By Flavia Gunarathna
In a series of diplomatic and technological engagements, Sri Lanka seems to be taking strides towards enhancing its digital and maritime infrastructure.
During his official visit to Indonesia, President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with Indonesian officials and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. These meetings, occurring amidst the backdrop of the 10th World Water Forum, have generated mixed responses in Sri Lanka, but may well pave a path to the future.
Sri Lanka and Indonesia’s Strategic Engagements in Maritime Technology
During his visit to Indonesia, President Wickremesinghe met with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs of Indonesia. The meeting, held late last month at the United In Diversity Bali Campus on Kura Kura Bali Island, focused on areas such as the Global Blended Finance Alliance, Sri Lanka’s Tropical Belt Initiative, the Blue Economy, and the burgeoning seaweed industry.
Global Blended Finance Alliance
Blended Finance has the potential of driving sustainable development in developing countries. By blending different capital sources, it aims to address the financing gap and catalyze investments in critical sectors.
Sri Lanka’s Tropical Belt Initiative
During the recent meeting, both Sri Lanka and Indonesia, being tropical belt countries, engaged in discussions centered on leveraging their shared geographical characteristics for mutual benefit.
During COP28 in Dubai, the president introduced the Tropical Belt Initiative. This focuses on harnessing commercial investments in key natural resources found within the tropical belt, including forests, swamps, and mangroves.
President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need to ensure that these investments are economically viable. The initiative, he said, had to attract private sector engagement, contributing to the ambitious objective of mobilizing trillions of dollars.
The Blue Economy
The Blue Economy, in a nutshell the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems, was another focal point.
Sri Lanka has historically shared an intimate bond with the ocean, yet the full potential of the country’s Blue Economy remains untapped. The Sri Lankan delegation brought attention to these points, against the backdrop of the 10th World Water Day summit.
However, such rhetoric has been brandished before, particularly considering the president’s own initiatives on climate change and climate change diplomacy. It remains to be seen whether these initiatives deliver results, something that may take years.
Seaweed Industry
Both parties explored avenues to develop the seaweed industry, which holds significant promise for economic diversification and environmental sustainability.
Seaweed farming is becoming an essential component of the global food system, offering a multitude of benefits such as sustainable coastal livelihoods, economic diversification, food production, export revenue, climate change mitigation and adaptation, pollution control, and organic fertilizer production.
In the 1930s, Sri Lanka had a thriving seaweed market. Today, however, the industry is limited to small-scale operations with little value addition. Experts believe that expanding seaweed farming in Sri Lanka could significantly bolster the blue economy.
Collaborative Research and Task Force Initiatives
A notable outcome of the meeting was the consensus on establishing a collaborative research program focused on mangrove cultivation. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration. They are an effective counter to the growing effects of climate change.
To this end, the formation of a bilateral task force to coordinate these initiatives was agreed upon, reflecting a commitment to structured and sustained collaboration.
This task force will operate within the framework of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), where Sri Lanka currently holds the chairmanship, thus providing a strategic platform for advancing regional cooperation.
High-Level Engagements: Meeting with Elon Musk
During the same visit, somewhat controversially, President Wickremesinghe engaged in a high-profile meeting with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. This meeting brought forth discussions on the implementation of Starlink services in Sri Lanka.
Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet access globally. The system operates by deploying a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, reducing latency and enhancing internet speeds compared to traditional satellite internet services.
Each satellite weighs around 573 pounds and features a flat design, with up to 60 satellites launched per Falcon 9 rocket. This satellite network aims to provide global coverage, addressing connectivity challenges in many developing nations.
Elon Musk’s visit to Indonesia, coinciding with the planned launch of Starlink Internet service in the country, underscores Musk’s strategic visions for Southeast Asia.
The region is more or less characterized by diverse geographic and economic conditions, and it stands to benefit significantly from the enhanced connectivity offered by Starlink. By extending its services to Sri Lanka, SpaceX can further its mission of global internet coverage, going beyond Southeast to South Asia.
That said, whatever benefits may accrue to Musk from his expansion into South Asia, there remain questions as to how viable Starlink may be in countries like Sri Lanka. Estimates put installation costs at more than USD 600.
This is a massive amount for a Sri Lankan, even a middle-class Sri Lankan. Musk’s promise is to expand internet connectivity to rural areas. Given the costs of installation, one wonders whether rural Sri Lanka can afford such a venture.
State financing is a must, although again, with a crisis in the offing, one can ask whether the government has the foreign exchange to meet such costs.
Whatever may bode for Starlink in Sri Lanka, the meeting between Wickremesinghe and Musk could pave the way for a forward-looking partnership aimed at transforming Sri Lanka’s digital landscape. The integration of Starlink satellite internet service promises to enhance connectivity and attract investments.
Sri Lanka can well benefit from these engagements. Yet optimism on that front must necessarily be tempered by a sober acknowledgement of ground realities. If it can achieve a balance here, the sky can literally turn into the limit.
Flavia Gunarathna is an undergraduate at the Ragama Medical Faculty who is interested in international relations and global politics.
Factum is an Asia-Pacific focused think tank on International Relations, Tech Cooperation, Strategic Communications, and Climate Outreach accessible via www.factum.lk.
The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the organization’s.