Compare and contrast the foreign policy of the UNP regimes of 1948 – 1956 with that of Banadaranayake regimesof 1956 – 1965 Foreign policy of a country directly or indirectly indicates the behavior towards power blocks or policies. It is difficult in the complicated world affairs to be non-aligned or non-committal. There are schools of thoughts that some countries are friendly towards certain blocks and world powers. One might say a country is USA-friendly, USSR-friendly, China-friendly, India-friendly or friendly with any other country or power block. Basic principle of foreign policy of a country is how the nation acts or reacts towards the other members in their dealings. In that respect Sri Lankan foreign policy is clear and specific. Foreign Policy of a nation is a reflection of how it behaves. It varies and changes from leader to leader and government to government. It is important as any other function of the Government as the foreign policy is interconnected to any other areas such as economy, development and all the other areas. Therefore generally it is the head of the state who conducts the foreign policy and relations. Sometimes for convenience and due to pressure of work of the head of the state it is delegated to a very reliable Minister to be the Foreign Minister. Foreign Policy of a country is the strategies and policies chosen by the State in order to protect, enhance and safeguard its national interest and achieve the goal on social, political and economic issues. It is the duty of the Head of the State to create and implement the foreign policy, which he may designate to a Foreign Minister or the legislature. The foreign policy varies from leader to leader depending on how he/she designs, implements and gives leadership to the policy created with his/her team. Foreign Policy of a country is crucial and important, as all the other areas and fronts on economy, defense, agriculture and development are directly connected to the foreign policy, and as to how the leader conducts these issues with the rest of the world. It is for this reason that the power is vested on the foreign policy issues with the Head of the State, who may carefully delegate it to another person or the legislature. The leader has his/her own strategy and the style of conducting the foreign policy of the state. Foreign relations refer to the on-going management of relationships between a public policy administrative organization of a State and other entities external to its authority for influence. The primary goal of such organizations is therefore to create, develop and manage foreign policy and therefore describes relationships as seen the self-interested perspective of the State when viewing international relations. In the USA, USSR or any other emerging world power, the Head of the State and his image is the reflection of how the country behaves with the rest of the world. The foreign policy is codified and implemented via the head of the state whose conduct is carefully monitored and scrutinized by the world, in order to respond to and reciprocate based on the conduct and the Page | 1 non-alignment on extremely friendly ways. became Ceylon's first prime minister after independence. with the UNP friendlier to the West. S. Training of Ceylon Army came into force. On the day Ceylon became independent. The country stood virtually alone among its South and Southeast Asian neighbors in possessing a viable two-party system in which the conservative United National Party (UNP) and the left-of-center Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) alternated with each other in power after fairly contested elections.Sri Lanka’s foreign policy during the first 8 years of it’s independence was marked by close collaboration with the West. the Ceylon – U. Defense Agreement: Air and Naval facilities. however emphasis on the personal style and the party political complexion of the government in power as an important foreign determinant is not misplaced. In these circumstances. Dudley Senanayake and John Kotelawala. The divided opposition failed to agree on a leader until 1951.behavior. Senanayake which had two key elements namely the Defence Pact with the UK of 1948 and his attachment to the Commonwealth on which he lavished high praise. Sri Lanka has been extremely careful in dealing with other nations on strategies based of non-confrontation. While the characterization of UNP foreign policy as being basically prowestern seems justifiable on the ground of the strong ideological antipathy. to the former Eastern bloc. the country's political system appeared to be the very model of a parliamentary democracy. namely D. the SLFP. He won a major victory in 1952 and continued in power until he died in 1956. Both find their support from within the majority Sinhalese community. D. under the terms of Britain trained the use of an airbase at Katunayake and the naval base at Trincomalee. and like most other parties. both are led mostly by high caste Sinhalese. Senanayake. a policy strictly adhered to by all three UNP Prime Ministers who held office during this period. S. The United National Party (UNP) was the main party of the independence movement. When discussing the foreign policy of a small state such as Sri Lanka. For UNP Prime Ministers during this Page | 2 . Over the years. positive diplomacy of Prime Minister D. Regimes of United National Party (1948 – 1956) During the regimes UNP there were three Prime-Ministers from 1948 to 1956. In the years following Sri Lanka's attainment of independence on February 4. the SLFP became the island's other major political party. Senanayake. Sri Lanka though small but a very senior member of the world family strategically situated has to be extremely careful in dealing with the other members of the world family. as head of a coalition of which the UNP was the chief unit. and its widely respected leader. when Solomon Bandaranaike left the UNP to form the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).S. With independence Sri Lanka showed that it was no stranger to foreign policy in the self-confident.K. 1948. In fact and in reality. advocating—like the UNP—a non-aligned foreign policy. Whether there was a pro-Western bias remains an open question but in the opening years Sri Lanka was closely identified with Commonwealth initiatives both in the launching of the Colombo Plan in 1950 as the outcome of the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Conference and in the key role which Sri Lanka through its doughty representative J. It possibly gave Sri Lanka a kind of pro-Western image in the eyes of the world and it cost it admission to the United Nations in 1948. S. Jayewardene played at the San Francisco Peace Conference of 1951 in a virtual confrontation with the awesome Gromyko.1 Sri Lanka’s close commitment to the Commonwealth during the period 1948-1956. Ceylon entered into an important Trade Agreement with communist China (under the terms of which China agreed to supply Ceylon with 80. R. in August 1948 this application was vetoed by the Soviet delegate in the Security Council. first in January 1950 Ceylon accorded recognition to the People’s Republic of China and was among the earliest non communist countries to do so.4 Regimes of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (1956 – 1960) Page | 3 . the Defense Agreement remained the indispensable condition of Ceylon’s security. second October 1952. first.3 The Government of Sri Lanka hoped to derive three benefits from the agreement. there by to establish the Sri Lankan economy. and advert the drain on Sri Lanka’s external assets. In May 1948 Prime Minister D. Hence the rubber price guaranteed by China was 40% higher than prices obtaining in the West and Ceylon guaranteed rice of “a superior grade at approximately 2/3 of the world price of rice of an inferior grade. Senanayake had applied for Ceylon’s admission to the United Nations. but there were two notable exceptions to the rule. third.000 tons of rise “ within a short period” in exchange for rubber and other products from Ceylon ). friendly ties maintained since then with Pakistan and China. The Ceylon – China Trade Agreement was advantageous to Ceylon in both in respect of rubber and rice. The attitude of the Soviet Union to Ceylon’s application for UN membership was another major factor determining the island’s foreign policy orientation during this period. second. and her major role in the Non-Aligned Moment and commitment to non-aligned philosophy can be interpreted. in a sense. liquidate the deficit in her trade and payments balance.period. to ensure a steady supply of rice into Sri Lanka at a time of world scarcity of that commodity. The truth probably is that the Cold War was to blame rather than any question of Sri Lanka’s status or image. The refusal to have any dealing with communist or with communist countries was a guiding principle of UNP foreign policy during this period.2 The UK Defence Pact raised eyebrows in India as much as membership in the Commonwealth in view of India’s republican views. to save the Ceylonese rubber industry from ruin by assuring producers of a fair price and a reliable market when western prices were uneconomic and western markets uncertain. as diplomatic devices to counter-balance Sri Lanka’s unequal relationship with India. Perera was appointed as Sri Lanka’s first ambassador to China. P. Prime Minister Bandaranaike established his policy of non-alignment on a firm basis by exchanging diplomatic representatives with communist countries. In September 1956. nationalization of tea and rubber plantations. my government will not align with any power blocs. notably in its attitude towards communist countries. The position of the base Katunayake and Trincomalee will be reviewed. In the elections. When the new Bandaranayaike government assumed office in April 1956. The change of government following upon the elections held in April 1956 led to a significant change in Ceylon’s foreign policy. therefore two obstacles in the way of closer co-operation between Ceylon and the communist countries had already been removed. the Trotskyite Lanka Sama Samaja (LSSP). G. the MEP won 51 seats. economic and cultural relations. Malalasekra was appointed as Sri Lanka’s ambassador in Moscow. In its foreign policy. beginning with Soviet Union and China. termination of British base rights. However the quit apart from the change of government. the new government declared. In February 1958 Prime Minister of Czecho Page | 4 .5 While the new government’s early negotiation with the British for the withdrawal of their bases in Sri Lanka itself removed the taint that the island was aligned with the western bloc. composed of his own SLFP. The MEP called for the extension of state control. and a group of independents. there were other factors which determined the nature of the island’s relations with such counties during this period. Bandaranaike formed the People's United Front (Mahajana Eksath Peramuna—MEP). Every endeavor will be made to establish close collaboration and co-operation with other counties in which Ceylon is not at present represenatated.Shortly before the 1956 elections. and a foreign policy of strict nonalignment. and Bandaranaike became prime minister. In his first speech from the Throne. Sri Lanka and China and Sri Lanka and Soviet Union signed out joint communiqués on the establishment of diplomatic.6 The question of diplomatic representation with China was finalized during Chou En-lai’s visit to Sri Lanka in early 1957 and in February 1957 Wilmot A. holding power until September 1959. The government began to exploring the possibilities of increases trade with communist counties and the prospects of economic and technical assistance from the Soviet bloc. Same year Prof. the UNP won a majority of the popular vote but only 30 seats. 46 seats. As a founder member of Non Alignment she gave practical shape to dynamic neutralism to make it a driving force for the Third World in world affairs and the choice of Sri Lanka as the venue for the 5th Non Aligned Summit was a signal recognition of her leadership role. UNP leader Dudley Senanayake failed to muster a majority. at 3% on unpaid installments due.7 Ceylon’s first agreement with a communist country for the provision of economic and technical assistance was signed with Czechoslovakia in August 19565. Sino – Ceylonese relations had received a great fillip by the visit to Ceylon of Chou En-lai between 31 January and 5 February 1957. the remaining 55. Bandaranayeka’s era (1960 – 1965) In elections March 1960.5% interest. enemies of non” 9 Bandaranaike took steps to establish diplomatic relations with Soviet Union and China. By signing a agreement in September 1957. She committed her government to pursuing continuation of her husband's agenda. Her proposal for the declaration of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace was a genuine expression of adherence to its tenets to rid the world of tensions arising from militaristic confrontations. During the course of visit. the SLFP. repayable in 12 years. Mrs.slovakia Villiam Siroky visited Sri Lanka and as a result of that exchange of student and scholars between Ceylon and the communist countries. and with her supporters on the left. the Chinese leader had stressed the five principles of peaceful co-existence (panchasila) and the “Bandung Spirit” as being the basis of china’s foreign policy and the essential basis for the co-operation of countries with different political systems. to permit the importation to Sri Lanka of communist literature and entered into closer collaboration and closer commercial ties with the communist countires. The Prime Minister wanted to be “friends of all. the Soviet Union concluded an economic aid agreement with Ceylon under the terms of which a line of credit of 27 million new roubles was granted at 2. The SLFP. February 1958. becoming the first woman in the world to hold office as prime minister. the UNP won 50 of the 151 seats at stake. led by its slain leader's widow. China offered economic aid in the form of goods up to the value of Rs: 75 million to Sri Lanka. and free travel by Ceylonese in such countries was begun. Mrs. Bandaranaike made history not only as the world’s first Prime Minister but also as a statesman of world class. won 75. and other parties. and new elections were called for July. she was able to form a government. In this second round of polling.8 The biggest donor of foreign aid to Ceylon among the communist countries. Sirimavo Bandaranaike. By this agreement. however was the Peoples’ Republic China. including nationalization of enterprises. Page | 5 . the government of Czechoslovakia provided credit facilities for the purchase of capital goods. relating to the question of persons recent Indian origin in Sri Lanka. This affirmed the historical reality that the personal relationship and chemistry is at the heart Page | 6 . Finally. Besides renewing the Trade agreement with China in 1957 and 1962. The most notable diplomatic achievement of Sri Lanka’s relations with India was the signing of the Indo – Ceylon Agreement (also referred to as the Sirima – Shastri Agreement) of October 1964. but also opened up new sources from which the island could obtain her requirements of food and manufactured products. agriculture equipments and machinery.10 At a domestic level the Sirima-Sastri Pact was a monumental achievement which not only resolved an outstanding problem but laid the foundation for meaningful cooperation between the two countries especially in the realnm of world affairs. Even in Mrs.When the Sino-India war broke out in October 1962. China for the supply of complete plants. Theses agreements not only decrease the dependence on Ceylon on western markets for the sale of her raw material products. Czechoslovakia. and with neither of which she could have afford a breach of the existing goodwill and friendly nation. The Indian government accepts the Colombo proposal in toto. where Mrs. Sri Lanka’s role and neutralist stand this dispute appeared to have been greatly appreciated in China. Bandaranaike’s era China played a major role. Economic Aid Agreement signed between two countries in October 1962. which gave most favored nation treatment to the contracting parties in respect of commercial vessels engaged in cargo and passenger service to and from the two countries of third country. Sri Lanka agreed to grant citizenship to 30. an agreement signed between Ceylon and China provided for an interest free loan of Rs: 20 million to finance complete sets of equipment machines and farm implements. but the Chinese acceptance was subject to reservations. Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike resisted the pressure from elements within the government party as well as from outside it to brand China the aggressor but instead took the initiative in summoning the Colombo Conference of six nonaligned nations to explore ways and means of bringing India and China to the conference table and setting the boundary dispute. in October 1964.0000 of an estimated 975. and although in the event the mediation of the nonaligned powers didn’t lead to a resolution of the conflict. Sri Lanka’s role as a peace -maker in the Sino – Indian conflict was motivated by her manifest desire to prevent the continuation of hostilities between two countries with both of which she had close political and economic ties. Bandaranaike was warmly received and feted during her visit in January 1963.000 such persons. the period of the validity of the agreement being 15 years. A similar agreement had been entered into between Sri Lanka and USSR in February 1962. Hungary Poland and Rumania. Under the 1964 agreement.000 persons of Indian origin in the Island and India agreed to grant Indian citizenship and repatriate to India 525. Sri Lanka and China entered into a Maritime Agreement in July1963. SLFP government also entered into bi-lateral trade agreements with Bulgaria. It is the duty of the Head of the State to create and implement the foreign policy. enhance and safeguard its national interest and achieve the goal on social. Page | 7 . During the period 1948-56 there existed a fundamental divergence of approach between Government and Opposition on important foreign policy issues in Sri Lanka. Since 1956. implements and gives leadership to the policy created with his/her team. e. The success of Mrs.of Indo-Sri Lankan diplomacy which could mitigate the effect of the overshadowing a symmetries. The foreign policy varies from leader to leader depending on how he/she designs.11 SLFP policy. a country following a neutral policy and non-aligned with any power blocs. anti-colonialist and anti-militarist approach to foreign policy. became more outspoken in its anti-pact. i. More than ever Sri Lanka finds itself back in the international community enjoying its respect and fellowship and interacting purposefully with it for the attainment of its national objectives. Bandaranaike. Bandaranaike’s statesmanship was a classic illustration of this which would cost Sri Lanka dearly if overlooked. as happened later. Bandaranaike had emphasized that the proper position for a country like Sri Lanka was that of a country like Switzerland in Europe. and that of the SLFP government which followed. and attempts have been made to show that there was no basic different between the foreign policy of Sri Lanka under the UNP government during the period 1953-1956. political and economic issues. the personal charisma and statesmanship of Mrs. which he/she may designate to a Foreign Minister or the legislature. Bandaranaike’s second administration in 1977 can be regarded as a high watermark in its foreign policy when through its Non Alignment role. successive governments have espoused non-alignment as the basic tenet of their foreign policy. The advent of the Bandaranaike government in 1956 connoted a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s relations with the West as it had done in respect of Sri Lanka’s relations with Communist countries. though governments headed by the SLFP have tended to be pro-socialist in orientation. especially as it evolved under the government of Mrs. The period from 1956 till the end of Mrs. UNP Prime Ministers since independence have claimed to follow a policy of nonalignment. while UNP governments have veered towards the West. Universality has been matched by fruitful and cordial regionalism in a happy blend of multilateralism and bilateralism which traditionally has been the keynote of Sri Lankan foreign policy and the secret of its success. Conclusion UNP government only ignored the question of establishing diplomatic relations with communist countries. Bandaranaike. Sri Lanka gained international prestige. As mentioned earlier Foreign Policy of a country is the strategies and policies chosen by the State in order to protect. 61 House of Representatives Debates (1956) Vol. 3. p. “ Foreign Policy of Sri Lanka: A Third World Perspective”. “ Foreign Policy of Sri Lanka: A Third World Perspective”. p. “ Foreign Policy of Sri Lanka: A Third World Perspective”. Kodikara. 1293 Shelton U. p. Kodikara.S. Asian Recorder Vol. p. 34 10 11 R. 15th September 1956. 2nd February 1956. New York Times. Kodikara. p. 55 Shelton U. “ Foreign Policy of Sri Lanka: A Third World Perspective”. 22nd November 1956. 3 April 1953 4 5 6 7 8 9 Shelton U. Harney. p. Kodikara. 18 As stated by by Mr. Col. p. Austrailian Outlook Page | 8 . p. M. “ Foreign Policy of Sri Lanka: A Third World Perspective”. 76 New York Times.References 1 2 3 See Shelton U. p. 24.2 New York Times. “The Foreign Policy of Ceylon Under Two Premiers”. 25.51 Shelton U. a member of the Ceylonese trade delegation to an editor of U. Susantha De Fonseka. Kodikara. 13. News and World report.
Report "Compare and Contrast the Foreign Policy Sri Lanka Between 1948 - 1956 and 1956 - 1965"