MR launches Centre for International Relations

• Self-named institute to strengthen Sri Lanka’s foreign policy

Opposition Leader and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa this week launched a Centre for International Relations to strengthen Sri Lanka’s foreign policy.

MP Namal Rajapaksa tweeted that the Mahinda Rajapaksa Centre for International Relations (MRCIR) would conduct studies and research on how best Sri Lanka could strengthen its international relations.

Janaka Nimalachandra has been appointed as the Secretary and the Centre and will dedicate itself to studying the policies of our foreign partners, including our partners in the region, and how best Sri Lanka can strengthen its own foreign policy, keeping in mind the sovereignty of our nation.

“Today, Sri Lanka is severely lacking a consistent foreign policy, due to which we have lost investor confidence. We are also facing a severe lack of education in the area of international relations and foreign policy and as a result our foreign policies seem to be changing from time to time. We also clear need more studies done in this field,” Namal said. 

He opined that for four years, under the present UNP regime, several leading foreign investors who had shown interest in investing in Sri Lanka had complained that due to weak foreign and economic policies of the UNP Government they were unable to invest in the island country.

“This has only weakened the Sri Lankan economy,” he added.

“Today, while it is of utmost importance that Sri Lanka studies the policies of regional markets, trade should also be given high priority. Today, the foreign policies of our regional countries are based on how their nations can benefit economically and how they can expand trade with other nations. Currently Sri Lanka lacks in this field,” Namal said. 

According to him Mahinda Rajapaksa has always maintained a nonaligned foreign policy and during his regime, he maintained close ties with all nations. He has remained steadfast that no country should interfere in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka and at the same time Sri Lanka should also maintain the same with its foreign partners. He has remained firm that Sri Lanka can resolve its own issues without the interference of foreign nations so that Sri Lanka’s sovereignty can be protected.

“The Mahinda Rajapaksa Centre for International Relations has been established at a much-needed time. This Centre which will have a team of leading researches, economists and international relations experts will continuously keep studying the foreign markets, including the regional markets and how Sri Lanka can proceed forward in maintaining strong ties with all nations. For the benefit of Sri Lanka and its foreign partners,” Namal said. 

“This Centre also welcomes dynamic individuals to present their views and provide feedback on areas concerning Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and international relations. The Centre will be open for discussion and views as the views of our citizens matter. Even foreign researches and students who are specialising in international relations can be a part of this Centre. The Centre will also act independently and will not only concentrate on the foreign policies of Mahinda Rajapaksa but will conduct studies on what policies will be most beneficial for Sri Lanka.”

Given its importance, Namal extended an open invitation to all experts and students to be a part of the Centre. 

“It is time Sri Lanka gets back on track in the global map of trade, development, education, etc. and we hope this Centre will prove to be extremely useful to all future governments,” added Namal.