Lobbyists get millions to stop sanctions

By Ashwin Hemmathagama of Lakbimanews

The government has sought the services of international lobbyists in the form of lobbying companies, at the cost of millions of rupees in order to stave off foreign sanctions on Sri Lanka.
LAKBIMAnEWS learns that the government has recently signed such a deal with an American firm to obtain ‘lobbying services’ at a cost of Rs.65 million (US $ 600,000) for a one year period in order to persuade some congressmen in the US Senate, to desist from taking action against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, leader of the European Union Parliamentary delegation Robert Evans warned on Friday that the Sri Lankan Government will have to face consequences, due to its deteriorating human rights record.
The law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP (BHFS) which signed a deal with Sri Lanka will advise and assist the government with issues relating to Sri Lanka and the United States of America.
Proposed activities include arranging meetings and consultations for representatives of Sri Lanka with members of congress and executive branch officials in order to enhance “US awareness and understanding of Sri Lanka and to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.’’
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington called for tenders on the instructions of Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohone.
Though several reputed US firms have submitted expressions of interest, doubts have been raised as to why BHFS has been selected ignoring many bidders who have a good track record in the field.
Former Sri Lankan Ambassador in Washington DC, Bernard Goonetileke has released the initial payment of US $ 300,000 on May 21, 2008 to BHFS for the first six months. The ministry is making arrangements to pay the balance US $ 300,000 before end of July, sources said.
Sources say that the next payment should be paid after an evaluation on work already completed by the BHFS LLP.
However, political sources also express their concern as to why the Foreign Ministry has kept this deal concealed not only from the citizens and the Parliament of Sri Lanka but also Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.