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36 Sri Lanka Navy Journal

Indeed, during the post-colonial period also the country has great influ-
ences from the various nation-states and developing influences from the non-
state actors as well due to its strategic location. Importantly during the Cold War
period also country was significant for both enemy camps due to its strategic
location and national identity being impacted as a pro-USA country. Subsequent-
ly, the nonalignment of foreign policy of the country also impacted time to time
while influencing the political system of the country such as pro-USA, pro-China,
pro-India and pro-Europe due to the interest of foreign nations on the strategic
location of the country.

Importantly, to grab the opportunity of the significant strategic location
of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean it is required to enhance the provisions of port
and harbour facilities, shipbuilding and repairs, enhance maritime trade and
empower the maritime community as a maritime hub which was practiced even
in since ancient history.

Also, it requires the continuation of practicing the non-alliance foreign
policy and grabbing opportunities from the various state and non-state actors
who are interested on Sri Lankan strategic locations to emerge country as a mar-
itime hub while attracting FDI and maritime infrastructure developments.

Overall, this study found that the strategic location of Sri Lanka in the
Indian Ocean created a greater impact on her national identity. Likewise, there
have been positive impacts on the economic sector since ancient history, which
is still bonded with the maritime sector. However, due to the strategic location,
the arrival of various foreign nations to the country while influencing and dom-
inating the country longer period has created a distinct impact on the national
identity of the country. Indeed, it has affected all disciplines of the country and
causes to impact national identity.

More importantly, not only in history but in the contemporary era also
world powers have a great interest in this geographical high-value land and cre-
ating various impacts on national identity within the country and away from the
oceans as well. Finally, it was examined that by grabbing various opportunities
offered by state and non-state actors due to the interest of geographical location
Sri Lanka can build a unique national identity emerging as a main maritime hub
in IOR.

REFERENCES

Attanayaka, C. (2021) Maritime Sri Lanka: Historical and Contemporary Perspec-
tives – NUS Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS). Available at: https://www.
isas.nus.edu.sg/books/maritime-sri-lanka-historical-and-contemporary-per-
spectives/ (Accessed: 08 February 2024).