-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -13.June.2024, 10.00 PM) Colombo - In a startling turn of events, allegations have surfaced about Taiwanese interference in the upcoming Sri Lankan Presidential election. Reports suggest that Taiwanese delegations have been actively meeting with several Sri Lankan politicians to influence the election outcome by funding various political parties and influential political figures.
It is reported that Nimal Lanza and Sugeeshwara Bandara had secret meetings with the Taiwanese delegation. These discussions allegedly centered on the formation of a new political alliance, a move aimed at allowing President Ranil Wickremesinghe to run in the 2024 Presidential election.
The Taiwanese delegation also purportedly met with key figures in Sri Lanka's national security apparatus, including National Security Advisor Sagala Rathnayake and Ruwan Wijewardhana. These meetings were reportedly focused on securing election campaign funding from Taiwan. Additionally, it has been alleged that President Ranil Wickremesinghe himself met with the Taiwanese delegation, a move seen as controversial given Sri Lanka's long-standing adherence to the "One China Policy" over the past 75 years.
The Chinese government has expressed serious concerns over these developments and is reportedly investigating the extent and nature of Taiwanese interference in the Sri Lankan election. There are suspicions that Taiwan might be aiming to install an anti-Chinese leader in Sri Lanka, potentially jeopardizing Chinese investments in the country.
Sri Lanka's engagement with Taiwan might also have broader economic repercussions. There are fears that Chinese reluctance could impact the acceptance of the IMF debt restructuring proposals, despite the recent approval of the IMF's second review.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry's decision to ban Chinese research vessels from entering Sri Lanka has further strained relations. This move was seen as a deliberate action, especially since a German vessel was allowed to dock at Colombo port, a gesture aimed at securing the EU's GSP Plus trade preferential deal.
President Ranil and his administration might be misinterpreting China's patience as a sign of weakness. In response, China has begun redirecting its research vessels to the Maldives, which is becoming increasingly aligned with Chinese interests.
With President Ranil's popularity plummeting below 5% among Sri Lankan voters, his close ties with New Delhi and his perceived favoritism towards the Shia Muslim Bohra community, sponsored by the Iranian government, have further alienated Sunni Muslims in the country.
The alleged collusion with Taiwanese agents against China is likely to provoke significant political unrest in Sri Lanka. Should China decide to delay the debt restructuring process, the onus will fall squarely on President Ranil and Foreign Minister Ali Sabry for their diplomatic maneuvers.
As the 2024 Presidential election approaches, these allegations of foreign interference and their potential consequences for Sri Lanka's political and economic landscape remain to be seen.
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by (2024-06-13 16:43:07)
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