Newly-elected Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena is trying to repair his country’s damaged ties with India and in doing so balance its relations with China. He announced Feb. 4 that he will travel to India on Feb. 16 as his first visit abroad.
The previous administration, under Mahinda Rajapaksa, was focused heavily on building ties with China. The Chinese regime has been one of Sri Lanka’s key business partners, through trade deals beginning in the 1950s.
According to Reuters, China has been a key supporter of Sri Lanka’s economy since its 26-year civil war ended in 2009.
Yet, like most deals with China, the Chinese regime has been disproportionately benefiting from its support.
