Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo, Feb 18 (Daily Mirror) – Considering the benefits provided to state sector employees in the 2025 budget, doubts arise over the effectiveness of decisions made regarding the public service, United Postal Trade Unions Front (UPTUF) Co- convener Chinthaka Bandara said.

Addressing the media, he said this budget can be described as one that creates a problematic situation in terms of people’s expectations. 

“This budget will determine how the public service will be implemented in the country. We do not see any significant benefits for the people from this budget. The salary anomaly issue in the education sector remains unresolved. It is clear that the current government will not address the salary issues of state sector employees even within the given three years. The budget only included a Rs. 15,750 salary increment for state sector employees,” he said.  

Therefore, state sector employees are not satisfied with the proposed salary increments in the budget. Nothing was provided to support the cost of living for the people, and no tangible benefits were offered, he added.  

“As trade unions, we hope to be directly involved in the budget process,” Bandara said.

 CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA   Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo, Feb 18 (Daily Mirror) – The All Island Canteen and Restaurant Owners’ Association (AICROA) has decided to increase the prices of all canteen and hotel food items from midnight today.  

Association Chairman Harshana Rukshan said that the price of a cup of plain tea will increase by Rs. 5, a cup of milk tea by Rs. 10, a plate of fried rice and kottu by Rs. 30, and the prices of short eats by Rs. 10.  

Addressing the media, he said that no concessions were provided for canteen and restaurant owners in the recent budget.  

“Even though the price of a packet of salt has increased to Rs. 200, the price of an egg has risen again to Rs. 35, a kilogram of chicken costs more than Rs. 1,000 and the price of coconuts has reached a maximum of Rs. 220, we did not request the President to reduce the prices of any of these items.  

“Unfortunately, no support has been provided for the protection of canteens and restaurants in the country,” he added.

 CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA  Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo, Feb 18 (Daily Mirror) – Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) Secretary Joseph Stalin claimed today that the government has not addressed the issue of teachers’ salaries in the recent budget.

Addressing the media, he said that both the President and the Prime Minister had assured that the existing salary issues would be resolved in the 2025 budget.

He reminded that state employees staged protests demanding a Rs. 20,000 salary increment, while principals and teachers protested for the remaining two-thirds of their salary anomalies to be rectified according to the Subodhini Committee report. However, according to the budget, the salary increase has only been planned for three years, suggesting that there will be no budget allocations for 2026 and 2027.

With the reduction of the Rs. 7,500 allowance, there will only be a Rs. 6,225 salary increment by April 1 for Grade 1 teachers and principals. Teachers in Service Grade 2.1 will receive an increase of Rs. 4,056, those in Grade 2.2 will receive Rs. 2,061, and teachers in Grade 3.1 will receive only Rs. 860.

“We all expected a Rs. 20,000 salary increment, but not a single word was mentioned about implementing the two-thirds of the remaining salary increment approved in the Subodhini Committee report. The budget only referred to an increase in the basic salary by Rs. 15,000,” Stalin said.

“The teachers who took to the streets in protest were assured that their demands would be met, but now they have been let down by the government. The future decisions of teachers and principals will depend on the government’s response to their concerns,” he added.

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo, Feb 18 (Daily Mirror) – Following recent controversial remarks to the media, MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi has been adviced to refrain from making statements to the media.

“I ‘m sorry, I am unable to make any comments to the media as I have been instructed by the party not to speak to the media,” she stated when reporters posed a question to her on Sunday (16) during the Clean Sri Lanka programme in Gimpatha, Keselwatta.

Courtesy Adaderana

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board says that measures will be taken to swiftly provide insurance compensation to farmers in districts that have not yet received payments for crops damaged by the floods last November during the 2024/25 ‘Maha Season’.

Accordingly, Rs. 202 million is expected to be credited to the back accounts of 9,368 farmers in the Batticaloa District tomorrow (19).

Furthermore, the board stated that Rs. 98 million will be credited to compensate 6,671 farmers in the Trincomalee District for their damaged crops by February 21, the board said.  

Thus far, a total of Rs. 306 million has been credited to the bank accounts of a portion of the farmers in the districts of Polonnaruwa, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Trincomalee as insurance compensation of the crops damaged.

Courtesy Adaderana

Sri Lanka’s budgeted expenditure for 2025 will likely lead to a wider fiscal deficit and slower-than-expected fiscal consolidation, Moody’s Ratings said on Tuesday, a day after the island nation unveiled its budget.

Sri Lanka aims to transform its crisis-hit economy to prepare to resume debt repayments from 2028, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Monday while announcing the budget which is seen as a key step towards returning the country to durable, long-term growth.

The budget is mostly in line with targets set under a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, including a key 2.3% primary account surplus goal.

Expenditure is estimated at 21.8% of GDP as Sri Lanka directs more resources towards welfare and infrastructure development, analysts said, while revenue will be 15.1% of GDP.

The budget has set a deficit target of 6.7% of GDP, which falls short of a 5.2% goal for 2025 preferred by the IMF.

The budget underscores the challenge that Sri Lanka’s fiscal authorities will continue to face because of its still weak debt affordability, still narrow revenue base, and underlying social constraints,” said Christian Fang, vice president – senior analyst at Moody’s Ratings.

Sri Lanka is aiming to grow 5% this year, Dissanayake told parliament, emphasising the need to support small businesses and key economic sectors such as tourism and tea to put the island nation’s economy on a sustainable recovery.

Sri Lanka’s economy went into freefall three years ago after running precariously low on dollar reserves, leaving it unable to afford essentials such as fuel, medicine and cooking gas.

Helped by the IMF bailout secured in March 2023, the island’s economy has partly recovered and completed a $25 billion debt restructuring with bilateral creditors and bondholders last December.

Sri Lanka is awaiting IMF approval for a fourth tranche of about $333 million.

Source: Reuters
–Agencies

ITN Doramadalawa

Courtesy Adaderana

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, presented his maiden Budget Speech in the Parliament today (17).

The 79th budget of the Independent Sri Lanka aimed at developing the country in a way that enables it to repay debt when repayment commences in 2028 today (17), encapsulated three main facets;

i. Growth of production of industry, services and agriculture.
ii. Production must take place with the active engagement and participation of people.
iii. The benefits and gains from production must be equitably shared across society.

The Head of the State also noted that this years’ budget is prepared based on these principles, and that the government intend to set a foundation to create an economy where all citizens are active participants, active stakeholders, and active beneficiaries.

According to the Head of State, the budget deficit for the fiscal year 2025 is estimated at Rs. 2,200 billion, which is 6.7 as a percentage from the GDP.

The total expenditure for next year will be Rs. 7,190 billion, which is 21.8% of the country’s GDP and the total revenue and grants will be Rs. 4,990 billion (15.09%).

The government has allocated Rs. 5,886 billion for recurring expenditure such as subsidies and salary payments. For salaries and wages, Rs. 1,230 billion has been set aside, and Rs. 1,290 billion for subsidies and transfers.

President’s full budget speech is as below; 

https://www.scribd.com/embeds/829057329/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-F1wwyOmRoXIZSGgW4vWw

English Budget Speech 2025 by Adaderana Online

Michael Hudson Courtesy The UNZ Review

Why has the price of gold been increasing so fast, breaking records? Economist Michael Hudson explains the politics of the precious metal, and the dynamics of the US dollar system.

The politics of gold, by Michael Hudson – The Unz Review

By Rohana R. Wasala

Continued from  Friday, February 7, 2025

Since the JVP/NPP’s arbitrary decision to curtail former president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s security and have him relocated to less expensive accommodation is now being legally challenged through an FR petition lodged with the Supreme Court in Colombo, nothing  more needs to be said here about it. What I am doing here instead is to express a personal opinion for what it is worth, about something that is of utmost national importance. The interests of the country (nation) matter more than those of individual politicians or political parties. That is why inclusive nationalism (not ethnonationalism or racism) is vital at this juncture. It is an open secret now that almost all our leaders, with a few honourable exceptions, are being led by the nose by foreign powers (at loggerheads with each other, pursuing their own respective national interests) as Sri Lanka is located in a geostrategically sensitive point in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Our response to the inevitable aggression that we have no choice but to face should not be politicised within the country. As a patriotic senior Sri Lankan living outside Sri Lanka with absolutely no stake in its current affairs or future prospects, I earnestly request all the MPs and the President with due respect to ponder on the useful implications of what I have just stated. It is their responsibility to look after the people/country (‘raja dhamma paja rakkha’ (the ruler’s duty is to protect the people) through wise statecraft  at home and suave diplomacy abroad.

To return to my subject, the question why probably the NPP is going after Mahinda Rajapaksa, though not a mystery, remains to be considered. I hope that this will not be misconstrued as propaganda for Mahinda Rajapaksa who, I believe, is politically ‘out of combat’ because of his advanced age, and should now be in quiet retirement. His significance, though, as the foremost champion of nationalist politics has not diminished yet. Out of the five living past presidents, Mahinda Rajapaksa, when in power, was recognised as the most authentic face of Sri Lankan nationhood. He cut an imposing figure on the world stage. In accordance with usual diplomatic protocols, top level foreign state visitors still regularly pay him courtesy calls. Foreign ambassadors resident in Sri Lanka have formal goodwill meetings with him occasionally. As he wrote in an X post, he had a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha on February 5, 2025.

I never hero-worshipped Mahinda Rajapaksa. Quite a number of my articles that I wrote as a nonprofessional newspaper columnist, especially those written over the past eighteen years (2007-2025) and published in The Island and elsewhere, bear testimony to this. I have criticised Mahinda Rajapaksa more than I have praised him. I always offered constructive criticism of his  politics, both when he was in power and when he was in the opposition. 

My criticism of Mahinda Rajapaksa was basically  focused on three areas: what I saw as his family-bandyism or nepotism (giving his own sons,siblings and other kith and kin priority in his public/political life, often to the disadvantage of more deserving others), his harmful, unnecessarily secretive approach to wooing the support  of the minorities while taking the loyalty of the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, his main support base, for granted, and his lenient treatment of some of his closest associates who were up to no good.This made me describe him once as ‘a flawed diamond’ (a borrowed metaphor that surfaced from the depths of my ancient literary memory). More recently though, I found myself using such pejorative adjectives as ‘ruinous’ and ‘rascally’ in reference to the Rajapaksas, for squandering, as I believe, the benefits that accrued to the nation from the  heroic victory of 2009 over separatist terrorism. That it was a national victory that would not have materialised but for the invaluable contributions of the Rajapaksas is a different matter. 

The barefaced geopolitical meddling that intensified after the end of terrorism in 2009, seriously undermining the stability of unitary Sri Lanka, according to my understanding, was greatly facilitated by the three  blunders mentioned above that MR could have avoided had he had enough foresight to keep in check his ego-propelled dynastic ambitions. It looked as if his concern for the youth of the country didn’t go beyond his own sons and nephews. He never wanted to allow someone outside his family to succeed him. Had he at least made Maithreepala Sirisena premier (instead of  the late D.M. Jayarathne, even then a doddering old man) in 2010, the disastrous upset of 2015 would not have come about so easily (though engineered from outside).

The ‘baiyas’, who are ready to forget and forgive their old champion for services done, will not take kindly to the NPP for harassing him. If there are plausible allegations of financial or other crimes against him and his family, let them be investigated and let them face the full force of the law. But mere unsubstantiated allegations should not be bruited about as political propaganda against them. This is what I emphasised in a column under the title Prosecute, but don’t persecute” published in The Island on May 28, 2015 (that is, almost ten years ago). Who might want him persecuted? His political opponents and those who are baying for Mahinda Rajapaksa’s and his brother GR’s blood for defeating separatist terrorism, who seem to be allies now.  

Let’s now turn to his would-be nemesis Anura Kumara Dissanayake. At the last presidential election held on September 21, 2024, as the leader of the Jathika Jana Balavegaya (JJB) alliance, popularly known as the Malimawa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake was declared winner after obtaining just over 42% of the total votes cast across the country. He beat his nearest rival Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB), who was supported by only about 33% of the national electorate. But the important thing is that  there was little for AKD to crow about in this victory. Had it not been for the split between Sajith Premadasa and his former boss Ranil Wickremasinghe the leader of the almost defunct United National Party (UNP) that he left to form the SJB, Anura Kumara Dissanayake would hardly have become president. (I have criticised both Ranil Wickremasinghe and Sajith Premadasa, too, while admiring some of their personal attributes, as I did in ‘A role for Sajith and UNP ginger group’ published in The Island/August 28, 2019).

Let’s also remember the fact that AKD’s presidential win on September 21, 2024 and the Malimawa’s seemingly impressive performance at the subsequent parliamentary election held on November 14, 2024 were heavily qualified by certain factors that render both successful outcomes (i.e., Malimawa’s presidential and electoral victories) seem accidental, i.e., they are not truly representative of the significant asymmetries of public opinion between regions and communities, for it is probable that the different racial and religious communities that voted for the Malimaawa expect different things from the NPP government in return. The Malimaawa win seemed almost an electoral aberration.

The wild promises made by the JVP/NPP for getting elected were probably nonchalantly exaggerated due to their unstated private assumption that they were not going to face the hazard of being required to deliver on those promises, as they never expected to win with such a massive majority. For example, what did the Malimawa promise the voters in the North and East, who are predominantly Tamil speaking ethnic Tamils and Muslims respectively, not forgetting the Sinhalese minority living with them, to win their collective support? Were these promises identical with what the Malimawans pledged before the ethnically mixed population in the rest of the country where the Sinhala speakers form the overwhelming majority? Did the Malimawa politicians work to bring about a uniform and consensual awareness of their principal electoral platform of fighting endemic corruption among politicians and bureaucrats, and what they have erroneously identified as ‘the atrocious legacy of the past 76 years’ (alleged wrong policies and corrupt practices of politicians in power in the post-independence period to date)? Do these Malimawans believe that their approach to the first and their specific conception of the second are being accepted and embraced by the average citizens in every part of the country with equal conviction and enthusiasm? 

To be concluded

e-Con e-News

blog: eesrilanka.wordpress.com

‘Before you study the economics, study the economists!’

e-Con e-News 09-15 January 2025

*

‘I know that return to my island is quick & to my political life is impossible.

The pace of colonial events is quick, the turnover of political leaders rapid.

I have already been forgotten; and I know that people who supplanted me

are themselves about to be supplanted. My career is by no means unusual.

It falls into the pattern. The career of the colonial politician is short & ends

brutally. We lack order. Above all, we lack power. We mistake words, and

the acclamation of words for power; as soon as our bluff is called we are lost.

Politics for us are a do-or-die, once-for-all charge. Once we are committed

we fight more than political battles; we often fight literally for our lives.

Our transitional or makeshift societies do not cushion us. There are no universities or

City houses to refresh us and absorb us after the heat of battle. For those who lose,

and nearly everyone in the end loses, there is only one course: flight.

Flight to the great disorder & emptiness: London & the home counties.’

– The Mimic Men (1967)

This passage is from VS Naipaul, this Trinidadian’s work of fiction about a colonial leader exiled in England. Dystopian. ‘We lack order’. Really? We deliver tea, rubber & coconut on time, don’t we. To others. But then, Naipaul too is a mimic man who mouths the colonial tale, faithfully parses its chattering points. The English appeared to like him so much, they even anointed him a knight! Sir Vidhya… Sans a horse or a lance. Sans a continental missile. Or even dynamite. They only gave him that dynamite & oilman turned missile-maker’s Nobel Prize. They only permitted him a pen (at that time, perhaps, patted on a typewriter, massaged by his English wife, published in London in 1967). But it was a sponsored pen. He liked to laugh at Black people’s delusional foibles, in thinking we can long escape the enslaver, with our silly permitted ‘protests’ & ‘demonstrations’ & ‘independences’. It is the type of literature adored by our mimic literati at their English literary festivals, run by tourist agencies (aka land speculators aka plane & car importers) and the English banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered etc.) that ‘sponsor’ them, where they play at words.

     Naipaul is from the Caribbean. To which Sri Lanka is umbilically tied. A colony of Tate & Lyle (yes, the Tate of that ‘London Art Gallery’). Yes, a sugar plantation! Naipaul is an Indian. The indentured Indians were taken to supplant the Africans, who were themselves enchained to supplant the ‘native’ Amerindians, whose land they stole, where now the whites feel at home. Sound familiar?

     Note: it is written in an almost passive voice. Who is it who ‘supplants’ our leaders? Tate & Lyle. Unilever. ‘Leaders’ in the US & Canada are usually employees of Mr Rockeller’s Exxon Corporation (in Sri Lanka, perhaps known as Caltex, Chevron, etc). Many multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in Sri Lanka, have larger budgets than so-called sovereign nations combined… Naipaul, by the way, was critical about his father, a journalist. His father had not fathomed the ‘postcolonial’ shift in the power centre post-1945, from London to Washington, and failed to give lip, cater to those interests…and had a nervous breakdown.  Sir Vidhya chose not to….

     In media in Sri Lanka, foreign news means BBC and CNN… English affairs ancient and modern, artistic, literary and other, therefore led the way to this week’s arrival of the latest English minister-in-charge of colonies, now appropriately named ‘West’ and entitled ‘Minister for Indo-Pacific’ – an English verbiage no doubt ordered by USA’s NATO. And just as s/he/it arrived, a northern politician threatened to demolish a Buddhist temple… Meanwhile in Munich (‘Little Monk’) a security conference was arranged, with the US Vice-President’s speech presaged by an attendant ‘terrorist attack’ blamed on an Afghani ‘refugee claimant’, while in Palestine, the Anglo-American mince-meating of the innocents was continued, producing more refugees… and headlines…

     This last week (look at ee’s news compendium below if you dare), the English media in Sri Lanka was preoccupied with the antics of the US agency with ‘AID’ suffixed to its title, whose origins along with the ‘internet’ are in ensuring the repression of any real (industrial) resistance to continuing colonized underdevelopment:

*

The SLPP delegation asking Chung to investigate how USAID funds

were disbursed in Sri Lanka is like setting a thief to catch a thief,

thief & the master of the house combining!

– Sena Thoradeniya (see ee Sovereignty,

It’s time for Julie Chung to Bow out Gracefully!)

*

While there was much talk of USAID interference in Sri Lanka, the truth is Sri Lanka’s economy & related political life have long been tied to the capitalist system, with our artists & economists (they are artists too, with their prevarications) in tow.

     In this ee Focus, Shenali Waduge asks, ‘Are there any economists in Sri Lanka who can give an alternative to IMF?’, a question ee is somewhat dedicated to. Waduge wonders: ‘Why are Sri Lanka’s economists ignoring ground realities of IMF conditions? When water, food production, fuel, gas (essentials to citizens) fall out of government hands into international corporate hands or even local corporate hands & when these entities begin to raise prices at will, when they decide to deny supply – what can citizens or the government do, especially when companies are now taking governments to international courts…’ Indeed our economists & literati are stipendiaries of various colonial embassies.

     ee Focus also reproduces Usvatte-aratchi’s inquiry into ‘Education & Schools’. He points out: ‘The modern equivalents of liberal arts are mathematics and science’. Well, tell that to the funny literati who claim to inform and entertain us, like monkeys (who can also turn off the lights!). Usvatte-aratchi describes how: ‘The relationship between universities and the economy & society was rapidly transformed in the latter half of the 19^th century. From an institution that the church dominated, universities became partners in innovations in the economy.’ He should have emphasized this was largely a European phenom. Indeed, as one ‘young Joseph Needham’ (so intimate we are!) was told, ‘the future lay in ‘atoms & molecules, atoms & molecules, my boy’.

*

The expression ‘Green Revolution’ is said to have been first used by

an administrator of USAID to describe developments in Asian Agriculture following

on the introduction of IR8 by the International Rice Research Institute in 1966

*

Rice & its prices were also another preoccupation of the media, which variously blames local millers & politicians, but leaves out the role played by the English in the destruction of the ancient village irrigation systems, and as usual leaves out the names of such players as England’s Unilever & BAT’s Ceylon Tobacco & ICI’s CIC, et al…

     Which is why ee continues to reproduce SSA’s Capital & Peasant Production: Studies in the Continuity & Discontinuity of Agrarian Structures in Sri Lanka, this time introduced by Newton Gunasinghe. He records the ‘unprecedented boom’ in the 1980s of research institutes (state & NGO) and superficial academic analyses of agrarian studies, which all fail to unearth the underlying interests and attendant weeds, leading to:

‘Indeed, ironically the most pronounced facet

of the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Project

seems to be the accelerated speed at which the

resettled peasant is being evicted from his land.’

     The Introduction scans the book’s various analyses, the overriding of local initiatives that developed local seeds resistant to disease, soon supplanted by varieties requiring imported fertilizers by ICI’s CIC, etc (yes, ICI’s CIC who pays devalued rupees for the recurring media meme that somehow an organic fertilizer policy was to blame for the melting-down)… It also looks at the role played by England’s Ceylon Tobacco Co, and the growth of agricultural ‘entrepreneurs’… and the failure to examine the variety of agrarian systems in the country that promote the pauperization of the peasant.

     Gunasinghe also mentions SBD de Silva’s examination of the backwardness & stagnation, which he attributed ‘to labour-intensive methods of production, which ruled out technological innovations, [to] the control exercised by agency houses over the plantations which were basically trading monopolies, and the separation of ownership & management…’

*

Hit your competitors in the pocket book, hit ’em hard.

Then you either buy ’em out, or take ’em with you.

– James Buchanan Duke, US Tobacco Trust, 1889

*

Which brings us back to the perfidious and obsequious role played by our Mimic Men, so-called artists & glitterati & economists who are paid to ignore, and worse, muddle up such matters… As we have noted before, what the US President is saying is neither new nor original. Recall, and it is important to recall if we wish to comprehend:

The US government made 371 treaties with the original people of their ‘America’,

1776-1871. As one of their leaders, called ‘Red Cloud’ in English, recorded:

‘They made many promises to us, but they only kept one:

They promised to take our land and they took it.

*

As noted, the celebrated literati, the economists, the media (let’s not call them ‘our’ literati, ‘our’ media) simply refuse, or are paid to refuse, to listen. The idea that the USA under Trump will stop interfering in the rest of the world is pure delusion… regardless of their concerns for further genderization, they still want to turn both women and men into their ‘bitches’?

     This week also saw pompous Anglomanic claims about ‘digital privacy’ & ‘freedom’, about control over the ‘data’ machinery, whose machines we are not allowed to make… There has also been continued hype about so-called ‘artificial’ intelligence (AI), which turns out to be not very artificial at all… Machines cannot create value; only humans, and working humans in particular, can do that. All AI, especially in English, is still colonized & biased, just the newest high-tech mimic men… As a Russian analyst noted, how even with China’s new open-source DeepSeek, which has popped their pompous balloons and shaken their stockmarkets:

‘…bias comes from being trained on liberal western media. All you get are

summaries of what all the Anglo-American media have been writing. This is the same

for ChatGPT & comparable western LLMs [Large Language Models]. As future models

get trained on voice & video they will be biased further, unless the Chinese & Russians

refrain from training on more English content and avoid the biases in that content.

Russians & Chinese would be wrong to train on data from the Anglo-Saxon world.’

*

________

Contents:

Sri Lanka’s Mimic Media & Their Artificial Intelligence

Dilrook Kannangara

Namal Rajapaksa and an SLPP delegation met US ambassador Julie Chung they previously despised openly. Although they stated that USAID was discussed, it is common knowledge that USAID is handled by a separate office of the US government with a separate office in Sri Lanka. Julie Chung is not associated with USAID projects in Sri Lanka!

Instead, the SLPP delegation discussed US citizenship issues of some of their party members who lost it and have been unsuccessful in regaining it. They also highlighted corruption investigations carried out by the police which they alleged were a human rights violation.

Chung promised to look into the US citizenship issue with the rest of the US State Department but would not comment on ongoing anti-corruption investigations stating that they were internal affairs of Sri Lanka and reaffirmed US government commitment to good governance and reduced corruption.

USAID has provided $2 billion since 1956 to Sri Lanka. Most of it went to non-development related aid, post-tsunami and other wheat purchase subsidies from US suppliers and for political purposes. Only an insignificant amount of USAID was provided to development related initiatives.

උපුටා ගැන්ම ලංකා සී නිව්ස්

හෙට දිනයේ පාර්ලිමේන්තුවට ඉදිරිපත් කිරීමට නියමිත 2025 වසර සඳහා වන අයවැය මගින් ජනතාවට සහන ලබාදීමට සිදු බාධාවක් නැති බව ජාත්‍යන්තර මුල්‍ය අරමුදල සඳහන් කර ඇත.

නමුත් තම අරමුදල සහ ශ්‍රී ලංකා රජය එකඟ වී ඇති වැඩ පිළිවෙලේ පරාමිතීන් තුළ ඒ සියලු සහන ලබාදිය යුතු බවද ඔවුන් අවධාරණය කරයි.

කිසියම් සහනාධාරයක්, වැටුප් වැඩි කිරීමක් ආදී වියදමක් ආණ්ඩුව සිදු කරන්නේ නම් එය රාජ්‍ය ආදායම සඳහා එම මුදල උපයා ගත යුතුව ඇති බවද ඔවුන් පෙන්වා දී ඇත.

එම පරාමිතීන් ඇතුළත අයවැය ඉදිරිපත් කරන්නේද යන්න සම්බන්ධයෙන් ජාත්‍යන්තර මුල්‍ය අරමුදල සමීපව නිරීක්ෂණය කරයි.

ඉන් අනතුරුව ජාත්‍යන්තර මුල්‍ය අරමුදලේ මීළඟ ණය වාරිකය නිදහස් කිරීම සඳහා විධායක මණ්ඩලය වෙත අනුමැතිය සඳහා ඉදිරිපත් කිරීමට නියමිතව තිබේ.

මුල්‍ය අරමුදලේ නියෝජිතයන් මෑතකදී ඇමරිකාවේදී පැවති මාධ්‍ය හමුවකදිද මේ බව පැවසූ අතර කොළඹ කාර්යාලයද මේ බව මහ බැංකුව වෙත සන්නිවේදනය කර ඇත.

උපුටා ගැන්ම ලංකා සී නිව්ස්

මෙවර අයවැයෙන් හොඳ වැටුප් වැඩි කිරීමක් කිරීමට බලාපොරොත්තු වන බව වැවිලි හා ප්‍රජා යටිතල පහසුකම් අමාත්‍ය සමන්ත විද්‍යාරත්න මහතා පවසයි.

පෙර ආණ්ඩු මෙන් නොව අදාළ වැටුප් වැඩිවීම මූලික වැටුපට එකතු කරන බව ද ඇමති විද්‍යාරත්න අනාවරණය කරයි.

පළමු වතාවට මේ රටේ දේශපාලනඥයන්ගේ වැටුප් කප්පාදු කර ඒ අයවැය මගින් ජනතා සංවර්ධනයට යොදවන බව ද හෙතෙම ප්‍රකාශ කරයි.

සිය ආණ්ඩුව හොඳ අයවැයක් සාදන ආකාරය දැකගත හැකි ගැනීමට වනු ඇතැයි ද සමන්ත විද්‍යාරත්න මහතා සිය විශ්වාසය පළ කරයි.

උපුටා ගැන්ම ලංකා සී නිව්ස්

මාතලේ යටවත්ත පදිංචි අමල් අත්තනායක මහතා ගේ නිවසට පැමිණි ජවිපෙ සමාජිකයින් පිරිසක් ඔහුට විනාඩි 22 ක් පුරා තර්ජනය කරමින් දොස් පවරා ඇතැයි පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත‍්‍රිනී රෝහිනී කවිරත්න මහත්මිය පවසයි.

යටවත්ත ප්‍රාදේශීය සභාවේ ජවිපෙ හිටපු මන්ත්‍රී ඩබ්ලිව්. ජී. මංජුල ප්‍රසාද් සමරවීර හා මෑතක දී මාලිමාවට එක් වූ විජේරත්න නැමැත්තෙක් මෙසේ තර්ජනය කරන්නේ ෆේස්බුක් හි දමන ලද සටහනක් සම්බන්ධයෙන් යයිද ඇය කියයි.

ගමේ නඩු ගෙදරටම ගොස් ඇසීමේ මාතලේ පැරණි ක්‍රමයට පරාජය කිරීමට රටේ සියලු ප්‍රගතිශීලි බලවේග නිදහස් පුරවැසියන් එක් විය යුතු බවත් සමාජ මධ්‍ය මගින් නිදහස් අදහස් ප්‍රකාශ කිරීමට අයිතියක් සියළු පුරවැසියන්ට ඇති බවත් ඇය පෙන්වා දෙයි.

වෛරය හා ක්‍රෝධය පැවරවීම තුලින් බලයට පැමිණි මේ පිරිසල දැන් විපක්ෂයේ හිතවතුන්ටල මහජනතාවට සමාජ මාධ්‍ය තුලින් ‘පරණ පොරොන්දු සිහිපත්කිරීම’ට හෝ ඉඩක් නොදී කටයුතු කරමින් සිටින්නේ යයිද ඇය කියා සිටී.

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උපුටා ගැන්ම  ලංකා ලීඩර්

හිටපු ජනාධිපති මහින්ද රාජපක්ෂ හොර රහසේ පැමිණෙන බව කියන භාවනා මධ්‍යස්ථානයක් පිළිබඳ වාර්තා වනවා.
ගම්පහ ප්‍රදේශයේ ඇතැයි කියන එම භාවනා මධ්‍යස්ථානය පිළිබඳ සොයා බැලීමට කම්කරු නියෝජ්‍ය අමාත්‍ය මහින්ද ජයසිංහ එහි ගොස් තිබෙනවා.
නමුත් එහි ගිය කම්කරු නියෝජ්‍ය අමාත්‍ය මහින්ද ජයසිංහ ට ඊට ඇතුළුවීමට එහි ආරක්ෂක නිලධාරීන් අවසර දුන්නේ නැහැ.
නියෝජ්‍ය අමාත්‍යවරයා එහි ගොස් තිබුණේ, ප්‍රදේශවාසීන් පිරිසක් කළ දැනුම්දීමකට අනුවයි.
ගම්පහ යාගොඩ ප්‍රදේශයේ මෙම භාවනා මධ්‍යස්ථානය පිහිටා තිබෙනවා.
ප්‍රදේශවාසීන් පිරිසකගේ ඉල්ලීමක් පරිදි එය පිහිටි ඉඩම නිරීක්ෂණය කිරීම සඳහා කම්කරු නියෝජ්‍ය අමාත්‍ය මහින්ද ජයසිංහ පැමිණියත් ඊට ඇතුළුවීමට ඔහුට අවසර හිමිවූයේ නැහැ.

Courtesy Adaderana

Sri Lanka’s vision for the Indian Ocean is one of shared destiny—where nations rise above rivalry to protect freedom of navigation and foster stable and sustainable prosperity based on cooperation, and find peaceful solutions to all issues, says Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.

He made these remarks on Sunday (16) while addressing the first plenary session of the eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), which is being held in Muscat, Oman.

During his speech, the minister also mentioned that the Colombo Port explores new horizons in maritime partnership and also emphasized that Sri Lanka is committed to strengthening maritime connectivity through port development, logistics, and maritime services, enhancing its position as a key hub in the Indian Ocean.

Developed in partnership with key regional partners, today, the Port of Colombo which is strategically placed in close proximity to the world’s busiest shipping routes, is a hub that services and connects the Far East with Europe, Africa, and the eastern coasts of the American continents.” 

Rated as one of the best-performing ports in the world today, it is expected to reach greater heights with the state-of-the-art Colombo West International Terminal that is expected to become operational early this year, he said. 

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister further emphasized that the country is also committed to the BBNJ Agreement on conserving marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

He continued, Given the Indian Ocean Region’s strategic and ecological significance, this treaty ensures equitable access to marine resources while strengthening regional cooperation on sustainable ocean governance.

Minister Vijitha Herath’s full speech:

It is a great pleasure for me to be here today in this beautiful city of Muscat – a city which has deep and ancient roots that connect my country and Oman.

At the outset, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Oman, the India Foundation, and all the other partners who have worked hard to organize this important Conference.

The Indian Ocean Conference which began in Singapore in 2016, has voyaged through Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Maldives, UAE, Bangladesh, and Australia, and now reached Oman.

I commend the India Foundation for this visionary and critical initiative that was launched in 2016, and for steering it with exceptional commitment through the years. In partnership with governments and a range of stakeholders, the India Foundation has created a platform for all stakeholders to gather regularly to engage in a dynamic exchange of ideas and collaborative action, reinforcing our shared commitment to the prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region. By fostering such visionary dialogue, the India Foundation not only strengthens regional cooperation but also ignites innovative pathways for sustainable growth, security, and resilience across the Indian Ocean Region.

Excellencies,

It is the Indian Ocean that first brought Oman and Sri Lanka together centuries ago. In ancient times, traders from Oman sailed to my country which was then known in this part of the world as Serendib. Our two countries were both active hubs for trade along the ancient Silk Route. This laid a firm a foundation for our bilateral relations that exist today, encompassing trade, investment, cultural exchange and people-to-people connections. The cultural impact of this ancient connection is such that a particular sweet derived from Omani Halva that Sri Lankans call Muscat” is a favourite among many in my country even today.

Excellencies,

The theme of this Plenary – Voyage of New Horizons of Maritime Partnership” – is of particular significance to us in Sri Lanka. To our minds, the Port of Colombo is an excellent manifestation of new horizons in maritime partnerships. Developed in partnership with key regional partners, today, the Port of Colombo which is strategically placed in close proximity to the world’s busiest shipping routes, is a hub that services and connects the Far East with Europe, Africa, and the eastern coasts of the American continents.  Rated as one of the best-performing ports in the world today, it is expected to reach greater heights with the state of the art Colombo West International Terminal that is expected to become operational early this year.

Excellencies,

Our region’s prosperity and the world’s future prosperity lies in successful partnerships of this nature, and Sri Lanka remains committed to strengthening maritime connectivity through port development, logistics, and maritime services, enhancing its position as a key hub in the Indian Ocean.

Distinguished Delegates,

Oceans serve as the lifelines of international trade, carrying over 80% of global trade volume and underpinning economic interdependence. Yet, the maritime domain extends far beyond commerce—it is a critical nexus for environmental sustainability, cultural exchange, and geopolitical stability. In this dynamic landscape, freedom of navigation stands as a cornerstone of international law, ensuring the unimpeded, secure movement of vessels across global waters. Upholding this principle is not just a legal duty but a strategic necessity—one that preserves stability, strengthens economic resilience, and reinforces the rules-based maritime order essential for sustainable global prosperity.

However, the global maritime landscape is fraught with challenges some of which affect the Indian Ocean as well. This includes, among others, maritime crimes and territorial disputes, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather and marine pollution. All these challenges urge collaboration and partnership to find solutions. For example, tackling marine pollution requires better waste management and recycling. Similarly, rising sea levels and climate related issues require better climate data, resilience, and adaptation measures. As a key shipping route, the Indian Ocean traffic must explore adopting cleaner fuels and cut emissions to balance growth with conservation.

All these issues necessitate a collective approach rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and adherence to international norms.

Sri Lanka’s vision for the Indian Ocean is one of shared destiny—where nations rise above rivalry to protect freedom of navigation and foster stable and sustainable prosperity based on cooperation, and find peaceful solutions to all issues.

The economic benefits of maritime partnerships within the Indian Ocean Region are vast, yet their full potential remains underutilized. From sustainable fisheries and tourism to maritime trade and energy resources, the ocean presents significant opportunities for growth and development. Realizing these benefits demands collaborative efforts to foster sustainable practices, protect marine ecosystems, and ensure the equitable distribution of resources.

Excellencies,

Regional security is intrinsically linked to the stability of the Indian Ocean. It is essential that we strengthen regional security architectures, enhance maritime domain awareness, and promote joint exercises and capacity-building initiatives. By doing so, we can create a resilient maritime environment that deters threats and fosters peace.

The complexity of maritime challenges necessitates a collective response. Networking between countries and agencies is essential to build trust, share best practices, and coordinate responses to common threats. Enhanced information sharing and communication channels can significantly improve our ability to detect, deter, and respond to maritime threats.

Excellencies,

As a strategically located island nation, and developing Indian Ocean littoral state, Sri Lanka seeks to harness the ocean’s economic potential while benefiting from Asia’s rising prosperity.

We are committed to playing a proactive role in regional maritime affairs, advocating for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Indian Ocean nations.

We will engage with all stakeholders within and beyond the Indian Ocean Region on initiatives that promote peace, security, and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.

We recognize the importance of networking between countries and agencies to address common challenges and seize opportunities. Enhanced information sharing and cooperative mechanisms are crucial for effective maritime governance. Therefore, as the current Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) we reiterate the significance of fostering partnerships with regional and international stakeholders, and aim to contribute to collective efforts in ensuring maritime security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity.

Excellencies,

Sri Lanka is committed to the BBNJ Agreement on conserving marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Given the Indian Ocean Region’s strategic and ecological significance, this treaty ensures equitable access to marine resources while strengthening regional cooperation on sustainable ocean governance. Sri Lanka looks forward to leveraging this framework to enhance capacity-building, research, and technology transfer, reinforcing its commitment to protecting the high seas for future generations.

By leveraging technology and intelligence-sharing, we can strengthen our collective response to regional challenges. South-South Cooperation offers a pathway to enhance trade, infrastructure, and shared development, fostering economic growth through the exchange of technology, knowledge, and best practices. Such collaboration may be strengthened through existing regional frameworks like IORA, IONS, BIMSTEC, and the IOC, ensuring a unified and strategic approach to regional progress.

Distinguished Delegates,

In conclusion, I want to reiterate that Sri Lanka stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders in working towards realising the vision of a secure, stable, sustainable, and prosperous Indian Ocean Region for the benefit of all.”

Courtesy Adaderana

The Sri Lanka Army has directed all personnel below the rank of Major to hand over their passports to their respective regiments, according to the Army Spokesman.

Army Spokesperson Brigadier Waruna Gamage further revealed that this step has been taken in connection with an administrative matter. 

However, he also mentioned that passports can be reacquired for personal purposes by informing the relevant departments.

Courtesy The Morning

• Developers urge presidential action to address project delays

A consortium of 43 Renewable Energy (RE) developers, collectively representing over $ 3.5 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), has called for the intervention of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to address significant delays in implementing RE projects in Sri Lanka.

In a letter written on Tuesday (11), the developers, who were provisionally approved under the 2021 Expression of Interest (EOI) process, have expressed concerns over critical process delays and the prolonged implementation timeline.

The consortium includes a mix of prominent Sri Lankan companies such as Hayleys, Asia Power, Senok, Akbar Brothers, and international investors like United Solar Electrical Ltd., Envision Energy, and PowerChina.

The group has appealed to the President, urging action in accordance with the provisions of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) Act, to accelerate project development.

In 2021, the State Ministry of Solar, Wind, and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development, alongside the SLSEA and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), invited proposals for renewable energy projects greater than 50 MW.

Out of the initial 533 applicants, 136 projects were shortlisted and 47 developers were selected, with 43 developers receiving provisional approval by February 2024.

These developers have noted that they have made substantial investments in the country’s RE sector, aiming to support Sri Lanka’s energy security, economic growth, and climate change goals.

However, the developers have emphasised that delays in the process are hindering their ability to deliver on their commitments, which include clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions for the country.

With significant international backing, the developers are seeking the Government’s immediate attention to ensure the timely implementation of these crucial projects, which are aligned with the nation’s long-term energy strategy.

The developers have further highlighted that these renewable energy projects would not only help reduce Sri Lanka’s environmental footprint but also contribute to the country’s socioeconomic development. 

Ministry of Energy Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala stated that the ministry was currently working on the EOI projects and anticipated a positive response.

By Maheesha Mudugamuwa Courtesy The Morning

• Shortage of 97 medical specialists in key fields
• 1,200 doctors including 125 consultants left SL in ’23
• 5,000 medical officers awaiting opportunities to migrate
• Non-Salaried Scheme offers airfare, allowance, insurance, book funds
• Full-Salaried Scheme provides full salary from institution with study leave
• Part-Salaried Scheme covers partial salary with ministry paying the balance

The Health Ministry is planning to review the legal obligations of medical specialist trainees who travel abroad for compulsory Government-sponsored foreign training but fail to return to Sri Lanka upon completion, The Sunday Morning learns.

This decision comes in response to a growing number of medical officers who, after receiving State-funded training, have chosen to remain overseas without informing the Ministry of Health (MOH) or repaying the legally bonded funds spent on their training. 

The ministry aims to tighten enforcement and ensure accountability for those who benefit from public funding without fulfilling their obligations to the country.

According to the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) of the University of Colombo, upon successful completion of the MD examination, postgraduate trainees must complete a mandatory overseas training period at a recognised institution to qualify for Board Certification. 

The PGIM serves as the national apex body responsible for postgraduate medical education and the Board Certification of medical specialists in Sri Lanka. 

The minimum duration of this training is stipulated in the relevant prospectus, and it is the trainee’s responsibility to secure the necessary leave and funding from their employer if required.

According to the PGIM, foreign institutions offer three categories of training schemes for postgraduate trainees. 

The Non-Salaried Training Scheme, funded by the MOH and PGIM, provides financial assistance, including a return air ticket (economy class), a personal maintenance allowance (as per the official circular), reimbursement for General Medical Council registration fees (if required), healthcare/medical indemnity insurance, visa fees, embarkation and arrival fees, and a $ 1,000 book allowance, which can be used for purchasing books, laptops, or related materials. 

The PGIM verifies these training offers from foreign institutions before recommending study leave and scholarships to the ministry.

The Full-Salaried Training Scheme is fully funded by the foreign institution, covering the trainee’s salary. In this case, the MOH or PGIM does not provide any additional living allowances or benefits, and the PGIM will only recommend study leave to the MOH.

The Part-Salaried Training Scheme is partially funded by the foreign institution, while the MOH or PGIM will only cover the balance of the salary or the full monthly allowance, whichever is lower. No additional benefits are provided under this scheme. 

As with the other schemes, the PGIM will verify the training offer before recommending study leave and scholarships to the MOH.

As reliably learnt by The Sunday Morning, the special training is awarded only for medical officers considering the country’s requirement of consultant medical officers.

However, as highlighted by the National Audit Office (NAO), as of June 2023, the ministry was authorised to employ 2,837 specialists across 58 medical fields, but only 2,740 specialists were in service, leaving a shortfall of 97 specialists. 

This shortage affected 50 specialist fields, with 66 vacant posts in eight medical specialities. Additionally, 35 medical specialities were underfilled by 972 specialists, while 12 specialist fields had an excess of 113 specialists. 

Another major concern was the appointment of 141 specialists in non-approved fields, raising questions about irregular hiring practices.

In 2023, approximately 1,200 doctors, including 125 consultants, had left the country for better opportunities abroad. From January to August of that year, 477 doctors including 125 consultants had migrated. 

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) previously stated that 5,000 additional medical officers were awaiting opportunities to leave.

However, speaking to The Sunday Morning, Health Trade Union Alliance (HTUA) representative Ravi Kumudesh stated that medical officers should not exploit opportunities that were available solely to them, when no other professionals in the health sector were awarded such privileges.

The Health Ministry bears the cost of education for all consultants from the beginning to the end. The ministry pays all costs for medical postgraduate trainees who go abroad. But after enjoying the benefits, they become selfish and remain there without even returning the legally bonded funds,” he stressed.

Kumudesh said that while medical officers should have the freedom to choose their paths, they must nevertheless fulfil their legal obligations as consultants who had benefited from taxpayer-funded education.

A number of doctors stay abroad without even informing the ministry. This is mainly due to management issues within the Health Ministry. The ministry should revisit existing legal mechanisms and there should also be an exit path for medical officers,” he added. 

He further emphasised that not all medical postgraduates needed to go abroad for training as Sri Lanka had sufficient infrastructure to provide the necessary training, provided the Health Ministry managed it properly.

When contacted, Ministry of Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe stated that the ministry would revisit the existing legal obligations to prevent the country from losing the required consultants in the future.

In response to a question about whether Sri Lanka had the necessary infrastructure, Dr. Jasinghe said that there were no institutions in the country currently capable of providing the training that medical postgraduates received abroad.

The first year of foreign training for medical postgraduates is sponsored by the Government. However, it will not be sponsored if trainees wish to continue for another year. They should sign a bond with the ministry, assuring their return to Sri Lanka,” he said.

By Saman Indrajith Courtesy The Island

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament on Friday (14) that he intended to take necessary action regarding requests made by MPs concerning allegations over USAID funding in Sri Lanka.

He made this statement in response to a question raised by Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, who sought a clarification on the matter.

Jayasekara noted that SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa had sent a letter to the Speaker calling for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate reports about unethical USAID funding in the country. He questioned whether such a committee would be formed and the matter formally examined.

In response, Speaker Wickramaratne confirmed that he was planning to take appropriate action on the issue.

Courtesy Adaderana

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, has emphasized the necessity of providing a high-quality education to every child in Sri Lanka.

She made this statement while participating in an inspection tour of Jaffna Hindu College today  (15).

During the visit, the Prime Minister engaged in a cordial discussion with students and teachers and toured the school’s museum, which showcases the institution’s rich Hindu cultural heritage.

A report outlining the school’s achievements and activities was also presented to the Prime Minister, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

The Prime Minister further stated:

Jaffna Hindu College is one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent schools, with a long-standing history. The report detailing the school’s achievements is highly commendable. The transparency demonstrated in the school’s financial management serves as an exemplary model for other institutions. As a government, we prioritize education and are committed to introducing transformational reforms in the sector.

As the Principal highlighted, the prevalence of tuition classes has significantly increased. We acknowledge that the tuition industry has flourished due to shortcomings in the education system. To address this, we must ensure that schools provide an exceptional standard of education, reducing the reliance on tuition. Our objective is to offer a high-quality education not only to students of Jaffna Hindu College but to every child in Sri Lanka.

We have held discussions with education officials in the Northern Province regarding the implementation of educational reforms. Our responsibility is to ensure that education fosters respectful, ethical, and capable leadership for the betterment of society,” she said.

The event was attended by Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, the Principal of Jaffna Hindu College, members of the teaching staff, and students.

Courtesy Adaderana

More than 30,000 suspects have been arrested in connection with the anti-drug and crime prevention operations conducted by the police across the island, according to Police Media Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga.

Addressing a press briefing today (15), SSP Manatunga stated that these operations were launched on January 12 and have been implemented across all police stations in the country.

As part of these efforts, a total of 920 individuals involved in criminal activities, 14,000 individuals with open warrants, and 16,000 individuals arrested for drug-related offenses have been taken into custody. In addition, a total of 11,757 drunk drivers have been apprehended.

The operations also led to the seizure of 197 firearms, including automatic and locally-manufactured guns. 

Regarding the anti-drug operations, he said that 14 kg of heroin, 20 kg of Hashish, 33 kg of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine), and 1,123 kilos of cannabis were seized by police during raids.

SSP Manatunga confirmed that these operations are ongoing, with authorities continuing their efforts to combat crime and drug trafficking.

In addition, the police spokesperson reported that 30 individuals have been arrested in connection with shooting incidents that occurred this year. 

A total of 13 shooting incidents have been reported in 2025, seven of which were linked to organized crime. 

As a result, nine individuals have died, and two others have been injured in these shootings, he added.

Lanka Leader

අර්බන් සිටිසන් සංවිධානයේ සභාපති ශර්ම්ලා ගෝනවෙල ගරු ජනාධිපති අනුර දිසානායක මහතාට ලිපියක් යොමුකරමින් ඉල්ලා සිටින්නේ ඇමරිකානු ආධාර සංවිධානයේන් මුදල් ලබා ගත් සියලු ජනතා නියෝජිතයන්, මාධ්‍ය වේදීන්, ආයතන, සංවිධාන නම් ලැයිස්තුව ප්‍රසිද්ධ කරන ලෙසටත්,  අප රටේ හර පද්ධතියට හා සමාජ සම්මතයන්ට ගරු නොකරන ඊට  එරෙහිව කටයුතු කරන අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය තුමිය තව දුරටත් එම තනතුරේ ක්‍රියා කිරීමට නුසුදුසු බවත්ය. 

එම සම්පූර්ණ ලිපිය පහතින් 

අතිගරු අනුර කුමාර දිසානායක මැතිතුමා,

ශ්‍රී ලංකා ප්‍රජාතාන්ත්‍රික සමාජවාදී ජනරජයේ ජනාධිපති,

ජනාධිපති ලේකම් කාර්යාලය,

කොළඹ 01.

ගරු ජනාධිපතිතුමනි,

ඇමෙරිකන් ආධාර සංවිධානය (USAID) ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ මාධ්‍යවේදීන් දැනුවත් කිරීමේ වැඩසටහනක් සඳහා ඇමරිකානු ඩොලර් මිලියන 7.9 යොදවා ඇති බවට ඇමරිකානු ජනාධිපති උපදේශක ඉලෝන් මස්ක් මහතා එරට මාධ්‍ය හමුවේ ප්‍රකාශ කිරීමෙන් අනතුරුව එරට කොංග්‍රස් සභිකයන් තවදුරටත් කරුණු පෙන්වා දෙමින් ස්ත්‍රී පුරුෂ ලිංග භේදය භාවිතා නොකිරීමට (avoid binary language) ශ්‍රී ලාංකික මාධ්‍යවේදීන් පුහුණු කිරීම සඳහා ඇමරිකානු ජනතාවගේ බදු මුදල් යොදවා ඇති බවට USAID ආයතනයට චෝදනා නඟන ලදී.

ඇමරිකානු ආධාර සංවිධානය(USAID) පිළිබඳ අදහස් දක්වන ඉලෝන් මස්ක් එම ආයතනය හඳුන්වා දෙන්නේ අපරාධකාරී සංවිධානයක් ලෙසට වන අතර ඇමරිකානු ජනාධිපති  ඩොනල්ඩ් ට්‍රම්ප් මහතා මෙම ආයතනය හඳුන්වා දුන්නේ රැඩිකල් උන්මත්තකයන් පිරිසක් විසින් මෙහෙයවන දූෂිත සංවිධානයක් ලෙසටයි.

ඇමරිකානු ආධාර සංවිධානය(USAID) කාර්ය වශයෙන් හඳුනාගත හැක්කේ ඇමරිකානු රජයේ ප්‍රතිපත්ති විදේශයන්ට සමීප කිරීමත්, එම රජයට පක්ෂ පාතීත්වය ඇති පිරිස් ගොඩනගා ගැනීමත් සහ එම රජයේ දේශපාලන සමාජ ආර්ථික න්‍යාය පත්‍රයට සහාය දීමට අවශ්‍ය පසුබිම විදේශයන්හි සකස් කිරීමත් ය. 

ඉහත සඳහන් ප්‍රශ්නගත ආයතනය  අප රටේ හර පද්ධතියට නොගැලපෙන  ව්‍යාපෘතියක් ප්‍රවර්ධනය කිරීමට  මූල්‍ය ආධාර ලබා දුන් අය අතර  වත්මන් අග්‍රාමාත්‍යතුමියගේ නමද සඳහන්ව ඇත.

එතුමිය දිගින් දිගටම සමරිසි අයිතිවාසිකම් වෙනුවෙන් පෙනී සිටිමින්  පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රීවරියක, අමාත්‍යවරියක හා ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ අග්‍රාමාත්‍යවරිය ලෙස ධූර දරමින් ප්‍රසිද්ධියේ ප්‍රකාශ නිකුත් කර ඇත.

සමරිසි පනත් කෙටුම්පතේ ව්‍යවස්ථානුකුලභාවය පිළිබඳව ගරු ශ්‍රේෂ්ඨාධිකරණය විසින් ලබා දුන් තීන්දුවේ පැහැදිලිවම තීරණය කර ඇත්තේ ආණ්ඩුක්‍රම ව්‍යවස්ථාට අනුව ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ  පුරවැසියන් වර්ගීකරණය කල හැක්කේ ගැහැනු හා පිරිමි වශයෙන් පමණක් බවත් ඉන් පරිබාහිර වර්ගීකරණයක් පිළිගන්නා නීතියක් ආණ්ඩුක්‍රම ව්‍යවස්ථාවට  පටහැනි බවත් ය.

ඒ අනුව සමරිසි සබඳතා ප්‍රවර්ධනය හා අනුමත කරමින් ර⁣ටේ ආග්‍රාමාත්‍යවරිය හා පාර්ලිමේන්තු සභිකයෙක් ලෙස කටයුතු කිරීම මගින් හරිනි අමරසූරිය මහත්මිය ව්‍යවස්ථාව ද උල්ලංඝනය කර ඇත.

එසේ ව්‍යවස්ථාව උල්ලංඝනය කිරීමත් සමග ඇයට තම ධූරයේ නීත්‍යානුකූලව කටයුතු කල නොහැකිය.

එබැවින් අපගේ රටේ හර පද්ධතියට, වටිනාකම් වලට හා සම්ප්‍රදායන්ට අනුකූල නොවන ව්‍යාපෘතියක් ප්‍රවර්ධනය කිරීම සඳහා කැපවී සිටින හරිනි අමරසූරිය මහත්මිය අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය ධුරය හෝ අධ්‍යාපන අමාත්‍ය ධුරය හෝ දැරීම සදාචාරාත්මක නොවන බවත්, ව්‍යවස්ථා විරෝධි බවත් සඳහන් කර සිටිමු.

 අපගේ මෙම විරෝධය කිසිසේත්ම  එතුමියගේ තෝරා ගැනිමේ අයිතියට හෝ පෞද්ගලිකත්වයට බලපෑම් එල්ල කිරීමක් නොවන බවද සඳහන් කීරිමට කැමැත්තෙමු.

පුද්ගලයෙකුගේ ලිංගික රුචි අරුචිකම්, ලිංගික දිශානතිය,ලිංගික ඇබ්බැහි වීම, විවිධත්වය, අසාමාන්‍ය පුරුදු , ලිංගික බෙල හීනතාවයන් වැනි පෞද්ගලික කටයුතු සමාජය තුළ වර්ධනය කිරීම නීති සංග්‍රහයට ඇතුළත් කිරීම, ඒ අනුව අධ්‍යාපන මට්ටම් වෙනස් කිරීමට යෝජනා කිරීම සමාජ පරිවර්තනයන් සිදුකිරීමට හෝ සමාජයේ ආකල්ප ඒ අනුව වෙනස් කිරීම සිදුවිය යුතු යැයි රටක අග්‍රාමාත්‍යතුමිය, අධ්‍යාපන ඇමති මූලික වීම අනුමත කළ නොහැක.

අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය තුමිය විසින් මේ අභියෝගයට ලක් කරන්නේ අපේ රටේ සංස්කෘතිය, සම්ප්‍රදායන්, වටිනාකම් හා අප රට හා සමස්ත සමාජය ගොඩ නැගී ඇති හර පද්ධතියට බව පෙන්වා දීමට කැමැත්තෙමු.

පුද්ගලයෙකුගේ ලිංගික දිශානතිය, පුරුදු, රුචිකත්වය යන අතිශයින් පෞද්ගලික හේතූන් මත ඔහුට හෝ ඇයට සම අවස්ථාවන් නොලැබීම,වෙනස් කොට, උසස් හෝ පහත් කොට සැලකීම අප කිසි විටෙකත් අනුමත නොකරන අතර මෙවැනි පෞද්ගලික දේ පදනම් කර ගනිමින් වෙනම ප්‍රජාවක් ලෙස හෝ සාමාන්‍ය පුද්ගලයෙකුට වඩා වෙනස් හෝ අමුතු පුද්ගලයෙක් ලෙස තමන් හඳුන්වා ගැනීමට හෝ වෙනත් අය විසින් මෙම පුද්ගලයන් එසේ හඳුන්වා දීමට උත්සාහ දැරීමද අපි අනුමත නොකරන්නෙ සියලු පුරවැසියන් සමාන කොට සැලකිය යුතු නිසාය.

එමෙන්ම, ස්ත්‍රියක් හා පුරුෂයෙක් විවාහ වී ලබන්නා වූ දරුඵල ජීවිතයේ තමන් ලද වටිනාම දායාදයක් ලෙස සලකන දෙමව්පියන් තම ජීවිත කාලය තුළ කැප වන්නේ තමන් බිහිකල දරුවාගේ අනාගතය සකස් කරන අත්වැලක් වීමේ සිහින යථාර්ථයක් කර ගැනීමටය, එවැනි වටිනාකම් සහිත අප සමාජයට ලිංගික දිශානතිය හඳුන්වාදීමට, ස්ත්‍රී ලිංග පුරුෂලිංග පද භාවිතා නොකර මාධ්‍ය හැසිරවීමට, සමරිසි සම්බන්ධතා පිළිබඳ දැනුවත් කිරීමට හෝ පෙළඹවීමට, සමාජය තුළ එවැනි කාරණා ප්‍රවර්ධනය කිරීමට තමන් දරන රාජ්‍ය තනතුරක් මෙවලමක් කර ගන්නේනම් එයට එරෙහිව නැගී සිටීමට මෙරට මව්වරුන් පියවරුන් බහුතරයක් කිසිදු භේදයකින් තොරව ඉදිරිපත් වනු ඇති බව වගකිමෙන් සදහන් කරමු.

2023 වසරේ පෞද්ගලික මන්ත්‍රී යෝජනාවකට අනුව දණ්ඩනීති සංග්‍රහයේ 19වෙනි පරිච්ඡේදය 365, 365අ යන වගන්තියෙන් සංශෝධනය නොකරන ලෙසට එවකට ජනාධිපති හා අධිකරණ ඇමැති තුමන් වෙත  අප සංවිධානය කරුණු පහදා දුන්නේ එම වගන්තීන් ඉවත් කිරීමෙන් ළමා අපයෝජකයන් සඳහා  ලබා දෙන්නා වූ “දැඩි දඬුවම්” යන නිර්දේශයන් ඉවත්වන නිසාය. 

එක් කොටසගේ අයිතිය තහවුරු කිරීම සඳහා තවත් කොටසකගේ අයිතීන් අභියෝගයට ලක්වන්නේ නම් ඒ පිළිබඳව පෙනී සිටීම,හඬක් නැගීම සෑම යහපත් පුරවැසියෙකුගේම අයිතියකි. අපරාධකාරී ආයතනයන් හරහා ලැබෙන මුදල් යොදවා තම මතයට සහාය නොදෙන, පිළිනොගන්නා,වෙනත් මතයක් දරන  අය විවේචනය කිරීම,අපහාස කිරීම තම මතය දැරීමට බලපෑම් කිරීම නුසුදුසු යැයි අපගේ පිළිගැනීමයි.

මෙම ලිපිය ගරු ජනාධිපති තුමන් වෙත යොමු කරන්නේ 

(1) ඇමරිකානු ආධාර සංවිධානයේන් මුදල් ලබා ගත් සියලු ජනතා නියෝජිතයන්, මාධ්‍ය වේදීන්, ආයතන, සංවිධාන නම් ලැයිස්තුව ප්‍රසිද්ධ කරන ලෙසටත්, 

(2) අප රටේ හර පද්ධතියට හා සමාජ සම්මතයන්ට ගරු නොකරන ඊට  එරෙහිව කටයුතු කරන අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය තුමිය තව දුරටත් එම තනතුරේ ක්‍රියා කිරීමට නුසුදුසු බව ත් පෙන්වා දීමටය.

ජනාධිපති තුමනි,  ඔබ තුමාගේ කඩිනම් අවධානය යොමු වේවායි අපේක්ෂා කරමු .

මෙයට 

ශර්ම්ලා ගෝනවෙල

සභාපතිනි

අර්බන් සිටිසන් සංවිධානය

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

• Inflation could possibly hover around 2 percentage points above inflation target
• Headline inflation is forecast to converge to targeted 5% level over medium term, supported by implementation of appropriate policy measures
• Economic growth is expected to continue its rebound over medium term, although at a moderate pace

Sri Lanka’s inflation is expected to increase sizeably” in the third quarter this year (3Q25), with the possibility of it hovering around 2 percentage points above the inflation target in mid-2026, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said in its monetary policy report that was released yesterday.
Nonetheless, headline inflation is forecast to converge to the targeted 5 percent level over the medium term, supported by the implementation of appropriate policy measures,” it said.
The real gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 4Q24 is expected to be robust, sustaining the momentum in the first three quarters of 2024. The CBSL noted that economic growth is expected to continue its rebound over the medium term, although at a moderate pace.
Eased monetary conditions are anticipated to spur growth, whereas the expected continuation of fiscal consolidation efforts will likely have a contractionary effect over the medium term. The growth outlook remains subject to considerable uncertainty, due to the global geopolitical landscape.
As per the latest near-term projections, the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI)-based deflation year-on-year (YoY) is expected to be deeper than anticipated, on average, in 1Q25. This is primarily due to the substantial downward revision of electricity tariffs, effective January 18, 2025, along with the expectations of relatively subdued volatile food inflation.
The CBSL said the statistical base effect would also contribute to lowering YoY inflation during 1Q25, as early 2024 saw price increases driven by the value added tax (VAT) adjustments and notable food inflation amid supply-side disruptions caused by the adverse weather conditions.

As per the latest projections, headline inflation is expected to increase and average nearly zero 2Q25. During 3Q25, inflation is forecast to increase further, approaching the inflation target of 5 percent,” the CBSL said.
The sharp acceleration in headline inflation anticipated in 2Q25 and 3Q25 is primarily due to the substantial unfavourable base effect, a faster increase in world food inflation and the gradual development of demand pressures. In addition to these factors, the impact of global commodity price movements could further influence the inflationary trends.
However, the surge in inflation is not expected to persist, as the base effect, one of the primary drivers of the estimated surge, is expected to subside in the subsequent quarters. The CBSL noted that the policy measures would support a gradual decline in inflation from 3Q26 onwards, stabilising around the targeted 5 percent level over the medium term. 

Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Colombo, Feb 15 (Daily Mirror) – In the midst of controversy over USAID funding in Sri Lanka, the government has sought a report from the National NGO Secretariat in this regard, a Minister said yesterday.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Daily Mirror yesterday he would fully deal with allegations over USAID funding in Sri Lanka, and for that, he sought a report from the NGO Secretariat which is operating under his Ministry.

The U.S. administration led by President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on foreign aid channelled through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Even setting aside generous support for Ukraine over the past several years, the U.S. is spending roughly $40 billion in foreign aid annually. That is more than the GDP of multiple U.S. states and accounts for four out of every 10 dollars in global humanitarian aid. Americans deserve transparency and accountability for every dollar we spend, especially when it is spent abroad instead of at home, according to a statement from the US State Department.

Following the decision, the projects worth Rs.21 billion, operated by the organisations registered with the NGO Secretariat came to an end. However, there is no official report about money spent through the NGOs which operate outside the NGO Secretariat. There are 625 active NGOs registered with the Secretariat. Besides, there are numerous other NGOs registered under the Companies Act.

The U.S. government, through USAID, provided US $46 million to the FAO to address Sri Lanka’s fertilizer crisis in 2023. It also provided humanitarian assistance during the economic crisis.

However, there are now allegations that findings have also been channelled for controversial projects such as the promotion of LGBTQ rights and to chase out former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from office. Local groups are up in arms against USAID over such allegations.

The organisation called ‘Coalition Against Partition of Sri Lanka’ is leading protests.

Scholarship Hub

Tirantha Walaliyadde

Preservation of Sri Lanka as a Unitary State and the identity of the Sinhale and to subvert any move towards converting Sri Lanka into a Federal State as well as any attempt at moving toward the creation of a Separate Tamil Eelam State in the North and East of Sri Lanka.

By Sena Thoradeniya

A senior journalist, sharing with this writer, an X message posted by Julie Chung in her X account after her meeting with an NPP Minister added: All are under control”.  Who are these ALL” mentioned by the said senior journalist? This article explores those NPPers who were fallen into Chung’s pocket.

Following Anura Kumara’s official visits to India and then to China many analysts wrote emphasizing the need to exercise balancing the relationships with India and China. They have completely forgotten what games US Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Korean born Julie Chung plays ropingall NPP Ministers, Deputy Ministers, NPP appointed Governors and higher officers, Anura Kumara without paying a visit to the US or a Western country or if at all without being invited by a Western country.

As we have stated in our previous articles US Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Julie Chung has achieved three important milestones in her tenure as the unofficial Viceroy of Sri Lanka: viz. (i) Ousting Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as the President of Sri Lanka (ii) Installing Anura Kumara as the President of Sri Lanka and forming an NPP government and (iii) Retaining Harini Amarasuriya, proxy of Western powers, representative of comprador -bourgeoisie consisting of colonial plantation interests, bankers and multi-national business conglomerates, pro-US, pro-Western liberal, trained in India, Europe, US and Australia,  NGO activist, Yahapalana constitution-maker, spokesperson of LGBTIQ Pride Marchers and darling of  Colombo elites, dubbed as a toxic male champion” (whatever its meaning) by a female columnist recently, looking more masculine than feminine, as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

Appointing Julie Chung’s choice as the Prime Minister, just a National List MP having only 4 years of experience as an MP, over Vijitha Herath who counts over 20 years of experience as a parliamentarian and one-time Minister after the Presidential Election, and retaining her sidelining Herath who polled more than Amarasuriya at the General Election held in 2024 was the culmination of Julie Chung ‘s strategic plan.

We have stated several times earlier that there is a strong possibility of installing Harini Amarasuriya as the President if something goes wrong for the Anura Kumara government. All the NPP Ministers and MPs will support this move. People will then realize that the US has used the JVP as its catspaw and the local and international PR Gurus who were instrumental in rebranding and repositioning the JVP as the NPP will have the last laugh!

Chung began pamperingtheNPP leader Anura Kumara and the wind driven political upstart Harini Amarasuriya during the Galle Face Ghetto Days, a few years before the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Since we have documented these encounters in our previous articles, we do not intend to repeat the same.

Chung began to meet with NPP Ministers soon after the Presidential election although the number of portfolios was restricted to three. She intensified her meetings with NPP Ministers and parliamentarians after the NPP won the Parliamentary election and formed a government. According to her X messages it is apparent that her main activity as the US Ambassador for Sri Lanka is meeting with NPP Ministers and parliamentarians and top officials appointed by the NPP government to strategically important institutions. The latter we have covered in a previous article. Certain days she meets with two or three Ministers, one after the other! Keeping some in the waiting hall!

It is apparent that Chung as the midwife of the NPP government, wants to see how the NPP manages to keep its promises to the voter within the prison house of her economic prescriptions and dictates.

(1) Meeting with President Anura Kumara

On October 1, 2024, Julie Chung met with President Anura Kumara, to discuss the enduring US-Sri Lanka partnership”. According to her X message she has emphasized their shared goals of building stronger inclusive communities and thriving local economies” highlighting that the US assistance and programs empower Sri Lankans to achieve their own goals and aspirations while enhancing the country’s capabilities in transparency, accountability, civic participation and good governance.” As Sri Lanka embarks on a new chapter the United States remaining your stronger partner in supporting unity, good governance, prosperity and human rights.” 

In this message Chung has used the same hackneyed set of words used by foreign diplomats, local and international NGO cartel and their lackeys, shared goals”, inclusive communities”, goals and aspirations”, transparency, accountability, civic participation and good governance”, supporting unity, good governance, prosperity and human rights” which are utterly meaningless and hollow, having only a cosmetic value at present than the time they were introduced as lures and enticements to Third World countries by Western  powers.   

We are unaware of the shared goals” of US and Sri Lanka, Julie Chung preaches.  The phrases As Sri Lanka embarks on a new chapter” and thriving local economies” indicate that the US and Chung expected an NPP victory. It is yet to be seen whether Sri Lanka embarks on a new chapter”.

Chung has begun a new chapter- the web she began to weave around Anura Kumara and his NPP cohorts.

When Anura Kumara was elected as the President, foreign media dubbed him as a Marxist” (our article posted on October 3, 2024). But Julie Chung did not have any hesitation to meet this Marxist”. She said that the US remains his (this Marxist” President’s) stronger partner”! Anura Kumara should have understood the veiled meaning of this message!

Anura Kumara had a virtual discussion with Samantha Power, the Head of USAID. According to the communique issued by the President’s Media Division, Power has stated that the USAID is willing to support the government aligning with the manifesto presented to the people. This gives a clue to the rumour that the NPP election manifesto was drafted by foreign powers and their local agents.

(2) Meeting Vijitha Herath, the Foreign Minister of the Caretaker Government

Her next meeting was with Vijitha Herath, the Foreign Minister of the caretaker government on October 2, 2024.Chung was looking forward to strengthen US-Sri Lanka partnership” on shared priorities like security, trade and upholding human rights”. From then onwards meeting with other NPP Ministers and parliamentarians Chung repeatedly uses the term shared priorities” which gives an ambiguous meaning. How can the US and Sri Lanka share priorities” unless Chung wants to subjugate Sri Lanka into vassal state of the US?

National unity, justice and transparent government” were the other hackneyed words of her message. 

(3) Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya

On the same day Chung met with the Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, her protégé to discuss strong US-Sri Lanka partnership”.  Again, she mentions about working together on key priorities”. Who gave a mandate to Chung to work together with Sri Lanka on key priorities”? She wants to see Harini Amarasuriya advancing justice, and reconciliation”, enhancing food security and expanding access to education” and improving lives and fostering economic growth and prosperity”.

Her words remind us the dispatches sent by the British Governors of Ceylon stationed in Colombo to the Colonial Secretary in London, describing the things done by them in the colony! It is like pontificating by the CEO of a corporation to his associates/subordinates, Principal of a school to teachers and a teacher to her students.

(4) Secretary to the President

Chung did not forget to meet with the Secretary to the President. Their meeting took place on 3 October 2024.Her priority” was to meet with these key persons in quick succession as her time was running out!              

All her meetings were productive” she says. She has discussed on advancing” their priorities”. She discusses about boosting farmers’ crops”. Has Chung become our Minister of Agriculture? And does she think that the task of the Presidential Secretary is boosting farmers’ crops”?   Shared goals” has becomea catchword in her messages.  How can Sri Lanka and the US have Shared goals” is the biggest question? She discusses maritime security” and ensuring regional stability” as our security consultant or rather as the Security Manager of a Company. This was nothing more than enticing a young, inexperienced, greenhorn and sermonizing on geopolitics to him. The body language or the micro expressions of the Secretary show that he was clueless and hearing (not listening) what the sermonizerpreaches.

(5) Meeting with Defense Secretary

On 16 October 2024 Chung met with the new Defense Secretary. Regional security, defense cooperation and good governance” were the areas they have discussed.  We can assume what Chung means by regional security” and defense cooperation”. Retired military men easily become prey to these shrewd agents of power politics.

(6) Meeting with the New Governor of the Western Province

On 22 October 2024 Chung met with the new Governor of the Western Province to discuss his vision for a safe clean and prosperous Western Province”.  What vision” a party financier and a political appointee has about the province he was entrusted with? With him also she discusses their shared goals”.  What are these shared goals”? Western Province of Sri Lanka sharing goals” with California?

(7) Meeting with the New Governor of the Northern Province

On 23 October 2024 Chung met with the new Governor of the Northern Province. She as the Viceroy of Sri Lanka discusses his plans for the region”. What right Chung has, to discuss plans for the region”? Is she going to monitor the implementation, progress, pitfalls of those plans if this political appointee has any plans for the region? 

Later Julie declared that the US government will help Sri Lankan government to recover hidden money overseas!

(8) Julie Celebrates 249^th Birthday Marines with the Foreign Minister and Defense Secretary

On 11 November 2024Julie celebrated 249^th Birthday Marines, the legacy, camaraderie and sacrifice of” US Marine family at the USMC Ball (Marine Corps Birthday Ball). Brigadier General Kelvin Gallman participated as Guest of Honour alongside Vijitha Herath and Secretary Defense, both wearing bow ties as the rest of the Americans, adhering to the dress code.   Chung was seen wearing a red Ball gown. Chung wished Semper Fi (always faithful/always loyal), motto of the Marine Corps. Credit to Chung for becoming the wardrobe designer to a notorious turncoat during 1988/89!

Julie Chung increased the number of her meetings with the NPP MPs at a rapid scale after the formation of the new government. She made it a habit of meeting with all NPP Ministers and parliamentarians of the districts she visited on fact finding missions.  

(9) Minister of Justice and National Integration and his Deputy

On 2 December 2024Chung met with the Minister of Justice and National Integration and his Deputy. Chung messaged that she was honored to join the Minister and his Deputy in supporting USAID Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen social cohesion and reconciliation”, to mark6 years of SCORE’s impactful work fostering peace, reconciliation and inclusive development in Sri Lanka”.

US has provided new IT tools to the Ministry of Justice. We are amplifying the impact of USAID’s SCORE (Social Cohesion and Reconciliation) supported training program that have empowered 368 officers across 25 districts since 2022”, Chung messaged.

With these messages we can get a vague idea of USAID funding in Sri Lanka.

USAID, DOGE and the Fate of Julie Chung’s Initiatives

Chung’s so-called USAID’s Sri Lanka’s efforts” should be evaluated with President Trump’s recent directive curtailing USAID aid, Elon Musk’s remarks on the USAID and his DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) working to take control over the USAID, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s dismantling (or bring it under the control of State Department) of USAID. Trump on his first day signed an executive order officially creating DOGE with Elon Musk at the helm as Special Government Employee”.

Elon Musk wrote in one of his X posts that USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die”. It was evil. He saw it as a viper’s nest”. It’s been run by a bunch of radical lunatics”. He boastedspent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper”. He said that it became apparent that it’s not an apple with a worm in it.” What we have is just a ball of worms. You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair”.

Trumpin his election campaignsaid it needs to be abolished. He signed an executive order freezing nearly all foreign assistance worldwide. He said that his administration will review spending to ensure money is distributed in line with his America First” foreign policy.

Trump’s executive order that US will only recognize two sexes, male and female and that cannot be changed” is another blow to Chung who propagated LGBTQ activities here.   

These developments in the US have given a devastating blow to Chung who used USAID funds to destabilize Sri Lanka, for regime change and to mollycoddle some of her darlings throughout the Island as her cohorts in the destabilization process.

Chung had an utmost influence over almost all NGOs, development programmes even at the remotest corners of the Island; She was accused of propagating LGBTQ activities here, funding Pride Marches” and sex workers and entertaining well-known representatives of Equal Grounds and transgender men/women.

Trump’sexecutive order is another blow to Chung’s diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives” (DEIA) as it has declared that they are illegal and any federal endorsements have been banned.

This is a blow to NPP front liners including Harini Amarasuriya who has become the Godmother of LGBTQ community in Sri Lanka. An NPP woman activist (now an MP) proposing legalizing prostitution and Lal Kantha (now a Minister) proposing a parade of bare-breasted women from Matara to Colombo were not isolated cases. At the recent cultural pageant” held in connection with the Independence celebrations women dancers were seen wearing costumes painted with big butterflies.  These dancers were trained by the people at the Ministry of Education which is under Amarasuriya.

Trump’s foreign aid freeze will scrutinize and prevent Chung’s wasteful funding. Many of the NGOs funded by the USAID in Sri Lanka are only name boards or family businesses. Many were front organizations of Tamil Tigers and separatists and anti-national, anti-Sinhala, anti-Buddhist entities. This has left NGOs in Sri Lanka in a state of disarray. Nobody came out to protest yet as they had done earlier atthe drop of a hat.

Binary-gendered Language” – A few Examples in Sinhala

According to Musk, USAID has spent US $ 7.9 million to teach Sri Lanka’s journalists how to avoid binary-gendered language” (Crazy waste of your tax money”). We remember some literary critics influenced by the now defunct X Group” and a University don attached to Colombo University, avoiding binary-gendered language” in their Sinhala discourses, using Aya” (she), Kiyawanniya” (feminine form of reader) to all males and females, Kiyawanniya” to all male and female discussants and using the feminine gender Sinhala verb form  (as giyaya”, kiyewwaya”) avoiding their masculine and neuter gender verb formations in Sinhala!

(10) USAID Mission Director Gabriel Grau

On 9 January 2025 Minister of Justice and National Integration met with USAID Mission Director Gabriel Grau and discussed a variety of issues focusing on the cost of the Sri Lanka economy of a justice system facing a backlog of 1.1 million court cases”. USAID Sri Lanka is helping the justice sector to tackle the issue” through its efficient and effective justice systems”.

From when Gabriel Grau became the Attorney General of Sri Lanka to clear the backlog of court cases? Are Chung and Grau behind the moves to impeach the present Attorney General of Sri Lanka and protests held in front of the Attorney General’s Office?

(11) Foreign Secretary

On 5 December 2024 Chung met with thenewly appointed Foreign Secretary to discuss the US- Sri Lanka partnership” and as the Viceroy of Sri Lanka, Foreign Secretary’s vision for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism”.   What right she has to discuss about the vision for the Ministry”? She added, Sri Lanka remains a vital partner in a free and open Indo-Pacific region”. This is none other than influencing the newly appointed Foreign Secretary also to remain as an acolyte of US hegemonic policies in the now christened Indo-Pacific region”.      

(12) Secretary, Finance

On the same dayChung with US Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Kaproth met with the Secretary, Finance to discuss how US can support Sri Lanka’s economic reforms and growth goals”. It is evident that Chung roping the key government functionaries of the new regime.

(13) Foreign Minister

On 6 December 2024 a delegation led by StateAssistant Secretary, South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, representing key agencies that have been integral to Sri Lanka’s recovery, USAID and US Treasury” met with the Foreign Minister. Chung messages again that they discussed shared priorities”.   Sri Lanka’s recovery? As Sri Lanka,in her deathbed!

This was Chung’s second meeting with theForeign Minister.

(14) Prime Minister

On the same day Chung meets with Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister with Donald Lu, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Anjali Kaur and US Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Kaproth. They reaffirmed US support for Sri Lanka’s reform agenda”. This was Chung’s second meeting with the Prime Minister.

(15) Disgraced Speaker

On the same day these do-goodersmet with the (disgraced) Speaker Ranwala to discuss Sri Lanka’s reform priorities and the critical role of Parliament in advancing peoples’ mandate of accountability”.

Why Chung and US officials were interested in Sri Lanka’s reform priorities”? It is the responsibility of the Parliament advancing peoples’ mandate”. That is the reason people have given a mandate to the governing party, to govern without outside interference.

(16) So-called Civil Society Representatives

Meeting with the so-called civil society representatives on6 December 2024the very same group shared continued concerns about pending and new legislation like the PTA, Online Safety Act and NGO Bill”. Chung messaged that the US will continue to encourage new government to incorporate the views of all stakeholders to ensure that inclusive dialogue is key to advancing democratic governance and protecting human rights”. The US has reaffirmed support for anti-corruption, the critical priority reflecting the voices of the Sri Lankan people”.

Thus, Chung and her team have interfered with the existing and future legislation of Sri Lanka. Force the new government to incorporate the views of their poodles, demanding the government to repeal the PTA and other legislation.  As expected, all the top NGO aristocrats of Sri Lanka have attended this meeting, who shared the munificence of USAID funds, the major victims of Trump’s Presidential decree cutting aid to USAID.  The government has decided to amend the PTA, introduce a new constitution, all results of US interventions, NGO lobby and the Cardinal.  

(17) USAID Congratulates the President and His New Administration

On7 December 2024the above US delegationfrom State, US Treasury and USAID congratulated the President and his new administration and discussed strengthening cooperation and governance, agriculture, economic growth and maritime security”. The delegation including Chung reaffirmed US support for Sri Lanka’s reform agenda, including anti-corruption, and highlighted the importance of engaging civil society and the private sector”.

This shows how the US spreads its influence in every sphere like a multi-armed octopus.  Maritime security has become a priority of US agenda; anti-corruption and engaging civil society and the private sectorhave been used as a vehicle in furtherance of its agenda.

(18) Minister of Energy

On9 December 2024Chung meets with the new Minister of Energy to discuss Sri Lanka’s energy future and shared commitments to affordability, sustainability and security.” Judging by these words it is apparent that Chung considers Sri Lanka as a part of the US. What is Sri Lanka’s energy future?

Chung said that she was proud to support Sri Lanka through USAID”. She should say now how she is going to support this crony in the wake of Trump’s Presidential order.

Within two months of her meeting with the Minister, Sri Lanka experienced a massive power outage. What Chung had discussed about Sri Lanka’s energy future” is the biggest question. Providing lame excuses as blaming a monkey for power outages?

(19) Minister of Environment

Onthe same dayChung met with the new Minister of Environment and discussed shared priorities” like climate change, energy, building on USAID programme.

It is evident that in her all meetings with the new ministers she had used USAID as a bait to entice and tranquilize these ministers. 

(20) Destabilization of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands

In several of our earlier writings we have discussed how Chung was engaged in a destabilization programme in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands or the Udarata from the day she came to Sri Lanka as the US Ambassador by fostering the so-called Malaiyah Tamil community. Her involvement with the affairs of the so-called Malaiyah Tamil community would bring a severe catastrophe to the people of Udarata, the traditionalheirs who were impoverishedby British colonialism.  As their foster mother Chung had visited this community on innumerable occasions and aided them with USAID funds.

In the second week of December Chung visited Kandy, may be to inspect the progress of her interventions in the Central Province after the General Election. 

On10 December 2024Chung met with a group of Malaiyah Tamil community near Kandy. In her conversation with them she had directly interfered with the domestic issues of Sri Lanka in contravention of all diplomatic protocols and conventions. She says: Our conversation touched on their hopes for the new government, now featuring the first woman elected Malaiyah Tamil parliamentarian and the crucial role of USAID, Sri Lanka’s Civil Society Organizations and Community Collectives for Democratic Governance activity in strengthening and advancing inclusion. It was a reminder of the challenges they face, but also a testament of the resilience of Sri Lanka’s people and the power of partnership”.

She was elated with the formation of the NPP government as she has played a significant role in bringing it to power. Power of partnership”? What does it mean? Partnership with the US, no doubt.

(21) American Corner in Kandy

Visiting Kandy Chung celebrated 20 years of American Corner in Kandy. For this occasion, Deputy Chief Secretary of the Central Province had joined with her. Provincial administrative heads were also roped by her as the NPP parliamentarians. The speech made by her at the American Corner was political in nature, lauding the NPP government which she was instrumental in bringing to power. 

(22) SLMC Leader

While in Kandy Chung met with SLMC leader to discuss minority rights, economic recovery and the political landscape in the Central and Eastern Provinces” like the true Viceroy of Sri Lanka. Destabilization the Easter Province is also an integral part of imperialists’ agenda. 

(23) NPP Kandy District MPs

On11 December 2024Chung met with two NPP Kandy District MPs to discuss the new government’s development agenda and as first-time parliamentarians their plans to support Sri Lanka’s recovery.” Why does Chung discuss the new government’s development agenda with raw green freshers when she had already met key personnel of the new administration? Discussing their plans to support Sri Lanka’s recovery is the prerogative of either the President or any other top person of their party and not Julie Chung. Chung has not forgotten to sermonize them about the work of the US Embassy, American Corner in Kandy and of course about USAID Sri Lanka.

Chung should be reminded that one person whom she met with as a new NPP MP was the person who shoved the Leader of the Opposition and attempted to physically harmhim when he visited the Gall Face Carnival in 2023. What is Chung’s mission meeting these uncultured tough guys? None other than purifying them with best luxury perfumes and nurturing a new set of lap dogs.

(24) Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

Onthe same day Chungmet with the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to celebrate the reopening of the restored Old Kandyan King’s Palace and Archeology Museum in Kandy. This project was supported by US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant. In her message Chung does not forget to mention her overtly publicizedproject Pekoe Trail initiative, another USAID project. We have mentioned earlier how Chung was mesmerized by this.

Chung’s involvement in the restoration of the Old Maligawa and Kandy Museum gives a wrong impression that these cultural relics were not restored earlier and upgraded as the Kandy Museum. Chung marked her involvement with erecting a commemoration plaque in the Palace Square, her name and Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation engraved in it.

It was not known whether Chung has promised a Fulbright Fellowship to the Minister on scientific methods” in plagiarism!

(25) Mahanayakas of Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters

Chung did not forget to meet with Mahanayakas of Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters with atapirikara and baskets of imported fruits. She pledged US’s continued support for Sri Lanka since economic crisis”. Mahanayakas should understand that with imported fruits come American bombs. Tying pirith nool to Catholic Chung is big farce.

It is time for the Mahanayakas to be forewarned about the utterances of the internal migrant to Kandy, Lal Kantha challenging Kandyan Buddhist traditions. A repetition of Ratnapura Maha Saman Devalaya affair should be nipped in the bud.

Chung’s Sinhala interpreter called the President of Sri Lanka Rajathuma” (King). We are not sure about what these interpreters say when Chung was in conversation with Sinhala speaking Ministers and MPs!

(26) Minister of Justice and National Integration

On17 December 2024Chung met with the Minister of Justice and National Integration again. This was the second time she met the Minister within a space of two weeks. Why? According to her X message to learn about the priorities of the new government including building Ministry capacity, addressing challenging legislation and strengthening the US-Sri Lanka partnership in 2025.” A question arises, did not Chung discuss the priorities of the new government” at her first meeting with the Minister? What mandate a minister has to discuss priorities” of the government with an ambassador?

She herself sets the priorities”: amendments to existing legislation, strengthening the US-Sri Lanka partnership and engaging all stakeholders for genuine consultation and input”. We should not forget that this meeting was held close on the heels of President’s visit to India.

(27) Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation and Lands

On18 December 2024Chung met with theMinister of Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation and Lands Kuragamage Don Lal Kantha, the rustic rabble-rouser of the JVP who invited the Galle Face protesters to engage in vandalism and storm and occupy the Parliament, saying executive, legislative and judiciary were under their control in 2022.  For Chung meeting him was great”! She had discussed with him on going collaboration in modernizing agriculture, enhancing food security and improving livelihoods of Sri Lankan people”.

Though Chung has not mentioned in her X message she had told Lal Kantha according to Ada Derana English news telecast, that Samantha Power has said that the NPP election manifesto and USAID programs are closely aligned in many ways. Lal Kantha has not responded to this.  

We have stated in a previous article that the NPP election manifesto have many foreign authors, including diaspora members and Catholic fundraisers.

(28) Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

On20 December 2024Chung met with the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. Chung messaged: We discussed collaboration to combat trafficking, counter crime and advance our shared commitment to cyber security, anti-corruption and the rule of law”.  But we can assume that the discussion was centered around punishing Rajapaksas as this Minister was the custodian of files related to alleged stolen assets. Other areas Chung mentioned in her message were too much for him to stomach.

Chung ended the year with a happy note rejoicing that she was proud of the progress” the two countries have made together through meaningful initiatives”. No doubt a tremendous achievement pocketing in key Ministers of the new government. On the 30^th December 2024 she was glad to see USAID Sri Lanka highlighted in the Sunday Morning” for the US support of the Pekoe Trail”.

Chung continued with her unfinished job in 2025 without a respite notwithstanding Donald Trump’s ascension.

 (29) Chung As the Unofficial Minister of Agriculture

Chung became the unofficial Minister of Agriculture on 16 January 2025 meeting some farmers and officials of the Department of Agriculture in the North Central Province, hearing their views on the impacts of recent crises and their expectations from the new government”. Why does Chung worry about listening to the views of the farmers about their expectations from the new government”? Does not she know about the impacts of recent crises”? As shesays that the US helped the farmers recover during the crisis”, did she do itwithout assessing theimpacts of recent crises”?

Is she playing the twin role of a collector of information on behalf of the NPP government and the US espionage services?  

Chung says the US through USAID and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) initiatives provided fertilizer, modernization technology and essential resources to support Sri Lanka’s agriculture, helping farmers recover during the crisis”. It is apparent that this meeting has taken place with the concurrence of the Minister as an aftermath of her meeting with Kuragamage Don Lal Kantha four weeks ago. Otherwise she cannot invite the officials of the Department of Agriculture for a powwow.

Chung, true to the nature of a seasoned espionage agent shares views with the farmers carrying a pol katta (coconut shell cup) containing beli mal (beli flower (Aegle marmelos (L.)) herbal drink). Further she mentions that she shared a meal of locally grown cassava”.

(30) An NPP Deputy Minister and two NPP MPs from Polonnaruwa District

On 17 January 2025Chung meets with an NPP Deputy Minister andtwo NPP MPs from Polonnaruwa District. Again, as the visiting Viceroy to discuss development initiatives, including tourism and agriculture development and other issues affecting the community”. Chung knowing that these NPPers are a set of inexperienced, immature simpletons gives them some sense of pride, bringing them into public sphere and limelightin perpetuation of long-term American interests among village upstarts.  

(31) Governor of the NCP

On the same dayChung meets with the NPP appointed Governor of the NCP.

She again meets with the Chief Priest of Mihintale.

(32) Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

On the same day,Chung with the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs launched the latest Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project at the Thuparamaya Image House in Polonnaruwa. Officials of the Department of Archeology and Central Cultural Fund (CCF) attended the function as directed by the Minister. This was the second time Chung met with the Minister within a space of 5 weeks and the second project launched recently utilizing funds from the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).

Thus, Sri Lankans were made mendicants not having the resourcesin the preservation of their own cultural monuments constructed by their ancient artists with the munificence of their heroic kings. Chung has credited herself for helping communities explore, comment and share their heritage with the world” and documenting, conserving and raising awareness about the significance of the Thuparamaya Image House, ensuring its preservation for future generations to appreciate and study”.

(33) Minister of Health and Media

On 22 January 2025Chung meets with the Minister of Health and Media and his Secretary; Chung says that it was her first and productive meeting”, leaving options for meeting the Minister again and again!  Chung has discussed with them US support for child nutrition, health collaboration and an independent media sector”.

Chung and the Americans may have a special liking to the present Minister of Health and Media for several reasons: he was the person who led a team of JVP thugs invading the construction site of the Russian Embassy at Bauddhaloka Mawatha during the yahapalana regime; at present he acts as the leading crusader against Rajapaksas  and the mouthpiece of Anura Kumara in the Parliament. Chung may have correctly understood what type of an independent media” the NPP government steering from its inception.

(34) Western Province Governor

On the same dayChung addressed a Workshop along with the NPP appointed Western Province Governor and the Commissioner of the Colombo Municipal Council. She has talked of global challenges and sensible solutions” for them.

Releasing red flagged containers from the Customs, money laundering and parking export earnings elsewhere are some of the global challenges” which need sensible solutions”.

(35) General Secretary of the JVP

On 23 January 2025Chung meets with the all-powerful General Secretary of the JVP Tilvin Silva, as Chung says to discuss our bilateral relationship and the many areas the US partners with Sri Lanka through education, innovation, trade and security”. How can US have bilateral relations” with a political party as Chung was not a representative of either the Democrats or the Republicans? Similarly, US government cannot maintain bilateral relations” on education, innovation, trade and security” with the JVP?

Chung may have understood that Tilvin Silva has aged as a toothless tiger after his presence at the ABBA Tribute Band ARRIVAL held a few moons ago at Mount Lavinia and how he was in high spirits when the night is young and the music’s high” , accompanying Vijitha Herath, Harini and her female friend in a hijab and  his newspaper interview saying that ours is not a leftist government”

Since Chung has stated that the NPP manifesto and USAID programs are closely aligned in many ways”, it was justifiable Chung meeting with one of her partners and associates.

(36) Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development

On the same dayChung meets with the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development and discusses his insights on investment and shaping Sri Lanka’s economic future, policies that support good governance in entrepreneurship and a level playing field for investors” boosting prosperity. In all her meetings with the Ministers Chung may be thinking that individual ministers have their own personal agendas and priorities and they are not acting collectively in the realization of a party/government programme.

Chung may be having a special liking to this Minister because when campaigning he was the person who stated that Elon Musk was an economic hitman! Karmic forces bringing Chung and her NPP cohorts together, all are in a state of confusion now!

(37) Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

On the same day Chung meets with the new Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources to learn about Ministry’s priorities and exchange views on combating illegal marine trade, cooperation on hydrography and fishers’ livelihoods”.  Chung is engaged in a learning process it seems! Anura Kumara while he was in India had discussed about hydrographical mapping with the Indian authorities. In Chung’s message there was no mention about illegal fishing and bottom trawling by the Indian fishermen and how the US can help in combating it.

(38) Second Speaker

On 24 January 2025 Chung meets with the new Speaker and she inaugurates the US-Sri Lanka Parliamentarians’ Friendship Association. Chung was very fortunate to meet two Speakers within a period of few months. The first one was disgraced and asked to resign owing to claiming bogus doctoral qualifications.

(39) Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperation

On 24 January 2025 Chung meets with the new Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperation, NPP/JVP’s trade union mogul, very famous for amassing funds for the NPP/JVP kitty, to hear about his priorities on food security and economic policies.” She had discussed with him about reducing trade and investment barriers and red tape in order to encourage private sector growth”. These persons who paid lip service to their own version of Socialism now discuss how to encourage private sector growth with the US Ambassador!

(40) Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA)

On 28 January 2025 Chung joins with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Industries at a function of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA).

(41) Minister of Women and Child Affairs

On the same day Chung meets with the new Minister of Women and Child Affairs to discuss priorities and initiatives advancing women’s rights and child protection”. 

(42) Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation

On 6 February 2025 Chung meets with the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, to discuss how strengthening Sri Lanka’s ports and transport infrastructure and improving port operations in Sri Lanka to economic growth, secure trade and stronger global supply chain for both countries”. A notable omission in Chung’s sermon this time is the absence of USAID aid for improving ports and transport infrastructure and port operations!

(43) Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing

On 10 February 2025 Chung meets with the Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing. Chung says it was her first meeting”; hoping to meet him again? They discuss priorities, challenges and opportunities (age-old hackneyed stuff) in Sri Lanka’s housing and construction sector including his plan to stimulate economic activity and promote infrastructure development”.

It was akin to Chung reviewing plans of her Ministers as the head of the Cabinet.  Priorities, challenges and opportunities in Sri Lanka’s housing and construction sector” is a good topic for a tutorial for a student following a course in Building Construction!

(44) Minister of Science and Technology

On the same day Chung meets with the new Minister of Science and Technology to discuss Sri Lanka’s investment in scientific innovation and explore how the US private sector and academic institutions can partner with Sri Lanka to advance science and technology in this critical sector”.

Chung calls the Minister Professor. But recently it was revealed that the Minister has shed his Professor prefix. Sri Lanka’s investment in scientific innovation is the concernof Sri Lankan government, not Chung’s. it is the concern of Chung to explore avenues and assist how the US private sector and academic institutions can partner with Sri Lanka. Luckily Chung has not said that the USAID can partner with Sri Lanka to advance science and technology!

(45) Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship

On 10 February 2025 Chung meets with the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship ‘to learn more about NPP’s plans to build a strong resilient economy, that encourages foreign investment and creates a more level playing field for business”.

We are puzzled, why Chung learns” about NPP’s plans? Is she preparing for an examination for her career enhancement? On 23 January 2025Chung met with the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship. It was absurd Chung meeting his Deputy to learn more”! To learn more” one should meet or consult a higher authority than the Minister, not his Deputy! For what purpose Chung learns” about NPP’s plans? Chung should understand that if there are plans, they are not NPP’s plans, they are plans of the new government.

(46) Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development

On the same dayChung meets with the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, along with (DCM) Sonnek to discuss (our) shared priorities” in making (our) economies stronger”. We look forward to continuing to work with Sri Lanka in advancing our mutual prosperity”.

Another ridiculous and illogical statement! How can cash-strapped Sri Lanka contribute to make American economy stronger”? How could IMF- ensnared Sri Lanka work with the US in advancing” America’s prosperity”?

Bow Out Julie Chung! Bow Out Gracefully!

It’s time for Julie Chung to bow out gracefully!

Donald Trump’s latest Executive Order establishing one voice for America’s Foreign Relations issued on 12 February 2024 (establishing a unified, clear voice for America’s foreign relations aligning diplomacy with America’s interests”) and the protests against Chung in front of the American Embassy may have softened Julie Chung’s belligerent foreign relations she maintained in Sri Lanka as a modern day Viceroy.

As a drowning person grasping for a straw, she posted on her X account on 14 February, a newspaper report titled Protesters call for US Ambassador’s return after USAID allegations” and two X messages posted by two Sri Lankans demanding her to leave as she was closely associated with regime change in Sri Lanka”, triggering a bloodbath and turn our country into another Libya”, with USAID introducing LGBTQ ideology to Sri Lanka” and requesting Trump to investigate her role interfering in country’s internal affairs.

Chung Visits SLPP Headquarters

Against this backdrop Chung’s visit to SLPP headquarters on the Valentine’s Day and meeting with Namal Rajapaksa, an SLPP MP and a group of ex-SLPP parliamentarians is highly questionable. This makes Chung’s role as the manipulator of NPP Ministers as discussed in this essay in greater detail as a figment of imagination allowing herto describe her encounters with the NPP Ministers a part of cross-party outreach”.

Chung messaged: Met today with Namal Rajapaksa and SLPP officials as part of our cross-party outreach”. Although Namal mentions in his X message that we briefed Ambassador Chung on SLPP’s proposal for a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the use of USAID funds”, Chung does not mention anything on this proposed Parliamentary Select Committee. Namal willfully omits regime change.  He should understand that the GR regime was brought down with the intervention of Chung, money pumped to the protesters by USAID and other foreign agents and over 43 houses of SLPP MPs were set on fire choreographed by regime changers.  

SLPP delegation asking Chung to investigate how USAID funds were disbursed in Sri Lanka is like setting a thief to catch a thief, thief and the master of the house combining! Read Chung’s (earlier Twitter messages and) X messages we have quoted in this essay!