Gammanpila files RTI on alleged secret CIA visit

Saturday, 18 March 2023 01:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Claims a CIA team arrived in Sri Lanka secretly on 14 February on two Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircrafts
Has sought information on those who arrived and if they were submitted to due immigration and customs checks

The MP has continuously maintained that talks were held between the Government and the team on the implementation of at least four proposals detrimental to Sri Lanka’s security.

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader MP Udaya Gammanpila has submitted a Right to Information Request with the Department of Immigration and Emigration seeking information on an alleged secret visit of a team of CIA operatives to Sri Lanka.

In the request addressed to the Information Officer of the Department Gammanpila noted that he expects to receive information about a US delegation that arrived in Sri Lanka on two Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircrafts on 14 February. Gammanpila has openly alleged that a group of CIA operatives had in fact visited Sri Lanka on the day and at least four proposals detrimental to Sri Lanka’s security had been discussed in the meeting. Accordingly, the MP has now requested the Department of Immigration and Emigration provide the list of names of those who arrived on the island that day and if the Director of the CIA William J. Burns was also among them.

He is also seeking information if the group was checked by officials of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, if their passports were stamped and if their luggage was checked by Sri Lanka Customs. Other information requested by the MP includes the type of terminal used for their arrival, if anyone provided instructions to submit them to immigration and customs checks and if so who gave such directions.

Gammnpila has maintained that the Sri Lankan Government and the delegation discussed the setting up of an Intelligence Analysis Centre, the donation of a biometric immigration control system, the granting of access to submarine telecommunications cables and data, and the review of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) during the meeting. The MP’s RTI request comes after he accused the Government and the US of keeping mum on the visit despite demands for information by members of Parliament.