ABSTRACT
Sri Lanka's geopolitical location in South Asia undoubtedly dominated its international relations during its ancient and medieval history. Thereafter, during the period of four-and-a-half centuries of western colonial rule from the 16th century A.D. to 1948, it was Europe that was perforce the main international partner, although social, cultural and some trade relations with India continued. It was only with the regaining of independence in 1948 that Sri Lanka was able to adopt a global approach. National interest drove the island-nation into closer alliances with the Nonaligned Movement (NAM), the Group of 77 and the South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation (SAARC) while remaining a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
