Thumbs-up for foreign policy this year: Poll

Monday, 10 August 2015 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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According to the results of TNS Lanka’s latest exclusive nationwide survey, for business magazine LMD, 56% of the people state that “Sri Lanka’s foreign policy has been balanced this year.”

This group of respondents is of the view that such an approach stems from the economic advantages it could derive, and as a result of the new Government taking over in January, it adds.

LMD states: “Digging deeper, the poll reveals that over three-quarters of those consulted believe that India remains a priority in Sri Lanka’s international relations, mainly due to reasons such as geographic proximity, and historic religious and cultural ties between the two nations.”

As for China, 74% of respondents to the LMD-TNS poll say that it is important for Sri Lanka’s development plans.

“The funding already provided by China towards Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development is cited in this regard, although a number of such projects have since been suspended on account of ongoing investigations into their moral and legal validity,” the magazine notes.

And at least seven-in-10 respondents say that Sri Lanka should align itself with the West, which they feel “would help the island realise its development aspirations.”

LMD adds: “Meanwhile, half of the survey sample urges Sri Lanka to adopt a non-aligned policy, which, in turn, would mean leveraging on the country’s position as a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The magazine’s August Cover Story unveils LMD’s ‘Integrity List’ of 21 Sri Lankans who are perceived as being aboveboard (for full story, log on to www.LMD.lk). LMD celebrates its 21st anniversary this month.

The latest edition of the pioneering business magazine has been released to supermarkets and bookstores in Colombo and the outstations.