Erik Solheim feels new Sri Lankan President has made good start

Former Sri Lanka peace negotiator Erik Solheim feels new Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has made a good start.

He noted that its only two weeks since Sri Lanka elected Anura Kumara Dissanayaka President and that he has used the time well.

Solheim said that Dissanayake 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 said on X.

Solheim also noted that Dissanayake 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,” Solheim added.

Solheim said that everyone should now roll up their sleeves and help Dissanayake build a peaceful, multi ethnic, green and prosperous Sri Lanka. (Colombo Gazette)