South Asian Analysis Group – The International Dimensions of the conflict in Sri Lanka

Guest Column by Ana Pararajasingham

(The views expressed by the author are his own)

In May 2009, the three decade long armed rebellion in Sri Lanka ended with the defeat of the Tamil Tiger forces. Beijing provided Colombo not only with military supplies but also diplomatic cover to prosecute the war. China, however, was not the only international actor whose support helped Colombo to vanquish the Tamil Tigers. It was also due to India’s logistical support to cut off Tigers’ weapons supply. Then there was Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s ally of several decades. Iran and Russia had entered the fray invited by Colombo at the behest of China to dilute Indian influence. India’s attempt to balance China was driven by the logic that it could not sit back and surrender Sri Lanka into China’s embrace. New Delhi wanted to ensure that Colombo stayed within its orbit. More..