Comparative Analysis between the Foreign Policy of Sirimavo Bandaranaike and J. R. Jayawardhana: Special Reference to South Asia

Abstract

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.