Barely hours after protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Colombo demanding the removal of US Ambassador yesterday, Julie Chung visited the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) headquarters earlier today.
During the meeting, which lasted over an hour, Ambassador Chung engaged in discussions with SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa, General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, former MPs Sanjeewa Edirimanne, C.B. Ratnayake, Jayantha Ketagoda, and current MP D.V. Chanaka.
The US Ambassador claimed that the visit was part of the embassy’s cross-party outreach efforts. She emphasized that “the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership has long been based on trust, respect, and shared democratic principles.”
She added, “Under President Trump, we’ll be focused on advancing America’s interests and fostering global partnerships for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future.”
This meeting also followed MP Namal Rajapaksa’s recent call for a probe into the activities of NGOs funded by USAID, highlighting the SLPP’s commitment to transparency and strengthening bilateral relations.
MP Namal Rajapksa was quoted saying “US Ambassador Julie Chung was briefed on the SLPP’s proposal for a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the use of USAID funds by both registered and unregistered NGOs in Sri Lanka, with a focus on ensuring transparency in the allocation of U.S. taxpayer resources.”
