Refrain from commenting on SL’s internal affairs

24 October 2023 06:25 am - 64 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Parliament's Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security has recommended informing US Ambassador Julie Chung, urging her to refrain from making statements regarding the internal affairs of Sri Lanka in the future.

This recommendation comes in response to the ambassador's remarks following the incidents that occurred on May 9, 2022.

Two weeks ago, the Committee convened at the Parliament complex, with Committee members, the Defense Secretary, three forces commanders, the Police Chief, and other government officials in attendance, to discuss matters pertaining to national security.

In a letter addressed to the State Defense Minister last week, the Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee, Retired Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera, who is also a Member of Parliament, expressed concern over the American ambassador's statement concerning the aforementioned incident.

He emphasized that the ambassador had advocated for a transparent investigation into the shooting of unarmed protesters and had stressed the importance of safeguarding the people's right to peaceful protest.

Rear Admiral Weerasekera questioned the ambassador's understanding of whether actions such as burning tires, blocking highways and railway lines, destroying petrol stations, slashing tires of oil bowsers, and throwing stones at the police constitute a protest or peaceful acts. He asserted that the ambassador, being an adult, should possess this comprehension.

Furthermore, Rear Admiral Weerasekera raised doubts about the underlying right of individuals to issue statements regarding the rights of peaceful protest. He argued that by stating that "Police shoot unarmed protestors," the ambassador, who is currently residing in our country, is sending a highly unfavorable message about Sri Lanka to the rest of the world.

He also noted how the US Army quelled protesters who breached the Capitol Hill building in America and inflicted damage, highlighting the ambassador's experience in her own country. He accused her of directly supporting acts of sabotage against the government through her statements.

Rear Admiral Weerasekera pointed out that, according to the Vienna Treaty, an ambassador cannot interfere in the internal affairs of another country. Such interference can have implications for national security. Consequently, he recommended informing US Ambassador Julie Chung, urging her to abstain from making unnecessary statements of this nature in the future. (Sunil Jayasiri)

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Comments - 64

Kumudu kodippili Tuesday, 24 October 2023 06:51 AM

Of course! She is controlling some politicians and seems to think that Sri Lanka should govern according to her whim.

Punchi Tuesday, 24 October 2023 07:09 AM

We only welcome types of interference in our internal affairs live free food for those experiencing food insecurity. Free medicine to those in hospital needing medicines and free grants of US dollars to maintain the. Extravagant life styles of our parliamentarians

Seqi Tuesday, 24 October 2023 07:14 AM

About time for this trouble maker to be shown the door.

Kosappu Tuesday, 24 October 2023 07:16 AM

Ha ha ha sour grapes because not allowed to go to USA

DOT Tuesday, 24 October 2023 07:40 AM

Any effect from HE's visit to China,?

Anil Fernando Tuesday, 24 October 2023 07:41 AM

Weerawangsa 's book has silenced her daily tweets

Jude Tuesday, 24 October 2023 07:44 AM

If Americans giving grants loans and aid to Sri Lanka, then they can comment on issues that you may think internal, but that's not the case here. Atrocities against humanity, well anyone can comment!!

Former contestant Tuesday, 24 October 2023 07:58 AM

Ambassadors, High commissioners have the freedom of speech and the right to comment. The parliament committees are scared of anyone commenting negative matters. Committees trying to hide truth from the public. Shame on our MPs.

Dilipkumar from Canada Tuesday, 24 October 2023 08:03 AM

He is upset because his US visa got rejected. Lol

Mahila Thursday, 26 October 2023 02:20 AM

He will soon be 'Named', in "Reject" - like many others!!!???

Dr. Amila Kankanamge Tuesday, 24 October 2023 08:28 AM

Chung should comment on Korean affairs. Trump said Chung Flu.

Idiots deserve to be governed by idiots Tuesday, 24 October 2023 08:29 AM

If a committee in parliament has made a recommendation to inform a foreign ambassador some matter, why is it been splashed in the newspapers? We once had a president who learns of important matters by reading newspapers! Does the parliamentarians expect the ambassador also to be like that former president. Be professional, be discreet and be done with it.

ERAN Wicks Tuesday, 24 October 2023 08:30 AM

Korean American is what they call her in America, so she is trying to be smart ass over here.

Kabir Hashim Tuesday, 24 October 2023 08:31 AM

Americans will be looking over the shoulder, there are Islamic brethren everywhere supporting Hemas in Gaza.

Daya Tuesday, 24 October 2023 08:40 AM

What about your thugs attacking the peaceful protesters under the watch full eyes and support of the Police top brass. No investigation but only coverup until today. Your recommendation is based on your visa refusal.

joshua Tuesday, 24 October 2023 08:45 AM

who cares what this Sarath Weerasekera says.

Karu Tuesday, 24 October 2023 09:15 AM

The Hon Ambassador is not commenting on SL internal affairs on her own whims and fancies. She is representing the view of the US Govt policy. Weerasekara, you can keep crying foul about the Ambassador but you wont still get a US Visa again.

Ram Tuesday, 24 October 2023 09:18 AM

Don't comment on our internal affairs. Please mind your business. When we come to you for monitory help, please oblige and give us what we ask. That's all what we need from you. Thanks

Ram Tuesday, 24 October 2023 09:19 AM

Only the IMF can dictate to us and that is only if we ask them for money

dinesh Tuesday, 24 October 2023 09:39 AM

yes yes.. shooting unarmed protestors is the governments right...and who is the US ambassador to say different. Anyway don't worry, the day of reckoning is coming soon for most politicians...keep barking until then...

MirakRajBanda Tuesday, 24 October 2023 10:17 AM

What else you expect the US Embassy has to do here and elsewhere? That's part of their job to meddle everyone's internal affairs and create uncertainity and get in to protect ''socalled'' democracy.

Roisin Tuesday, 24 October 2023 10:33 AM

The truth hurts Weerasenka. Get used to that. And your statement is typical Sri Lankan style: always pointing fingers at others to justify your own mess.

Tinpot president and his idiocy Tuesday, 24 October 2023 10:47 AM

Or else you will regret it USA. We will punish you by refusing any aid by the USA to our country.

Citizen k. Tuesday, 24 October 2023 11:58 AM

Are we serious about it?Economically we are in a bad situation and this comment was made more than an year ago.

Nimal Tuesday, 24 October 2023 12:17 PM

To the contrary of what these scoundrels in the committee says, please lift your voice and that of your country high against the horrendous suppression of human rights in Sri Lanka.

Roger Tuesday, 24 October 2023 12:31 PM

Sarath Weerasekara is scared of losing his seat in few months time. Come on expose all these corrupt guys.

Onlooker Tuesday, 24 October 2023 12:41 PM

Ah but the US Army quelled protesters not by shooting them.

Ruwan Tuesday, 24 October 2023 12:43 PM

He is correct. I also remember how Ranil is said to have summoned all the ambassadors last year and told how the US Army quelled protesters who breached the Capitol Hill building in America and inflicted damage. I real Wow Moment!

Mahila Thursday, 26 October 2023 03:30 AM

Ranil forgets conveniently, what he did when the SL Parliament at Diyawanna was to go 'under siege', in 2022!!!!??? None present called for explanations post event Journalists thronged venue to interview, this 'WOW' MOMENT of HE!!!??? Similar to RP's Glorious Moment, declaring then British HC 'Persona Non Grata' around late 1980's!!!??? Or better comparison, would be, by ANOTHER ILLUSTRIOUS PM of SL and also “distant relation” - Uncle or Grand uncle of our esteemed President, “pointing the Finger at Shri Jawaharlal Nehru” and asking, "Why SHOULD I BE ASKING YOU BEFORE I SPEAK??” - To deviate from excess ACCENTUATION being placed on Maternal Uncle JRJ!!??

Hello Hello Tuesday, 24 October 2023 12:52 PM

What about when you beg from the US government. Beggars have no choice. You have to swallow everything that's told.

Kumara Tuesday, 24 October 2023 01:03 PM

Sarath Weerasekara MP succeeded in Mullaitivu Judge Satkunaraja leaving the country due to fear for his life. Now, I believe the ambassador's turn.

H.W. Jayawardena Tuesday, 24 October 2023 01:09 PM

No issue. Happy if you can take the errant Member before the International Court of Justice for Crimes Committed Against Humanity.

Rip Winkle Tuesday, 24 October 2023 01:14 PM

Don't bang your head against a rock, man.

Cherath Tuesday, 24 October 2023 01:23 PM

An alternative course of action against suppression of democratic rights in Sri Lanka might be to restrict or withhold gifts and aid for a period of time until the government acts in favour of it's people. Doubt if Govt. like that. True the foreign diplomats should respect the host country's laws and customs. Yet, as it is, the government expects all foreign missions to sing only 'songs of praise'.

MirakRajBanda Tuesday, 24 October 2023 01:32 PM

No. 2 is- Peace broker is apeace breaker. They(along with UK) created Israel, armed them to the tooth, supplied nuke technology and created very unsafe environment in the region and sold trillions of Dollars worth of military hardware to the wealthy, once peaceful Arab countries. More over cotrrol the oil fields Ex. Iraq, Syria and ARAMCO - Saudi Americal Oil Co. Where does the ''American'' came from in this multi trillion oil entity of Saudi Arabia? Do you get a picture now??

Ambassador code Tuesday, 24 October 2023 01:51 PM

Hats off to Sarath. I'm from UK

Veteran Tuesday, 24 October 2023 02:10 PM

＠ERAN Wicks and （Dr？）Amila Kankanamge － In the US、 everybody is an American first, Unlike in primitive SL where people are identified by their ethnicity, religion or how they look first. Unfortunately, when there still are ancient underdeveloped people like you in the society, there is absolutely no future for SL. Just remember that, If not for the US intelligence and coveted financial support against the separatist movement in SL, pseudo tough guys like Weerasekara would not even be alive today to talk against a friendly nation and its ambassador.

Mandayan Tuesday, 24 October 2023 02:14 PM

If USA wasn’t helping, country would have at the Gun point of Gota and his military. Thank you USA!!

Buddhist Tuesday, 24 October 2023 03:31 PM

When someone speaks the truth the so-called "deshapremies" get angry. This clearly shows the mental status of the "racist politicians" and those armed forces persons who committed war crimes. The US Ambassador should more frequently and openly condemn these racists and human rights violators by name.

Vernon Watson Tuesday, 24 October 2023 03:41 PM

I am from Seychelles. This is called Diplomatic Freedom. What is our learned Ali Sabri doing in this matter?

Mahila Thursday, 26 October 2023 03:09 AM

SWEET B------ ALL!!!??? He doesn't have the freedom too!!!!?? Biggest Handicap of BEGOTS!!!??? The major problem is the Electorate - FOOLS, and COMEDIANS, gave 2/3rd majority parliament to Single Party Leader!!!??? Why??? The government wants, change CONSTITUTION for GOOD reason, ‘if at all’, WHY SEEK 2/3rd Majority at elections!!!??? Voters vote embolic to grant their wish – resulting in an “EMBOLISM” – “THROMBUS” – USD crisis, starvation, deprivation!!!??? NAY!!!??? They seek 2/3rd majority, single party rule, TO PROMOTE THEiR “NEFARIOUS” POLITICAL motivated JUGGLARY!!!??? If necessity – for any GOOD PUBLIC MOTIVE, why not they wouldn’t able to convince, Opposition, Other Minor Parties provide "SUPPLY" for Amendment process!!!??? 1970 onwards ‘THIS SCAM’ of 2/3rd majority to one, single party (1977, 2019/20)has only produced Mayhem, Anarchy, Poverty and MISRULE!!!??? NO LESSONS LEARNT!!!???

AJ Tuesday, 24 October 2023 04:26 PM

Government intends to be in power with out facing democratic elections and initially their target is in power till 2048 , but people know they are crooks who are attempting to deceive them, so they need mouth shut not only FB,media but outspoken diplomats too

annecunt Tuesday, 24 October 2023 04:38 PM

Sarath is a criminal do not give him visa to america we need your advice madam julie chung,so dont give up. our politicians are like head cut off chicken

UMASALI Tuesday, 24 October 2023 04:42 PM

WE WOULD LIKE MADAM JULIE CHUNG TO BE OUR PRESIDENTS ADVISER PLEASE HELP SRI-LANKA

Jamis Tuesday, 24 October 2023 06:03 PM

It is amazing to see a few defending Julie Chung. Do these people have no shame or do they get paid by the Americans to say these things? Our politicians are crooks no doubt. But that is a different matter. This is about SL's independence. And some people don't seem to understand that. No wonder these ignorants keep electing crooks to goven SL.

Mahila Friday, 27 October 2023 01:29 AM

(Part II) If such “COMMOTION is NECESSARY”, to (USA)

Observer Tuesday, 24 October 2023 06:07 PM

This bugger is a communalist and he is still trying to take revenge over the refusal of a Visa to the US?

Ceylon Tuesday, 24 October 2023 07:15 PM

Such language (rightly) in this case against the US. Yet NOTHING by these pack of jokers against the real enemy - INDIA! Tell the Indians to get lost every time they talk about their idiotic Indo Lanka Accord which violates the same Vienna Conventions. And tell the Indian prats to keep out of our affairs. As adults, they should "comprehend" that We aren't Indians (thankfully for us).

munesh Tuesday, 24 October 2023 07:37 PM

do not give visa to sarath,gota and basil

Sam Gamage Tuesday, 24 October 2023 09:11 PM

When there was a war in Srilanka it was GENOCIDE. Now with mass killing in the Israel neighbourhood Can we call it Suicide. Bloody double standard.

Mahila Thursday, 26 October 2023 02:36 AM

Genocide, Murder, Shooting

Mahila Wednesday, 25 October 2023 12:34 AM

Please only think about what you can give us FREE!? None would be entertained about accountability and righteousness!!! We are all very religious and Buddhism and Buddhist principles are given foremost place and importance, therefore we know ALL ABOUT THOSE MATTERS!!?? Don't Interfere in our matters!!! We have 2600 years of Buddhist Culture and civilisation as a nation, compared to your 260 years of becoming the US of A!!!???WE KNOW ALL! If you really want to Talk about LOCAL, tell us when we are getting MCC – Millennium Challenge Compact”!!!??? We need only Money!!!??? Not Equality!!!

Mahindapala Wednesday, 25 October 2023 02:25 AM

"Vienna Treaty, an ambassador cannot interfere in the internal affairs of another country." We agree, however not only the US Ambassador, we the Sri Lankan citizens have witnessed how the government is using police and army to suppress the fundamental rights of the citizens. We have seen how people are beaten, kicked on the streets. Weeraskera and his goons are getting edgy when someone else criticize you and the illegitimate government.

Bandu Wednesday, 25 October 2023 03:56 AM

What a bunch of jokers. Probably afraid ambassador will say something abt all the corruption happening.

Arnold Wednesday, 25 October 2023 05:25 AM

Beggars cant be choosers. Bring back the stolen billions and stop being a beggar, then can get some respect.

AJ Thursday, 26 October 2023 12:47 AM

Is it diplomatically correct or not, when government suppressing the people by unethical tax,high electricity bills,inaccessible ,increasing prices of essential food and when not allowed to protect against using forces, people of country highly welcome interference of ambassador Mrs. Chang’s reaction

ANNECUNT Thursday, 26 October 2023 01:02 AM

mr basil rajapaksa is a money launderer takes money to america to buy houses under his wifes name madam julie please help

navratne willamune Thursday, 26 October 2023 07:52 AM

madame you are needed back home in America . another mass killing today reported 16 deats, this year over 400 mass killing in USA this year as reported by monitoring organisations

Oswald Nilantha Friday, 27 October 2023 06:01 AM

All burden on the people and they are only big talkers.

Kathir Friday, 27 October 2023 01:57 PM

Julie Sung should interfere in Caza Israelis Andamerican criminal are killing innocent people in Caza and in West Bank It is time for her to vacate her post in Sri Lanka and go to Corea

FERNANDO Friday, 27 October 2023 09:35 PM

MADAM JULIE WE NEED YOUR HELP AND ADVICE THANK YOU

Mahila Saturday, 28 October 2023 05:25 PM

(Part II) If such “COMMOTION is NECESSARY”, to (USA)

AJ Monday, 30 October 2023 01:58 AM

Dear ambassador Chang, we SriLankans believe this government is an authoritarian, undemocratic government ruling without people’s mandate, they looted government assets till the country get bankrupted and unleashing security to suppress them,in such a situation, we general public,we believe it’s your duty and inviting you to speak up on behalf of voiceless people the country

Sammy Monday, 30 October 2023 12:49 PM

The ambassador is only calling for transparent investigation and peaceful protestors are not unjustly targeted. She is not condoning the violence by vested interests. Why are these security forces chiefs conflating the two points?

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Refrain from commenting on SL’s internal affairs

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