Opposition raise questions on the US senate officers visit to Myliddy

COLOMBO (News 1st): Yesterday, News 1st reported how two U.S. Senate officers arrived in Myliddy, Jaffna to inspect lands and the fisheries harbour in a manner violating the standard procedure. The matter was discussed by both the opposition and the ruling party on several occasions. Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Udaya Gammanpila said that Sri Lanka has become the 52nd state of the US with the signing of the 83 paged ACSA agreement. He continued to say that as per a copy of the SOFA agreement sent from the US that an agreement is due to come to light between the two parties by sending a letter that would agree with the details mentioned. He further said that if by any chance a secretary sends a letter saying that Sri Lanka agrees with all details it means that SOFA has also been signed already. He continued to say that he is aware of whether or not the Millenium Challenge Compact was signed already. Gammanpila also said that similar to people owning lands in Sri Lanka paying occasional visits to their lands to inspect it now and then, that the Americans will also inspect not only Jaffna but the whole country in the coming months. UPFA MP Ranjith Zoysa said that he saw how Sirasa TV had made the revelation yesterday (July 6) while also mentioning that the Governor of Jaffna was also not informed of the matter. He further said that although according to the additional divisional secretary who states that he was informed of two US senators arriving at the country to make inspections, the person who made the phone call remains a mystery. Also speaking on the matter, UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardena said that the UNP is responsible to come up with an explanation as to who is instructing the matter and how they get facilities to arrive in the country in such a manner. He further said that there is no doubt that the people will come together to ensure the safety of the nation if another betrayal occurs like this on the brink of elections. Meanwhile, the ruling party also commented on the matter, Minister Lakshman Kiriella said that although everyone blames the foreign nations that almost 70% of our exports are purchased by Europe and the US which needs to be understood by everyone firstly. He went onto say that any foreign national is allowed to purchase properties from the country subjected to a 300% tax. He added that everyone should learn the law.