Sri Lanka is an island nation which has beautiful scenic views and is rich in different cultural heritages. It lies in the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and is separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait (Peiris & Arasaratnam, 2024) and has a population of 22.04 million (World Bank, 2024). It is divided into nine provinces, and a province consists of several administrative districts and Each district is further subdivided into Divisional Secretariat Divisions (DS), DS divisions are subsequently segmented into Grama Niladhari Divisions (Census of Population and Housing, 2024). According to Senadheera & Jeganathan (2021), Sri Lanka was a colony of the Portuguese, Dutch and British and gained independence in 1948 from the British. On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s introduction to international diplomacy in the 3rd century B.C between the mighty Indian Emperor Asoka of the Maurya and it spread imperial Rome, the Hellenistic kingdoms, the court of Axum in the Horn of Africa, the Sassanid kingdom in Persia, the Byzantine empire on the Western side and the maritime empire of Sri Vijaya, China, the kingdoms of Siam, Cambodia (Mendis,1998: Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
During that time, Sri Lanka was ranked as one of the best economies in Asia (Senadheera & Jeganathan, 2021). On the other hand, the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya to the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the country’s Archaeological Marvels, not only narrate stories of past eras but also serve as potential tools for modern diplomacy and economic development. In the evolving global landscape, cultural diplomacy has emerged as a powerful soft power instrument, while heritage tourism presents vast opportunities for economic growth. By strategically leveraging archaeological assets, Sri Lanka can open new diplomatic channels, strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations, and boost its tourism and allied sectors.
However, after independence, different regimes changed their foreign policies according to political ideologies. Mainly, in the Sri Lankan government’s power changes based on left-oriented and right-oriented ideologies (Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI),2024).
The contradiction between these two ideologies results in economic mismanagement and unsustainable debt portfolios (BTI Sri Lanka Country Report, 2024). Under these circumstances, the economy faces the worst situation due to taking huge loans, low tax rates, low foreign direct investments, the Covid-19 Pandemic, and terrorist attacks in 2019 (George, George & Baskar, 2022; Gangte, 2020). As a result, these issues have had a significant impact, leading to a crisis during 2021 and 2023 (Household Survey on Impact of Economic Crisis – 2023, Department of Census and Statistics).
Modi’s visit and cultural diplomacy
Indian Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka, there was an exchange of ideas, values, traditions, and other cultural aspects to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. During his visit to Anuradhapura, he tried to rebuild the ancient cultural relationship between the two nations. Especially, his visit to the Sri Maha Bodhiya; the tree is believed to have grown from the Bo sapling that was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Maha Theri from India in the 3rd century
Century BCE. The temple stands as a testament to the strong civilisational linkages that form the foundation of the close India-Sri Lanka partnership. Moreover, he visited Atamasthanya and other cultural heritage sites where ancient Indian ancestors gifted their architectural heritage to Sri Lanka (High Commission of India, 2025). This visit by the Indian premier played an important role in the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision on diplomatic relations (President Media Division,2025).
This unique archaeological heritage offers international exhibitions, collaborative excavations, and scholarly exchanges centred on Sri Lankan sites that can serve as cultural bridges, enhancing people-to-people connections and State-to-State relations. On the other hand, these ties can bring together experts and diplomats, positioning Sri Lanka as a cultural hub in South Asia. Moreover, these ancient cultural ties can be used to enhance the positive national image and soft power appeal. Countries such as China, India, Sri Lanka and the United States have successfully used similar strategies to advance their foreign policy objectives.
Economic potential of archaeological marvels
In Sri Lanka, tourism remains a vital pillar of the Sri Lankan economy, and archaeological tourism represents a high-value end sector for earning foreign income for Sri Lanka. Heritage cities like Polonnaruwa, Dabulla and Mihintale are highly attractive not only for tourists but also for academic and heritage activities. Investing in this site and its infrastructure development can enhance the visitors’ experience and increase tourism revenue. Moreover, community-based tourism models can help to generate income for the local community.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka can deepen ties with UNESCO and other international organisations to secure funding, technical expertise, and World Heritage designations. As a country with a small land area, Sri Lanka’s eight (8) UNESCO World Heritage Sites hold immense importance. The rituals and events performed at these sites are significant not only in terms of cultural and religious practices but also in preserving the intangible heritage that has been passed down through generations.
It’s simply a gem of a nation’s identity and history (Business News, 2023). These recognitions not only protect heritage but also elevate the global profile of sites, attracting more visitors and scholarly attention. And also regional cooperation like SAARC cultural initiatives, promote cross-border heritage circuits, positioning Sri Lanka within a larger cultural context and facilitating regional integration through shared history.
Recommendations and suggestions
As a developing nation, it faces hurdles in achieving further growth without enhancing the country’s economic and diplomatic relations. Economic development cannot rely solely on commercial loans; there should be investment in strategic ways that allow the country to benefit from its ancient cultural heritage and foreign relations. For example, a profitable project employing the best diplomatic practices can address the structural weaknesses of the economy. Additionally, establishing a foreign talent policy for technical professionals and skilled workers is essential.
Allocating funds for universities to research ancient cultural practices and their impact on historical economic development can help identify innovations that the country can use profitably for its future growth. Furthermore, developing a National Cultural Diplomacy Strategy, enhancing investment in Heritage Infrastructure, fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPS), strengthening regional and international collaborations, and promoting Digital Heritage Initiatives are crucial to encourage entrepreneurs to start many businesses based on ancient cultural heritage.
About the Writer:
H.W. Thisuri Jayathma is an Intern [Research] at the Institute of National Security Studies think tank, established and functioning under the Ministry of Defence. The opinions expressed are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Institute or the Ministry.