Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made explosive allegations linking the CIA to Sri Lanka's Aragalaya protest movement, according to revelations in Asanga Abeyagoonasekera's latest narrative. These stunning claims have reignited debates about foreign interference in Sri Lankan politics and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the 2022 mass protests that ultimately led to Rajapaksa's resignation.
The CIA Connection Allegations
In what appears to be his most controversial statement since leaving office, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has directly implicated the Central Intelligence Agency in orchestrating the Aragalaya movement. The former president's claims, detailed in Abeyagoonasekera's explosive account, suggest that the widespread protests that gripped Sri Lanka throughout 2022 were not entirely organic grassroots movements but had foreign backing.
These allegations come amid growing speculation about international involvement in Sri Lanka's political upheaval. The Aragalaya movement, which began as public demonstrations against the economic crisis, eventually evolved into a massive anti-government campaign that forced Rajapaksa to flee the country and resign from his position.
The Mysterious William Burns Visit
Central to these allegations is the purported visit of CIA Director William Burns to Colombo in February 2023. Despite widespread speculation and media reports, neither Sri Lanka nor the United States has formally confirmed this high-profile visit, raising questions about the secretive nature of the meeting.
The timing of Burns' alleged visit is particularly significant, coming months after the Aragalaya protests had successfully ousted Gotabaya Rajapaksa and amid ongoing political instability in the island nation. The lack of official confirmation has only fueled conspiracy theories and speculation about the true purpose of the visit.
Opposition parties in Sri Lanka have repeatedly sought clarification about the CIA chief's visit through the Right to Information Act, but the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government has consistently sidestepped these queries. This evasive response has only intensified suspicions about what transpired during the alleged meeting.
Government's Evasive Response
The current administration's reluctance to address questions about Burns' visit has become a political hot potato. Despite multiple parliamentary inquiries and RTI requests, officials have neither confirmed nor denied the visit, maintaining an unusual silence on what would typically be considered routine diplomatic engagement.
This lack of transparency has provided ammunition for critics who argue that the government is hiding crucial information about foreign involvement in Sri Lankan affairs. The opposition has characterized the government's response as deliberately obstructive and contrary to principles of democratic accountability.
Political analysts suggest that the government's evasive stance may be strategic, designed to avoid confirming details that could validate conspiracy theories while simultaneously preventing the disclosure of sensitive diplomatic information.
International Implications
The allegations of CIA involvement in the Aragalaya movement have broader implications for Sri Lanka's foreign relations and regional geopolitics. If substantiated, these claims could significantly impact Sri Lanka's relationships with both the United States and other international partners.
The timing of these revelations is particularly sensitive, as Sri Lanka continues to navigate its worst economic crisis in decades and relies heavily on international support for recovery. Any confirmation of foreign interference in domestic politics could complicate ongoing negotiations with international creditors and aid providers.
Regional observers note that these allegations fit into a broader pattern of great power competition in South Asia, where both the United States and China vie for influence. Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a valuable asset for any major power seeking to project influence in the region.
Credibility and Evidence
While Rajapaksa's allegations have generated significant attention, questions remain about the credibility and evidence supporting these claims. Critics argue that the former president may be attempting to deflect responsibility for his administration's failures by blaming external forces.
The lack of concrete evidence presented alongside these allegations has led some analysts to view them skeptically. However, supporters point to the government's evasive responses and the secretive nature of the alleged Burns visit as circumstantial evidence supporting the claims.
Independent verification of these allegations remains challenging, given the classified nature of intelligence operations and the reluctance of official sources to provide clarification.
Looking Forward
As these explosive allegations continue to reverberate through Sri Lankan politics, pressure is mounting on the current government to provide clear answers about foreign involvement in domestic affairs. The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges facing Sri Lanka as it attempts to rebuild its political institutions and restore public confidence.
Whether these allegations will lead to formal investigations or remain in the realm of political speculation depends largely on continued public pressure and the willingness of authorities to embrace transparency. The Sri Lankan public deserves clear answers about the extent of foreign involvement in their nation's political processes.