Sri Lanka’s Firm Stance on Global Diplomacy: Advocating for International Law
In a bold assertion of its commitment to multilateralism, Sri Lanka has called for strict adherence to international law and robust United Nations action following the recent US military attack on Venezuela. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath emphasized that all nations must act in accordance with UN conventions to safeguard sovereignty and global stability. This position resonates deeply with Sri Lanka’s own history as a small island nation navigating the complexities of international relations, from its pivotal role in ocean governance to protecting its expatriate workforce abroad.
Speaking to reporters on January 5, 2025, Minister Herath stated, “It is essential that actions should be taken in a way that is according to United Nations Conventions, to protect international law and the independence of countries.” Sri Lanka has pledged full support for UN measures, including hastening a UN Security Council meeting to address the violation of fundamental principles. This incident—involving a US strike on Venezuelan defense installations, the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, and subsequent claims over Venezuela’s oil resources—has drawn sharp criticism from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned of a dangerous precedent.
The Venezuelan Crisis: Context and Sri Lanka’s Response
The US justified its actions citing drug trafficking allegations, but Sri Lanka views this as a breach of post-World War II international order, including the UN Charter’s prohibition on the use of force against sovereign states. Minister Herath’s remarks underscore Sri Lanka’s longstanding advocacy for the rule of law, a principle enshrined in the UN Charter that the nation has championed through active participation in global forums.
Sri Lanka’s official statement expressed deep concern over the situation, reiterating the need to uphold principles like state sovereignty and non-interference. As a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) since 1961, Sri Lanka has consistently positioned itself as a voice for smaller nations against unilateral actions by superpowers. This stance is particularly relevant today, with Colombo/Colombo’s bustling diplomatic circles abuzz with discussions on the implications for global trade routes vital to Sri Lanka’s tea, garment, and tourism industries.
Local Impact: Why Venezuelan Tensions Matter to Sri Lankans
For everyday Sri Lankans, from fisherfolk in Negombo to exporters in Colombo’s Fort area, international stability is not abstract. Venezuela’s vast oil reserves influence global energy prices, affecting Sri Lanka’s import-dependent economy. In 2024, Sri Lanka imported over 80% of its oil, with fluctuations rippling through to fuel prices at stations across the island, from the highways of Kandy to the coastal roads of Galle. Disruptions in Latin American supplies could exacerbate challenges faced post-2022 economic crisis, where fuel shortages paralyzed public transport in cities like Jaffna and Batticaloa.
Moreover, Sri Lanka’s 2.5 million expatriate workers—remitting over $7 billion annually—rely on stable international norms. Minister Herath, also overseeing Foreign Employment, has prioritized protecting these workers in 2026, expanding legal migration pathways amid rising global tensions. An unstable world order threatens safe remittance corridors, impacting families in rural villages like those in Anuradhapura, where remittances fund education and home construction.
Sri Lanka’s Legacy as a Champion of International Law
Sri Lanka’s call carries weight due to its proven track record in upholding global treaties. In a landmark move, the island nation ratified the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, becoming one of the first four countries to do so. This commitment, formalized after years of negotiations since 2018, demonstrates Sri Lanka’s leadership in ocean governance—a legacy tracing back to its influence on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The BBNJ Agreement, set to enter into force on January 17, 2026, mandates marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and equitable sharing of marine genetic resources. Supported by collaborations with the Commonwealth Secretariat, Australia’s DFAT, and ANCORS, Sri Lanka analyzed institutional gaps and refined technical support for ratification. This positions Sri Lanka as an “ocean governance leader,” protecting its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) spanning 517,000 square kilometers—larger than the island itself—from overfishing and illegal activities.
Maritime security is crucial for Sri Lanka’s blue economy. In Trincomalee, once a British naval base and now a hub for deep-sea fishing, the treaty safeguards tuna stocks vital to 2.4 million livelihoods dependent on fisheries. Galle’s historic port, a UNESCO site, benefits from sustainable practices that boost tourism, drawing 2 million visitors annually to its Dutch forts and azure waters.
Parallels with Sri Lanka’s Domestic Challenges
Sri Lanka’s advocacy mirrors its experiences with international scrutiny, such as UN Human Rights Council resolutions in Geneva. Refusal to fully align with the Rome Statute has sparked debates on external tribunals, highlighting vulnerabilities of small states. Analysts note that nations like Sri Lanka, with powerful neighbors like India and China influencing its Indian Ocean backyard, are acutely aware of aggression risks. The Venezuelan precedent echoes historical US interventions in Latin America, reinforcing Colombo’s push for UN-centric solutions.
Implications for Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy in 2026
Under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration, Sri Lanka balances ties with the West, Russia, China, and NAM partners. Minister Herath’s diplomacy, including marking 50 years of Holy See relations in 2025, emphasizes peace and social justice. This Venezuela response aligns with priorities like protecting workers abroad and skills recognition, as outlined by the Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva.
Economically, stability ensures tourism recovery—Sri Lanka welcomed 2.1 million tourists in 2024, targeting 5 million by 2030. Businesses in Colombo’s Pettah market and apparel firms in Katunayake export zone depend on predictable global norms. Culturally, Buddhist principles of ahimsa (non-violence), embodied in Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, inform Sri Lanka’s pacifist foreign policy, resonating with readers from Matara’s surf beaches to Nuwara Eliya’s tea estates.
Broader Global Lessons from a Small Island’s Voice
Sri Lanka’s position exemplifies how small states can shape discourse. By backing UN action, it protects not just Venezuela but its own interests—from maritime boundaries in the Palk Strait to remittance flows. As the High Seas Treaty nears force, Sri Lanka sets an example: ratification binds nations legally, turning commitments into obligations.
For Sri Lankan readers, this is a reminder of resilience. From post-tsunami recovery to economic revival, the nation thrives on principled multilateralism. As Minister Herath urges, hastening UN measures preserves the order small islands like Sri Lanka depend on.
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References
- EconomyNext: Sri Lanka calls to respect international law, to back UN action after US attack on Venezuela
- Commonwealth Secretariat: Sri Lanka commits to High Seas Treaty
- Xinhua: Sri Lanka says “deeply concerned” about Venezuela situation
- The Morning Telegraph: Sri Lanka on the Edge: Geneva Resolution
- Sri Lanka Guardian: The Law That Doesn’t Stop the War
- Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN Geneva: Archives
- Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN Geneva: Statements
