in the country. The Sri Lankan civil war ended in May 2009 with the defeat of the Tamil guerrilla group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by the Sri Lankan forces and Sri Lanka became seriously fragmented as a result of intensified anti- minority sentiments and violence. In the 2015-2019 period, there are many ethnic clashes which destroy the ethnic harmony of the country. Sinhala Buddhists hegemony group, they attack minority communities especially Muslims. We can see some incidents such as Digana, Teldeniya violence, and the Easter Sunday attack. This study focuses on identifying the ethnic clashes in Sri Lanka during this period, examine how to re-establish the relationship between ethnic groups and how to remove the disregard and disrespect among conflict groups and define the actions to be taken by the government and how to achieve ethnic harmony and long-lasting peace. This study is based on the qualitative and quantitative analyzing method, adopted a qualitative approach to collect data, particularly through an interview. The study is mainly descriptive, as it tries to describe the reconciliation process by civil society organizations in Sri Lanka. This study is significant to Sri Lanka both domestically and internationally because on the one hand peaceful co-existence is vital for a multi-ethnic country like Sri Lanka and on the other hand, such recurrence of war would be gravely uncomfortable and the keep the country lagging in a fast- developing world. Therefore, not only is this research significant and valid but also timely. The findings of the study reveal that significant positive and negative outcomes, major concerns peaceful co-existence and social well-being. With the end of civil war, Muslims have become “another other” and also the target of ethno- religious hatred and violence from the vigilant right-wing ethnic- nationalist forces that claim to be protecting the Sinhala-Buddhist nation, race, and culture in Sri Lanka.