{"id":97597,"date":"2020-01-11T23:07:40","date_gmt":"2020-01-12T05:07:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=97597"},"modified":"2020-02-04T15:27:55","modified_gmt":"2020-02-04T22:27:55","slug":"mcc-agreement-clauses-how-detrimental-are-they-to-sri-lanka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2020\/01\/11\/mcc-agreement-clauses-how-detrimental-are-they-to-sri-lanka\/","title":{"rendered":"MCC Agreement &amp; Clauses \u2013 how detrimental are they to Sri Lanka?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MCC has been in the news for all\nthe wrong reasons. It is important that we are all aware of the clauses and\ndemands as well as commitments made by Govt and officials and question some of\nthese assurances completely overlooking the concerns of the public &amp; the\nfuture interest of the Nation as well as future generations. No agreement can\nor should be signed overlooking long term repercussions that will impact on\nfuture generations and the sovereignty of a nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Millennium\nChallenge Compact signatories are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>US Govt &amp; GOSL <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MCC acting on behalf of US Govt<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Min of Finance acting on behalf\nof SL Govt <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MCC Agreement\nhas 8 ARTICLES as contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Goal\n&amp; Objectives<\/li><li>Funding\n&amp; Resources<\/li><li>Implementation<\/li><li>Communications<\/li><li>Termination\/Suspension\/Expiration<\/li><li>Compact\nAnnexes, Amendments, Governing Law<\/li><li>Entry\ninto Force<\/li><li>Additional\nGovernment Covenants <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>There are 5 Annexes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Program\nDescription<\/li><li>Multi-Year\nFinancial Plan summary<\/li><li>Compact\nMonitoring &amp; Evaluation Summary<\/li><li>Conditions\nPrecedent to Disbursement of Compact CDF<\/li><li>Definitions<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PREAMBLE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This Millennium Challenge Compact (Compact\u201d) is between the USA,\nacting through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US government\ncorporation (MCC\u201d) and the GOSL acting through the Ministry of Finance (the\nGovernment\u201d) \u2013 Individually Party\u201d and collectively the Parties\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Comment: Does\nthis mean that all interests of Sri Lanka are to be undertaken by the Ministry\nof Finance &amp; the Finance Minister? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RECITALS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Recalling that the <strong>Government consulted\nwith the private sector and civil society of Sri Lanka<\/strong> to determine the\npriorities for the use of MCC assistance and developed and submitted to MCC a\nproposal for such assistance to achieve fasting economic growth and poverty\nreduction\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Comment: Why\ndidn\u2019t the Ministry of Finance consult line Ministries impacted by MCC in\nparticular the Defense Ministry &amp; the Armed Forces\/Police Heads and their\nsenior legal officers as well as land law experts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ARTICLE 1 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Section 1.1 b) to increase the availability of <strong>information on private land<\/strong> and under-utilized state lands <strong>in order to increase land market\nactivity<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Comment: increase\nland market activity for whom? Why \u2018information on private land\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ARTICLE 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 2.2\nCompact CDF<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>Upon\nthe signing of this Compact, MCC shall grant to the Government under the terms\nof the Compact and in addition to the Program Funding described in Section 2.1\nan amount not to exceed thirty-two million five hundred thousand united states\ndollars (US$32,500) Compact CDF\u201d under Section 609 (g) of the MCC Act of 2003\nas amended (MCA Act) for use by the Government to facilitate implementation of\nthis Compact including for the following purposes<\/em><ol><li><em>Financial management &amp; procurement\nactivities<\/em><\/li><\/ol><ol><li><em>Administrative activities (staff salaries\/administrative\nsupport\/rent\/computers\/IT or capital equipment) <\/em><\/li><\/ol><ol><li><em>Monitoring and evaluation activities<\/em><\/li><\/ol><ol><li><em>Feasibility, design and other project\npreparatory studies<\/em><\/li><\/ol><ol><li><em>Activities to facilitate Compact\nimplementation as requested by Government &amp; approved by MCC <\/em><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MCC\nis giving the funds to MCA not the GOSL MCC is going to directly administer\nfunds and it is going to be directly audited by US. What is the role of the\nGoSL in this bilateral agreement?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 2.2 f)\n<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Without limiting the generality of Section 2.2 a) the <strong>Government agrees that MCC shall directly\nadminister and manage a portion of the Compact CDF<\/strong> for the purpose\nof undertaking one or more feasibility studies for the Transport Project, as\nmay be agreed in writing by the Parties (MCC Contracted Compact CDF Activities)\nNotwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Compact or the <strong>Program Implementation Agreement<\/strong>, <strong>MCC shall utilize applicable United\nStates Government procurement rules and regulations<\/strong> in any procurement\nit administers and manages in connection with MCC Contracted Compact CDF\nActivities and shall disburse Compact CDF from time to time for the MCC\nContracted Compact CDF Activities directly to the relevant providers upon\nreceipt of value invoices approved by MCC<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On what basis\nis the GoSL agreeing to allow MCC to directly administer and manage Compact\nCDF?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How much is\nthis \u2018portion\u2019 which is not mentioned <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How compatible\nis US Govt procurement rules with procurement rules applied by Sri Lanka? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sri Lanka\nfollows standard FIDIC procurement rules &amp; regulations \u2013 is FIDIC\ncompatible with US Procurement or vice versa?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Has Sri Lanka\nstudied US procurement procedures before accepting that US procurement\nprocedures would apply to MCC Compact Agreement?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If Sri Lankan\nteam did study US procurement against FIDIC procurement \u2013 where is that report?\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is this\nProgram Implementation Agreement (PIA) \u2013 why is that not made available? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How can an\nagreement be signed without first looking at PIA clauses which may either\nconflict or incorporate detrimental acts that must first be looked into before\nsigning a bilateral agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 2.4\nDisbursement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>In accordance with <strong>this Compact\nand the Program Implementation Agreement<\/strong>, MCC shall disburse MCC funding\nfor expenditures incurred in furtherance of the Program (each instance a\n\u2018Disbursement\u2019). Subject to the satisfaction of all <strong>applicable conditions precedent<\/strong>, the proceeds of <strong>Disbursement shall be made available to the\nGovernment at MCC\u2019s sole election<\/strong>, by <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>deposit\nto one or more bank accounts established by the Government and <strong>acceptable to MCC<\/strong> (each a\n\u2018Permitted Account\u2019) or <\/em><\/li><li><em>direct payment to the relevant provider of\ngoods, works or service for the implementation of the Program. <strong>MCC Funding may be expended only for\nProgram expenditure <\/strong><\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this is\nsupposed to be a mutual agreement why is it that GOSL has to simply agree to\nall that the US Govt through MCC private corporation demands \u2013 selection of\nbank \/ amounts disbursed etc<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why is the\nmoney going to a private bank? Why is it not being designated in the Agreement?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>US Govt is disbursing this amount directly\nto MCA Account in a private bank in a foreign country but according to the\nAgreement the Finance Ministry on behalf of the GoSL has to be<\/strong> <strong>accountable though the funds are directly\nsent by US Govt to the MCA Account. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is the\nrole of the Central Bank? Is the money coming through the Central Bank of SL?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Page 6: Section 2.6 (a) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Why is GOSL committing to providing\n\u2018all funds &amp; other resources\u2019 and to take all other actions necessary to\ncarry out the Government\u2019s responsibilities when the grant is<\/em> <em>supposed to\ncover entire project? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Our Questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>What\ndoes GoSL imply by agreeing to provide ALL FUNDS?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>What\ndoes the GoSL imply by agreeing to provide OTHER RESOURCES?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>What\ndoes the GoSL imply by agreeing to take ALL OTHER ACTIONS NECESSARY <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>What\nare the GoSL\u2019s RESPONSIBILITIES under taken by MCC? <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Are\nGoSL\u2019s RESPONSIBILITIES that which the CITIZENS of Sri Lanka requested? The\nParliament of Sri Lanka has requested? The Judiciary of Sri Lanka has approved\nof? Or are these responsibilities that the MCC officials have pushed through\nvarious government officials and subject Ministers as well as private lobby\ngroups tasked to somehow push MCC into reality?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Shouldn\u2019t\nthe GoSL demand the entire program activity and the powers of the new company\nBEFORE it agrees to consider signing the MCC?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>It\ndoesn\u2019t matter what the Govt in power is \u2013 can any Govt consider signing an\nagreement with a foreign govt WITHOUT examining the DOCUMENTS and CONSIDERING\nTHE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS of signing such?<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 2.7\nLimitations to the use of MCC Funding&nbsp; <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The <strong>Government shall<\/strong> <strong>ensure<\/strong> that <strong>MCC Funding is not used for<\/strong> any purpose that would violate United\nStates law or policy, as specified in this Compact or <strong>as further notified to the Government in writing<\/strong>, including but not\nlimited to the following purposes:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>for\nassistance, or training of, the military, police, militia, national guard or\nother quasi-military organization or unit<\/em><\/li><li><em>for\nany activity that is likely to cause a substantial loss of US jobs or a\nsubstantial displacement of US production<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This\nmeans that <strong>MCC or the United States\nGovernment over a period of 5 years in which the Compact is valid can issue\ndemands in writing to which the Government of Sri Lanka is bound<\/strong> <strong>to adhere but does not know<\/strong>\u2026can GoSL\nsign such an open-ended agreement?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though\n2.7a) says that MCC funding cannot be used for National Army\/Police etc it is\ncontradicted in the Transport project details where GoSL has to compensate <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As\nper 2.7 b) GoSL (that is the tax payer) has to end up paying for loss of US\njobs and US production and it is not even specified how many jobs lost or how\nmuch of loss of production!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 2.8\nTaxes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>Unless\nthe Parties specifically agree otherwise in writing, the <strong>Government shall ensure<\/strong> that <strong>all\nMCC Funding is free from the payment or imposition of any existing or future\ntaxes, duties, levies, contributions, or other similar charges<\/strong> (but not\nfees or charges for services that are generally applicable in Sri Lanka,\nreasonable amount and imposed on a non-discriminatory basis) (Taxes\u201d) of or in\nSri Lanka (including any such Taxes imposed by a national, regional, local or\nother governmental or taxing authority of or in Sri Lanka). <\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Specifically, and without limiting the\ngenerality of the foregoing, <strong>MCC Funding\nshall be free from the payment of<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>Any tariffs, customs duties, import taxes,\nexport taxes and other similar charges on any goods, works, or services\nintroduced into Sri Lanka in connection with the Program<\/em><\/li><li><em>Sales, tax, value added tax, excise tax,\nproperty transfer tax, and other similar charges on any transactions involving\ngoods, works or services in connection with the Program, <\/em><\/li><li><em>Taxes and other similar charges on\nownership, possession or use of any property in connection with the Program <\/em><\/li><li><em>Taxes and other similar charges on income,\nprofits or gross receipts attributable to work performed in connection with the\nProgram, and related social security taxes and other similar charges on all\nnatural or legal persons performing work in connection with the Program, except\nin the case of this clause (iv): 1) natural persons who are citizens or\npermanent residents of Sri Lanka &amp; 2) legal persons formed under the laws\nof Sri Lanka<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><em>c)&nbsp; If\na Tax has been paid contrary to the requirements of Section 2.8 a) or Annex V,\nthe Government shall refund promptly to MCC (or to another party as designated\nby MCC) the amount of such Tax in US dollars or the currency of Sri Lanka\nwithin sixty (60) days in writing (whether by MCC or MCA-Sri Lanka) that such\nTax has been paid. Failure to refund such amount within the specified time\nshall result in interest accruing on the unpaid amount in accordance with\nSection 5.4<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our\nunderstanding is that MCC is giving $480m to improve our land and transport\nsystem. While it is natural that a grant amount is not charged any taxes\/levies\nwhy is there such an in depth detail that Sri Lanka shall ensure that MCC\nFunding shall be free from payment of a series of taxes once signed as well as\nin the future?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>So far every clause has\nrestrictions\/limitations only on GoSL <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Though this Agreement looks simple enough\nwhat about the other Cabinet papers passed all linked to the MCC pre-conditions\nex: $160m Parcel Fabric Map? Land Surveying given to Trimble Navigation US firm\nfor $154m \u2013 there are likely to be many more cabinet approved projects already\nrolled out as part of MCC preconditions which the public are not privy too. The\nformer Prime Minister\/ Minister of Finance has to be held responsible for these\nsecret provisions using tax payers money.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why is 2.7 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>c) MCC\u2019s Environmental Guidelines also\nmentioned in limitation to MCC Funding (Does MCC funding not fund environmental\nissues)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>d) under limitation to MCC Funding\nreferring to paying for abortions (why should such be included?)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ARTICLE 3\nIMPLEMENTATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 3.1\nProgram Implementation Agreement: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The Parties shall enter into an agreement providing further detail on\nthe implementation arrangements, fiscal accountability and disbursement, and\nuse of MCC Funding, among other matters (the <strong>Program Implementation Agreement\u201d<\/strong> or PIA\u201d) and the Government\nshall implement the Program in accordance with this Compact, the PIA, any <strong>other Supplemental Agreement<\/strong>, and any <strong>Implementation Letter.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means the\nMCC Agreement is not an exclusive agreement but is linked with 3 other sets of\nagreements <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>* Program\nImplementation Agreement<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>* Other\nSupplemental Agreements<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*\nImplementation Letters<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Does the GoSL\nknow what these separate Agreements &amp; their contents are?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>why are the\ncontents of these not made public?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 3.2\nGovernment Responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>The <strong>Government has principal responsibility for\noverseeing and managing the implementation of the Program.<\/strong> The designation\nof <strong>MCA-Sri Lanka to act on behalf of\nthe Government<\/strong> contemplated by <strong>Section\n3.2 b) below does not relieve the Government of any obligations or\nresponsibilities<\/strong> hereunder or under any related agreement, for which the <strong>Government remains fully responsible<\/strong>.<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>With the prior consent of MCC, the\nGovernment shall<\/em><\/strong><em> designate an\nentity, to be <strong>established as a company\nlimited by guarantee under Sri Lanka\u2019s Companies Act No7 of 2007 as the accountable\nentity to implement the Program<\/strong> and to exercise and perform the\nGovernment\u2019s right &amp; obligation to oversee, manage, and implement the\nProgram, including without limitation, managing the implementation of the\nProjects<\/em> <em>and their Activities,\nallocating resources, and managing procurements. Such entity shall be referred\nto herein as <strong>MCA-Sri Lanka\u201d<\/strong>\nand <strong>shall have the authority to act\non behalf of the Government with regard to all Program activities<\/strong>. Any\nprovision of this Compact obligation MCA-Sri Lanka to take any action or\nrefrain from taking any action, as the case may be means that the Government\nshall cause MCA-Sri Lanka to take such action or refrain from taking such\naction, as the case may be. <strong>The\nGovernment<\/strong> hereby also <strong>designates\nMCA-Sri Lanka to exercise and perform the Government\u2019s right &amp; obligation\nto oversee, manage, and implement the activities described in the Amended and\nRestated Grant &amp; Implementation Agreement, date June 18, 2018<\/strong> as\namended between the Government and MCC (CDF Agreement). MCC hereby acknowledges\nand consents to the designation in this Section 3.2b)<\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>d)&nbsp;&nbsp;\nThe <strong>Government shall take all\nnecessary or appropriate steps to achieve the Project Objectives<\/strong> during the\nCompact Term (including without limiting Section 2.6(a) <strong>funding all costs that exceed MCC Funding<\/strong> and are required\nto carry out the terms hereof and achieve such objectives, unless MCC agrees\notherwise in writing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This reads like\na Treasury operating within a Treasury wherein Sri Lanka\u2019s Finance Ministry is\ngiving full power-of-attorney to a US governmental company registered as a\ncompany in Sri Lanka which is superior to a sovereign government or rather the\nsovereign government is abdicating sovereignty to a US governmental company in\nSri Lanka. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is this not a violation of Article 1, 4, of\nthe Constitution?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where is this 28 June 2018 Agreement? <\/strong>What\nare the changes in that agreement?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How can MCA-Sri\nLanka a company be given authority to act on behalf of a Government?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>According to 3.2 d) the GOSL has to even\nfund anything exceeding the MCC Funding<\/strong> \u2013 and how is GoSL going to generate\nany income if everything coming into Sri Lanka and going out of Sri Lanka under\nthis project is tax free and without levies while State land ends up privatized\nleaving GoSL no source of income from sovereign land?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 3.3\nPolicy Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>In <strong>addition to undertaking\nthe specific policy, legal and regulatory reform commitments identified in Annex\n1<\/strong>, the <strong>Government shall seek to\nmaintain and to improve its level of performance <\/strong>under the policy criteria <strong>identified in Section 607 of the MCA Act<\/strong>,\nand the selection criteria and methodology used by MCC.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is this Section 607 of the MCA Act<\/strong>\n\u2013 who in the GoSL or Ministry of Finance has seen this before agreeing to sign\nany Agreement? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 3.5\nImplementation Letters:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>From time to time, MCC may\nprovide guidance to the Government in writing on any matters relating to this\nCompact, MCC Funding or implementation of the Program. <\/em><\/strong><em>The Government shall use such guidance in\nimplementing the Program. The Parties may also issue jointly agreed-upon\nwritings to confirm and record their mutual understanding on aspects related to\nthe implementation of this Compact, the PTA, or other related agreements. Both\ntype of writings are referred to herein as Implementation Letters\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So in other\nwords MCC Agreement is an open-ended agreement because GoSL has to be dancing\nto the tune of something called \u2018Implementation Letters\u2019 which binds the GoSL\nto act upon them whether these Letters\u201d come daily \u2013 weekly \u2013 monthly we do\nnot know! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 3.6\nProcurement and Grants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>The Government shall ensure that the\nprocurement of all goods, works and services by the Government or any Provider\nto implement the Program shall be in accordance with MCC\u2019s Program Procurement\nGuidelines<\/em><\/strong><em> (MCC Program\nProcurement Guidelines\u201d. <strong>Accordingly,\nneither the Government Procurement Guidelines (2006) nor any other laws or regulations\nof Sri Lanka regarding procurement shall apply to procurements to implement the\nProgram<\/strong>. <\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What are MCC\nProgram Procurement Guidelines are they the same as US Govt Procurement\nGuidelines that Sri Lanka was asked to follow in an earlier clause <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why should Sri\nLanka Govt Procurement Guidelines be totally abolished simply to satisfy a\ngrant project? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How can Sri\nLanka have parallel Procurement Procedures?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 3.7\nRecords: Accounting: Covered Providers: Access<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>Government Books &amp; Records<\/em><\/strong><em>. The Government shall maintain and shall\nuse its best efforts to ensure that all Covered Providers maintain, accounting\nbooks, records, documents and other evidence relating to the Program adequate\nto show, <strong>to MCC\u2019s satisfaction,<\/strong> the\nuse of all MCC Funding and the implementation and results of the Program\n(Compact Records). In addition, the Government shall furnish or cause to be\nfurnished to MCC, upon its request, originals or copies of such Compact\nRecords.<\/em><\/li><li><strong><em>Accounting:<\/em><\/strong><em> The Government shall maintain, and shall\nuse its best efforts to ensure that all Covered Providers maintain, Compact\nRecords in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles prevailing\nin the United States, or at the Government\u2019s option and with MCC\u2019s prior\nwritten approval, other accounting principles, such as those (i) prescribed by\nthe International Accounting Standards Board or (ii) then prevailing in Sri\nLanka. Compact Records must be maintained for at least 5 years after the end of\nthe Compact Term or for such longer period, if any, required to resolve any\nlitigation, claims, or audit findings or any applicable legal requirements.<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>Access:<\/em><\/strong><em> <strong>Upon MCC\u2019s request, the\nGovernment<\/strong>, at all reasonable times, <strong>shall\npermit<\/strong> or cause to be permitted, <strong>authorized\nrepresentatives of MCC, the Inspector General of MCC (Inspector General\u201d) the\nUnited States Government Accountability Office, any auditor <\/strong>responsible for\nan audit contemplated herein or otherwise conducted in furtherance of this\nCompact, and <strong>any agents or\nrepresentatives engaged by MCC or the Government to conduct any assessment,\nreview or evaluatio<\/strong>n of the Program, the opportunity to audit, review\nevaluate or inspect facilities, assets and activities funded in whole or in\npart by MCC Funding.<\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>a) If MCC is\nsetting up a Company in Sri Lanka where funding is directly coming \u2013 shouldn\u2019t\nthis Office be keeping a track of all matters related to its Program &amp;\nFunding? Why should MCC private company have any right to look into Government\nbooks? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>b) What is this\n\u2018accepted accounting principles prevailing in the United States\u2019 &amp; do these\ncontradict with Sri Lanka?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>c) Why should\nthe GoSL permit a private company to inspect its facilitites?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>d) If MCA is\ndelegated powers why should MCC appoint a \u2018Inspector General of MCC\u201d \u2013 how can\na US state entity be broaching through records of a sovereign country? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 3.8 Audit\nReviews:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>Government Audits:<\/em><\/strong><em> Except as the Parties may agree\notherwise in writing, <strong>the Government\nshall<\/strong>, on at least a semi-annual basis, conduct or cause to be conducted,\nfinancial audits of all disbursements of MCC Funding covering the period from\nsigning of this Compact until the earlier of the following March 31 or\nSeptember 30 and covering each six-month period thereafter ending March 31 or\nSeptember 30, through the end of the Compact Term as well as the one hundred\ntwenty (120) day period following the expiration of the Compact Term. In\naddition, the Government shall <strong>ensure\nthat such audits are conducted by an independent auditor approved by MCC and\nselected in accordance with MCC\u2019s Guidelines<\/strong> for Financial Audits\nContracted by the Millennium Challenge Corporation\u2019s Accountable Entities (the\nAudit Guidelines\u201d. <strong>Audits shall be\nperformed in accordance with such Audit Guidelines, and\/or other processes and\nprocedures directed from time to time by MCC<\/strong>. Each audit must be completed\nand the audit report delivered to MCC no later than ninety (90) days after the\napplicable audit period, or such other period as the Parties may otherwise\nagree in writing. Any changes to the period to be audited shall be included in\nan<strong> audit plan developed and implemented\nby MCA-Sri Lanka in accordance with Audit Guidelines and Program Implementation\nAgreement <\/strong>and as approved by MCC (the Audit Plan\u201d<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>Audits of Other Entities:<\/em><\/strong><em> The Government shall ensure that MCC\nfinanced agreements between the Government or any Provider, on the one hand and\ni) a US non-profit organization on the other hand, state that the US non-profit\norganization is subject to the applicable audit requirements contained in the\nUniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for\nFederal Awards, issued by the US Office of Management &amp; Budget; ii) a US\nfor-profit Covered Provider, on the other hand, state that the US for-profit\norganization is subject to audit by the applicable US Government agency, unless\nthe Government &amp; MCC agree otherwise in writing; and iii) a non-US Covered\nProvider (whether a for-profit or nonprofit organization) on the other hand\nstate that the non-US Covered Provider is subject to an audit in accordance\nwith Audit Guidelines.<\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>d) &nbsp; <strong>&nbsp;Audit by MCC<\/strong>: <strong>MCC shall have the right to arrange for\naudits of the Governments use of MCC Funding<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>e)&nbsp;&nbsp;\nCost of Audits, Reviews or Evaluations: <strong>MCC Funding may be used to fund the costs&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; of any audits<\/em><\/strong><em>, reviews or evaluations required under this Compact.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>a) <strong>How can a private company demand how a\nsovereign government chooses as auditor?<\/strong> Have the Sri Lankan negotiators\nlooked and studied the Audit Guidelines &amp; Program Implementation Agreement\nbefore agreeing even in principle to the project? What are these Audit\nGuidelines and do they conflict with the Government audit guidelines?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>b) <strong>Why so much of US audit guidelines when\nmoney is being disbursed not to GOSL but to MCA Sri Lanka a private company?<\/strong>\nHave all these areas been studied and looked at by Sri Lankan officials? Well\nthe National Economic Council have made it clear that the Sri Lanka Government\nshould not sign the MCC for socio-economic &amp; political reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>d) <strong>If MCA is set up to channel funding why\nshould MCC arrange audits of the Government?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>e) How much of\nMCC Funding is allocated for audits and what is the likelihood of GoSL having\nto pay additionally for audits from its pocket \u2013 since it has to be a US\napproved auditor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Page\n12 &amp; 13<\/strong> were missing from document released to public. Two pages have\nlater been inserted and improper alignment shows that it is not part of\noriginal document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Page12<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Section 3.9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Intellectual\nProperty: <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>The Government grants to MCC a\nperpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide, fully-paid, assignable right\nand license to practice or have practiced on its behalf (including the\nright to produce, reproduce, publish, repurpose, use, store, modify or make\navailable) any portion or portions of Intellectual Property as MCC sees fit in\nany medium, now known or hereafter developed, for any purpose<\/em> whatsoever.<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are we insane\nto give a foreign our entire intellectual property right \u2013 current and future?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Article 5 :\nTERMINATION-SUSPENCION-EXPIRATION <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>(ALSO PART OF\nMISSING PAGE 12)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 5.1\nTermination: Suspension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>Either party may terminate Compact without\ncause by giving the other party 30 days prior written notice<\/em><\/strong><em>. MCC can terminate Compact or MCC Funding\nwithout cause in part by giving GoSL 30 days prior written notice<\/em><\/li><li><strong><em>MCC may after written notice to GOSL suspend\nor terminate Compact or MCC Funding <\/em><\/strong><em>in\nwhole or part and any obligation related due to but not limited to the\nfollowing<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><em>i) GoSL failure to comply with obligations\nand commitments under Compact or any other agreement in relation to Compact or\nProgram<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>ii) If the GoSL has made any incorrect or\nmisleading data in the Compact\/PIA or Supplemental Agreement<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>iii) an event or series of events that shows\nProject Objectives are not going to be achieved during Compact term or that the\nGoSL is not able to perform its obligations under Compact.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>iv) MCC Funding violating US Policy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>v) GoSL or any other person receiving MCC\nFunding acting against national security interests of US<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>vi) If Sri Lanka is ineligible for foreign\nassistance due to Foreign Assistance Act of 1961<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>vii) If Govt is engaged in activities\ninconsistent with MCA Act<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>vIII) If Govt or person or entity receiving\nMCC funding is convicted of narcotic offences or engaged in drug drufficking<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>a) While it\nsays either party can terminate Compact giving 30 days written notice &#8211; <strong>MCC only can terminate giving 30 days\nnotice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>b) Why is all\nthe obligations and commitments on the part of Sri Lanka only?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 5.2 Consequences\nof Termination: Suspension : Expiration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>If Compact or MCC Funding is suspended or\nterminated in whole or part \u2013 provisions of PIA shall govern the\npost-suspension, post-termination or post-expiration treatment of MCC Funding<\/em><\/strong><em> \u2013 any related Disbursements &amp; Program\nAssets. If Compact, MCC Funding, PIA, or any other Supplemental Agreement is\nnot suspended or terminated it remains in full force &amp; effect.<\/em><\/li><li><em>MCC\nmay reinstate any suspended or terminated MCC Funding <\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means Sri\nLanka if terminating or suspending any MCC related agreement it must ensure all\ndocs are terminated otherwise those agreements remain in force. What are the\nprovisions in the Programme Implementation Agreement \u2013 why has this not been\nmade public?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 5.4\nLate Payment Interest: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>If the Government fails to pay\nany amount under this Compact or the Program Implementation Agreement when due\n(including amounts under Section 2.8 (c) and 5.3 (a)<\/em><\/strong><em> the <strong>Government\nshall pay interest on such past due amount<\/strong>. Interest shall accrue on\nsuch amount at a rate equal to the then current US Treasury Current value of\nFunds Rate, calculated on a daily basis and a 360-day year from the due date of\nsuch payment until such amount is paid in full. Any such payment shall first be\ncredited against interest due and once the interest due amount is extinguished,\nthen payments shall be credited against outstanding principal. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firstly, we are\nall under the impression that this $480m was an absolute grant with no strings\nattached. A gift horse we are told &#8211; but now Section 5.4 says otherwise. This\nis what the US envoy told the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in June 2019 <em><\/em><em>the United States has offered the government and people of Sri\nLanka a $480 million grant.&nbsp; A gift, not a loan, but a gift from the\npeople of the United States.&nbsp; This is not a loan that might mortgage the\nfuture of the country\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/lk.usembassy.gov\/remarks-of-ambassador-alaina-b-teplitz-at-3rd-agm-of-the-ceylon-chamber-of-commerce-sri-lanka-usa-business-council\/\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What is this\namount the Govt is due to give under MCC Compact\/PIA?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 2.8 c) says MCC Funding cannot be\nused by the Govt that violates MCC Environmental Guidelines (what are these\nGuidelines \u2013 have the Govt looked at these before agreeing to them) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 5.3 a) says if MCC Funding \/\ninterest or earnings \/ any Program Asset is used for any purpose in violation\nof terms of Compact, GoSL may have to repay MCC in USD the value of misused MCC\nFunding, interest, earnings or asset plus interest in accordance with Section\n5.4 within 30 days after MCC makes formal request from the GoSL. MCC Funding or\nProgram Asset cannot be used to make such payment. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section\n5.5&nbsp; Survival<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This section lists out Govt\u2019s responsibilities which also covers\nSections 2.7 (Limitations on use of MCC Funding) Section 2.8 (Taxes), Section\n3.7 (Records, Accounting, Covered Providers, Access) Section 3.8 (Audits,\nReviews) Section 3.9 (Intellectual Property), Section 5.2 Consequences of\nTermination, Suspensions or Expirations), Section 5.3 (Refunds, Violation),\nSection 5.4 (Late Payment Interest) and Section 6.4 (Governing Law) <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The Govt is thus bound by Section 6.4<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Section 6.4 says\nthis Compact is an international agreement &amp; shall be governed by\ninternational law. What does this mean? Does Sri Lanka need to amend its laws\nto be on par with all international laws? <strong>There\u2019s\na list of international treaties that US has not signed or ratified. Are US\nlaws compatible with international laws if not which applies in case of MCC vis\na vis Sri Lanka? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_treaties_unsigned_or_unratified_by_the_United_States\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 6.4&nbsp; Governing Law<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>MCC Agreement is an international agreement and shall be governed by\ninternational law<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment: MCA Sri Lanka the company to be set\nup after signing MCC is to be legally immune from all wrong doing \u2013 but Sri\nLankan Government is not immune!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>(MCA Sri Lanka can go to courts against Sri\nLanka Govt\/Citizens but Sri Lankan Govt\/Citizens cannot take MCA Sri Lanka to\ncourt) &nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How can a locally registered company not be\nsubject to Sri Lankan laws but international laws simply because an agreement\nstates so? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There is all possibility of Sri Lanka being\ntaken to international court\/tribunal if MCC is signed and GoSL backs out of\nany commitments or assurances given most of which are revealed earlier are <\/strong>unclear &amp; undisclosed\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Should any Govt be\nallowed to commit Sri Lanka to such future international arbitration which will\nbe borne not by Govt making the mistake or by officials signing but ordinary\ntax payers footing millions of dollars as compensation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When international\nlaw is being applied and Sri Lanka by signing MCC commits to that \u2013 no amount\nof political drama and theatrics will allow Sri Lanka\u2019s government to renegade\nfrom the agreement. It will be subject to international law and Sri Lanka if\ngoing back on its word will end up in an international court and charged\nheavily. Do we want to go through with all this just for a paltry $480m when we\nare likely to end up paying millions more after realizing the dangers or rather\nfacing the dangers once MCC is signed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 6.6\nReferences to MCC Website<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>References in Compact, PIA or any other agreement entered into in\nconnection with Compact \u2013 document, information notified by posting on MCC\nWebsite shall be deemed reference to<\/em> such document or information as\nupdated or substituted on MCC website from time to time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Does this mean\nthat Sri Lanka will have to place someone 24&#215;7 to be looking at the MCC website\nto see what updates have been placed as that is deemed as latest updated\ninformation! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 6.8\nMCC Status<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>MCC is a US govt corporation<\/em><\/strong><em> acting on behalf of the US Govt in its\nimplementation of this Compact. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>MCC &amp; the US Govt assume no\nliability for any claims or loss arising out of activities or omission under\nthis Compact. The Govt waives any and all claims against MCC or the US Govt\nor any current or former officer or employees of MCC or the US Govt for all\nloss, damage, injury or death arising out of activities or omissions under this\nCompact<\/em><\/strong><em> and agrees that it\nshall not bring any claim or legal proceeding of any kind against any of the\nabove entities or persons for any such loss, damage , injury or death<strong>. The Govt agrees that MCC or the US\nGovt or any current or former officer or employees of MCC or the US Govt shall\nbe immune from the jurisdiction of all courts and tribunals of Sri Lanka<\/strong>\n<strong>or any claim or loss arising out\nactivities or omissions under this Compact.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Section 6.8\nclearly establishes that MCC is a US govt entity and forming MCA would be\nallowing US to open a US govt office in Sri Lanka allowing it to even audit Sri\nLankan Govt. What\u2019s more as per this section <strong>MCC &amp; US Govt are immune from all liabilities including loss,\ndamage, injury or death in any court or tribunals in Sri Lanka<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So <strong>where is the law of reciprocity as\napplicable under international law which Section 6.4 refers to?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This immunity\ntaken together with immunity given to US troops, personnel and contractors\nunder ACSA and SOFA mean that US can do anything in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka\ncannot take any legal action against it. For $480 is this worth it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttp:\/\/www.neelakandan.lk\/Compendium%20of%20Law\/Laws%20of%20Property%20and%20Contracts.php\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>see&nbsp;Unfair Contract Terms Act 26 of 1997 imposes limits on the\nextent to which civil liability for breach of Contract or for negligence or\nother breach of Duty can be avoided by Means of Contract terms and otherwise.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Article 7 ENTRY\nINTO FORCE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7.1 Domestic\nProcedures:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The Government shall proceed in a timely manner to <strong>complete all of its domestic requirements for this Compact and PIA to\nenter into force<\/strong>. The Parties understand that, consistent with Sri Lankan\nlaw, <strong>prior to the Government sending the\nletter described in <\/strong><\/em><strong><em>Section 7.3, this Compact is to be submitted to and enacted by the\nParliament of Sri Lanka.<\/em><\/strong><em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are under\nthe impression $480 is a gift by US to the people of Sri Lanka, if so why does\nthe GoSL have to complete all of its domestic requirements to enforce Compact\n&amp; PIA. What are these \u2018domestic requirements\u2019?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is this\nletter that the GoSL has to send described in Section 7.3?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If MCC is giving a gift of $480m why should\nthe MCC Agreement have to be enacted by Parliament? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>According to the Congressional Notification Transmittal Sheet dated 25<sup>th<\/sup>\nApril 2019<\/strong> requests funds to be made ready in 15 days \u2013 this was days after\nEaster Sunday terrorist attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>$480m is to be given across 5 years<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Land Project: The Government has prepared\ntwo draft legislative acts that seek to (1) convert permits and grants to State\nLands to absolute land grants that allow permit-holders to sell or lease their\nland or use it as collateral with few restrictions, and (2) create a data base\nthat gathers information on State Lands and facilitates investment in\nunderutilized State Lands. Prior to enactment of these acts, the Government\nmust address legislative gaps focused on decentralizing authority for the\napproval of absolute land grants, simplifying procedures, and ensuring gender\nequality in the issuance of absolute land grants, among other issues.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clearly indicates what MCC plan is<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/assets.mcc.gov\/content\/uploads\/cn-042519-sri-lanka-intent-to-sign.pdf\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Further observations is the\ncirculated map of an economic corridor which had been part of a MCC\nPresentation shown by MCC in Temple Trees where in the said economic corridor\n(5miles to left &amp; 5 miles to right of railway line gives extent of\n1.2million acres (200miles x 10miles) is to cover the very districts that the\nMCC is proposing to digitalize and where the State is said to be currently\nrolling out accelerated title registrations in. With railways leased out via\nState Land Bank Act through the megapolis ministry the MCC or US allies can\nlease area for 100 + 100 years. The previous government has already given\n1million title deeds to people and in their poverty and loan hardship the\nopportunity and risk to sell their lands to foreign investors is a threat to\nSri Lanka\u2019s national security, agriculture and livelihood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaving all of the detrimental\nclauses and concerns aside, what is even more worrying is Sri Lanka\u2019s own land\nlaws still subject to colonial statutes, sudden and impulsive cabinet changes,\ncircular approvals, provincial council malpractices etc all of which are\nundermining Sri Lanka\u2019s ability to uphold its sovereignty vis a vis foreign\nagreements that seek to establish ventures in Sri Lanka. Should Sri Lanka not\naddress these internal issues first before going and landing up with bigger\nissues and international litigation ignoring such.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shenali D\nWaduge<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MCC has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. It is important that we are all aware of the clauses and demands as well as commitments made by Govt and officials and question some of these assurances completely overlooking the concerns of the public &amp; the future interest of the Nation as well [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1498,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-97597","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\/97597","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\/1498"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=97597"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97597\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97597"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97597"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97597"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}