President Ranil Wickremesinghe Embarks on High-Level Visit to Germany

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, set off for Germany early this morning (27). His journey marks his participation in the Leaders Dialogue session, the inaugural event of the ‘Berlin Global Dialogue.’

This global high-level forum gathers influential decision-makers and leaders from the realms of politics, business and society, alongside young visionaries.

At the Dialogue’s commencement, President Wickremesinghe is slated to deliver the opening remarks and delve into discussions on pressing geopolitical and economic challenges. The Berlin Global Dialogue is scheduled from September 28th to 29th and will host numerous high-level representatives on its sidelines.

During his stay in Germany, President Wickremesinghe is set to engage in a working visit that includes meetings with prominent figures such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, key ministers, members of the German Parliament and representatives from the Association of German Chambers of Commerce & Industry (DHIK).

This conference is expected to draw the presence of notable leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, European Council President Charles Michel and an array of ministers specializing in foreign affairs and economic policy, as well as finance experts from across the globe. Furthermore, global top executives from various industries will also be in attendance.

The conference is to be held at the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) campus, a historically significant venue that once housed the former East German State Council and the Federal Chancellery of unified Germany.

As part of the working visit, Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor to the President, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, is scheduled to engage in discussions with Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to Chancellor Scholz, Jens Plötner. Additionally, Foreign Secretary Ms. Aruni Wijewardane will meet with her counterpart at the German Foreign Office, State Secretary Dr. Thomas Bagger. The delegation will also include other distinguished members, such as Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Stabilization, Recovery and Growth, Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga; Advisor to the Finance Minister and Economist, Mr. Deshal De Mel; and Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Germany, Ms. Varuni Muthukumarana.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to Germany is expected to foster important diplomatic ties and discussions on global issues of significance.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the ‘Ocean Nations: The 3rd Annual Indo-Pacific Islands Dialogue,’ moderated by Dan Baer, Senior Vice President for Policy Research at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and hosted by the Carnegie Endowment and Sasakawa Foundation. During this event, he highlighted the reluctance of island nations in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific to become embroiled in the rivalry between major world powers. The President emphasized that these nations are focused on their own priorities, including social, economic, and ecological development and seek to maintain their sovereignty and independence.

President Wickremesinghe asserted that Sri Lanka’s government does not align itself with either India or China and firmly stands for Sri Lanka’s interests above all else. This commitment to sovereignty extends to other island nations in the region.

Island nations in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific have distinct priorities, unrelated to the Quad (comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia) or China’s objectives, he said, adding that Sri Lanka is open to collaboration with any partners willing to respect its autonomy.

In terms of regional frameworks President Wickremesinghe noted that China’s rise occurred within existing regional frameworks such as APEC and ASEAN, which many nations prefer to maintain. The recent expansion of great power rivalry beyond these frameworks has raised concerns among member nations.

He noted that the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value. The South Pacific is a vital hub for the US Navy and the Indian Ocean played a crucial role in World War II. President Wickremesinghe noted, “The South Pacific which includes Hawaii – it is here that the US dominance of the Pacific established in WW2 and Battle of the Coral Sea and Midway as well as the shooting down of Admiral Yamamoto’s plane took place. The importance of the Indian Ocean was best described by Winston Churchill who said the most dangerous moment of war was the capture of Ceylon and consequently the loss of Indian Ocean.”

The Indo-Pacific concept has gained recognition, primarily due to mounting challenges from China, the President said, adding that it has prompted a re-evaluation of regional dynamics and cooperation, such as the Jakarta Concord within the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

The G7’s attempt to involve European powers and NATO in the Indo-Pacific was met with opposition, with only France expressing interest. This move was seen as violating IORA’s rules-based order, the President pointed out.

The President also noted that the Quad has shifted from a focus on security and dialogue to applying coordinated pressure in the region. While surface warfare threats are minimal in the Indian Ocean, the issue of submarine warfare needs to be addressed within IORA.

In terms of Security Dialogues, the President pointed out that the island nations find security dialogues acceptable but emphasize non-interference in their internal affairs. Many island nations, including Sri Lanka, have not engaged in high-level discussions regarding the Indo-Pacific. Recent developments such as the US opening an embassy in the Maldives were also noted.

The power balance in the Indian Ocean is evolving, influenced by ASEAN, the Russian-Ukraine war, and the emergence of BRICS+. This changing landscape favours the independence of island nations and calls for strengthened cooperation between IORA, ASEAN, and BRICS+.

In response to a question posed on the Hambantota port, President Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka expressed concerns over the labelling of the Hambantota commercial port as a Chinese military base. The country is developing the Trincomalee harbour in cooperation with India and intends to raise the matter at international forums.

He also emphasized the need for IORA to accommodate the Indo-Pacific concept, recognizing the interconnectedness of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and enabling cooperation among small island states in both regions.

The island nations of the Indian Ocean and South Pacific are resolute in their pursuit of independence, non-interference and the protection of their unique priorities amidst the evolving dynamics of great power rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Sri Lanka Delegation, led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, engaged in high-level discussions with World Bank President Mr. Ajay Banga and other World Bank officials at the World Bank Headquarters (UNHQ) yesterday (18). The meeting cantered on a range of critical topics, including economic reforms, agriculture, tourism, and digitization.

President Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude for the vital financial support provided by the World Bank during challenging times, stating, “The money was available at least for the basics and that helped us tide through the most difficult months. Now it’s a matter of finalizing the debt restructuring and moving on from there.” He emphasized the need for fast and sustained economic growth.

Regarding economic sectors, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the immediate focus on tourism, food security and agricultural modernization.
“So now we are planning it and the first the total package of economic reforms that have to be done. We will not have this window of opportunity. Crisis gives you a window of opportunity and we will not have that again. So we will drive that as far as possible. And then focus immediately on the different sectors. We are starting with tourism, which is the lowest hanging fruit. Then, food security and agricultural modernization. Those two would be the ones that we start with. Thereafter, we will be going into the other areas, the traditional exports. Agriculture would mean modernization and the whole gamut of things.”

In the realm of education and technology, President Wickremesinghe expressed his desire for additional technological universities and renewable energy development, which would significantly impact the northern region of Sri Lanka. He also mentioned plans for a climate change university.

World Bank President Ajay Banga commended Sri Lanka’s commitment to reforms, emphasizing the importance of credibility in the country’s approach. He noted that the World Bank is actively involved in advisory work and encouraged Sri Lanka to rely on their support.

Mr. Ajay Banga also praised Sri Lanka’s focus on tourism, highlighting its job creation potential. He mentioned discussions about ports and trade and offered assistance in digitization, renewable energy and education. Mr. Banga also mentioned potential collaboration on power grid connectivity with India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

“These re topics we understand well. When I was in India we discussed the power interconnection idea and I was told that ADB is already working on this and we have connected up with ADB and if there is any way we could be helpful with India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, connecting up their power grids, it will be to your benefit in the short term and also once you produce more energy, for your long term as well. I know ADB is there working with you, but you should know we are there if you need us.”

President Wickremesinghe elaborated on the expansion of Colombo’s port and the benefits of transhipment, creating a significant cargo hub.

He discussed the potential for industrialization in South India and Sri Lanka’s plans to phase out certain subsidies while providing grants to universities and students.
The conversation further explored the significance of digitization, with Mr. Banga emphasizing transparency and trust-building through digitization of governance. He also suggested the adoption of a school system digitization model he witnessed in India.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ali Sabri highlighted the importance of agriculture in Sri Lanka’s workforce and the need for increased productivity. “Agriculture is high on the President’s agenda because 27% of the workforce is in agriculture but they only contribute 8.7% to the GDP. So we need to uplift that standard in terms of yield and productivity and value added manufacturing.”

President Wickremesinghe mentioned upcoming bills focused on women’s rights, gender equality and violence against women.

World Bank President Ajay Banga commended President Wickremesinghe’s vision, particularly his focus on job creation for the younger generation and improving quality of life. He assured the World Bank’s commitment to supporting these goals in alignment with Sri Lanka’s plans.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also invited the World Bank President Mr. Ajay Banga to visit Sri Lanka to which he responded positively.

The meeting between President Wickremesinghe and World Bank President Banga underscored the importance of collaboration and reforms for Sri Lanka’s economic growth and development.