Sunday Times reveals contents of SOFA agreement

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Sunday Times reported today (June 30) that it had obtained a draft copy of the Status of Forces Agreement or the SOFA, which is currently under negotiation between the United States of America and Sri Lanka. The newspaper says the SOFA draft reveals a number of Washington’s demands that would impinge on Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. The Sunday Times political editor says that the US seeks that aircraft and vessels of the US Government will be free from boarding and inspection and that the US requires an exemption from licences, customs duties, taxes and any other charges within Sri Lanka. Further, the article reads that the US is seeking authorisation for its troops to wear uniforms whilst “on duty” in any part of Sri Lanka while carrying arms and radio communications equipment. The article says Washington also requires US troops and contractors to be allowed to enter and leave Sri Lanka, individually or collectively, with the use of only their US identification. This will mean they will carry no passports or visas.