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Anura Kumara's Global Diplomacy Stirs Hope and Concern Among Sri Lankans Abroad

(Lanka-e-News -04.Nov.2023, 5.00PM) In recent times, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the National People's Power (NPP), has been making significant strides in international politics. His participation in a series of rallies and events in the USA has garnered widespread attention. He's not limited his reach to these Western nations, as he's also traveled through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, inviting Sri Lankan citizens residing abroad to unite for the betterment of their homeland. These global campaigns have positioned him as a compelling figure in Sri Lankan politics with influence both at home and abroad.

Global Engagement vs. Homebound Politics

This unique and far-reaching global outreach raises a question: why aren't other Sri Lankan political parties, such as the UNP and SJB, engaging in similar international campaigns? Is it a matter of organizational strength, or do Sri Lankans living abroad perceive something in Anura Kumara that they don't see in Sajith or Ranil? The absence of similar engagement from other parties, who many believe are responsible for the present predicament in Sri Lanka, raises questions about their courage to stand before Sri Lankans abroad. This discussion underscores the structural limitations of Sri Lankan political organizations and highlights the widespread belief that the NPP is the party best positioned to uplift the country. This significance of connecting with the diaspora, which constitutes a significant portion of the nation's population, cannot be underestimated.

International Concerns and Sri Lankan Assets

Interestingly, many politicians in Sri Lanka, including prominent figures like the Rajapaksas, possess properties in America. Anura Kumara has hinted at the possibility of reclaiming some of these assets if the National People's Power comes into power. This revelation has raised questions about the financial interests of Sri Lankan politicians abroad and how this might impact the nation's political landscape. It underscores the contrast between politicians advocating for the return of stolen assets and those who might potentially be affected by such a move.

Anura Kumara's Successful U.S. Tour

The recent events in Los Angeles and Houston have sparked intense discussions within Sri Lankan society. Of particular note is Anura Kumara's address in front of the American flag and the implications this holds for Sri Lankan politics. This symbolism underscores his international presence and the expectations placed on him by the diaspora. It's a striking reminder that Sri Lankans abroad are closely watching and engaging with the political developments in their homeland, with their support seen as a critical factor in shaping the future of the nation.

Sri Lankan Diaspora's Expectations

The numerous attendees at these meetings, both in the United States and other countries, are driven by a shared hope for a brighter political future in Sri Lanka. They seek clean governance, the eradication of corruption, and a return to a more promising Sri Lanka. The active participation of the diaspora in these events reflects their desire for a Sri Lanka free from the political turmoil and corruption that has plagued the country in recent years. Their expectations are not confined to mere rhetoric but encompass a genuine desire for positive change.

NPP's Foreign Policy Vision

Anura Kumara's foreign policy ideas are gaining recognition and endorsement from an informed audience. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining a non-aligned foreign policy that takes into account Sri Lanka's geographical and geopolitical realities. This vision resonates with a section of the Sri Lankan population who view non-alignment as a way to maintain the country's sovereignty and protect its interests in an increasingly complex international landscape.

IMF's Role and Sri Lanka's Debt Crisis

Anura Kumara's critique of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its involvement in Sri Lanka's economic crisis is noteworthy. He suggests that alternative solutions could have been explored before turning to the IMF and places blame on previous decisions for the country's current predicament. This critique draws attention to the government's handling of the economic crisis and raises questions about whether alternative approaches, such as bilateral negotiations, could have mitigated the current financial challenges.

A Call for Renegotiation

Anura Kumara proposes renegotiating the IMF program and highlights the importance of securing a strong mandate for achieving this. He made a heartfelt plea for voters to make informed decisions in the upcoming elections. The call for renegotiation emphasizes the necessity of revisiting agreements that impact the nation's financial well-being, drawing attention to the potential for change in Sri Lanka's economic policies.

Sri Lankan Diaspora's Resilience

Sri Lankans living abroad are keenly aware of these developments and are actively rallying against the political agenda in Sri Lanka. Their determination to protect their homeland is evident, as they seek to hold corrupt politicians accountable and return stolen assets to the people. Their unwavering commitment to this cause highlights their resilience and their readiness to engage in the political discourse, both domestically and from afar.

-Shantha Jayarathne

Former Senior Consultant
Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA)

[email protected]

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by     (2023-11-04 11:34:56)

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