In 2022, Sri Lanka was hit by a severe economic crisis.
The oppressed people of Sri Lanka ousted the fascist Prime Minister Mahindra Rajapaksa, after which Ranil Wickremesinghe took over the government and increased taxes to eliminate shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, securing a $2.9 billion bailout program from the IMF. To gain public endorsement for his performance and to continue with tough economic measures, he organised a re-election, but Anura Kumara surprisingly recorded a victory that astonished the world. The truth is that Anura Kumara’s win has made history. With Anura Kumara Disanayake’s leadership, the era of oppression and tyranny has ended. Sri Lanka faced economic challenges from 2019 to 2023; however, under the new president’s leadership, the country has seen significant stability in its economic and political situation, including foreign exchange reserves, currency, and the tourism sector.
Following the revolution, the new government initiated reform policies. Financial discipline, transparent governance, and public welfare projects were introduced, and investments were increased in the agriculture, education, energy, and tourism sectors. Notably, tourism has revived the Sri Lankan economy. The government declared tourism as a foundational pillar of the economy, easing visa policies, promoting international awareness, and focusing on environmental protection, thereby reestablishing the country’s prominence on the world map. Under the “Sri Lanka Visit 2025” campaign, dozens of new tourism projects were launched. This not only increased foreign exchange but also created millions of jobs in the hotel industry, transportation, handicrafts, and food businesses. In 2024, tourism revenue exceeded $3.5 billion. If the current pace of tourism development continues, Sri Lanka will soon become Asia’s most popular tourist destination.
Sri Lanka has also made significant progress in technology. The younger generation has promoted a startup culture, and the government has enhanced transparency by introducing digital systems. Digital advancements in online services, education, and healthcare have made life easier for the public. After 2020, under educational reforms, Sri Lanka has emerged as a rising educational hub in South Asia. Key ports such as Colombo, Hambantota, Galle, and Trincomalee are among the busiest ports in the region. However, Sri Lanka still faces economic pressures and various challenges.
Historically known as Ceylon and Serendib, Sri Lanka occupies a highly strategic location in the middle of the Indian Ocean, making its geographical position its greatest asset. Maintaining strong relations with Pakistan and China enhances Sri Lanka’s autonomy in foreign policy and expands economic opportunities. The strategic Hambantota port, leased to China for 100 years, is a vital link in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, causing unease in India and the United States as part of China’s “String of Pearls” strategy. Following the 2020 revolution, Sri Lanka re-established its friendship with Pakistan on new foundations, demonstrating that cooperation, development, and peace can flourish in South Asia.
The roots of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations trace back to Buddhism and the Gandhara civilization, with diplomatic ties established immediately after Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. Sri Lanka was among the first to support Pakistan during its challenging times. Military and government visits further strengthened these relations. Pakistan played a key role in Sri Lanka’s peace process, particularly in defeating the Tamil Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), providing defense cooperation and advanced equipment. Today, Sri Lankan military officers continue to receive training from Pakistani institutions, reflecting a longstanding and strategic partnership between the two countries.
During the 1971 conflict between East and West Pakistan, India imposed a ban on the use of its airspace. At that time, Sri Lanka provided air access to Western Pakistan, which displeased the Delhi government, leading it to support Tamil separatists as a lesson to Sri Lanka. This year, the visit of PNS “Asalt” to Colombo, joint exercises with the Sri Lankan Navy, and other active collaborations exemplify this strong partnership. Sri Lankan Navy’s enthusiastic participation in “Aman 2025” is evidence that their strategic partnership is firmly established. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are active member countries of the SAARC organization; however, due to India’s traditional obstinacy, SAARC has not achieved its desired outcomes. During President Rajapaksa’s visit to Pakistan in 2006, a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was expanded to include not only goods but also services. There is significant potential for trade, investment, and collaboration in various sectors of mutual interest, including textiles, construction materials, fisheries processing, and pharmaceuticals, which both countries must capitalize on. Both countries have markets for each other’s core products. Pakistan is an important market for tea products, importing and consuming billions of rupees worth of tea annually.
Since 2020, Sri Lanka has emerged as an educational hub in South Asia, opening new avenues for Pakistani students. Its universities offer medical, engineering, business, IT, and social sciences education at lower costs compared to Western countries, making them an excellent alternative. The Sri Lankan government and private institutions provide scholarships, tuition discounts, hostel facilities, and visa facilitation for foreign students, particularly Pakistanis. Education in the English medium further eases access for Pakistani students. Strengthening educational agreements between the two countries could allow thousands of Pakistani students to receive high-quality education at low cost.
Sri Lanka is also known for being one of the most beautiful and affordable countries, offering great respect to Pakistani tourists. Since 2020, tourism has rapidly developed, setting a regional example through natural landscapes, coastal areas, historical heritage, and religious tourism, elevating Sri Lanka’s global prominence. Pakistan is learning from these models to promote its own tourism, particularly maritime tourism. Tourism not only drives economic growth but also strengthens cultural ties. The deep strategic and economic relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, reinforced by agreements and their implementation, will shape future pathways. The role of China as a common friend further underscores the emerging triangle of Pakistan, China, and Sri Lanka, marking a new era of regional cooperation and development.