The recent escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran, emanating from the long-drawn-out and devastating Israel-Palestine conflict, has caused tensions globally. This time, it has reached as far as Sri Lanka. Several Sri Lankans have reportedly been injured in attacks on Israel, prompting immediate and commendable action from the Sri Lankan authorities to assist Sri Lankans in both the countries. Mechanisms have been put in place to respond to concerns, offer support, and communicate with citizens abroad.

These steps, while necessary and appreciated, are only the beginning of what must be a more comprehensive response. As a responsible State, Sri Lanka must go beyond reactive assistance. We should proactively support those who wish to leave Israel or Iran for safety reasons, initiating direct talks with both Governments to ensure the welfare of Sri Lankan nationals, and maintain uninterrupted and regular communication with the diaspora in these regions.

But, Sri Lanka’s responsibility does not stop there.

The tensions in the Middle East are having ripple effects within the country as well. Social media is already bearing witness to increasingly heated and sometimes divisive commentary surrounding Israel, Iran and Palestine. Israeli nationals, and also Palestinians and Iranians residing in Sri Lanka, may find themselves the subject of misdirected blame or suspicion. While no major incidents have been reported so far, tensions are very real. It is therefore imperative that the Sri Lankan Government adopts a balanced, neutral approach. Protection must be extended to all communities equally. The recent decision to beef up security around alleged Israeli religious sites in the country was a prudent move in response to reported threats. However, if there are similar concerns involving Palestinians or Iranians, equal attention must be paid. The safety that Sri Lanka provides to other nationals in the country should not be selective, especially because Sri Lanka is known as a neutral tourist destination.

Neutrality is not only wise, it is Sri Lanka’s declared diplomatic position. As a proud member and a founder of the Non-Aligned Movement, Sri Lanka must uphold its tradition of neutrality, especially when dealing with conflicts where there is no clear moral binary and where both sides have complex historical and geopolitical ties to Sri Lanka. Both Iran and Israel have extended their friendship to Sri Lanka at crucial moments whether through military aid, development projects, or trade partnerships. To take sides now would not only jeopardise those relationships, but also risk Sri Lanka’s credibility as a neutral nation in the international arena.

This is especially important in a world where diplomacy is increasingly being valued over military responses. In the face of calls to boycott Israel for its extremely questionable attacks on the Gaza Strip, Sri Lanka must tread carefully. While the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deeply troubling and deserves global condemnation, joining a boycott might contradict the country’s stance of neutrality and limit future diplomatic flexibility and relationships. Instead, Sri Lanka could focus more on advocating for peace. This moment presents Sri Lanka with a likely opportunity to amplify its voice in international forums like the United Nations. Based on its non-aligned stance, Sri Lanka can propose or support multilateral diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions and ultimately ending the conflict. A small nation may not have economic or military strength, but, progressive diplomatic interventions can go a long way.

The abovementioned steps are required because the repercussions of the conflict are also economic. Global oil prices surged following Israel’s strikes on Iran, with Brent crude increasing over 10% at one point. As a country that relies heavily on imported fuel, this is not a distant concern for Sri Lanka but an immediate economic threat. Any price hike in oil will have an impact across all sectors including transportation and food. If global supply chains are further disrupted, the consequences will be even more severe for an import-heavy economy like ours.

This is why Sri Lanka’s response to the Israel-Iran conflict must focus on protecting its citizens abroad, ensuring harmony and foreigners’ security at home, and be a neutral diplomatic advocate for peace. Such a response will not only safeguard Sri Lanka’s interests but also reinforce its’ role as a non-aligned nation.