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Russia–Sri Lanka relations

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Russia–Sri Lankan relations
Map indicating locations of Russia and Sri Lanka

Russia
Sri Lanka

Russia–Sri Lanka relations (Russian: Российско-ланкийские отношения, Sinhala: රුසියා-ශ්‍රී ලංකා සබඳතා, Tamil: ரஷ்யா-இலங்கை உறவுகள்) are the bilateral relations between Russia and Sri Lanka.

Background

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Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, at St. Petersburg Economic Forum, in June 2011.

Soviet-era relations

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The relationship were established in 19th February in 1957.[1] During the Soviet era, Russo-Sri Lankan relations were shaped by Cold War dynamics, economic cooperation, and ideological considerations. The Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1957, marking the beginning of closer ties. While Sri Lanka maintained a policy of non-alignment, it engaged with both the West and the Eastern Bloc, including the USSR.

The Soviets supported Sri Lanka in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and military cooperation. Soviet assistance contributed to projects such as the Oruwala Steel Mill and technical training programs. Cultural and academic exchanges also strengthened ties between the two nations. Additionally, the USSR provided military aid, though Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean meant that its foreign policy remained cautious to avoid alienating other partners, including India and Western nations.

Economically, trade relations between the two countries grew, with the Soviet Union importing Sri Lankan tea and rubber while exporting machinery and industrial goods. However, the USSR’s influence was limited compared to that of Western allies like the UK and the US.

Russian Federation relations

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Political ties

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In the UN, Russia has supported Sri Lanka in nearly every resolution brought forward against them. The most notable one was during the final stages of Sri Lanka's civil war in 2009 when European nations along with Canada and Mexico brought a resolution calling for a ceasefire. However, China and Russia vetoed that resolution. Another resolution accusing the government of war crimes that was tabled by Western nations was once again vetoed by Russia and China.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sri Lanka stated that the concerns of Russia were justifiable, while also calling for de-escalation.[2]

In 2022, Sri Lanka abstained from both Resolution ES-11/1 and Resolution ES-11/4 UN votes on Russia.[3]

Military ties

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Russia has assisted Sri Lanka to obtain weaponry from several countries throughout the past 30 years. Examples of this include Mil Mi-17 helicopters used by Sri Lanka Air Force and T-54/55 battle tanks, BTR-80 APC used by Sri Lanka Army.

In 2017, Sri Lanka ordered Gepard-class frigate worth US$158.5 million for the Sri Lanka Navy.[4]

In 2020, Sri Lanka requested 4 Mi-17 helicopters and additional military items valued between US$60 to US$135 million.[5]

Economic ties

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Sri Lanka and Russia have recently ramped up cooperation on expanding the tea trade between the two nations. Currently, approximately 17 % of Sri Lanka's tea exports go to Russia. Sri Lankan teas account for 30% of Russia's tea market.[6] In 2016, 58,176 Russian tourists travelled to Sri Lanka.[7]

In December 2017, Russia imposed a temporary restriction on the imports of agricultural products from Sri Lanka including Ceylon tea after an insect called the Khapra beetle was found in a consignment of tea. Later, however, it was revealed that the beetle is neither native to, nor lives in, Sri Lanka. Russia accounts for nearly 19% of Sri Lanka's $1.27 billion tea exports. After discussions with an official delegation from the Sri Lanka Tea Board, Russia agreed to lift the restrictions from December 30. Sri Lanka also lifted a ban on asbestos, mainly imported from Russia. It was suspected Russia was not happy with the pro-Western foreign policy of the UNP led Sri Lankan Government.[8][9][10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Diplomatic Relationships between USSR and Sri Lanka".
  2. ^ “While acknowledging the justifiable concerns of the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka also welcomes attempts at de-escalating the tension. Sri Lanka is confident that the parties concerned would be able to resolve the issues arising out of the recent developments, through a legitimate democratic process, enabling harmonious co-existence of the people of Ukraine.” - See more at: http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/26839-ukraine-crisis-lanka-regrets-presidents-unconstitutional-removal.html#sthash.888W7iUA.dpuf
  3. ^ "Sri Lanka abstains from UN vote on Russia". 13 October 2022.
  4. ^ "Cabinet approves purchase of Rs.24 billion Russian frigate on credit line: Sunday Times 01 Oct 2017".
  5. ^ Nathaniel, Camelia. "Russian Credit Line – Exclusively for Military Hardware". Daily News. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  6. ^ Sri Lanka targets Russia with specialty teas Lanka Business Online - December 19, 2011.
  7. ^ TOURIST ARRIVALS BY COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE 2016
  8. ^ "Russian tea ban: The need to play nice with big powers - Opinion | Daily Mirror".
  9. ^ "Russia agrees to lift ban on tea imports from Sri Lanka - Xinhua | English.news.cn". Archived from the original on December 26, 2017.
  10. ^ "Ceylon tea ban lifted after Sri Lanka allows Russian asbestos | Economynext". economynext.com. Archived from the original on 2017-12-26.
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Diplomatic missions

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