Before the Local Government (LG) elections, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung met with President Anura Kumara to discuss the prevailing political climate. During the meeting, she mentioned that a recent opinion poll she received showed Anura Kumara’s popularity at 56%. It remains unclear whether the President was pleased with this figure, but the actual LG election results told a different story.
Speaking at his party’s 60th anniversary following the election, President Anura Kumara remarked that anyone who wished to disregard the party’s past would have to leave the government. This appeared to be a response to critics suggesting that his administration was distancing itself from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s (JVP) leftist roots. Western diplomats, including Ambassador Chung, reportedly believe that Anura Kumara is attempting to lead the country by sidelining the JVP’s traditional ideological affiliations. While it’s uncertain whether the President’s comments were entirely sincere, it is evident that Ambassador Chung has played a significant role in weakening the JVP’s longstanding ties with Russia and China.
Under the previous administration led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a decision was made to lease the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota to a joint Russian-Indian venture. However, the U.S. later imposed sanctions on that consortium. When Anura Kumara assumed the presidency, many expected him to oppose the American stance and proceed with the lease. Shortly after taking office, he received a personal invitation from the Russian President to attend the BRICS summit in Russia. Although Anura accepted the invitation, he ultimately did not attend the summit and subsequently cancelled the airport lease agreement with the Russian-Indian firm.
This move has had notable diplomatic and economic consequences. Russia has recently suspended direct flights to Sri Lanka, adversely affecting the tourism industry—especially since Russian tourists rank among the highest spenders in the country. Traditionally, left-leaning Sri Lankan presidents have maintained strong ties with Russia; both Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena cultivated close relationships with Moscow during their terms. Given the JVP’s historical alignment with Russia, it is speculated Russia is displeased with the current government’s stance under President Anura Kumara.
