In January last year, the former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, paid a visit to Sri Lanka and held discussions with President Ranil. Subsequently, he embarked on a tour to observe the bustling port city of Colombo. Notably, he was the only non-Chinese international leader to have visited this port city. Following this, he took part in two investment forums aimed at promoting Colombo’s port city in Dubai, just before the forum started. Sri Lanka’s investment promotion minister Dilum Amunugama, also participated in these events. The minister mentioned that it was China that extended the invitation to Cameron for this occasion. It was reported in Sri Lankan media that Cameron received substantial financial compensation for his participation.
Cameron’s involvement in promoting the port city has faced substantial criticism, not only from the mainstream media but also from British Members of Parliament. However, a spokesperson for Cameron contends that his participation in these events was solely driven by a desire to assist Sri Lanka and has no direct ties to China or the company involved in the port city project.
Former leader of the Conservative Party, Iain Duncan Smith, shares his perspective on Cameron’s involvement in the Port City promotion. “Cameron of all people must realize that China’s Belt and Road is not about help and support and development, it’s ultimately about gaining control — as they’ve already demonstrated in Sri Lanka. “I hope that he will reconsider the position he’s taken on this.”
Another Conservative MP, Tim Loughton, who has been subject to sanctions imposed by China, voiced criticism of Cameron in a similar vein. “The Sri Lankan project is a classic example of how China buys votes and influence in developing countries and then sends the bailiffs in when those countries can’t keep up the payments.” “Cameron should be working to help wean vulnerable countries off Chinese influence and debt rather than tying them in more tightly.”
Nonetheless, Cameron’s spokesperson informed the media that Cameron’s involvement came about through the Washington Speakers Bureau, a Washington-based agency.
Much like David Cameron, Liam Fox, who once attempted to garner support for the Mahinda Rajapakse government, faced criticism and resignation from his post as Defence Secretary. He made multiple visits to Sri Lanka, with the expenses for three of these trips covered by the Lankan government, and the remaining two by the Sri Lanka Development Trust. The Sri Lankan government’s aim in bringing him to the country was to influence the British government in their favour during the war. Adam Werritty, who claimed to be his advisor, was linked to these visits, as he coordinated Fox’s trips, which were also funded by the Sri Lankan government.
Cameron, like Fox has faced substantial criticism in Britain. Moreover, both Fox and Cameron have been associated with the Sri Lankan government by a British politician of Sri Lankan origin, Nirj Deva Aditya. Deva Aditya served as Mahinda’s unofficial advisor for a period and was subsequently appointed as an official advisor by Ranil. He also played a role in arranging the Cameron –Ranil meeting during Ranil’s visit to Britain. Consequently, Cameron is the most recent British politician to face controversy due to his association with Deva Aditya.
