The Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka’s leading independent public policy think tank, recently conducted an insightful interview with Prof. Patrick Mendis on the complexities of Sri Lanka’s foreign and trade policies amid President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and its global repercussions.
Prof. Patrick Mendis: A Distinguished Diplomatic and Academic Career
A Sri Lankan-born, award-winning American diplomat, Prof. Mendis has served under five U.S. presidents, working in and traveling to over 140 countries. His expertise spans international relations, trade policy, and diplomacy.
Prof. Mendis graduated first-class in management and economics from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and later became Sri Lanka’s youth ambassador to the United Nations in New York, an honor for which he received the UN Medal for the International Year of the Youth.
A distinguished alumnus of the University of Minnesota and Harvard University, Prof. Mendis has established scholarships at both institutions. He has also authored several books, with his most recent three publications being:
- Trade for Peace
- Commercial Providence
- Peaceful War: How China’s Rise Affects U.S.-China Relations
A Timely Discussion on Sri Lanka’s Global Positioning
Currently, Prof. Mendis is a distinguished visiting professor and honorary fellow at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. His insights are particularly relevant as Sri Lanka navigates the geopolitical tensions of the US-China trade war while seeking economic growth and diplomatic balance.
Below is the Advocata Institute’s full interview with Prof. Patrick Mendis, marking the 30th anniversary of the Dr.Patrick Mendis Prize at his alma mater:
This discussion provides a valuable perspective on Sri Lanka’s role in global trade, diplomacy, and strategic policymaking during a period of heightened economic tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
