Political analyst Dr. Tudor Weerasinghe has warned that ongoing military conflicts in the Middle East could have severe repercussions for Sri Lanka and other Asian countries.
He noted that the countries involved have shown neither the need nor the willingness to end the conflict, which could push the region into a deep crisis.
Dr. Weerasinghe highlighted that Israel and the United States have already carried out airstrikes against Iran, and 36 days into the conflict, its evolving dynamics continue to raise concerns.
Speaking to the media, he said that Asian countries will face significant challenges, and domestic resistance within these nations is likely to increase. Social and political unrest within these countries could escalate, and Sri Lanka, as part of the region, may also face similar pressures.
Dr. Weerasinghe added that the conflict has already triggered an economic crisis that is felt globally, and if it continues, it could escalate into a full-blown economic downturn.
“Due to this war, disruptions in global supply chains and key energy hubs are already being felt. If the conflict continues beyond 36 days, Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Singapore, which heavily depend on Middle Eastern oil, will face even greater impacts. This will not only intensify economic resistance within these countries but also heighten social and political unrest. Maintaining state and government authority under such conditions could become a major challenge,” he said.
Dr. Tudor Weerasinghe also warned that even if the conflict stops in the coming days, it will take at least two years for the global economy to fully recover.
“Even after the war ends, restoring the global economy will take around two years or more. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has already set back global economic recovery, and the current situation could multiply these challenges several times over in the coming months.”
