Are Americans ugly?

By Kawya Indrajith

Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa

MP Wimal Weerawansa

The political battlefield of Sri Lanka was heated by the statements expressed in the joint summit held by the alliance of seven political parties, who represent the Government. The parties oppose the most fistful policy decisions of the Government that are mistreating the interest of the avant-garde who had committed to bring the power to the present Government. 

The contrary statements raised in the meeting had provoked the dismissal of the ministerial portfolios of Minister Wimal Weerawansa and Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

In this article, I will not go to explain this political typhoon. But, I need to highlight the point expressed by Weerawansa in his speech about Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa as the “Ugly American” in the Government.

As convinced by Weerawansa, the Finance Minister is pretending to play another role in the Cabinet withholding the ministerial portfolios of finance, casting aside the real need of the country.

Why did Mr. Weerawansa bring this “topic” to hit their political encounter? He knows very well, as an experienced politician in the country, how one should attack the antagonist. Most of the traditional cynical thinkers among the people of the country, don’t have a clear idea about the American diplomatic vision for the country except the sustained rumour and disinformation; images in their minds delivered by some extremist politicians in the country.

Therefore, they always think Americans are ugly. Americans are coming to engulf Sri Lanka. But, in my view, until before the pandemic, the USA was the major exporter of Sri Lanka. Under any circumstances of the treatment of some political movements, the USA didn’t give up their extended hand for the whole Sri Lankans’ wellbeing.

So, what is the “Ugly American”? The Ugly American is political fiction by Eugers Burdick and William Lederer. Published in 1958, the novel depicted the failures of the US diplomatic corps in Southeast Asia (Vietnam …?).

Taking another great leap towards making a film from the novel, in 1963, the story transformed into a theatrical release as an American adventure film. The film was directed by Stewert Stern, starring Marlon Brando, Sandra Church, and Eiji Oduko.

Let’s move again to the topic. Why are some local politicians constantly striking the USA’s diplomatic relationship with Sri Lanka? For the political survival of those politicians?

But, when we look into the missions of the USA in Sri Lanka, it has given more benefits to Sri Lanka. 

The USA’s arm for aid in Sri Lanka, the USAID (United States Agency for International Development), states its vision as, “Since 1956 – five years before the inception of USAID – the US Government has provided development and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka to promote a healthy, educated, and employed population. As Sri Lanka’s largest export market, the United States is in a strong position to support the country’s economic growth. 

USAID’s current program supports the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen its democratic systems, and support marginalised and disaster-affected communities,” on its web page.

The scope of the following areas in Sri Lanka grants aid to the necessary developments.

Economic growth – USAID promotes inclusive, market-driven growth and resilience of the country’s resources to shocks and stresses. Through activities to promote trade and investment, strengthen the workforce, and improve the business climate for small and medium enterprises (SMEs); USAID supports Sri Lanka through its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and in its journey to become an advanced economy.

Environment and energy – USAID supports Sri Lanka to mitigate resource shocks and stresses through activities that enhance environmental and climate resilience and improve energy security and sustainability. Activities support innovative approaches to stop the flow of plastic pollution, increase deployment of renewable energy, and mobilise private sector funding for actions that reduce risks associated with extreme weather, climate vulnerability, and climate change.

Governance and vulnerable populations – USAID works in partnership with Sri Lanka to strengthen inclusive governance, build a robust civil society, and promote the rule of law. USAID also works to improve Sri Lankans’ access to balanced and reliable news and partners with the Government and the people of Sri Lanka to strengthen dialogue between multi-ethnic communities.

Humanitarian assistance – Frequent natural disasters have led to displacement, destruction, and an increase in the need for quality basic services. Building on decades of partnership, USAID is helping to strengthen Government capacity to prepare for disasters and respond effectively when disasters strike. USAID engages directly with impacted communities, focusing on improving access to safe drinking water and providing psychosocial services.

Hence, the recent project of conservation of the Rajawasala at the Temple of the Tooth Relic – Kandy, the renovation to be carried out under the funding of the US.

Also, if we look at something from the wrong angle, we would be unable to see the real picture; if we see it up close, we could see the picture in detail.

The longstanding diplomatic ties between the two countries must not come to an end of unstable nature. Especially the members of the house must follow self-discipline in expressing their views in other dominant territories that are having diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka.

In conclusion, I would like to bring your attention to the film “Blind Side”. The story tells something different than you already know about the USA.