In 2018, during the swearing-in of Maldives President Solih, in Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil was ousted from his position in a constitutional coup. Subsequently, President Maithripala appointed Mahinda as the new Prime Minister. Ministers from Mahinda’s government, including Mahinda’s son Namal Rajapaksa, who were during Maithri’s coup, represented Maithri’s government at Solih’s swearing-in ceremony. Former President Chandrika received a special invitation and attended separately, while Indian Prime Minister Modi also participated. Solih had won the election with an “India First” policy
In the recent election, Maldives’ new President Muizzu won by advocating the “India Out” campaign. Although Indian Prime Minister Modi was invited to Muizzu’s swearing-in ceremony, he did not attend, and a minister represented him. Ranil, however, attended Muizzu’s swearing-in ceremony and held separate discussions with him. Chinese President’s Special Envoy Shen Yiqin also attended the ceremony. Internationally Muizzu was labeled as pro-China.
The Chinese envoy arrived in Sri Lanka from the Maldives, receiving a special invitation from Sri Lanka after completing her visit to the Maldives, as stated by the Chinese Embassy. It remains uncertain whether there is a strategic Chinese game plan between the visit of the Chinese President’s special envoy to the Maldives and Ranil’s participation in Muizzu’s swearing-in ceremony. Prior to the visit, the Governor of the Central Bank announced the sharing of the Chinese debt deal among other creditors.
Reports also surfaced about another Chinese research ship scheduled to visit Sri Lanka. The Chinese President’s representative met with Ranil in Sri Lanka, discussing the extension of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Sri Lanka. Currently, a military junta governs in Myanmar, China governs in a single-party system, which raises concerns about extending the Sino-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Sri Lanka. While the benefits are unclear, the opposition fears the extension of the Sino-Myanmar dictatorship would extend to Sri Lanka.
Elections in Sri Lanka have been halted due to a lack of funds, despite Supreme Court rulings. The presidential election is scheduled for next year, but the Election Commission noted that the necessary budget allocation has not been made. There are reports that Samantha Power, the chief of US AID, visited Maldives and met with Ranil during the swearing-in of the Maldives President, discussing political reforms. Ranil previously acknowledged Samantha’s role in overcoming Sri Lanka’s economic crisis during a visit to Germany and also stated he would not be here if not for Samantha which suggests her potential influence on political reforms in Sri Lanka. She too has called for political reforms in Sri Lanka during the discussions. The question remains whether she harbours such intentions or only lip service.
