Foreign influence on domestic appointments

By Lahiru Pothmulla 
Opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said foreign nations influenced Sri  Lanka when making certain appointments in the country. 

Speaking to journalists last Sunday at Abhayaramaya  Temple in Colombo, he said the country should not succumb to international pressure.  “Foreign influence is severe. I know for a fact that there is foreign influence when making appointments here. They say certain people are eligible for selected posts and reject the others. The government has allowed this to happen and it should stop forthwith,” he said. 

When asked about reports on foreign countries including the US attempting to ‘settle’ in Sri Lanka, Mr. Rajapaksa said they won’t allow it to happen whatsoever. “There were several attempts, but even the President has said not to ink any agreement to that effect,” he said.  Meanwhile, he said it was unfortunate that terrorism had resurfaced in the country a month prior to the 10th anniversary of war victory.  “The government’s witch-hunt of war heroes and crippling of intelligence services have paved the way for these terrorist attacks. The government should admit this and then find solutions,” he said.