The Leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF) and former minister Wimal Weerawansa has raised serious concerns over the Sri Lankan government’s alleged agreements with the United States, stating that the country may have committed to conditions that could affect national sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
He said that while the United States imposed a 50% tariff on India for failing to meet certain conditions, it levied only a 19% tariff on Pakistan after the country complied with U.S. demands.
He pointed out that Pakistan had agreed to purchase U.S. oil, provide access to its rare mineral resources, and open up its digitalization initiatives to American companies.
Weerawansa said that similar economic and strategic conditions may be applied to Sri Lanka, including a proposed 20% tariff, contingent on the government fulfilling undisclosed requirements.
He urged the authorities to disclose these agreements to the public.
Weerawansa further alleged that the government had consented to highly sensitive arrangements, including the establishment of a U.S. naval base in Trincomalee, granting U.S. personnel exemptions from immigration laws, ensuring favorable treatment for the U.S. in international votes, and allowing American military access to key roads, ports, and airports during emergency situations.
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