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The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) recently hosted a discussion on regional geopolitics and US foreign policy with a visiting delegation from the Heritage Foundation, a leading think tank based in Washington, D.C.

The delegation included Walter Lohman, Director of the Asian Studies Center at the Heritage Foundation, Thomas Callender, Senior Research Fellow for Defense Programs (Naval Specialist), John Venable, Senior Research Fellow for Defense Policy (Air Force Specialist), and Jeff M. Smith, Research Fellow specialising on South Asia.

The discussion focused on the impact on Sri Lanka of recent geopolitical developments. These include the Indo-Pacific strategy of the United States under the administration of President Trump, as well as the economic and security implications of the growing network of regional infrastructure initiatives in Asia. The dialogue also noted the importance of bilateral links between Sri Lanka and the US; including with regard to supporting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Dinusha Panditaratne, Nonresident Fellow at LKI. In addition to members of LKI’s research team, the meeting was also attended by Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, Executive Director of LKI, Admiral Travis Sinniah, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, and Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives.