Colombo, Shuler, new US lobby firm, cozy alliance rumored

[TamilNet, Sunday, 07 April 2013, 00:02 GMT]
Colombo has inked a lobbying and government affairs contract with the US-based "The Majority Group," after the previous lobby firm, Patton Boggs, terminated its representation of Sri Lanka in early February, sources in Washington said. While the diplomatic performance of Jaliya Wickremesuriya, Sri Lanka's President's relative and the current Ambassador to Sri Lanka in Washington, has been lackluster, Wickremasuriya-mooted relationship with North Carolina Congressman, Heath Shuler, is rumored to have played a role in the selection of the lobby firm, even while the Congressman's nexus to the Majority group has raised questions on the "revolving door" ambitions of Shuler, political sources in Washington said.

The two-year old Majority Group was founded by Capitol Hill veteran Rob Ellsworth, former Congressman Walt Minnick (D-ID), former Congressman Charles Djou (R-HI), and Wall Street attorney Chris DiAngelo.

"We're excited to work with Sri Lanka on a number of issues important to both of our countries. As a small boutique firm, we are able to give constant and individualized attention to our clients; I know that was very important to Sri Lanka," Ellsworth is reported to have said according to the Politico website.

Congressman Heath Shuler (D-11th District NC)

The following facts on the Colombo, Shuler, and The Majority nexus are feeding the rumor mill in Washington, especially on Shuler if his Majority Group deal is "Bribery, or Legitimate Career Change?":

• Sri Lanka Embassy funds Rep. Shulers trip to Vanni after the end of war.
• Shuler provides much needed positive propaganda for Colombo complimenting Rajapakses of the transparency and the treatment of Tamils in internment camps.
• The Majority Group co-founder Ellsworth served as a key Aide [Legislative Assistant] to Shuler.
• The Revolving Door: Heath Shuler, who is about to quit Congress, is reportedly already talking to different lobbying firms, assessing his options. One of the organizations taking a serious look at Shuler is The Majority Group.
• Colombo hires Ellsewood's The Majority Group to represent Sri Lanka in the US for lobbying activities.

Knowledgeable political sources in Washington commented that "while some call this phenomenon [Shuler and The Majority Group's mutually beneficial acts involving financial deals] the "revolving door," the line between casual bribery and simply changing careers is incredibly fuzzy. How do we know that lawmakers like Shuler aren't influenced [in law making] by the lobbying firms already promising them cash?," the political pundits ask.

Sri Lanka’s central bank recently inked a separate contract with Thompson Advisory Group to promote the country’s economic interests.

Chronology:

07.04.13  Colombo, Shuler, new US lobby firm, cozy alliance ..

08.01.12  Durham apparel company moves manufacturing out of ..

04.11.11  US Congressman’s ‘Sri Lanka interest’ surpasses ca..

06.06.09  Congressman Shuler contradicts Rights groups after..

External Links:

AU:		AU appallingly provides platform to oppressive regime
PB:		Patton Boggs LLP
MG:		The Majority Group