{"id":151056,"date":"2025-07-28T18:15:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T01:15:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=151056"},"modified":"2025-07-28T18:15:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T01:15:28","slug":"silent-agents-sold-nation-how-sri-lankas-sovereignty-is-being-traded-by-its-own","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2025\/07\/28\/silent-agents-sold-nation-how-sri-lankas-sovereignty-is-being-traded-by-its-own\/","title":{"rendered":"Silent Agents, Sold Nation: How Sri Lanka\u2019s Sovereignty is being traded by its own\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shenali D Waduge<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n

Silent Agents, Sold Nation: How Sri Lanka\u2019s Sovereignty Is Being Traded by Its Own
A deep dive into how political elites are enabling foreign capture of Sri Lanka\u2019s national assets \u2014 one MoU, one silent betrayal at a time. <\/em>Sovereignty is not always lost in battle. Sometimes, it is surrendered in silence \u2014 through secret agreements, quiet betrayals, and elites playing both sides. In Sri Lanka today, while citizens focus on elections, inflation, and survival, a far deeper crisis is unfolding: the systematic outsourcing of national power, ports, energy, data, and even defense \u2014 signed away without debate, disclosure, or consent. This is not merely bad governance. It is a managed, deliberate transfer of control<\/strong> \u2014 enabled by politicians, officials, and so-called experts who appear loyal, but may already be promised a place in foreign-funded think tanks, global panels, or corporate boards. What we\u2019re witnessing is not political incompetence. It is elite capture<\/strong> in its most dangerous form: soft colonization disguised as cooperation, and betrayal disguised as leadership. This expos\u00e9 uncovers the global pattern, shows how it\u2019s playing out in Sri Lanka, and what the people must now do to resist \u2014 before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Global examples: How former leaders became foreign agents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Former Secretaries who joined Think Tanks or Advisory Boards<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jim\u202fMattis (Secretary of Defense, 2017\u20132018)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After resigning in December 2018, Mattis returned to Stanford\u2019s Hoover Institution, becoming the Davies Family Distinguished Fellow in May 2019, focusing on national security research and writing. He also serves on the board of General\u202fDynamics and works as a senior counselor at The Cohen Group<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark\u202fEsper (Secretary of Defense, 2019\u20132020)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since leaving office, Esper holds the Distinguished Chair at West Point\u2019s Modern War Institute, serves on the board of the McCain Institute, joined the Atlantic Council’s board and advisory bodies at GLOBSEC, and co-chairs commissions on defense innovation, including software\u2011defined warfare  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Condoleezza\u202fRice (Secretary of State, 2005\u20132009)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rice is currently Director of Stanford\u2019s Hoover Institution, a senior fellow at Stanford\u2019s FSI, and sits on advisory boards including the Aspen Institute, the George W. Bush Institute, and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John\u202fLehman (Secretary of the Navy, 1981\u20131987)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lehman is on the Board of Trustees for the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), a U.S. foreign policy think tank<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

William\u202fS. Cohen (Defense Secretary, 1997\u20132001):<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior counselor at CSIS, advisor to US\u2011India\/US\u2011China Business Councils, board member of CBS  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thomas\u202fPickering (Under-Secretary of State \/ career diplomat, later advisor levels)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though not a cabinet secretary per se, Pickering has served in ambassadorial and senior State positions and post-retirement has joined advisory boards at the International Crisis Group, Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, American Academy of Diplomacy, Stimson Center, and others  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robert\u202fRubin<\/strong> (Treasury Secretary, 1995\u20131999): <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Co\u2011founder of The Hamilton Project, senior counselor at Centerview Partners; former Chairman of Council on Foreign Relations  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timothy Geithner<\/strong> (Treasury Secretary, 2009\u20132013): Chairs Yale\u2019s Program on Financial Stability, serves on CFR board, is President at Warburg Pincus  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steven Mnuchin<\/strong> (Treasury Secretary, 2017\u20132021): Launched a Washington-based investment fund targeting sovereign wealth capital  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Janet Yellen<\/strong> (Treasury Secretary, 2021\u20132025): After stepping down, joined The Brookings Institution and holds roles on boards like the Pacific Council on International Policy  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these individuals transitioned after leaving office into roles where they advise or lead policy\u2011oriented institutions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous others from earlier administrations\u2014such as Madeleine Albright, Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, Edmund Muskie, and Robert Rubin\u2014who similarly joined think\u2011tank advisory boards (e.g. Center for National Policy) after retiring.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 
Note: as of July 2025, the Pentagon has suspended all participation in think tank forums, impacting former Defense secretaries like Mattis, Esper, and Lloyd Austin from engaging publicly at major policy conferences<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prominent International Former Ministers & Leaders<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florence Parly<\/strong> (French Minister of Armed Forces): Trustee at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) alongside other global figures <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord Mark Malloch\u2011Brown<\/strong> (UK Deputy Secretary\u2011General, UN): President of Open Society Foundations; board member of the UN Foundation and the Royal Africa Society  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kanwal Sibal<\/strong> (India, Foreign Secretary 2002\u20132003): Contributor to major Indian newspapers and serves in policy forums (Board of Leaders\u201d)  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maria van der Hoeven<\/strong> (Dutch, Minister of Economic Affairs; former IEA Executive Director): Advisory board of UN Energy for All\u201d; board member of Total; fellow at Clingendael think tank and Rocky Mountain Institute <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pierre Vimont<\/strong> (France, former Ambassador \/ EU service): Senior Fellow at Carnegie Europe; served diplomatic & advisory roles post-office  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kim Campbell<\/strong> (Canada, former Minister & Prime Minister 1993): Fellow at Harvard\u2019s Kennedy School, trustee of Council of Women World Leaders, leadership program founder, Board Member Club de Madrid  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark Green<\/strong> (USA, former USAID Administrator): After government service became President & CEO of the Wilson Center; board advisor at Bush Institute and others  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glen S. Fukushima<\/strong> (U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce 1990): Senior Fellow at Center for American Progress; vice-chair of SIPC board <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carl Bildt<\/strong> (Sweden, former Foreign Minister \/ Prime Minister): Distinguished fellow at CIGI; advisor to Ukraine reforms and international policy firms; columnist for Project Syndicate  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notable Trends  <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Widespread revolving door\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0from public office to high-level advisory, think tank, or corporate board roles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Defense and economic secretaries<\/strong>\u00a0are particularly sought after for corporate and policy posts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Recent U.S. policy shifts: as of\u00a0late July 2025, the\u00a0Pentagon has banned senior officers from participating in think tank events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Think Tanks: The Soft Power weapon nobody sees <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Think Tanks & Policy Boards Influence Government Policy<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Post-Retirement Placements & Influence<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When a former Secretary or Minister joins a think tank or corporate board:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • They bring\u00a0insider access, relationships with sitting officials, and\u00a0deep knowledge\u00a0of policy frameworks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • They often help\u00a0shape the agenda\u00a0of the institution they join, influencing research focus, policy papers, and media appearances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • These outputs are then cited by lawmakers,\u00a0presented at Congressional hearings, or used to\u00a0legitimize\u00a0controversial policy proposals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Example:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Jim Mattis<\/em>\u00a0joining the\u00a0Hoover Institution\u00a0(which advocates strong U.S. military posture) after stepping down \u2014 Hoover regularly issues policy papers that are circulated in Pentagon and Hill circles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        2. Pre-Existing Relationships & Revolving Door\u201d Ethics<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Many of these former officials worked with or received briefings from think tanks or interest groups while still in office.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Potential Conflicts of Interest:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • These entities may have\u00a0lobbied them indirectly\u2014through briefings, closed-door panels, position papers, private dinners, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Once the official retires and joins them, the move raises suspicions of a\u00a0soft landing\u201d\u00a0or\u00a0quid pro quo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Example:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Robert Rubin<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(former Treasury Secretary) later chaired the\u00a0Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), which was frequently consulted by Clinton administration economic teams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Steven Mnuchin<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0reportedly fielded\u00a0Wall Street lobbying and briefings\u00a0from firms that later participated in his post-office investment fund.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            3. Think Tank Reports as Lobbying Tools<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Think tanks:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Produce\u00a0policy recommendations\u00a0that align with certain donor or corporate interests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Hold\u00a0invitation-only briefings\u00a0with government officials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Offer\u00a0testimony in congressional hearings\u00a0and\u00a0publish op-eds\u00a0that influence public perception.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Example:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • The\u00a0Brookings Institution\u00a0and\u00a0Atlantic Council\u00a0have been repeatedly cited in Congressional sessions on foreign policy and energy, often\u00a0shaped by corporate sponsors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Former officials like\u00a0Mark Esper<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Condoleezza Rice<\/em>\u00a0were part of panels shaping national security or energy policy even while their affiliated think tanks received donations from defense contractors or oil companies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Do Think Tanks lobby Secretaries while in Office?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Yes \u2014 though not always formally:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Soft Lobbying:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Policy briefings,\u201d expert panels,\u201d roundtables,\u201d and research symposia\u201d are\u00a0indirect influence mechanisms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Think tanks often\u00a0funded by corporate interests\u00a0frame these as neutral academic engagements.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Backchannel Influence:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Staffers from Brookings, AEI, CSIS, Atlantic Council, etc., have private access to officials under the guise of knowledge-sharing.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • These think tanks often\u00a0anticipate or pre-build\u00a0connections with secretaries nearing retirement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Evidence of influence while in Office<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Investigative reporting (e.g. from\u00a0The Intercept<\/em>,\u00a0Politico<\/em>,\u00a0New York Times<\/em>) has shown that:\n
                        \n
                      • Defense Secretaries<\/em>\u00a0received\u00a0input from think tanks\u00a0funded by weapons manufacturers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Treasury Secretaries<\/em>\u00a0were influenced by\u00a0economic forecasts\u00a0from institutions funded by investment banks or lobbying arms of multinational corporations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Example:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • In 2020,\u00a0The Intercept<\/em>\u00a0revealed that\u00a0Brookings, Atlantic Council, and CSIS\u00a0accepted millions from\u00a0defense contractors\u00a0while influencing Pentagon planning through retired generals on their boards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          Revolving Door Examples<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Former Official<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>While in Office<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Post-Retirement Role<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Potential Conflict<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
                          Jim Mattis<\/strong><\/td>Defense Sec (briefed by Hoover, CSIS)<\/strong><\/td>Hoover fellow, General Dynamics board<\/strong><\/td>Defense ties while managing military procurement<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                          Robert Rubin<\/strong><\/td>Treasury Sec (consulted CFR & banks)<\/strong><\/td>CFR Chair; economic policy influencer<\/strong><\/td>Wall Street links during deregulation efforts<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                          Condoleezza Rice<\/strong><\/td>NSA\/State Dept (worked with think tanks)<\/strong><\/td>Hoover director; boards of oil firms<\/strong><\/td>Oil and military overlap during Iraq War<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                          Mark Esper<\/strong><\/td>Defense Sec (worked with McCain Institute)<\/strong><\/td>McCain Institute & Atlantic Council<\/strong><\/td>Arms sales policy overlaps with sponsor priorities<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                          Florence Parly (France)<\/strong><\/td>Defense Minister (worked with IISS panels)<\/strong><\/td>IISS Trustee<\/strong><\/td>Close defense industry-military think tank ties<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          Key Policy Mechanisms influenced by these entities<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • Foreign Policy:<\/strong>\u00a0Through narrative shaping and elite influence (e.g., Atlantic Council pushing NATO expansion)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Defense Budgeting:<\/strong>\u00a0Think tanks funded by Raytheon, Lockheed, Boeing promote higher spending and tech upgrades<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Trade & Regulation:<\/strong>\u00a0Economic policy boards often backed by Wall Street or tech lobbies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Sanctions & Cyber Policy:<\/strong>\u00a0Specialized panels (e.g. at Center for a New American Security) influence US sanctions regimes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            Ethical Questions Raised<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            1. Transparency:<\/strong>\u00a0Are former officials disclosing their prior interactions with the same entities they now serve?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            2. Undue Influence:<\/strong>\u00a0Are public policies being skewed to favor donors of these institutions?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            3. Accountability:<\/strong>\u00a0Are decisions made in the public interest or under influence of future job prospects?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            4. National Security Risks:<\/strong>\u00a0Do foreign-funded think tanks compromise decision-making?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                              Let us consider the Sri Lanka context: <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Sri Lanka\u2019s Silent MoUs: What they Signed, what they hid<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Why are politicians & officials silent on sovereignty erosion?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Due Process bypassed  <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              • Major agreements (e.g.,\u00a0Trinco Oil Tank Farm, renewable energy grids, Adani port, defense MoUs, and now even\u00a0Maritime Rescue Coordination) have been signed\u00a0without Cabinet-wide discussion, public disclosure, or Parliamentary debate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Despite their impact on\u00a0sovereignty, security, and national assets, political parties offer\u00a0lukewarm, ambiguous responses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Some even echo foreign talking points \u2014 “strategic partnerships,” “regional integration,” “economic necessity.”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                Red Flag:<\/strong> If sovereignty-impacting agreements bypass democratic process with no institutional resistance, it suggests either willful silence, collusion, or pre-assigned roles in a larger game.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Are Politicians\/Officials acting as post-handover Agents\u201d?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Likely. Here\u2019s how it works globally \u2014 and now in Sri Lanka:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The Playbook of Proxy Rule through elites<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Stage<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Modus Operandi<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
                                1. Grooming<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Selected politicians, bureaucrats, think tankers are invited abroad, given scholarships, or hosted at forums (e.g., Pathfinder, NITI Aayog panels, U.S. Track II events).<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                2. Seeding Influence<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Foreign embassies, multilaterals, or donor entities fund local NGOs, advisors, experts\u201d who gradually enter policy advisory roles.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                3. Silent Agreements<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Deals are signed with non-disclosure, and no resistance from either opposition or government \u2014 they pretend to protest, but never legally challenge or reverse them.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                4. Post-Handover Rewards<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Those who “played along” are offered post-retirement or post-political office roles: consultancy, speaking roles, board seats in foreign-funded think tanks, UN bodies, or private sector firms.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                Signs this is happening in Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                1. Cross-party silence on sovereignty sellouts<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 NPP, SJB, SLPP, UNP\u00a0all avoid meaningful opposition\u00a0to Indian control over ports, energy, and even coastguard functions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                2. No audit or public explanation of MoUs<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Why are even major infrastructure MoUs not tabled in Parliament or reviewed by oversight committees?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                3. Same bureaucrats rotate across parties<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Officials who once signed deals under one regime\u00a0resurface under another, continuing the same pattern.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                4. Retired diplomats\/officials appear in think tanks<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Some join foreign-funded institutions, advisory panels, or\u00a0Western\/Indian forums\u00a0with little national accountability.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                  Are their public statements just roleplay to fool citizens?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Very likely.<\/strong> The behavior of politicians on national topics mimics what is called managed opposition\u201d:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n
                                  • They make\u00a0token statements\u00a0to appease public concern.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Yet\u00a0do not mobilize protests, initiate legal action, or block implementation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Instead, they use\u00a0divisive distractions\u00a0\u2014 ethnic tensions, religious issues, or personal scandals \u2014 to divert attention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                    Result:<\/strong> The people think something is being done,\u201d when in reality, the betrayal is being institutionalized quietly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Silent understandings: The unspoken pact<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    There appears to be a tacit understanding among elite political and bureaucratic circles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \n
                                    • You don\u2019t challenge our external partners, and you\u2019ll be taken care of after office.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Don\u2019t expose the deals \u2014 pretend there\u2019s debate, but don\u2019t take real action.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Give the people a villain to blame (the other party), but ensure the foreign plans continue no matter who is in power.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                      This explains why:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \n
                                      • Even the\u00a0Left\u00a0(NPP) is silent on\u00a0Indian military MoUs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • The\u00a0Right\u00a0(SLPP\/UNP) is silent on\u00a0land, ports, energy being handed over.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • The\u00a0SJB\u00a0only raises issues when politically convenient, not as a sustained national interest defense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                        What Can Be Done?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \n
                                        1. Track affiliations of politicians\/officials post-retirement.<\/strong>\n
                                            \n
                                          • Who joins foreign think tanks, banks, or regional advisory roles?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                          • Expose think tank\u2013foreign donor networks.<\/strong>\n
                                              \n
                                            • Who funds Pathfinder Foundation, Advocata, Verit\u00e9 Research?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            • Demand public release of all MoUs and treaties.<\/strong>\n
                                                \n
                                              • Table them in Parliament or sue for disclosure under RTI.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              • Mobilize nonpartisan civic resistance.<\/strong>\n
                                                  \n
                                                • Public campaigns must\u00a0name and shame\u00a0the silence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                  A country can lose its sovereignty without a shot being fired \u2014 all it takes is silent betrayal, managed opposition, and a people kept in the dark.\u201d<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Sri Lanka\u2019s sovereignty is not being lost by war \u2014 but by political actors acting out a script, ensuring that no matter who wins elections, the foreign agenda prevails.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Country<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>What Happened<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Lesson for Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
                                                  Greece<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Politicians signed EU bailouts without public review<\/strong><\/td>Lost ports (Piraeus), sovereignty eroded<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                                  Ukraine (pre-2014)<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Oligarchs & foreign advisors privatized land & industries<\/strong><\/td>Foreign-funded regime change followed<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                                  Zambia<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Silent MoUs with China on mines & infrastructure<\/strong><\/td>Debt trap, loss of assets<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                                  Afghanistan (Ashraf Ghani era)<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>U.S.-backed govt was packed with silent foreign agents<\/strong><\/td>Govt collapsed instantly<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                                  Sri Lanka (NOW)<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Energy, ports, defense handed over via silent MoUs<\/strong><\/td>Mass silence = complicity<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  This is a tested playbook \u2014 we are the next test case.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The Silent Agents Among Us: How Sri Lanka\u2019s Sovereignty Is Being Traded Behind Closed Doors\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  A nation is not lost when it is defeated by war \u2014 it is lost when its guardians silently sell it piece by piece, while pretending to protect it. <\/strong>\u275e<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Sri Lanka is under siege \u2014 not by foreign armies, but by deals signed in silence, with the complicity of local elitesfrom all political parties. While citizens focus on elections, economic hardship, and survival, a much deeper betrayal is underway. Our lands, ports, power, data, and even security functions are being quietly transferred \u2014 often without public debate, Parliamentary scrutiny, or legal review.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The tragedy? Not a single party or political leader has truly stood up. Their so-called resistance is lukewarm, vague, and often conveniently timed. Behind this silence may lie a far more disturbing truth: some of these individuals are already promised a seat at the table of those pulling the strings.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  What\u2019s Really Happening?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Since 2024, a surge of agreements \u2014 mostly with India and certain Western interests \u2014 has targeted strategic assets:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Energy grids<\/strong>, now entering joint control under India-backed companies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  • Ports and harbors<\/strong>, gradually transferred under the guise of cooperation\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  • Defense coordination<\/strong>, allowing foreign militaries access to critical maritime zones<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  • Data and IT infrastructure<\/strong>, being centralized with foreign-managed platforms<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  • Disaster management and coastal control<\/strong>, falling under Indian-led frameworks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Yet there\u2019s no uproar. No mass resignation. No court challenge. Not even a united public campaign by any party \u2014 not NPP, not SJB, not SLPP, not UNP. Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Are These Leaders the “Silent Agents” of a Foreign Script?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Let us be blunt. There appears to be a quiet understanding across party lines:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Don\u2019t challenge the real foreign agenda<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    • Play out token opposition<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    • Ensure the betrayals are irreversible<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    • Get rewarded later \u2014 with global postings, think tank seats, board positions, or advisory roles<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                      This is not speculation. It is the same global pattern we\u2019ve seen in:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • Greece<\/strong>, where the port of Piraeus was sold quietly to China under bailout\u201d politics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      • Zambia<\/strong>, where silent deals left generations in debt slavery<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      • Afghanistan<\/strong>, where the US-backed government collapsed like sand because its elite was serving others<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      • Ukraine (pre-2014)<\/strong>, where foreign-funded NGOs and ministries set the stage for geopolitical collapse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The Betrayal, Explained in Simple Terms<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Imagine your father sells your house \u2014 the land your family lived on for generations \u2014 and tells you it\u2019s to \u2018modernize.\u2019 He promises you\u2019ll be safe, but the contract was signed in another language, and the buyer now controls the front gate. You\u2019re still in the house, but only until you\u2019re told to leave. That\u2019s Sri Lanka today.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        This is not just poor governance. It is managed betrayal.
                                                        The politicians who signed these agreements pretend they had no choice, but in reality, they may have secured their future at the cost of ours.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Why the Silence from All Parties?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Because the role of most politicians today is not to protect sovereignty \u2014 it is to maintain the illusion of democracy while foreign interests take root.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        That\u2019s why:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • Opposition parties\u00a0don\u2019t demand MoU disclosures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • Government MPs\u00a0don\u2019t explain why land or energy are being sold<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • No party has published a full audit of foreign agreements in the past 10 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                          This is scripted theater. The people are the audience. The deals are already done backstage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          So, What Can the People Do?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Step One is Awareness. Step Two is Resistance.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          We must:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • Name the betrayal<\/strong>: This is not development.\u201d It is\u00a0soft colonization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Identify the silent agents<\/strong>: Who are these politicians, advisors, officials, and experts\u201d tied to foreign-funded institutions?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Demand full transparency<\/strong>: Every agreement, MoU, and secret clause must be tabled before the people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Refuse to be distracted<\/strong>: Ethnic issues, cultural debates, and election drama are designed to keep us blind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                            This is Not a Political Crisis. It is a Sovereignty Crisis.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Sri Lanka is not being taken over by invaders with guns. It is being handed over by our own, with pens and silence. They sign away our ports, power, and national authority in the name of diplomacy \u2014 and we applaud them because we are kept in the dark.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            This article is a call to every citizen, youth, monk, mother, soldier, and worker:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Your country is not being sold. It\u2019s already sold \u2014 unless you rise now.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Elite Capture Model in Sri Lanka:  5 steps to Betrayal<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Model: No Bribe Needed \u2014 Just Future Rewards\u201d<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            STEP 1: Soft Grooming During Office<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Tactic:<\/strong> International Exposure & Intellectual Flattery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Examples:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • Central Bankers (2021\u20132024):<\/strong>\u00a0Regularly invited to Harvard Center for International Development; introduced to modern monetary frameworks\u201d aligned with IMF.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            • List Sri Lankans invited to<\/strong>: World Bank, IMF side events or think tanks like Pathfinder, advocating debt-for-climate swaps\u201d or SOE reform.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            • NPP representatives<\/strong>\u00a0(2023): Quietly engaged by Indian policy groups (Observer Research Foundation, NITI Aayog) for youth governance\u201d forums and non-aligned regionalism\u201d discussions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            • Legal officials:<\/strong>\u00a0Invited to UN OHCHR or ICRC Humanitarian Law\u201d programs which later shaped how they viewed 2009 war accountability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Psychological hook: You\u2019re not a local leader anymore. You\u2019re a global thinker.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              STEP 2: In-Office influence and secret deals<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Tactic:<\/strong> Decisions made via external Experts\u201d or via MoUs unseen by the People<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Examples:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \n
                                                              • 35 Indo-Sri Lanka agreements (Dec 2024\u2013Apr 2025):<\/strong>\u00a0Nearly all signed without full Cabinet or Parliamentary debate. The Trincomalee Tank Farm, West Container Terminal, and land\u2013energy\u2013power sectors were committed through MoUs, often drafted abroad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                              • BOI officials<\/strong>\u00a0in 2023-2025: Consulted Indian embassy-linked advisors on investment zones and offered them security jurisdiction without public debate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                              • Lands Ministry officials (2022\u20132024):<\/strong>\u00a0Pushed World Bank-supported cadastral surveys and e-title registration enabling foreign leasehold bypasses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                              • Ministry of Power:<\/strong>\u00a0Restructuring and selling off CEB units in line with ADB\/IMF blueprints, not public mandate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Every national resource becomes open for investment\u201d \u2014 without public approval.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                STEP 3: Post-Office Gratitude \u2014 No bribe, just career rewards<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Tactic:<\/strong> The Payoff\u201d happens Only After<\/em> they leave office<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Examples:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • Former diplomat or foreign secretary (2020\u20132022):<\/strong>\u00a0Now sits on UN Development Advisory Board & boards of private think tanks in Singapore and India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                • Ex-Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera<\/strong>\u00a0(prior to death): Rewarded with media space, international praise, post-retirement roles in international forums.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                • Former CBSL advisors:<\/strong>\u00a0Appointed to UNDP, WB or think tank fellowships after pushing through\u201d restructuring policy while in office.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                • High-profile lawyers involved in post-war legal reform:<\/strong>\u00a0Now on international arbitration panels or special envoys.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  We didn\u2019t take money \u2014 we just got prestigious jobs later.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  STEP 4: Maintaining influence through Think Tanks<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Tactic:<\/strong> Stay relevant as expert\u201d to push same policies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Examples:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • Pathfinder Foundation:<\/strong>\u00a0Hosts ex-officials and military brass promoting closer Indo-Lanka military\/economic integration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                  • Verit\u00e9 Research:<\/strong>\u00a0Funds reports justifying IMF-style economic adjustments or election timing decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                  • Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute:<\/strong>\u00a0Publishes thought pieces by ex-diplomats advocating balanced foreign policy\u201d that\u2019s pro-West\/India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                  • Multiple Sunday newspapers and webinars:<\/strong>\u00a0Regularly feature former decision-makers subtly justifying past choices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Today\u2019s traitor is tomorrow\u2019s public intellectual.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    STEP 5: Silencing dissent and demonizing Nationalists<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Tactic:<\/strong> Frame Critics as Regressive,\u201d Extremist,\u201d or Xenophobic\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Examples:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    • Media-funded commentators<\/strong>\u00a0attack those opposing Indo-Lanka agreements as fearmongers\u201d or racists.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                    • Social media pages (funded by EU\/US embassies)<\/strong>\u00a0amplify liberal-progressive figures who mock cultural nationalism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                    • Academics who question the IMF narrative<\/strong>\u00a0are called anti-development\u201d or accused of spreading fake news.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                    • Religious leaders who resist LGBTQIA decriminalization<\/strong>\u00a0branded as hate preachers,\u201d ignoring cultural context.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The new colonial weapon isn\u2019t a gun \u2014 it\u2019s public shaming.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Summary <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Stage<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Tactic<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Sri Lankan Examples (2020\u20132025)<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
                                                                      1. Grooming<\/strong><\/td>Foreign trips, elite invitations<\/strong><\/td>CBSL officials, legal officers, NPP advisors<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                                                      2. In-office MoUs<\/strong><\/td>Quiet agreements, donor scripts<\/strong><\/td>India deals, WB\/ADB reforms, land registry<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                                                      3. Post-career payoff<\/strong><\/td>Jobs\/fellowships after exit<\/strong><\/td>UN panels, think tanks, board roles<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                                                      4. Echo chamber<\/strong><\/td>Think tank\/media recycling<\/strong><\/td>Pathfinder, Verit\u00e9, newspaper columns<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
                                                                      5. Silencing critics<\/strong><\/td>Media + NGO narrative control<\/strong><\/td>Anti-nationalism slurs, social media smears<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      What we should now do with this knowledge:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \n
                                                                      1. Publicly audit<\/strong>\u00a0foreign trips and think tank affiliations of current officials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                      2. Expose each MOU and its implications<\/strong>\u00a0before they are implemented.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                      3. Demand full transparency<\/strong>\u00a0on privatization and investment deals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                      4. Name and document this elite capture\u201d model<\/strong>\u00a0in Sinhala\/Tamil \u2014 so ordinary people can recognize it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                      5. Support nationalist legal scholars, monks, civil society<\/strong>\u00a0who expose this soft-colonial playbook.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        A nation is not betrayed in one grand act \u2014 but in a thousand silent signatures, made by those entrusted to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Sri Lanka is not under military siege. It is under elite capture<\/strong>.
                                                                        The betrayal is not foreign invasion \u2014 it is internal collusion<\/strong>.
                                                                        The traitors wear no uniforms \u2014 they wear suits, give speeches, and smile for the cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        They signed the MoUs.<\/strong>
                                                                        They bypassed Parliament.<\/strong>
                                                                        They echoed foreign scripts.<\/strong>
                                                                        They silenced dissent.<\/strong>
                                                                        They prepared their escape routes \u2014 think tanks, panels, board seats.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        This is not incompetence<\/strong>. It is calculated surrender<\/strong> \u2014 executed by silent agents across all major parties, hiding behind development,\u201d strategic partnerships,\u201d and regional integration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        While the people suffer economic hardship and hope for change, the real power is being outsourced \u2014 ports, power, land, data, even defense coordination.<\/strong> The betrayal is bipartisan. The silence is coordinated. The agenda is foreign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        This is not democracy. This is soft occupation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        People must now<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        1.     Name the Betrayals:<\/strong>
                                                                        This is not modernization. It is managed surrender.
                                                                        Stop calling traitors visionaries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        2.     Demand Transparency:<\/strong>
                                                                        Table every MoU and agreement in Parliament.
                                                                        No deal should be valid unless seen and debated by the people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        3.     Track the Agents:<\/strong>
                                                                        Record where our former leaders go \u2014 which think tanks, boards, or foreign missions they join.
                                                                        Expose who funds them. Follow the money trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        4.     Educate the Nation:<\/strong>
                                                                        Translate and spread this Elite Capture Model to every home, temple, classroom, and village \u2014 so no one is fooled again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        5.     Reject the False Drama:<\/strong>
                                                                        Political theater is a distraction. While they debate slogans, they sign away sovereignty.
                                                                        Unite beyond party lines \u2014 this is not left vs. right, it is traitors vs. patriots<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        “Sri Lanka is not being conquered by foreign armies.
                                                                        It is being handed over by its own elite \u2014 one silent MoU at a time.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Let history record this moment clearly:
                                                                        If we do nothing, we will be the generation that watched our nation be sold<\/strong> \u2014 not by war, but by whispers in air-conditioned rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The time to resist is NOW.<\/strong>
                                                                        Not through violence, but through exposure, legal action, public vigilance, and unyielding civic courage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Let no traitor hide behind a smile or a title again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Shenali D Waduge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                                        Shenali D Waduge Silent Agents, Sold Nation: How Sri Lanka\u2019s Sovereignty Is Being Traded by Its OwnA deep dive into how political elites are enabling foreign capture of Sri Lanka\u2019s national assets \u2014 one MoU, one silent betrayal at a time. Sovereignty is not always lost in battle. Sometimes, it is surrendered in silence \u2014 through […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-151056","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-shenali-waduge"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151056","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=151056"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151056\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=151056"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=151056"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=151056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}