Sri Lankan Minister Calls for Overhaul of Global Political and Economic Architecture
"It is not fair to have an international architecture designed by the victors of the Second World War", Tharaka Balasuriya declared.
Tharaka Balasurya, Minister of State for External Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, spoke at Antalya Diplomacy Forum held between March 1-3, 2024. Photo by Anadolu Images.
S
ri Lanka’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tharaka Balasuriya, emphasized the need for a significant transformation in the international political and economic framework during his participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) 2024 in Turkey. Speaking at the NEST Congress Center in the Belek Tourism Region, Balasuriya conveyed that the current structure, established by the victors post-World War II, requires reevaluation in response to contemporary challenges.
“Especially in times like these when tensions are high, it is absolutely imperative that world leaders come together, discuss current issues, and look for a way forward,” noted Balasuriya during an interview with Anadolu, the “Global Communication Partner” for ADF 2024. He stressed the crucial role of forums like ADF in facilitating broad discussions on political, economic, and technological issues to avoid resorting to conflict when diplomacy falters.
Encouraging collaboration between nations, Balasuriya acknowledged the intricate nature of current global challenges, expressing his intrigue with the diverse discussions at ADF. The forum, bringing together leaders from various countries, aimed to address pressing issues such as political tensions, economic challenges, and technological advancements.
Sri Lanka and Turkey
Praising the historical ties between Sri Lanka and Turkey dating back to the 11th century, Balasuriya highlighted the need to enhance economic relations between the two countries. He underlined the strategic locations of both nations and called for expanded negotiations, particularly in areas such as logistics, renewable energy, technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.
While commending Turkey’s success in the tourism sector, Balasuriya encouraged Turkish investors, especially hoteliers, to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka. He emphasized the economic progress made by Sri Lanka following reforms after the 2022 economic crisis and welcomed foreign investments to further boost growth.
Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s political and economic journey, Balasuriya acknowledged the bitter measures taken during economic crises, emphasizing the necessity for stability and international cooperation. He credited the support of countries like India in assisting Sri Lanka during challenging times.
Solidarity with the Palestinian cause
Addressing broader geopolitical issues, the Sri Lankan minister expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution for lasting peace in the region. He criticized the existing international architecture, calling for a fair representation of countries in global institutions.
“We think it is not fair to have an international architecture designed by the victors of the Second World War. We do not see this as a fair world,” Balasuriya declared, advocating for a change in both political and financial structures on the global stage.
The minister’s statements reflect the broader sentiment among some nations calling for a reevaluation of the existing global order to better address contemporary challenges and ensure fair representation for all countries.
Source: Anadolu Agency.
