It’s only two weeks since Sri Lanka elected Anura Kumara Dissanayaka President. He has used the time well. He got the diplomacy exactly right. First meeting with the Indian high commissioner, then the Chinese ambassador, signaling that India is most important for Sri Lanka, then comes China next. Later he met ambassadors from everywhere else, the West, Russia and more.
This is a clear signal of a “Sri Lanka first” foreign policy. Immediately upon swearing in he visited the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and was blessed by the mahanayakes. Later he met with Tamil and Muslim political and religious leaders.
His insistence on creating a Sri Lanka for all ethnic communities is strong. He has reached out to the business community underlining that only working closely with business, can he create a prosperous Sri Lanka and bring the resources needed to improve education, health and opportunities for the poor.
He brings a non-corrupt core of people to state power. By reducing luxury car allowances for ministers, he signals a more modest life style for leaders. Dressing in khaki he signals a leadership close to people.
None of of this will by itself solve all problems in Sri Lanka. It will not calm all skepticism to a left wing leader among diplomats. But it is for sure a good start. Everyone should now roll up their sleeves and help him build a peaceful, multi ethnic, green and prosperous Sri Lanka.
