News
US Ambassador influenced Prez GR as part of its regime change plot – Wimal
National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa, MP, has alleged that US Ambassador Julie Chung constantly applied pressure on the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa not to deal with the growing protest movement that finally led to his ouster.
The former Industries Minister said so on Swarnavahini on Monday night.
President Rajapaksa vacated the President’s House on July 13.
Weerawansa said that Ambassador Chung exploited President Rajapaksa’s plans to settle down in the US after the completion of his first term. MP Weerawansa said that the President feared he wouldn’t be able to be with his son, daughter-in-law and his grandchild if he responded to the threat.
Denial of US visa compelled President Rajapaksa to take refuge in the Maldives and then Singapore where he is residing now.
Lawmaker Weerawansa said that on one hand the US influenced the President while others involved in the operation, such as the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), received USAID financial backing. Weerawansa explained the circumstances the US exploited the financial crisis, and rising public resentment towards the previous government, to carry out, what he called, its regime change operation.
MP Weerawansa told The Island that those who had been surprised by his accusations, directed at the BASL, shouldn’t forget that the Bar Association had no qualms in accepting sponsorship from the Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL), even after it perpetrated of treasury bond scams in 2015 and 2016.
BASL President Saliya Pieris, PC, recently said that in addition to the BASL, the Justice Ministry as well as the Attorney General’s Department received financial assistance over the years. Reference was made to funding received during 2015 -2019 while denying accusations the BASL engaged in any clandestine activity. This was in response to the recent Hiru interview conducted in response accusations relating to the conduct of the BASL (SF)
Members of Intake 36 of Kotelawela Defence University recently conducted a ‘home garden’; project in support of the needy in Colombo. It was meant to encourage families to utilize available land for productive activity.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Acting Ministers for four ministries before his departure on an official state visit to Vietnam.
The appointments cover three ministries under the President’s purview — the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, which comes under the purview of Minister Vijitha Herath, who is accompanying the President on this official visit.
Accordingly, the following Acting Ministers have been appointed:
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Digital Economy.
Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Defence.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
[PMD]
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
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