Tensions continue to rise in Sri Lanka as the deepening economic crisis has led to mass protests against President Rajapaksa, and with government ministers resigning en masse recently. The resignations were followed by that of its Central Bank Governor, suggesting that the root of the country’s current political strife is economic. With the government struggling to repay debt, and national reserves at an all-time low, what choices are there for a country located at the intersection of big power rivalry in the region? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Thamil Venthan Ananthavinayagan, Teaching Associate, University of Nottingham (UK).