In an exclusive interview, geopolitical strategist George Friedman shared his insights on Sri Lanka’s current challenges and missed opportunities. Friedman, founder of Geopolitical Futures and author of notable works such as The Next 100 Years and The Storm Before the Calm, stressed the importance of strategy for smaller nations like Sri Lanka, particularly in managing relationships with larger neighbours such as India. He warned against confronting powerful nations, advising pragmatic engagement instead.
Friedman also criticised Sri Lanka’s leadership for lacking transparency with the public about economic hardships, urging greater openness to avoid instability. He expressed regret over the country’s failure to fully capitalise on its potential on the global stage, noting that political leaders often lack the business acumen necessary for economic growth.
Despite his critiques, Friedman expressed admiration for Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and suggested that, with the right strategies, the country still holds significant potential for the future. The full interview will be featured in Sri Lanka Guardian soon.
