The MCC is neither neoimperialistic nor malevolent

Thursday, 5 November 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

It was good to read a thoughtful take on Sri Lanka’s MCC agreement (‘History repeating – Are we going to lose MCC or not?). The agreement is not perfect, none are. Nevertheless, the lies and misinformation that have been promulgated by Sinhala-Buddhist extremists (among others) have been unfortunate and irresponsible.

This MCC grant is neither neoimperialistic nor malevolent. It’s a development project. It’s been designed in good faith and is intended to help Sri Lankans from all walks of life. Of course, Colombo could always turn to China (yet again). But that would be an awful idea. After all, Beijing’s propensity for predatory lending has produced terrible results for numerous countries, including Sri Lanka.

A more interesting question that’s getting less attention these days is whether Washington should allow the agreement to go ahead given the obvious and growing human rights concerns under the Rajapaksas’ watch.

I was disappointed that the author of the piece in question did not sign for it; that only would have added gravitas to their compelling case.

Taylor Dibbert