Sri Lanka found itself in a series of diplomatic embarrassments this week, potentially straining relationships with key international partners. The missteps ranged from protocol oversights to politically sensitive blunders, raising questions about the government’s foreign relations management.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya caused a major diplomatic faux pas by inadvertently thanking Taiwan—the “Republic of China” (ROC)—for a donation of school uniforms, instead of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC is Taiwan’s rival and considers the island a breakaway province. Adding insult to injury, her remarks were made in the presence of Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong during a ceremony marking the donation.
Sri Lanka, which does not recognize Taiwan diplomatically and maintains a staunch one-China policy, was left red-faced. The gaffe marred what was meant to be a symbol of friendship between China and Sri Lanka. To make matters worse, the Prime Minister arrived late to the event at the Colombo Port, leaving Ambassador Qi waiting for nearly an hour. Offended by the delay, the ambassador reportedly left for his office, only returning once the PM arrived.
The Chinese ambassador’s reaction to being thanked for Taiwan’s “generosity” remains unrecorded, but the incident risks offending a nation that has been a long-standing ally and significant development partner.
Another diplomatic blunder occurred on Monday when no government official attended the Iraqi Embassy’s grand celebration of 100 years of Iraq’s diplomacy. Despite protocol assigning Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti to attend diplomatic events in December, he was a no-show, nor was anyone sent in his place.
The absence left the event without any representation from the Sri Lankan government, though the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa attended, standing out among the crowd. This failure to honor Iraq’s invitation was especially awkward given Iraq’s pivotal role as Sri Lanka’s largest tea importer, purchasing 27.11 million kilograms in just the first ten months of this year.
Iraq is not just another trade partner; it is a founding member of the United Nations and a significant player on the international stage. The mishap stands in stark contrast to the President’s recent call to enhance foreign relations for better trade outcomes.
These incidents highlight significant lapses in Sri Lanka’s diplomatic protocol and foreign policy execution. With Iraq being a vital trade ally and China a critical development partner, such missteps could have far-reaching consequences.
The government’s handling of these matters raises concerns about its commitment to fostering international relationships and ensuring proper diplomatic conduct. Moving forward, careful attention to protocol and better coordination between ministries and embassies will be essential to prevent further damage to Sri Lanka’s global standing.
