SL is begging for wealth. Some citizens suffer in the Middle East to help the effort while others (& some media) make & market internal conflicts to earn wealth. Some import SL conflicts for domestic use. Those who count the number of Chinese ships coming to SL don’t talk about the money ships bring as fees to the ports. The image of SL as an efficient port services provider (not only to Chinese ships) is capable of making SL a non begging non aligned nation. Those who ignite conflicts using ships which enter SL waters with permission may be conversely planning to push SL to mid 1980s when even fighter jets entered SL territory without permission. During 2013 – 2023 approx. 21 Chinese trains have daily entered the European Union. Neither EU nor the NATO is worried. Trains trade globally. Sri Lankans worried about Chinese arrivals in SL may not be aware as it’s too far to hear the sound of the trains.

What should the patriotic politicians & the electorate do to make SL a non begging state? They should admit SL is a plural state & nothing but economic restructuring & rule of law should be given the foremost place. They may use English language as the tool to attract wealth from all & not only China. It will help our friends to manage their domestic politics without being a burden to SL. Individuals may give the foremost place to anything in their personal capacity. If SL allows conflict provocative elements by not being proactive & plural, peace loving talented would leave as the one who died as a hostage in Gaza.

What is the best for Middle East?

UN Security Council chair rotates on a monthly basis & China was appointed for November 2023. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had expressed China’s willingness to communicate closely with all parties & make efforts to cool down the situation. While equally valuing the lives of Israeli & Palestinian humans, China stressed on not having double standards in humanitarian disasters. China being the only UNSC member practicing ‘One Country – Many Systems’ method of governance at home is encouraging the consensus on implementing the "Two-State Solution" along with other peace loving nations. The Middle East region has benefitted very much from the Belt & Road Initiative (China’s international trade network). Assistance include; the light-rail trains used by Haji pilgrims & the world-class refinery in KSA. Egyptians who built the pyramids are now building Africa's tallest building along with Chinese engineers. The new Central Bank HQ benefits Kuwait. The BeiDou Satellite (BDS) navigation system gives 5G technology to Bahrain, UAE & KSA etc. Despite harassment in North America, US based MIT recommended ‘Huawei’ for Saudi Arabia as the fastest Internet Services provider after a research conducted by MIT on the request of Saudi government. It indicates why France opted for Huawei & hints why France got sidelined in the submarine deal with Australia.

During the peak of ancient Silk Road, Chinese & Persian civilizations were strong trading partners on land. As per Chinese & SL chronicles, during 4^th century AD Chinese ships frequented in the Eastern part of Lakdiva sea focusing on Trincomalee (known ever since as China Harbour/ named China Bay by the British). Persians were active at ‘Godawaya’ port (predecessor of Hambantota port). SL must have been the trade centre. Since SL suffered for over 30 years loosing approx 200 billion USD (Ref. Menon) in the conflict, it’s time to earn the lost wealth by giving more opportunities to the youth of South (@ Hambantota), East (@Oluvil & Trincomalee) & North (@ KKS) to work with understanding regional friends who are partners of the BRI.

During the last stages of the conflict which focused more on North & East, President Mahinda once announced the finding of natural gas under the sea bed off Mannar. It’s not clear if the gas surfaced. However, new opportunities are available to utilize SL sea bed to earn wealth. China's undersea seismic exploration sensor "Sea Pulse" used for high-end offshore oil/ natural gas exploration is one instance. SL could get accurate information with sources such as Shi Yan-6 working with NARA & UOR as SL doesn’t have technology for proper surveys. Those against may have had plans to stop SL getting proper data. It may allow others to access the resources in SL sea bed as in the case of oil & gas in the seas of Timor Leste.

‘Excellence does not remain alone; it is sure to attract neighbors’ - Confucius

(Views expressed are personal).