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Unlawful agreement with Urban Council infringes on sovereignty
Political analysts warned that setting up information and activity centers, known as ‘American Corners’, in the country would pave the way for the US to interfere in the country’s sovereign affairs, this time on Sri Lankan soil. The USA has been in the forefront of moves to censure Sri Lanka in multilateral fora, as evident in the resolution against the country at the UN Human Rights Commission in March 2013.
The US Embassy in Sri Lanka recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Trincomalee Urban Council, without informing the External Affairs Ministry, a clear breach of protocol, according to Ministry officials.
Minister of Technology, Research and Atomic Energy,, Patali Champika Ranawaka expressed grave concerns over the issue as Trincomalee has been and continues to be a strategically important place.
“It is well known that in addition to the traditional hardware of warfare such as guns, bullets, missiles and drones, the US is as focused on electronic warfare. Such operations are often conducted from seemingly innocuous facilities such as this ‘American Corner’ or through what appears to be scientific research programs focusing on deep sea mineral resources,” Ranawaka told The Nation.
“No foreign mission should be allowed to set up any operative base anywhere in the country without sanction from both the defense authorities and the Ministry of External Affairs and even if such permission is obtained, there has to be consistent supervision,” he added.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister, Prof. G.L. Peiris said maintaining relationships with diplomatic missions required clear understanding by all parties about what was possible and what was not. Secretary to the Ministry has stated that explanations will be called from the US Embassy.
A few weeks ago, US Embassy staff held meetings with a branch of the Young Mens’ Muslim Association (YMMA) in the same district to discuss issues outside the mandate of the mission. The latest move, according to political analysis, only confirms US intent to continue interfering in the domestic affairs of Sri Lanka.
The US Embassy had previously set up two such centers in Jaffna and Kandy. According to officials at the US Embassy, the centers have been operational for at least two years. The centers have reportedly conducted several programs to the public and students.
It was reported that the American Corner in Jaffna had recently conducted a program on the American Political History and Constitution, and on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka. The program was reportedly conducted by Sandra Day O’ Connor, a retired US Supreme Court Judge.
While stating that such a move would set a bad precedent if it was not stopped immediately, Ranawaka also added diplomatic missions setting up such facilities in each and every corner of the island also highlights the dangers of the 13th Amendment.
“Suresh Premachandran of the Tamil National Alliance has asked for financial autonomy in addition to land and police powers for the provinces. We could theoretically have some people getting the USA to set up bases and others to have Saudi Arabia to set up operations. This is a clear threat to the sovereignty of the nation,” he said.
Asked whether the External Affairs Ministry was informed of the setting up of its centers in Jaffna and Kandy, the Ministry Secretary, Karunathilaka Amunugama said he was not aware whether they were informed. “I will be checking on the matter this week and would take action once I check on the issue,” he said.
Clik here to view.
Unlawful agreement with Urban Council infringes on sovereignty
Political analysts warned that setting up information and activity centers, known as ‘American Corners’, in the country would pave the way for the US to interfere in the country’s sovereign affairs, this time on Sri Lankan soil. The USA has been in the forefront of moves to censure Sri Lanka in multilateral fora, as evident in the resolution against the country at the UN Human Rights Commission in March 2013.
The US Embassy in Sri Lanka recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Trincomalee Urban Council, without informing the External Affairs Ministry, a clear breach of protocol, according to Ministry officials.
Minister of Technology, Research and Atomic Energy,, Patali Champika Ranawaka expressed grave concerns over the issue as Trincomalee has been and continues to be a strategically important place.
“It is well known that in addition to the traditional hardware of warfare such as guns, bullets, missiles and drones, the US is as focused on electronic warfare. Such operations are often conducted from seemingly innocuous facilities such as this ‘American Corner’ or through what appears to be scientific research programs focusing on deep sea mineral resources,” Ranawaka told The Nation.
“No foreign mission should be allowed to set up any operative base anywhere in the country without sanction from both the defense authorities and the Ministry of External Affairs and even if such permission is obtained, there has to be consistent supervision,” he added.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister, Prof. G.L. Peiris said maintaining relationships with diplomatic missions required clear understanding by all parties about what was possible and what was not. Secretary to the Ministry has stated that explanations will be called from the US Embassy.
A few weeks ago, US Embassy staff held meetings with a branch of the Young Mens’ Muslim Association (YMMA) in the same district to discuss issues outside the mandate of the mission. The latest move, according to political analysis, only confirms US intent to continue interfering in the domestic affairs of Sri Lanka.
The US Embassy had previously set up two such centers in Jaffna and Kandy. According to officials at the US Embassy, the centers have been operational for at least two years. The centers have reportedly conducted several programs to the public and students.
It was reported that the American Corner in Jaffna had recently conducted a program on the American Political History and Constitution, and on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka. The program was reportedly conducted by Sandra Day O’ Connor, a retired US Supreme Court Judge.
While stating that such a move would set a bad precedent if it was not stopped immediately, Ranawaka also added diplomatic missions setting up such facilities in each and every corner of the island also highlights the dangers of the 13th Amendment.
“Suresh Premachandran of the Tamil National Alliance has asked for financial autonomy in addition to land and police powers for the provinces. We could theoretically have some people getting the USA to set up bases and others to have Saudi Arabia to set up operations. This is a clear threat to the sovereignty of the nation,” he said.
Asked whether the External Affairs Ministry was informed of the setting up of its centers in Jaffna and Kandy, the Ministry Secretary, Karunathilaka Amunugama said he was not aware whether they were informed. “I will be checking on the matter this week and would take action once I check on the issue,” he said.
