Welcome to Colombo, Ambassador Eric Mayer — Handle Sri Lanka with Care
A message to the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka
Ambassador Eric Meyer, welcome to Colombo.
You are representing the United States, one of the world’s leading democracies, in Sri Lanka—another democratic country, situated on one of the most strategically important islands in the Indian Ocean. We warmly welcome you and wish you and your family a successful and enjoyable stay.
But there is an important message that comes with that welcome: Sri Lanka must be handled with care.
Sri Lanka is going through a significant political transformation under the National People’s Power (NPP) government. One of the central themes of this new political direction is the fight against corruption and the pursuit of legal action against those accused of wrongdoing under previous administrations.
Several high-profile cases and investigations have attracted public attention, involving former political leaders, allegations concerning procurement and medicines, investigations involving the Rajapaksa era, and other controversial financial and administrative matters. These cases will ultimately have to be determined through evidence and due process in the appropriate Sri Lankan institutions.
For the United States Embassy, therefore, understanding the changing political environment will be essential.
Be Careful Who Claims to Speak for Washington
Ambassador Meyer, one particular area deserves careful attention: the people who present themselves as having extraordinary access to Washington
There are political figures, former officials, business people, policy advocates and self-described intermediaries who may approach the embassy claiming that they understand American policy better than the Sri Lankan public or government itself.
Among those who should be examined carefully is Milinda Moragoda and the Pathfinder Foundation, particularly where claims are made about access to, or influence over, American policymakers.
The United States does not need unofficial gatekeepers in Sri Lanka.
The embassy should establish its own channels of communication with the Sri Lankan Government, Parliament, civil society, business community and ordinary citizens. No individual or organisation should be allowed to create the impression that they possess a private “button” connecting Colombo directly to the White House.
Do Not Confuse China With a Request for American Money
You will also hear a familiar argument.
Some politicians and interest groups will approach the embassy saying: China is investing here. China is building this project. China is doing that.
The next argument can sometimes become: Therefore, the United States must provide more money to their organisations.
That should not automatically become American policy.
Sri Lanka is an independent sovereign country. Its relationships with China, India, the United States, Japan, Europe and other partners should not be reduced to a competition in which Sri Lanka simply receives whichever country offers the largest financial package.
American assistance should be based on transparent policy objectives, development priorities, democratic values and the interests of the Sri Lankan people—not on lobbying campaigns built around geopolitical anxiety.
Listen Beyond Colombo’s Political Elite
There is another danger.
Diplomatic missions naturally receive large numbers of politicians, business people, lawyers, civil-society representatives, academics, and activists. Many have legitimate and valuable contributions to make.
But no embassy should mistake the loudest voices in Colombo for the voice of Sri Lanka.
There are millions of Sri Lankans outside the political establishment whose views matter just as much.
Ambassador Mayer should therefore travel beyond Colombo, meet people in different provinces and listen directly to farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, young people, professionals and communities affected by economic hardship.
That is how an ambassador can understand the real Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Is Not a Chessboard
Sri Lanka occupies an extraordinary strategic position in the Indian Ocean. Its geography makes it important to India, China, the United States, Europe, Japan and many other countries.
But strategic importance does not mean that foreign powers should attempt to redesign Sri Lanka according to their own geopolitical preferences.
Sri Lanka is not a chessboard.
The country has its own history, political culture, democratic institutions and national interests.
The United States can make an enormous contribution by supporting democratic institutions, transparency, the rule of law, economic development and anti-corruption efforts while respecting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.
The NPP government has made anti-corruption a major political commitment. If allegations against previous administrations are pursued, they should be dealt with through independent investigations, evidence and due process—not political pressure from outside.
That principle should apply to everyone.
A Country Worth Discovering
Ambassador Meyer, Sri Lanka is much more than its political controversies.
It is a country of extraordinary beaches, mountains, forests, ancient cities and diverse communities. Sri Lankans are known for their hospitality, and visitors can travel from Jaffna to Hambantota, from Colombo to the Central Highlands, and experience a remarkable variety of cultures and landscapes.
You have an opportunity to see the country for yourself.
You are also known to have linguistic interests, including Danish, Russian and Spanish. Perhaps during your assignment you might add Sinhala—and learn directly from Sri Lankan people rather than relying exclusively on those who claim to represent them.
A few words in Sinhala could open many doors.
Handle the Sri Lankan Diamond With Care
Sri Lanka is a geopolitical diamond in the Indian Ocean.
Its location gives it enormous strategic significance. But diamonds must be handled carefully.
The United States can be a valuable partner to Sri Lanka without attempting to control Sri Lanka.
So, Ambassador Meyer, welcome to Colombo.
Work with the elected government. Engage with all communities. Support transparency and the rule of law. Listen to ordinary Sri Lankans. Examine claims made by political and business intermediaries carefully. And above all, do not allow anyone to convince you that they personally represent the interests of the United States in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka needs friends—not masters.
We wish you and your family a warm welcome.
Enjoy the beaches. Discover the country. Meet its people.
But remember one thing throughout your assignment:
This is Sri Lanka. Handle it with care.