AKD Walks a Tightrope: Sri Lanka Backs Qatar, Sidesteps Israel

Colombo’s foreign policy soap opera just got a fresh twist. In the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Doha aimed at Hamas leaders, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra picked up the phone to reassure Qatar that “we stand with you.”

The call, which took place at 11:30 am with Qatar’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi, was full of solidarity talk. Hemachandra promised that both the government and the people of Sri Lanka shared Doha’s concerns over the attack.

But here’s the kicker: not a single word about Israel made it into the Foreign Ministry’s official statement. No condemnation, no finger-pointing, not even a polite nod.

Playing Both Sides?

It’s a familiar balancing act. On one hand, Colombo wants to be seen supporting Qatar, a wealthy ally and a key player for overseas jobs and investments. On the other, AKD’s government clearly doesn’t want to upset Tel Aviv or its Western partners by calling out Israel directly.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just diplomatic wording. It’s a signal of how far Sri Lanka is willing to go in the new AKD era: show solidarity in regional flashpoints, but keep the statements vague enough to avoid burning bridges.

The gossip on the grapevine? AKD is playing it safe — comforting Qatar without provoking Israel. A careful tightrope walk in foreign policy, but one that risks looking like double-speak at home.