The former United States ambassador to Sri Lanka, Robert O. Blake warned the country should expect greater scrutiny following the US mid term elections and in view of "serious questions" raised by actions of President Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa.
In an op-ed published in the Daily Mirror, Blake, who was also served as the former assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, encouraged Rajapaksa to step down from his appointment of prime minister, and focus on building up the SLPP ahead of any election.
"President Sirisena’s and Prime Minister Rajapaksa’s recent actions have raised serious questions in Washington, New Delhi, Tokyo and elsewhere, about their commitment to democracy and good governance. The results of the recent mid-term elections in the United States will bring added scrutiny on Sri Lanka. The Democratic Party won back control of the House of Representatives and announced that promotion of human rights and democracy would be a priority. So Sri Lanka should expect more intensive congressional review of its recent actions, which could impact Sri Lanka’s access to financing from the new IDFC or the MCC."
"The above analysis suggests that Mr. Rajapaksa would be wise to step down as Prime Minister, and instead put his considerable political skills toward helping the SLPP win next year’s presidential elections through a free and fair contest. This would resolve the current political impasse and position Sri Lanka to be a leader and winner as the new Indo-Pacific great game unfolds."
Read more here.
