UNHRC: Measuring Consequences and Implications = 2014 මානව හිමිකම් කවුන්සිල යෝජනාවලිය හා ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ජාත්‍යන්තර වෙළඳාම

Abstract

Previously, Verité Insights examined the trading relationship between Sri Lanka and the countries that voted for and against the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka both in 2012 and in 2013. In this Insight, the same analysis is conducted on the voting pattern in March 2014 (using data on 2013 trade). The analysis finds that in 2014, compared to 2012 and 2013, it is not simply those who have a stronger trading relationship that voted for or abstained on the resolution, the pattern is more nuanced: it is more that those who Sri Lanka exports to than those that Sri Lanka imports from that voted “for” the resolution. Countries with which Sri Lanka has a positive trade balance are countries that are helping Sri Lanka avoid a balance of payment problem, and vice versa. Therefore, on this trade related analysis there is an important message. Sri Lanka has a great deal to gain by cooperating with the countries that voted “for” the resolution. They make up more than 50% of Sri Lanka’s exports and they are countries with whom Sri Lanka has a huge positive trade balance.