By Sena Thoradeniya

(1) Economic Crisis: Then and Now

Founding father of JVP, Patabandige Don Nandasiri Wijeweera (later baptized as Rohana, to signify his Southern roots and victorious armies of ancient Rohana Rata), began his famous panthi paha” (five classes or lessons) in 1965, with Economic Crisis of Lanka”, an imaginary crisis he has invented to attract youth to his fledgling political movement.  It is a historical mockery that after 59 years a loyalist of old JVP Anura Kumara, was thrust upon to grapple with a real economic crisis of Himalayan magnitude, the worst economic crisis since gaining Independence”, after JVP and JVP/DJV’s two unsuccessful attempts to capture power by bullet, attempt to kill the UNP leaders lobbying a bomb inside the Parliamentary complex(one ruling party MP was killed and some other Ministers were seriously injured) and very recently to storm the parliament during the Galle Face Protest.

The crises Wijeweera saw were (i) sea erosion in the coastal belt (ii) floods in the lowlands (iii) soil erosion in the highlands (iv) drought in the Dry Zone (v) youth unemployment (vi) women who passed the marriageable age remain spinsters for want of a dowry (vii) opening of hotels in seaside resorts in the name of promoting tourism, paving the way for landing of CIA and MI 5 troops, likelihood of converting those into military bases at a short notice. These words were like harmonious music to unsuspicious listeners who gathered to find short-term solutions to their problems and final emancipation” in the short run.  The same tune was played changing the lyrics after the NPP was formed.

The present crisis has engulfed the whole capitalist world; US and the Western world is being challenged by the BRICS and the de-dollarization process. Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X and Testa who used his personal fortune to help Trump to get  elected and Vivek Ramaswamy, former Presidential candidate and biotech investor will become prominent figures in Trump’s upcoming administration co-leading his new Department of Government Efficiency”, a clear sign of salvaging Trump  out of the crisis, if a few individuals are capable of doing so.

Anura Kumara, like a Reluctant Bride” delivering his Policy Statement, said in the Parliament on 21 November, that his government would not withdraw from the IMF programme and the government will sign a new staff level agreement with the IMF soon. Breaking away from this agreement is not an option if we aim to progress, he said. He admitted that his progress depends on the IMF agreement. For him signing the new agreement marks a decisive step in advancing the IMF programme and a crucial step towards building a stable and reliable economic future for Sri Lanka. He vowed to carry out the IMF programme throwing away all his platform rhetoric that pledged to renegotiate the IMF deal. Saying debating whether these agreements are good or bad is futile at this stage, bilateral debt restructuring agreements were finalized and discussions on sovereign bonds concluded just days before the Parliamentary election, Anura Kumara has admitted that he is running with the baton given to him by Ranil Wickremasinghe, whether he succeeds or not, being the only runner in the race!

IMF’s Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Peter Breuer told the media on 20 November that what is most important is that the 2025 budget aligns with the IMF programme objectives. Protect the gains” made so far, rebuild fiscal buffer, achieve the minimum social spending target were his dictates. He told the reporters that the government had assured its commitment to adhering to the conditions set by the IMF.

Now Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the CBSL, the IMF nominee, has become the latest pinch hitter for this government. Addressing the Annual General Meeting of the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka recently, he said that the country has political stability now with the new President and government and we have now both political stability as well as economic stability. How can he attest that we have political stability as well as economic stability now, just because the Parliament is filled with a set of NPP MPs? We do not know whether the killing of his uncle, Jinadasa Weerasinghe, alias Dickwelle Hinni Mahattaya, UNP MP for Tangalle by JVP/DJV still haunts him.

(2) Reading Election Results in the North and East   

It has become an amusing pastime of a plethora of journalists and political analysts to interpret that Tamil voters in the North and East (and in the plantation regions) have rejected separatism, racism and politicians that advocated separatism and racism at the recently concluded Parliamentary election and this has unified the entire Island.They interpreted it as a vote against divisive politics, division of the country or separation, a powerful message for national unity, unification of all Sri Lankans.

It is all bunkum to say that it is a blow to those who still pursue separatist agendas. Some wrongly attribute voting in the North and East in favour of the NPP indicates the beginning of the end of divisive politics, dawn of a new, unified political landscape promoting a united Sri Lanka, just because the voters have rejected Sumanthirans, Siddharthans, Sashikalas, Pillaiyans, Karuna Ammans and many more. We are unsure whether their United Sri Lanka” is resonating Tamil separatists’ Orumittanadu”.   It is true that all these times the Tamils and the Muslims had voted for political parties that represented ethnic and religious interests. Although the voters have rejected some Tamil politicians, they have sent the agent provocateur Chanakkiyam and a ghost of Prabhakaran. The latter’s name is Ramanathan Archuna who carries a stethoscope.

Have not Tamil and Muslim voters voted with the Southerners on previous occasions? In the North Ponnambalam Kandiah won Point Pedro electorate as a member of the Communist Party of Ceylon in 1956, polling 14,381 votes, having polled 8,617 votes, the second highest votes in the previous election held in 1952. A. Vaidialingam, V.Ponnambalam, M.Karthigesu, P. Coomaraswamy were the other Communist Party stalwarts who contested unsuccessfully, but were able to poll more votes from their constituencies than the present NPP lot, coming closer to the winning goal. LSSP had V. Karalasingham, P. Nagalingam, R.R. Dharmaratnum et al who were able to amass a respectable number of votes.

There are few more instances where Tamils and Muslims being elected either from the SLFP or UNP respectively from the North and East. The list is too long. So, it is a fallacy to say that the voters from the North and East voted with the Sinhalayas in the South for the first time. Also consider how Tamil and Muslim voters in the North and East voted for Kobbekaduwa (Jaffna), CBK, Fonseka, Sirisena and Sajith Premadasa at the respective Presidential elections. Reasons for this voter behavior are well known, which needs no elaboration. On these occasions no scribe had the audacity to state that Tamil separatism was defeated or it marked the end of Tamil nationalism and there was none to sing requiems.

Why do they ignore Sinhala voters electing Muslims as their representatives in the past rejecting racial and religious biases?  The best examples were C.A.S. Marikkar (affectionately called Sinhala Marikkar) and K. Abdul Jabaar from Galagedera electorate, both from SLFP (the former shifted to Galagedera from Kadugannawa multi-member constituency (as the first member) later Akurana and at present Harispattuwa). Two more examples are M.U.M. Aboosally (UNP) from Balangoda electorate and Anjana Umma of JVP from Gampaha electoral district respectively. We do not deny that there was a sizableproportion of Muslim voters in these electorates.

In 1947 all plantation electorates (Nuwara-Eliya, Talawakelle, Kotagala, Nawalpitiya, Maskeliya, Alutnuwara, Badulla (1 seat of Badulla multi-member constituency) and Bandarawela ) were won by Indian Tamils. Soumayamurthy Thondaman began to represent Nuwara Eliya electorate from 1947.After the disenfranchisement of plantation workers, since 1952 elections these electorates were won by Sinhala candidates belonging to either the UNP or SLFP. This trend changed after the delimitation of a new Nuwara Eliya- Maskeliya electorate making it a multi-member constituency (3 members). At the 1977 General Elections Gamini Dissanayake (UNP), AnuraBandaranaike (SLFP) and Soumayamurthy Thondaman were elected as the three members in order of votes obtained. Opposition headed by the UNP castigated creating a three-member multi-member constituency as Nuwara Eliya- Maskeliya alleging that it was delimited to give a chance to Anura Bandaranaike. But later under the PR system UNP was the beneficiary.

After the introduction of the PR the system many Tamil politicians were able to get elected from Nuwara-Eliya and Badulla electoral districts respectively. Members belonging to various splinter groups got the opportunity to enter the Parliament when Ranasinghe Premadasa reduced the cut-off point from 12% to 5%. Rauf Hakeem reminded the JVP/NPP at the inaugural session of the new Parliament that it was done as requested by his late leader Ashroff. What he brought forth was if not for Ashroff, there is no Anura Kumara Presidency or an Anura Kumara government.

Without considering this historical setting it is a futile exercise to say that 2024 elections ended Thondaman supremacy” in the plantation districts. Did not Thondaman’s great grandson enter the Parliament under UNP symbol Elephant in 2024? By exorcising several ghosts in Nuwara-Eliya and Badulla, plantation voters havecreated a new spectre to the detriment of Kandyan peasantry who were marginalized by the Britishers since 1815. Julie Chung and the USAID are instrumental in converting the so-called Malaiyaha Tamils into a destabilizing force in theKandyan heartland. We are unfolding the making of a ghost under a separate subheading in this essay. We have forewarned about this manipulations  in our book Galle Face Protest: Systems Change or Anarchy?” (2023).

As all are immersed in a state of collective amnesia now writers who fought for the rights of the Kandyan peasantry also have joined this chorus to sing hosannas that Anura Kumara has captured the Jaffna Kingdom after 574 years (after SapumalKumaraya) as well as the Kandyan Kingdom! We will deconstruct these fallacies in the course of this essay.Who is SapumalKumaraya? There are referencesto him in Selalihini Sandeshaya and Kokila Sandeshaya, two Sinhala Sandesha Kavyas (Message Poems”). The latter message was sent to SapumalKumaraya who was at Yapapatuna, having conquered Aryachakravarti.  Also known as Sembagapperumal, he was supposed to be the elder brother of Ulakudaya Devi (Lokanatha), daughter of Parakrama Bahu VI. He usurped the throne, killing Ulakudaya Devi’s son who ascended the throne after the demise of Parakrama Bahu VI as Jayaweera Parakrama Bahu (Jayabahu II). Sapumal Kumaraya was crowned as Buwaneka Bahu. Less than 70 years after Kotte Kingdom became a part of Portuguese territory.   

It is unfortunate that analysts arriving at this conclusion merely looking at numbers or statistical indications. By doing so, they completely reject political, geopolitical factors, manipulations of foreign players and the psyche of the Tamil populace.  It is unfortunate that even the political activists in the nationalistic movement reading the results in this manner ignoringthe above-mentioned factors. They are drumming the same drum because most of these people have not severed their umbilical cord attached to their old JVP womb. Their recent utterings and press communiques need much more deconstruction than this. But we refrain from doing so because still we believe that they have a place in a United Front and our contradictions are still non-antagonistic, according to how Mao saw contradictions among the people. But they should be reminded that already Bimal Ratnayake has stated that there is no blood relationship between them. What he says in other words is that they had a womb wash (in medical terms Dilation and Curettage (D&C), a long time ago!

What is the reason for this amnesia? These nationalist forces reject and denounce (as the capitalists do) Marxism-Leninism and think that there cannot be any alliance between Marxists and the nationalists. They have not studied how the nationalist forces fought with the Communists under the leadership of the Communist Party of China against imperialists, comprador-bourgeoisie and big landlords. This is the best example we Asian countries must emulate even though we do not have a Communist Party of our own.     

How can the political   activists in the nationalistic movement join the chorus of USAID-aided NGOs like the NPC in hailing this victory using the same jargon? NGOs urge the government to prioritize resolving the country’s long-standing ethnic conflict”.  They utter that areas predominately inhabited by ethnic and religious minorities voting for NPP demonstrates a significant step towards national unity”; that this has bridged ethnic and religious divide”. What do they need? Return of land, sharing and devolution of powers, demilitarization of the North and East, justice to missing and imprisoned persons, a sustainable political solution”.

(3) Canada Tamil Congress and  Maaveerar Week

Congratulating Anura Kumara, Canada Tamil Congress demands dismantle executive presidency introducing a new constitution, fully implement the 13 A until a new constitution is being ratified, release political prisoners”, repeal PTA, restore land rights, protect religious rights, prevent encroachment of Tamil worship sites, halt construction of new Buddhist temples in predominantly Tamil areas, reform the security sector, discontinue military involvement in commercial ventures etc. These demands may be emanating from the promises Anura Kumara had made to Tamil diaspora in his travels in Canada. At a meeting held in Toronto attended by Anura Kumara a Canadian Sri Lankan woman revealed how they helped the NPP to formulate its policy regarding the disabled in concurrence with the NGO, Janodaya headed by some Catholic priests. So, it is easy to understand the nexus between the NPP and diaspora groups manipulated by different political entities, Christian Churches and the LTTErump.

Since Anura Kumara has appointed two NPP stalwarts as his Secretary Defence and Deputy Minister Defence, fulfilling these demands in the name of unity have no barriers.

NPP government has opened Palali- Achchuveli main road remained closed for over fifteen years, days before the General election, appeasing Jaffna voters and Tamil diaspora. To hoodwink the people in the South a road nearby Temple Trees was opened before this event.

Already the government has decided to vacate Karkovalan Army Camp, located between Point Pedro and Kodikamam operated by the 4^th Sinha Regiment. It was reported that plans are underway to review and return other land occupied by the Army. Delivering his Policy Statement Anura Kumara issued warning signals that hereafter there would be no room for racial politics and religious extremism in the country. We wish that this applies to both communities including the people who have voted for him overwhelmingly in the North and East and those who celebrated Maaveerar Naal this year in an unprecedented scale overwhelmed by the NPP victory.

Without any hindrance Tamil Tiger rump was able to commemorate the Maaveerar Week. Jaffna University students and teachers were allowed to hold vigils decorating University campus with banned LTTE flags and other insignia, despite the Minister of Public Security and Secretary Defence uttering something contrary. In Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vauniya, Mullaitivu, Amparai, Trincomlee and Batticaloa LTTE flags and banners, colours, photographs of Prabhakaran and other Tiger leaders, LTTE maps were displayed. Reminding us the Pongu Thamil celebrations held in the North when Tiger supremo held sway,huge torches were set alight in all these commemoration sites.

It was reported that Erik Solheim, the LTTE apologist has stated that Anura Kumara should respond favourably to the call from Tamils and Muslims for equal rights and self-government.” He has seen election results as a very strong call for a new start in ethnic relations in Sri Lanka, a strong desire for peace and normalcy in the North and East”. What this Norwegian peace broker infers is that there is no peace and normalcy in the North and East. If so, how the voters in the North and East chased away seasoned Tamil politicians? 

(4) Ramanathan Archuna: Clown in the Big Circus  

Newly elected MP for Jaffna electoral district Ramanathan Archuna created a rumpus at the inaugural session of the new parliament occupying the seat reserved for the Leader of the Opposition, declaring that he represents Tamil Eelam. Already danger signals are flaring.A leaked telephone conversation going viral between a close confidante ofArchuna and an NPP organizer reveals what type of political relationships the NPP has established with Tamil politicians. In a live video show he said his late father was attached to LTTE police, that he came from Tamil Eelam and Prabhakaran is a god.

(5) Why Did the Tamil Voters Vote for the NPP and Not the Traditional” Tamil Parties?

5.1 Election Promises of NPP

Anura Kumara and his NPP promised full implementation of 13A; release of political prisoners”. Before the elections some roads in the North were reopened, dismantling of some army camps began. When a President who wields extraordinary powers, promises and implements what he has promised why electmembers from traditional” Tamil parties, who only talk? Promises of the traditional” Tamil politicians were made unattainable for the first time. Why elect windbags when they have found a donor. As a result, Tamil politicians lost their clout, making them redundant and political rejects asa species reaching extinction.

Rebranding and repositioning of old JVP as NPP was another reason for the success of JVP/NPP in both North and South.

The Apostolic Diocese of Ceylon (ADC), consisting over 700 small level churches, some in households, accused even by the Catholic Church for proselytization (forced religious conversions), congratulated the NPP government at a media conference held recently expressing its confirmed support to the government and underscoring deep connections between the vision of the church and the government. We have been supporting and listening to them for a long time; we have stood behind them and contributed significantly to their success, although many are not aware of our efforts, said its Media Spokesperson. He further stated that Vijitha Herath has assured them that he would take steps to register free and independent churches in the country.

5.2 Julie Chung’s Interventions and Touring the Countryside

After repeated failures experimenting with SF, Sirisena and RW the US and the West finally had selected their protégéin order to carry out their agenda.

Haiti’s President Jovenal Moise was assassinated in July 2021. The murder took place while Julie Chung was Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. She had met with Moise on June 26, three weeks before his murder. Very soon she was nominated as US envoy to Sri Lanka, seeming a demotion, but set for bigger things any other US envoy to Sri Lanka could not achieve. Her prized trophies were the ouster of GR and the crowning of Anura Kumara respectively.    

In our earlier articles we have continuously pointed out the meetings Julie Chung had with Sri Lankan youth leaders, authors, academics, priests, social media influencers, business captains, Chambers, lawyers, activists of Galle Face Protest, political leaders, Speaker of Parliament, parliamentarians and other opinion makers, tri-forces commanders; her opinion regarding internal matters such as the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunga, On-line Safety Bill, calling on Sri Lanka Army to build trust with minorities to ensure lasting peace, contravening Geneva Protocols; and her welcoming top US military and state officers.

Before Muni of India we have stated in our previous articles a long time ago that it was US and Chung engineering to bring Anura Kumara and NPP into power and Chung selected Harini Amarasuriya as the Prime Minister; even after the parliamentary election in a situation where Vijitha Herath scoring a thumping electoral victory her position was not changed. To retain her in her position, influence of NGO cabal, academia, business conglomerates, LGBTIQ community and dictates of Julie Chung had made a huge contribution.

Julie Chung since her arrival in Sri Lanka daily continued to meet various stakeholders who can influence the electorate. Following are some selectedmeetings Chung had with Sri Lankan opinion makers since March 2024. We have excluded she welcoming US State officials and military leaders who had meetings with USAID beneficiaries, civil society and government officials for brevity. From time to time Chung toured different Provinces of Sri Lanka like an ancient King of Sri Lanka or a Dissava (in his Dissavaniya) or a Rate Mahattaya (in his Rata). These journeys were called Rata Meda Yaama” in the ancient days.

* 7 March 2024: concluded Youth Forum Leadership Summit 2024.

* 8 March: On international Women’s Day she welcomed to Sri Lanka Sara Minkara, US State Department Special Advisor on International Disability Rights.  

*On 22 March: Chung was in Matara American Corner with Youth Forum members and Graphic Design graduates.

* 14 April: Met with Harini Amarasuriya to hear about her perspectives on inclusive economic recovery and governance reforms”.

* 18 April: With EQUALGROUNDS founder Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, appreciating her fearless fight for LGBTIQ rights in Sri Lanka”; on June 11 night Chung along with Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the US Embassy Douglas Sonnek joined Equal Grounds 20^th anniversary event to celebrate inclusion and pride across Sri Lanka”. From the day Chung came to Sri Lanka she was promoting LGBTIQ activities and Pride Marches”. To her credit the first transgender person contested 2024 General election from Kegalle electoral district,

* 9 May: With the Governor of CBSL Nandalal Weerasinghe discussed bilateral ties, debt restructuring and ongoing reforms.

* 9 May: As a part of Chung’s outreach across the range of Lankan politicians met with Wijedasa Rajapaksa in his new role as SLPP national organizer to hear about political engagement”.

* 13 May: Donald Lu, US State Assistant Secretary and Chung meet Sri Lankan politicians to learn about upcoming elections, their perspectives on economic recovery and their vision for the nation’s path forward”. They meet NPP’s Vijitha Herath and Nalinda Jayatissa too and exchange mementos.  

* In June 2024, Chung attending the Annual State Department Global Chiefs of Mission Conference held in Washington went to meet Sri Lankan Tamils living in Staten Island to hear their views on accountability, justice and reconciliation”.   

In June at various events she met with SJB’s Harsha de Silva, Ministers Kanchana Wijesekera, Ali Sabry and Hareen Fernando and Anupa Pasqual and Madura Vithanage of SLPP and Dulles Alahapperuma of Aeroplane Party.

* August 4: Chung met with Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs of US – funded WEConnect Supplier Development.

*August 5:  Chung met with Sri Lankan female journalists to teach them how to use the power of photography”.

*From August 14, 2024 Chung visited Southern Province of Sri Lanka. She metwith young students at the Matara American Corner, batik artists, representatives from civil society including women. She visited Kirinda Viharaya (funny part of this visit was Chung ringing the Gantaraya, massive bell (housed in a belfry) used by the temple priests as a means of communication with the villagers and at the beginning of offerings to Lord Buddha) and Kataragama shrine. For the first time she said Kataragama is a sacred place for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Vedda community”. At a mosque she was seen wearing a hijab.

*She visited USAID funded projects, Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce, SAFE Foundation, Prathiba Media Network and grassroot level CSOs and BOI officials at Mirijjawila Export Processing Zone.

*20 August: Welcoming Acting Secretary of State for Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jennifer Littlejohn, Chung met with environmental activists and marine biologists. They also met with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and President’s Advisor on Climate Change, Ruwan    Wijewardena and had recommended Sri Lanka’s commitment to 70% renewable energy by 2030 and discussed power sector reforms.  

*21 August: Chung addressed the Social Change Makers and Community Leaders Shine 50” event supported by USAID. On the same day Chung had a meeting with Sri Lanka’s future young leaders” at the NYSC Maharagama.

*26 August: Chung met with members of the Interim Secretariat for the Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) to discuss their outreach and reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka”.

*30 August: Chung commemorates International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances and messages Sri Lanka’s affected deserve answers and accountability”, accusing Sri Lanka for enforced disappearances. 

*11 September: Chung joins entrepreneurs and business leaders at Great Place To Work (GPTWSL) for their leadership.

*13 September: Chung visits Anaivilundava Ramsay Sanctuary to see US partnership in conservation of mangroves and US aided market-oriented dairy farming in Chilaw.

*On September 24 Chung congratulated the new Prime Minister, nominee of the NGO cabal, LGBTIQ community and business conglomerates.

*Chung met with Anura Kumara on 1 October. For her Anura Kumara’s ascendency was Sri Lanka embarking on a new chapter”. She said US remains his strong partner in supporting unity, good governance, prosperity and human rights”.

*Following day Chung met with Vijitha Herath, new Foreign Minister and she highlighted the shared priorities”.   On the same day she met with the New Prime Minister to discuss strong US-Sri Lanka partnership” and key priorities”. On the 3^rd day of October Chung’s client was President’s Secretary to discuss advancing shared priorities”.  

*On 10 October Chung met with Anura Kumara again, this time along with US Pacific Fleet Commander and US 4-star Admiral Stephen Kohler to discuss US-Sri Lanka security partnership”, regional stability in the Indo-Pacific etc. 

* 15 October: Chung addresses members of the Sri Lanka-US Business Council. 

*16 October: Chung meets new Defence Secretary and discusses the strong US commitment to regional security, defence cooperation and good governance”.

*21 October: Chung was engaged with a group of 40 young journalists mentoring them on the critical role they play in shaping society and the responsibility to uphold truth in their reporting”.

*22 October: Chung meets with the new Governor of the Western Province.

5.3 Visiting North Before the General Election, A fact-finding Mission

Chung visited Jaffna from 23, August 2023 meeting with civil society leaders, youth, Jaffna-based LGBTIQ rights activists, brave families of the disappeared”, female officers of CBSL regional office in Kilinochchi, a woman-majority workforce producing and packaging curry and chillie powder, North Central Naval Area Commander, Bishop of Mannar; she visited Thirukeeswaran Hindu Kovil in Mannar,  USAID financed seaweed cultivation in Kilinochchi and Madhu Church.

* 15 May 2024: Chung again visited Jaffna to listen to representatives of civil society, youth, local officials and religious leaders; visits Green Memorial Hospital founded by American missionary doctor Green; meets Northern Naval Commander of Sri Lanka Navy.

* 16 May: Meets TNA delegates; visits Nagadeepa Viharaya and Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, fascinated by its gopurams; visits Delft and meets members of a fishermen’s cooperative.  

* 17 May: Meets with the Governor of the Northern Province Charles, families of the disappeared, former combatantsand former PTA detainees ahead of the 15^th anniversary of the civil war’s end. For Chung LTTE terrorists are combatants.She writes: Even today many Sri Lankan citizens face continued intimidation. All families have the right to memorialize loved ones. Their stories are poignant reminders of the need for a peaceful durable political solution”.

* 20 May: Chung visits Palmyrah Research Institute; while in Jaffna she met with Northern Chamber of Information Technology.

Before the General Election Chung commenced another trip to the North, her third visit within a year;  on 23 October visited Jaffna, Mannar and Vauniya to highlight US- Sri Lanka partnership making a positive impact in these regions”. She started the day at the Keerimalai Naguleshvaran Kovil.

* She met with the newly appointed Governor of NP, Nagalingam Vedanayagam to congratulate him and discussed his plans for the region”; Bishop Gnanapragasam and discussed opportunities for progress on justice and reconciliation.

*Next she met with sex workers. Sex workers were deeply impacted by the conflict”, she messaged visiting an exhibition of Women’s Histories of Sex Work” exhibited in Jaffna. I saw first hand the importance of US support to truth, justice and human rights”. This exhibit fosters vital discussions on women, peace and security. Sharing these stories is a crucial step addressing the ongoing challenges faced by conflict victims advancing justice”.

This is a very ridiculous comment.  How Jaffna sex workers were impacted by the conflict? Does she mean that the sex workers were deprived of engaging in sex work due to the conflict when bombs were exploding? Justice denied? Human rights violated? Does she categorise sex workers also as a set of conflict victims”? Instead of rehabilitating sex workers does she want to perpetuate sex industry opening Red Light Districts with US aid?

*Chung met with young people eager to learn” at American Centre, Jaffna, taking a classroom by herself.

*She met with Tamil political leaders in the North belonging to various political parties to discuss the need for accountability mechanisms that have trust of victim communities”. In her messages she constantly uses the word victims” reopening old wounds.

*Chung visits a Mental and Psychological Support Lab at the University of Jaffna aided by USAID and a woman-owned cashew processing center at Poonaryn aided by USAID and families of the disappeared. All families deserve to know the fate of their loved ones”. Take a countof those people who disappeared” to Western countries with the aid of Western embassies.

*Visiting MAGSaversLines, a demining group funded by the US State Department in the North Chung writes the US is committed to the security and safety of all Sri Lankans and is the largest contributor to demining efforts in Sri Lanka”.

*Chung declare opens the USAID-aided new Integrated Digital Media Unit at the Harmony Centre, University of Vavuniya. For SCORE (Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Activity) US has provided with media and IT equipment.

*On 28 October, Chung launched CyberHero, a mobile game app funded by the US.

*On 30 October she expanded United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded McGovern- Dole Food, education and Child Nutrition Programme for 44 schools in Colombo. She met with teachers, students and meal providers.  

*After celebrating Deepavali, on 31 October, Chung joined the ground breaking ceremony for Indiana-based SHIELD’s new seatbelt factory.

*On 2 November night, Chung celebrated 249^th Birthday Marines at the USMC Ball along with Brigadier General Kelvin Gallman, the Guest of Honour. To match Chung who was dressed in a red Ball Gown, Vijitha Herath and Defence Secretary Thuyyaconthe were dressed in custom-tailored suits and bow ties.  Semper Fi!  (Semper Fidelis!). Always faithful, always loyal!

*On 7 November, Chung attended the launch of Yet Whom Do They Destroy: Black July” and Stories of Mullivaikakal” (in Tamil published by Adayaalam Centre for Policy Research) at the ICES, underscoring the importance of memory and accountability”.

*On 8 November Chung welcomed Admiral (Rtd.) Harry Harris and students and scholars from the National Defense University. This visit underscored US’s deepening engagement in the Indo-Pacific and investing in strong security ties with US partners across the region”, she messaged. Sri Lanka’s Defense Secretary was in attendance.

*On 12 November Chung was proud to welcome US Global Youth Special Envoy Abby Finkenauer.

*On 13 November Chung and Abby Finkenauer met with Sri Lanka’s youth leaders. Both were excited to see the enthusiasm for their youth initiatives such as Young South Asian Leaders Initiative”.

5.4 Chung Interfering with Malaiyaha Tamils”   

Chung took a keen interest in promoting Malaiyaha Tamil” activities.

When RW appointed an Estate Tamil Senthil Thondaman as Governor of the Eastern Province, he immediately after the swearing -in met with the Indian High Commissioner. Next he paid a courtesy call to Chung.

*On June 5, 2023 Chung met Hill country families” to hear directly about the economic and political obstacles they face and their aspirations”, she twittered, igniting sparks that can start a prairie fire, flames of destabilization the upcountry at the expense of Kandyan peasantry in future.   

*On May 19, 2023 USAID Deputy Mission Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives Debra Mosel, addressed Hill Country Tamils” to celebrate 200 years of their presence in Sri Lanka. She said: Full citizenship however does not automatically translate into a meaningful citizenship” , adding that they are not enjoying same benefits enjoyed by the rest of the society. The new generation asks no sympathy but for dignity and equality. The United States support these aspirations and look forward to them becoming a reality”. Enough fuel for the youth of Malai Aham” (hill country territory) to set ablaze a fire.  

*Julie Chung twittered on June 14, 2023: After my visit to Nuwara Eliya last week, we are offering CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) and individuals a unique opportunity to apply for small grants to serve the Hill Country region. Projects should focus on promoting peace, democracy, reconciliation & human rights.” She called for applicants aiming a difference” in the Hill Country. What is the difference she envisaged among Plantation Tamils? Has she thought about the impoverished peasants in the Kandyan countryside who are the real inheritors of the Central Highlands, whose traditional lands were grabbed by the colonial planters, who lost their paddy lands as a result of the obnoxious Grain Tax imposed by British rulers?

*In August 2023 Chung was delighted at the completion of the 2-week long walk from Talaimannar to Matale commemorating the arrival of Indian indentured labour 200 years ago and their struggle to become full and equal citizens with other communities”.  

*On 31 August 2023 Chung andSenator Chris Van Hollen met with representatives of MalaiyahaTamil community to gain their historical insights and learn about their challenges”. Representatives of USAID Empower Hill Country Civil Society”, Civil Society Organisations Community Collectivity”, Democratic Governance Project” were in attendance.

*On 1, September 2023 with Van Hollen, Chung visited USAID-EU funded Tourism Resilience Project” along the Pekoe Trail. They visited a neighboring kovil both draped in ceremonial dress, Chung wearing a pottu and carrying oil lamps. Enjoyed MalaiyahaTamil cuisine from a wayside eating house, Laxumi Hotel.    

*On 19, January 2024 Chung climbed Sri Pada. Her most notable observation was interfaith reverence” associated with the holy mountain.   

*28 June 2024: Chung met with Mano Ganeshan MP and members of civil society to exchange ideas and discuss US support for the MalaiyahaTamil community to support land and housing rights, English education and skills development for journalists”.

*From July 8 2024 Chung was in Uva Province,meeting with farmers exporting organic certified products to the US with USAID support and visiting Nelna Agri, mango producers.

*She met with Uva Governor also to discuss the needs of vulnerable communities like the Malaiyaha Tamils.”It seems that Chung has not identified Uva peasants whose lives of their ancestors were devastated by the British in 1817-1818 as avulnerable community. It should be noted that the formerUva Governor Muzammil switched allegiance before the Presidential election. 

*July 9: meets Peace Corps Volunteers who teach English to students in Uva Province.

*On the same day she met with Uva Civil Society and religious leaders including Malaiyaha Tamilsanddiscussed about the challenges facing Sri Lankans in Uva Province and the need for equitable economic, health and educational opportunities especially for women.”

*July 10: Chung meeting with the participants of the IRI Global and USAID supported Women’s Campaign Academy and Youth Civil League Programme in Badulla. Chung adds that they have gained the skill to promote civic and voter education in their communities”. Her voter educationbore fruitas MalaiyahaTamils elected a Malaiyaha woman as an NPP MP at the Parliamentary election.  

IRI mentioned by Chung is International Republican Institute, an agent of regime changes operational in Sri Lanka created by CIA for the purpose of working with the civil society”. All these orgnisations were active during the Galle Face Protest.  IRI claims that they are experts” in political processes, polling, technology and party building. Programmes are being conducted by it to encourage women to participate in politics, empowering female councilors etc.   

*Next Chung visited Adisham in Haputale and the Lipton’s Seat. I heard the call for better livelihoods including those who work on tea plantations”, she wrote.

*July 11: Chung meeting with the Chairman and Executive Director of the Office of the Missing persons (OMPSL). She was eager to know challenges in helping families of the disappeared find answers to the whereabouts of loved ones”. She should have been told that most of the disappeared are in the West leading lucrative lives.

*28 June: Robert Kaproth, US Treasury’s Deputy Assistant Secretary again visits Sri Lanka to meet with government officials, thinktanks, financial sector leaders”. On the following days he and Chung met with RW, Harsha de Silva, GL, Hakeem, Shehan Semasinghe, Kanchana Wijesekera and the Governor of CBSL.

5.5 Chung Interfering with the Activities of the Election Commission

 On 28 May Chung met with top officials of the Election Commissionto hear about plans for elections and upholding transparent processes.  We exchanged views on the importance of voting in free and fair election as a pillar of democratic governance”.

We are not sure whether the President of Sri Lanka wanted to know about plans for elections”; what right Chung had to summon Election Commission officialsif she had not acted as the Viceroy of Sri Lanka?

When the ElectionCommission announcedthe date for the Presidential election Chung messaged on July 26, welcoming the announcement demanding free and fair elections”.

On 29 August Chung met with EUEOMSriLanka24 Chief Observer Nachos Amor, Deputy Chief Observer and EU Ambassador to discuss the vital role of free and fair elections”. It is interesting to note that this meeting was held a day before EU Election Monitors’ press conference.

On 15 September, the International Day of Democracy, Chung messaged every individual has a say in shaping their future through elections. No process is more essential to Sri Lanka’s democracy than free and fair elections and the US looks forward to working closely with the candidate Sri Lankan voters choose to lead this country into future”. 

On September 12 US Embassy issued a level 2 Travel Advisory on the eve of Presidential election requesting US citizens to exercise increased caution to civil unrest and terrorism”. This Travel Advisory in a way influenced the journalists to hail the election as peaceful without any incident, boosting the image of the NPP. Why should winners resort to violence when there is a parliamentary election on the cards?

August 2:  Chung met with Sarath Fonseka to discuss Sri Lanka’s political and economic environment ahead of Presidential election”.

5.6 India

Muni very pathetically ignores Indian factor in bringing Anura Kumara and NPP into power and how the psyops of the Indians influencedthe so-called Malaiyaha voter behavior. Destabilizing forces now must not worry how to change this as they have achieved what they wanted.

Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha was the first foreign envoy to congratulate Anura Kumara on his victory with a bouquet of flowers soon after the Presidential election as well as parliamentary election.The first Foreign Minister to visit SriLanka after the Presidential election was the Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. He met with Tamil politicians in Jaffna. Indian envoys were in constant touch with the plantation Tamils providing them with housing and educational facilities.

5.7 Muslim Voters

NPP was able to garner Muslim votes from Digamadulla and Batticaloa electoral districts and some other electoral districts where there are large proportions of Muslim voters such as Colombo, Gampaha, Matara, Matale and Kandy electoral districts.   

NPP appointing a Muslim big businessman as the Governor of the Western Province and including many Muslims as candidates and its national list augured well to the NPP to penetrate the bases of Muslim voters. As a result, NPP was able to capture Colombo Central, a bastion of UNP/SJB politics.

(6) Elitists Vs the Parvenu Class

Another myth propagated by the capitalist press, NGO fraternity and unfortunately by the activists in the nationalistic movement is that the voters have rejected elite politics, transferred power to a non-elite political camp. The latter group has descended into a lower level [U1] calling all former rulers as Lumpen Elites”, (we know only about lumpen proletariat!), some propelled by themselves from time to time. We will debunk this myth in our next article.

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 [U1]