US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung visited the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) head office in Colombo today.
Soon after her arrival, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa also arrived at the SLPP head office.
Ambassador Julie Chung’s visit comes in the backdrop of MP Namal Rajapaksa having called for a probe into the activities of Non-Governmental Organizations funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“Following the #USAID exposure by the @POTUS administration, the @PodujanaParty propose to the Speaker of Parliament to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee to identify the NGOs – both registered and unregistered – operating in the country and who is funding them. When clearly there is suspicion raised by the #USA Government, #SriLanka should not ignore the warnings and conduct a probe for the benefit and stability of the nation,” MP Rajapaksa said in a recent post on ‘X’.
However, commenting on today’s meeting with US Ambassador Julie Chung, MP Namal Rajapaksa said they engaged in discussions of mutual interest and reaffirmed the SLPP’s dedication to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Sri Lanka.
“We commend the non-interference foreign policy upheld by U.S. President @realDonaldTrump and his call for greater transparency in the use of taxpayer funds,” he said in a post on ‘X’.
MP Rajapaksa further said, additionally, they briefed Ambassador Chung on the SLPP’s proposal for a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the use of USAID funds by both registered and unregistered NGOs in Sri Lanka, with a focus on ensuring transparency in the allocation of U.S. taxpayer resources.
He added that the SLPP looks forward to collaborating closely with the new U.S. administration for the mutual benefit of both nations. (Newswire)