Washington, DC (December 1st, 2024) – Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, former Director General of Sri Lanka’s Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), has been appointed as a Senior Fellow at the International Relations Institute of Cambodia (IRIC), Phnom Penh. This appointment makes him the first Sri Lankan to hold this distinguished position at Cambodia’s leading foreign policy research institute.
The announcement was made at the 3rd Phnom Penh Forum on November 27, 2024, where Abeyagoonasekera delivered a keynote address titled “Colour Revolutions and the Evolving Global Order: Challenges to Sovereignty and Democracy.” In his address, Abeyagoonasekera examined the complexities of “Colour Revolutions” and their implications for national sovereignty, drawing insights from the experiences of countries like Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s 2022 “Aragalaya” protests, he stated: “While these protests were rooted in genuine domestic grievances, foreign influences added layers of complexity”.
He also cited Indian academic S.D. Muni, who observed: “Sri Lanka’s political transitions often bear the hallmarks of external meddling, a pattern we cannot afford to ignore.” Turning to Cambodia, Abeyagoonasekera praised its resilience in navigating external pressures, stating: “Cambodia’s ability to neutralize threats while addressing internal challenges demonstrates the value of strategic governance in safeguarding sovereignty.”
Discussing global dynamics, he emphasized the role of U.S. foreign policy in Southeast Asia. Referring to potential shifts in American leadership, he noted: “A recalibration of U.S. foreign policy is imperative. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, an opportunity may arise to prioritize constructive engagement over punitive measures, fostering partnerships that respect sovereignty and mutual interests.” The keynote also touched on broader regional dynamics: Bangladesh: The role of international financial institutions in exacerbating public discontent through austerity measures. Nepal: The challenges of balancing external pressures from India and China amidst coalition politics.
Abeyagoonasekera concluded by emphasizing the critical importance of sovereignty in a globalized world: “In an era of growing interconnectedness, the ability of nations to determine their own destiny is foundational to their stability and progress.” The event underscored the growing importance of regional dialogue on sovereignty and external influence. Abeyagoonasekera is the present Executive Director of the South Asia Foresight Network (SAFN) under the Millennium Project in Washington DC.
