Opinion: A way forward for Sri Lanka to capitalize on the new Indian ocean order

Lanka Business Online reports that an opinion article by Jithendra Antonio argues Sri Lanka could convert competition among major powers into as much as US$10 billion in foreign investment. The author says the country should attract funding without giving up its ability to set its own course.

Lanka Business Online reports that Antonio identifies energy resources in Trincomalee, Colombo’s role as a maritime gateway, industrial prospects in Hambantota and renewable-energy potential in Mannar. The piece describes Sri Lanka as a potential economic connector among India, China, Gulf countries, the United States and the West.

Lanka Business Online reports that Antonio draws on a June 2026 assessment by Indian Ocean strategist Keerthi Martyn, published by the Observer Research Foundation and later republished by the Center for a New American Security. The assessment places Sri Lanka roughly 10 nautical miles from major shipping routes that carry a significant share of global energy and container traffic, and presents this location as both a strategic asset and a source of competition.

Lanka Business Online reports that Martyn’s analysis identifies growing rivalry between the United States and China, Chinese infrastructure projects, US maritime-security cooperation and India’s expanding role in Sri Lankan security and defence decisions as pressures on Colombo. The article also refers to Antonio’s earlier work, published on January 27, 2025, on developing Sri Lanka’s maritime position to increase global trade.