The Diplomat | Author
Rathindra Kuruwita
Rathindra Kuruwita is a journalist and a researcher from Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Rathindra Kuruwita is a journalist and a researcher from Colombo, Sri Lanka. He holds an MSc in Strategic Studies from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU, Singapore. He was also a fellow at Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, USA, and a participant in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) conducted by the U.S. Department of State. He writes on security and international relations for several publications and has written extensively on the Sri Lanka-China relationship. Follow him on X.
November 18, 2024
Leftist Coalition’s Seismic Victory Reshapes Sri Lanka’s Political Landscape
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The National People’s Power won not only a two-thirds majority in parliament but also 21 of the country’s 22 electoral districts.
November 10, 2024
What Underlies China’s Rise in South Asia?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
China’s efforts to contain India may be less important than smaller countries’ desire to counterbalance Indian influence.
October 23, 2024
NPP Poised for Victory in Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary Election
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The opposition has not fully understood the public demand for change.
October 09, 2024
Sri Lanka’s New President Meets India’s Foreign Minister in Colombo
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Like his predecessors, President Dissanayake will have to carefully navigate between accommodating Indian demands and resisting overreach.
September 23, 2024
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: A New Era of Reform Amid Economic Turmoil in Sri Lanka
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The growing support for Dissanayake, a center-left politician who ran on transparency and the working class, is a reflection of Sri Lanka’s broader societal unrest.
September 17, 2024
India’s Strategic Stakes in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election
By Rathindra Kuruwita
New Delhi is said to be backing Sajith Premadasa of the SJB, a party that is not only more pro-India but also committed to implementing the 13th Amendment.
September 09, 2024
Which Candidate Is China Likely to Back in Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Sino-Sri Lankan relations have been stronger when left-of-center parties or politicians are in power on the Indian Ocean island.
August 26, 2024
Unprecedented Crossovers in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Race
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The SLPP, the party of the Rajapaksas, has lost the support of around 130 MPs, 100 of whom are supporting incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
August 12, 2024
Why Is Namal Rajapaksa Contesting the Sri Lankan Presidential Election When He’s Likely to Lose?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The SLPP is hoping its strategy of fielding Namal will save the party from decimation in the parliamentary election that is due to follow.
July 26, 2024
Sri Lanka to Vote in Presidential Elections on September 21
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The first election since the mass unrest in 2022 is likely to be a fiercely fought contest.
July 09, 2024
Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring Deal: Economic Relief or Creditor Windfall?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The agreement further entangles Sri Lanka in an exploitative global debt system that prioritizes creditor profits over the country's development and people's welfare.
July 01, 2024
Sri Lanka’s Defense Cooperation with India: Strengthening Ties or Strategic Dependence?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Exposing a large segment of a country's military officers to the thinking and training of a foreign power, especially one so near, can have significant consequences.
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