Energy as a geopolitical battleground in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka has committed to achieving carbon neutrality status by 2050, but it is foreseeing more coal power plants, which has created spaces of contention locally and geopolitically. What is the role of geopolitics and local politics in shaping Sri Lanka’s decision to embark on coal at the very point in time when it has pledged a commitment to renewables? This paper explores this puzzle with particular attention to the encounters between global and local actors and the role of the state in the socio-political construction of the geopolitical battleground of energy. It traces the role and influence of international actors and agendas on domestic actors and dynamics within the state and society, and the opportunities or obstacles for geopolitical actors exerting extensive influence. The paper offers fresh insights into understanding the geopolitics of energy transition in a developing country context.