Former Sri Lankan Minister and current Member of Parliament, Namal Rajapaksa, has raised concerns regarding the operations of USAID (United States Agency for International Development) in Sri Lanka. Rajapaksa’s statement highlighted allegations made by several parties that USAID, which funds humanitarian and development projects worldwide, might have been involved in funding activities that caused instability and chaos in various countries under the guise of providing aid.
Rajapaksa emphasized that Sri Lanka alone had received millions of dollars in funds and grants from USAID in recent years. According to him, over 100 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Sri Lanka were direct recipients of these funds, with politicians and media figures reportedly benefiting from the assistance as well.
The MP raised further concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the use of these funds. Despite USAID’s extensive involvement in various sectors, Rajapaksa pointed out that there had been no clear accounting or reports on how these funds were utilized. He called upon the government to initiate an investigation into the USAID-sponsored projects and the NGOs that benefited from these funds.
“I call upon the government to conduct a probe on these projects and grants operated under USAID and present a detailed report to Parliament,” Rajapaksa said. He also called for an account of the NGOs that received financial support, urging the government to ensure greater transparency in the operations of foreign-funded organizations.
Additionally, Rajapaksa noted that while regulations regarding NGO financing have been under discussion for years, no substantial progress has been made in implementing them. He stressed the need for the government to finalize and enforce these regulations to maintain accountability and transparency in the funding of such organizations.
Shift in USAID Oversight and Ongoing Controversy
The concerns surrounding USAID’s operations have recently intensified with the dramatic developments surrounding its oversight in the United States. Reports suggest that USAID, which has long been an integral part of U.S. foreign aid and international development, is at the center of growing controversy regarding its funding practices and operational transparency.
Staff at USAID were informed that its Washington headquarters would be closed, according to an email obtained by ABC News. Agency personnel were directed to work remotely, except for those in essential roles related to building maintenance. This directive came in the wake of Elon Musk’s announcement that his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would shut down the agency, alleging inefficiencies and mismanagement of taxpayer funds.
Musk’s claims included that President Donald Trump had been briefed on efforts to dismantle the agency, with the president stating that he did not believe congressional approval was necessary to shut down USAID. Tensions mounted as Musk, along with other officials from DOGE, sought control of USAID’s operations, a move which was met with resistance from senior USAID staff.
Marco Rubio, the acting Secretary of State, was appointed to oversee USAID’s activities. Rubio emphasized that USAID had operated independently and at times against U.S. foreign policy priorities. He noted inefficiencies in the agency’s processes and stated that a review of its programs would be undertaken to better align its efforts with U.S. national interests.
In a broader context, these developments highlight ongoing concerns about the accountability and transparency of foreign aid initiatives, especially in regions like Sri Lanka, where the impacts of such aid are critically examined. Namal Rajapaksa’s calls for greater transparency and oversight in Sri Lanka’s dealings with organizations like USAID appear timely, as global attention shifts to the effectiveness of foreign aid programs and their alignment with national interests.
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