Browsing by Author "Gunasena, J.T."

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Identification of Constraints for Regional Economic Cooperation though South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
    (Research Symposium 2010 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2010) Gunasena, J.T.; Chathuranga, C.D.; Bandara, H.G.K.N.
    Identification of constraints for economic cooperation in South Asia had been the main research issue that is discussed in this paper. One of the objectives of the research is to identify possible solutions to overcome these constraints. To attain this purpose secondary data had been analyzed using SWOT method and research findings revealed several constraints those adversely affect economic cooperation in South Asia. Prevailing political contradictions, especially between India and Pakistan is not conducive for better economic cooperation. South Asian countries heavily depend on the developed nations technology and industrial products. They still export agricultural commodities and industrial raw materials. Most countries in the region suffer from adverse balance of payments and serious debt burdens. Lack of effective information system among member states has caused many economic contortions where the exporters are ignorant of the importers who will demand their products and importers do not know about their suppliers within the region. Economic domination by India makes smaller countries fear that India will expand at the expense of their economies. All member countries produce same kind of export products in both agricultural and industrial sector. India competes with Bangladesh for Jute Goods and with Sri Lanka for cotton and cotton textiles. Pakistan competes with India for rice in the world market. When consider the trade agreements signed by the member states the most of the export products which were granted tariff concessions are not produced domestically or not traded by the member countries in large scale and preference has not been given to the products that are being traded on large scale. Regional cooperation may not find concrete solutions of national and regional problems of all members, but they can create favorable climate for finding out such solutions. All member states should work at this aim to attain better economic progress in the region.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Impact of Chinese soft power strategies in determining the triangular relationship among China, India and Sri Lanka
    (Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunasena, J.T.
    The Chinese soft power usage in South Asia has strategic influence over the triangular relationship among China, India and Sri Lanka. India’s nostalgia for its dominance over the South Asian region in the past is still evident in its approach towards South Asia, since India could not completely eliminate its hegemonic aspirations over regional affairs. The clash of strategic aspirations between the two major powers influences the overall triangular relationships among three states.The main research problem at the present study is to determine how the Chinese soft power strategies influence Indian and Sri Lankan policies by analyzing their responses towards Chinese presence in the region which shape the triangular relationship. One objective is to determine the Chinese soft power strategies and responses of India and Sri Lanka towards it. Another objective is to determine the impact of Chinese soft power application on the overall triangular relationship among India, China and Sri Lanka. This paper particularly focuses on the trade and investment by two major powers as one of crucial soft power approach.A qualitative approach has been used to analyze data in this context Primary data collected from semi structured interviews and Secondary data collected through data triangulation method available in both printed and electronic form in various data sources such as historical records, government publications, books, interviews, speeches, and web will be analyzed using theories through a deductive content analysis. Key findings is that China is threat theory explained India considered Chinese Peaceful rise as a threat while smaller states like Sri Lanka played a significant role by providing an attractive platform for major powers to play their great game. As a means of soft power trade and investments have been effectively used by both India and China and Sri Lanka was attracted by Chinese economic assistance which came without political influence over its respective domestic policies. China's strategy of non-interference implied it has the least interest on Sri Lanka’s political issues. Chinese strategic presence in Sri Lanka and its attempt at takeover South Asia's under-exploited markets so far dominated by India caused anxiety in India which is reflected on the Indo-Sri Lanka relations.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Tourism in Sri Lanka and its Impact on Social Political and Natural Environment
    (University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, 2007) Gunasena, J.T.