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UNISCI Discussion Papers, Nº 33 (Octubre / October 2013) ISSN 1696-220614. Externalization of inter-Ethnic ConflictA significant distinguishing factor worthy of separate consideration is that unlike the interethnictensions prevailing in Malaysia, the inter-ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has over the yearsbeen “externalized” and “internationalized.” Hence, any response to the inter-ethnic tensionswill have to also be accorded an “international dimension” even if not being “externalized” tothe same extent as the conflict itself. 128Further, it cannot be disputed that as a result of the “internationalization” of the interethnicconflict in Sri Lanka, international politics has had a significant bearing on ethnicrelations; international politics has and continues to factor in national considerations anddomestic political battles. 129It is beyond dispute that Sri Lanka’s three decade conflict was externalized due to acombination of factors, among others, ranging from the presence of an active expatriatecommunity abroad; the involvement of foreign facilitators in the peace process; and thepresence of foreign peacekeeping forces in 1987. By the end of the war, Sri Lanka was placedwell within significant cynosure of the international radar. Such international attention hasspilled over into the country’s post-war phase as well, but this time taking on new meaning.As it currently stands, Sri Lanka faces a number of challenges in its foreign relations.Six key challenges need to be addressed with priority.First, distinction needs to be drawn between, on the one hand, voluntary participation ininternational mechanisms and the subsequent rules of procedure, obligations ofimplementation, and reporting that come with it, and, on the other hand, an encroachment of anation's sovereignty and territorial integrity that are not as a result of a nation's undertaking.The true test of our sovereignty will be to follow the nation’s interest, assume strong nationalpositions and communicate such positions effectively to the local and internationalcommunities. We must understand that the opportunity to justify our policies is an exercise ofsovereignty, and not an encroachment of it.Second, we live in an age of globalization and unprecedented connectivity that ischaracteristic of the twenty first century, permeating all aspects of governance includingforeign and international relations. In an inter-dependent world the only way of maintainingsovereignty is not through hostility but through constructive engagement. Sovereignty is arelative concept. Accordingly, sovereignty in this era can only be maintained to the extent welearn to live in inter-dependence and not in hostility.Third, the impact that the members of the heterogeneous expatriate community have onthe politics and electoral campaigns of host governments must be given serious considerationin our foreign policy discourse. The best way to deal with it is to address the rights ofminorities locally, both systematically and genuinely. Rights of minorities need to be coupledwith assurances for the possibility of peaceful return and life in the country. This is onceagain illustrative of how domestic policy and foreign policy are inextricably linked.128 Palihakkara, H.M.G.S., Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United Nations, delivering the Prof. J.E.Jayasuriya Memorial Lecture, 14 Feb 2011 on Post-Conflict Foreign Policy Challenges for Sri Lanka, athttp://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2011/02/19/post-conflict-foreign-policy-challenges-for-sri-lankaprof-j-ejayasuriya-memorial-lecture-%E2%80%94-14-feb-2011/.129 Yusuf, Salma: "Domestic Policy and International Positioning: A True Test of Sovereignty", InternationalAffairs Review, at http://www.iar-gwu.org/node/420.210
UNISCI Discussion Papers, Nº 33 (Octubre / October 2013) ISSN 1696-2206Fourth, the fostering and maintenance of credibility of national positions should be theunderlying objective of the conduct of our foreign relations. This will require that there is oneinterlocutor between the state and international community. The internal consensus will notonly prevent confusion and contradiction but also help maintain credibility and reveal thestrength of the establishment – this will be the true test of exercising sovereignty in theconduct of our foreign affairs.Fifth, most of the country's bilateral and multilateral engagements are haunted by aspecter of reconciliation and human rights concerns. We must remember that human rightsand inter-communal harmony are not alien to our country, the values of which are enshrinedin our shared history, cultures and legal frameworks. We need to capitalize and draw on thesestrengths to forge a robust system of governance that will be able to function withindependence and credibility. Hence, for every allegation made, we will have the availabilityof structures and norms to deal with such allegations domestically. In this regard, theimplementation of the outcomes of the two national processes, namely the Lessons Learnt andReconciliation Commission and the National Human Rights Action Plan will demonstrate thathomegrown mechanisms can credibly provide solutions, while improving our foreignrelations and prospects. Here once again is a demonstration of the link between domestic andforeign policy.Lastly, due to the conflict, we were largely inward-looking, preoccupied with internalconsiderations and taking up defensive positions in human rights and other internationalforays. With the end of the war, there is now a need to broaden our areas of engagement intoareas such as trade, science, environment, human and arms trafficking, terrorism, and regionalcooperation. With a shift to the post-war phase, an identification of priorities and a policy ofengagement must be pursued to find common ground.In the final analysis, it is the consolidation of peace, freedom, democracy and thedomestic rule of law that will translate into the ability for us to project our nation as sovereignand credible in the international domain – the link between the protection of our nationalinterests and international positioning cannot be clearer.15. Recommendations for a 1Sri Lanka ConceptSince the end of the armed struggle in May 2009, natural processes of reconciliation aretaking place in Sri Lanka. 130 While the path to moderation, tolerance and coexistence must bepaved as prerequisites for genuine peace and reconciliation, so must an organized process ofreconciliation be put in place to prevent a relapse or resurgence of past animosities thatinitially led to hostilities. 131130 Statement delivered by Ravinatha P. Aryasinha, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka and leader of the SriLanka Delegation to the 23rd Session of the Human Rights Council on May 27, 2013, in response to the HighCommissioner for Human Rights’ update on her Annual Report to the Human Rights Council, athttp://www.dailymirror.lk/opinion/172-opinion/30104-sl-has-made-significant-strides-in-reconciliation-process-.html.131 Yusuf, Salma: "The potential and promise, three years after the end of war", The Sunday Times, 13 May 2012,at http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120513/News/nws_29.html.211
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ISSN 1696-2206 Nº 33 Octubre /Octo
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Juan Emilio CheyreDirector, Center
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