Poverty in Sri Lanka has become a multi-dimensional situation where low income groups are faced with a situation where basic consumer needs cannot be satisfied. The poor are faced with gaps in access to education, healthcare, water and sanitation. This tends to stifle an individual which results in the drive for personal development not taking place. This in turn contributes to the vicious cycle of poverty in the country. There are also studies that develop a relationship between poverty and terrorism in the context of the conflicts that take place in situations of inequity.

The EU has been in the forefront of a campaign to democratize the developing world. Its concern may be appreciated as the autocratic rulers in the global South need lessons on democracy. Respect for dissent is one of the pillars that carry democracy and the EU has been urging the so-called Third World nations to uphold that noble tenet which also underpins the principle of human rights.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexei Borodavkin on June 17 held consultations with Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona.