Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), Udaya Gammanpila, yesterday launched a scathing attack on outgoing United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, accusing her of interfering in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs and exerting undue influence over recent political developments.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Gammanpila said Chung’s departure, after a four-year tenure, marked a “day of national relief,” claiming her presence had been harmful to the country.

He said patriots marked the occasion by sharing kiribath (milk rice), which he described as a symbolic celebration.

Gammanpila alleged that Ambassador Chung had remained in Sri Lanka longer than the customary three-year diplomatic term because of, what he described as, her success in bringing the country under American influence. Drawing comparisons with past foreign diplomats, he claimed that Chung was the most influential envoy since Indian High Commissioner J.N. Dixit in the 1980s. He alleged that successive Sri Lankan governments had failed to challenge what he described as interference by the envoy.

The PHU leader accused Chung of playing a behind-the-scenes role in the 2022 protest movement, commonly known as the Aragalaya, claiming it was orchestrated to destabilise the country. He alleged that young protesters were unknowingly “acting out a foreign script” under the guise of patriotism.

Gammanpila also alleged that Chung played a key role in elevating the National People’s Power (NPP), which he referred to as the “Malimawa” movement, into a governing force in 2024. He claimed the movement had been transformed from its earlier ideological roots into, what he described as, a pro-Western political project, asserting that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had come to power with foreign backing. He cited a photograph shared on Chung’s social media account of her visit to the NPP headquarters as evidence of what he termed political proximity.

According to Gammanpila, Ambassador Chung’s public criticism of governance issues sharply declined following the change of government. He alleged that while she had frequently commented on incidents under previous administrations, she had remained silent on alleged corruption and governance failures over the past 14 months.

Turning to the future, Gammanpila urged caution regarding the incoming US Ambassador, Eric Meyer, stating that any engagement on religious or cultural matters should be viewed carefully. He called on President Dissanayake to pursue an independent foreign policy, free of external influence.

Gammanpila also criticised the government over, what he described as, repeated “policy blunders,” particularly in relation to issues affecting children and social values. He cited several instances, including proposals to promote Sri Lanka as a destination for same-sex couples, educational material controversies, and a recent People’s Bank advertisement that he claimed subtly promoted same-sex symbolism. While stating that he held no animosity towards the LGBTQ community, Gammanpila said he opposed, what he described as, attempts to influence children through state institutions.

In addition, the PHU leader condemned legal action taken by the Coast Conservation Department against nine individuals, including four Buddhist monks, for installing a Buddha statue within a coastal conservation zone in Trincomalee. He described the arrests as discriminatory, alleging that similar structures belonging to other religions and commercial entities had been overlooked.

Calling the current administration “anti-Buddhist,” Gammanpila urged authorities to apply the law equally and not just in words, and  “not to turn legal frameworks into instruments against Buddhism.” He also accused members of the government of ingratitude, alleging that many had once sought refuge in temples during periods of political violence.

By Anuradha Hiripitiyage

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has decided to send a fact-finding mission to Sri Lanka, from 22 to 28 January, to assess the damage caused by the recent Cyclone Ditwah.

The Director of the IMF’s Communications Department, Julie Kozack, also stated that the team will discuss related policy implications under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.

She also underscored that this is a fact-finding mission aimed at enabling the team to gain a clearer understanding of the situation on the ground.

Under a special police operation, aimed at preventing crime and drug-related offences, 412 drunk drivers were arrested during countrywide operations carried out on Thursday (15), police said.

Police also stated that 30,786 individuals were checked during the operations, resulting in the arrest of 554 persons on suspicion.

In addition, nine individuals were directly identified in connection with criminal offences, while 347 suspects with outstanding warrants and 217 suspects with open warrants were taken into custody. A further 51 individuals were arrested for reckless driving, and 4,884 persons were identified in connection with other traffic violations, according to the Police Media Division.

by Sujeewa Thathsara