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.
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December 14, 2022
In Defense of Sri Lanka’s Defense Budget
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Reducing allocation for defense will require retrenching soldiers. Cutting loose angry youth with weapons skills is not what the crisis-ridden island needs now.
November 25, 2022
India and ASEAN Upgrade Their Partnership
By Rathindra Kuruwita
As comprehensive security partners, they can be expected to engage in deeper cooperation relating to maritime security and disaster risk reduction.
November 07, 2022
Protests Against Sri Lankan President a Flop Show
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Low turnout at the protests indicates that Sri Lankans are giving the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration a chance to deliver.
October 26, 2022
Sri Lankan President’s Grip Over Power Turns More Tenuous
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The vote on the 22nd Amendment to the constitution lays bare the declining grip of the Rajapaksas over the SLPP.
October 14, 2022
Colombo Lotus Tower and the Case for Transparency
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The project cost Sri Lanka $113 million, maintenance costs are reportedly huge and annual revenue is pegged at present at around $8.2 million. When will it recover its expenditure?
September 28, 2022
Is India Squandering its Social Capital in Sri Lanka?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Only a few months ago, Sri Lankans were grateful to India for its help during the economic crisis. Now the mood is changing.
September 13, 2022
China’s Japanese-Inspired Project Approval Process in Sri Lanka
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Japanese strategy allowed Chinese projects to be responsive to preferences of Sri Lankan leaders but paved the way for political capture, inflated costs and corruption.
August 29, 2022
Sri Lanka Signals Its Unreliability as a Partner Yet Again
By Rathindra Kuruwita
It has repeatedly scrapped deals and flip-flopped on decisions with an array of partners, including India, Japan, China and Russia.
August 09, 2022
US and India Score Tactical Victories Vis-à-Vis China in Taiwan and Sri Lanka
By Rathindra Kuruwita
This could prompt China to fast-track plans to challenge the current rules-based international order.
July 25, 2022
Rocky Road Ahead for Ranil Wickremesinghe
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The recently elected Sri Lankan president has started badly, by using troops to forcibly vacate protest sites in Colombo.
July 11, 2022
Gotabaya Rajapaksa Is Finally Resigning. What’s Next for Sri Lanka?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The country needs a credible government that enjoys legitimacy in the eyes of the people. Forming one will be a herculean task.
June 30, 2022
Sri Lanka Overestimates its Importance to China
By Rathindra Kuruwita
India is a massive market that has great potential. If letting go of Sri Lanka allows China to improve its relationship with India, it will.