by Our Correspondents in Colombo and in Washington DC
The outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie J. Chung, is reportedly working behind the scenes to prevent the formation of a parliamentary select committee to investigate USAID’s activities in the country. According to reliable sources within the Sri Lankan government, who wish to remain anonymous, Ambassador Chung has been actively involved in efforts to thwart a forensic investigation into USAID programs in Sri Lanka.
This comes as Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is planned to examine global allegations surrounding the use of aid funds provided through USAID. Speaking in Parliament today, Dr. Wickramaratne addressed a question from MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, who pointed out that MP Namal Rajapaksa had formally requested the Speaker to establish a select committee on the matter. Jayasekara, echoing concerns raised internationally, emphasized that the allegations could have serious political ramifications, especially given that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s name had been mentioned in connection with the controversy.
In response, the Speaker assured Parliament that necessary steps would be taken to address the issue. “Measures have been planned, and these activities will take place in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Chung visited the headquarters of the opposition party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), to meet with its members. During the 90-minute visit, the ambassador answered questions from both current and former SLPP parliamentarians. The party currently holds three seats in Parliament, including National List MP Namal Rajapaksa, who is the National Organizer of the party.
According to sources within the SLPP, Chung firmly denied allegations that USAID funding had ever been used to support regime change efforts in Sri Lanka. She went on to explain how the allocated funds were used and how many employment opportunities had been created.
However, sources reported that Namal Rajapaksa directly told U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung that he would establish a parliamentary select committee to investigate the allocation of USAID funds.
During their meeting at the party office, Rajapaksa informed Ambassador Chung that he had submitted a letter to the Speaker of Parliament requesting the formation of the committee. He emphasized that the investigation would determine which organizations and individuals received USAID financial assistance and that the committee could be appointed promptly.
“The discussion was described as cordial and covered several important issues. Also present at the meeting were the party’s General Secretary, Sagara Kariyawasam; National Convener, MP D. V. Chanaka; and former MPs C. B. Ratnayake, Sanjeewa Edirimanne, and Jayantha Ketagoda,” sources added.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump, through one of his official social media accounts, alleged that George Soros had received significant funding from USAID, which he claimed was used to ‘spread chaos’ and influence government changes in Sri Lanka, as well as in other countries, including Ukraine, Syria, and Pakistan.
Meanwhile, issuing a statement, a copy of which was received by Sri Lanka Guardian, Michael Vachon, speaking on behalf of Soros, stated that claims suggesting the Open Society Foundations—founded by George Soros—receive funding from USAID or direct the funding of a multibillion-dollar U.S. government agency are false. “These allegations are part of a broader effort to undermine international development work and delegitimize the independent funding of civil society organizations worldwide,” he said.
“Open Society is a private foundation that sets its own priorities, makes its own funding decisions, and uses its own funds. We collaborate with a wide range of funders when priorities align, including other philanthropies, governments, and multilateral development agencies,” he added.
In response to the controversy surrounding USAID’s role in Sri Lanka, a fringe group called the Coalition Against Partition of Sri Lanka organized a protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. The protesters urged President Trump to investigate the possibility that USAID funds were used to orchestrate the ousting of former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa through mass protests. Sarath Weerasekara, a former minister under Rajapaksa’s administration, was among the participants and called for a full inquiry into the matter. He stated that Sri Lankans should not allow foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.
“We want a complete investigation into how the money was spent, which projects were funded, and who benefited from these funds,” Weerasekara said. “We need to know the full details of these operations.”
Meanwhile, sources suggest that the suspension of certain USAID programs, particularly those promoting diversity and inclusiveness, could have significant consequences for many local NGOs in Sri Lanka that rely on foreign funding.
The U.S. is currently the world’s largest international aid donor, contributing over $68 billion in 2023. As the investigation into USAID’s programs in Sri Lanka progresses, the diplomatic tensions surrounding this issue are likely to intensify, with both local and international political ramifications.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the protests or the ongoing investigation.
