By Our Political Editor
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent speech at the World Governments Summit 2025 in the UAE should have been a defining moment for Sri Lanka’s international standing. Addressing world leaders, he called for a united global response to cross-border challenges, warning that isolationist approaches only lead to crises that inevitably become global concerns. His message of international cooperation, sustainable development, and governance reform was a strategic attempt to position Sri Lanka as a responsible global player.
However, instead of focusing on the content of his speech, much of the discourse surrounding his visit was overshadowed by the controversy over his attire. In a country where political image is often dissected more than policy substance, the discussion around Dissanayake’s dress became a distraction from the more prominent themes of his address. His call for collective global action was lost in the noise, a missed opportunity for his administration to project a strong diplomatic presence. The President’s communications team completely missed an opportunity to establish President AKD in the national and international discourse.
Back home, the political battlefield was dominated by Namal Rajapaksa’s push to investigate NGOs operating in Sri Lanka. His call for a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to scrutinise registered and unregistered NGOs created a political storm, especially as it coincided with global billionaire and DOGE chief Elon Musk’s ongoing criticism of USAID. Namal’s allegations against foreign-funded organisations quickly became a rallying point for his supporters, who took to the streets in protest against US Ambassador Julie Chung, demanding her departure.
The accusations were levelled against Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, who was projected as a pro-US political leader by the opposition camp. Many critics demanded answers from her, but she remained stoic. The cabinet spokesperson, Health and Media minister, JVP firebrand Nalinda Jayatissa conveniently escaped the Amarasuriya issue at the press conference when hostile media wanted answers. None defended the Premier. Namal and many other opposition politicians took over the silence from the government to their advantage.
However, the timing of Namal’s offensive was widely seen as an attempt to divert attention from his growing legal troubles. Rajapaksa’s are dominating the news cycles where Young Namal takes the fight to the AKD administration. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that it sought the Attorney General’s advice on whether to proceed with legal action against Namal for alleged money laundering. The case revolves around a Rs. 15 million investment in NR Consultancy (Pvt.) Ltd., suspected to have been made using illicit funds while he served as an MP.
Adding to his woes, the CID has also launched a fresh probe into Namal’s law degree, an issue that has surfaced multiple times over the last ten years. Allegations that he cheated on his law exams have long plagued his credibility, yet he has consistently dismissed them, stating that he welcomes any investigation.
In a development with profound geopolitical implications, India’s Adani Group has withdrawn from the proposed 484-megawatt wind farm projects in Mannar and Pooneryn. The official reason cited was the Sri Lankan government’s decision to renegotiate the project terms, which led Adani executives to conclude that moving forward would be unviable.
However, the timing and nature of Adani’s withdrawal suggest a more profound political message from the Modi government. Adani Group has been closely aligned with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, and its decision to pull out is widely interpreted as a warning signal to the AKD government. New Delhi had backed Adani’s entry into Sri Lanka’s energy sector as part of its broader regional strategy, and the unexpected retreat suggests dissatisfaction with Colombo’s handling of the project.
This setback could have long-term repercussions. India has been one of Sri Lanka’s most crucial economic partners, providing financial assistance during the recent crisis. Suppose the AKD government fails to manage its diplomatic ties with India carefully. In that case, it risks alienating a key regional ally at a time when foreign investment remains critical to economic recovery.
Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith continues to be a thorn in the side of the AKD administration. Despite his strong call for constitutional reforms last week, the government has ignored his demands, signalling that it has no intention of engaging with his political critiques. Inner sources within the ruling party suggest that the Cardinal’s unpredictable statements have become a significant political liability, creating unnecessary friction when the government is already facing multiple challenges.
This week, the Cardinal was back in the headlines, shifting focus to the Easter Sunday attacks. In a strong statement from the Colombo Archbishop’s House, he demanded that the AKD administration deliver justice for the victims, unlike former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, whom he accused of neglecting their responsibilities.
His warning that he would not hesitate to act against the current government if it failed to deliver justice was seen as a direct challenge to the administration. The Easter Sunday attacks remain one of Sri Lanka’s most sensitive political and social issues, and the Cardinal’s intervention has reignited public scrutiny over how the government intends to handle ongoing investigations.
The direct challenge for the Cardinal came from the young and vociferous Monk Ven. Kassapa Thero. The more the Cardinal tries to dominate the national discourse, the more pro-Buddhist factions become active, which will not augur well for the government.
While President AKD still commands public support, his government increasingly struggles to control the political narrative. Despite its internal divisions, the opposition finds ways to keep the administration on the defensive. Namal Rajapaksa’s offensive on NGOs, though partially overshadowed by his legal troubles, has energised his political base. The Adani pullout has raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s foreign policy direction. Meanwhile, the Cardinal’s persistence on constitutional change and the Easter Sunday investigations ensures that the government remains under pressure from multiple fronts.
The government’s biggest challenge remains its inability to shift the public discourse. The administration cannot afford to let opposition narratives dominate with high economic anxieties and questions about governance and corruption resurface.
The coming weeks will be critical for President AKD. He will be presenting his inaugural budget on the 17th of February. His ability to refocus on governance and economic progress will determine whether his administration can withstand the growing political turbulence. Despite its setbacks, the opposition has renewed momentum, and the battle for Sri Lanka’s political future remains wide open.
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