Under fire for imposing additional burden on the masses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday justified the sharp hike in fuel prices, saying the move was warranted and also helps to achieve other beneficial broader socio-economic goals.

In a statement, the President said the price increase is only one key factor in a common strategy that strengthens the local economy.

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Tries to Justify Fuel Price Increase by Saying it strengthens country’s banking system, maintains low interest rates, reduces foreign exchange spending, strengthens the exchange rate and safeguards the health and welfare of the people’ »

Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila yesterday said the increase of fuel prices was a collective decision by the President, Prime Minister and the entire Government while calling for the resignation of the ruling party’s General Secretary, who, on Saturday, wanted the former to quit.

“Fuel price revision is determined by the global prices and the exchange, and not by the Energy Minister,” Gammanpila told a hurriedly convened media briefing to respond to the charges levelled by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, who called for the resignation of the Energy Minister following the decision to hike fuel prices.

Gammanpila said from November 2020, in tandem with a spike in global prices, as the Energy Minister, he was involved in negotiations to reduce taxes and levies on local fuel thrice.

Continue reading ‘Energy Minister Gammanpila Wants SLPP Gen Secy Kariyawasam to Resign for Statement Criticising him Saying Fuel Price Increase was Collective Decision of President, Prime Minister and Cabinet’ »

(Text of Statement Issued by Former Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale on 14 June 2021)

Last week, we learned that the European Parliament has taken note of the politically motivated imprisonment of the highly respected former CID Director SSP Shani Abeysekara. This undemocratic and autocratic conduct has helped to place Sri Lanka’s GSP+ import duty concessions, which make our exports to the European Union competitive, at grave risk.

Similarly, the UN Human Rights Council has also raised the issue of Mr. Abeysekara’s political imprisonment as an example of the precarious law and order situation in Sri Lanka. If the countries that purchase most of our exports start to see Sri Lanka as a lawless and undemocratic country that arbitrarily punishes professional public servants for doing their job, we will face an economic catastrophe.

Continue reading ‘“A senior official of the Attorney General’s Department, with a vested political interest has ordered that Mr. Shani Abeysekara and his colleagues be held in remand for as long as possible” Says Former Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale’ »

(Text of Statement by Former Prime Minister and Leader of the UNP, Hon. Ranil Wickremesingh regarding the risk of Sri Lanka losing the GSP+ concession given by the European Union)

“Our government took action to regain the GSP+ from the European Union to assist in developing the country’s economy in 2017. This facility provides Sri Lanka with permission to export goods to Europe without taxation, which led to a boom in the garment and fishing industries.

An issue has arisen in the European Parliament this week regarding the GSP+ tax concession. We have been warned that this concession will be revoked.

Continue reading ‘If the GSP+ concession given by the European Union is lost the rupee will depreciate further and be around 300 rupees per dollar ad also lead to the loss of thousands of jobs Wrns UNP Leader and Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has called for the resignation of Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila over his failure to prevent yesterday’s fuel price increase.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam Issues Statement Calling For the resignation of Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila over his failure to prevent fuel price increases’ »

For two weeks an inferno blazed on the X-Press Pearl, a container ship, off Sri Lanka’s western coast. Its cargo—everything from frozen fish to hazardous chemicals and tiny plastic pellets known as nurdles—burned up or spilled into the ocean. Eventually, on June 2nd, the ship sank. Nurdles and other debris are washing up on beaches. Hard questions have been asked about why the vessel, which was known to have a leaky container of acid, was allowed to enter Sri Lankan waters.

So naturally all that many Sri Lankans have discussed for the past week is Piumi Hansamali, a 28-year-old model and actress. On the same day that the ship sank, police in the capital, Colombo, bundled Ms Hansamali and more than a dozen other people into an old bus and drove them to Passara, a distant village, for a compulsory two-week quarantine. Ms Hansamali had earlier been arrested and released on bail for attending a birthday party on May 30th for Chandimal Jayasinghe, a beautician and beauty-pageant impresario, in a five-star hotel, in violation of a lockdown that started in the middle of May.

Continue reading ‘Social Media Firestorm Caused by Influencer Piyumi Hansamali’s Rants Have Helped Govt by Diverting Focus Away from Environmental Disaster Created by “X-Press Pearl”Container Ship -The Economist’ »

WHEN SALIH HUDAYAR visited Tajikistan in 2014, he remembers there being “thousands” of fellow Uyghurs in Dushanbe, the capital. Many of them came from the same city as him, Artush, in western Xinjiang. But since then the number of Uyghurs in the country has dwindled.

Mr Hudayar is now an American citizen and the head of a group called the East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE), founded in Washington in 2004, claiming to represent the interests of Uyghurs in Xinjiang (or East Turkistan, as some Uyghurs call the region). According to evidence submitted on June 10th to the International Criminal Court (ICC), on behalf of the ETGE and the East Turkistan National Awakening Movement, another Washington-based group, China has been working with Tajikistan to round up and deport Uyghurs since at least 2016.

The Chinese Public Security Bureau worked with the Tajikistan police to identify any Uyghurs, and then “directly intervened” to deport them back to China. “I knew central Asia wasn’t safe,” Mr Hudayar remembers. “No matter where you go, you have to be careful.”

The lawyers for the two Uyghur groups are asking the ICC’s prosecutor to open an investigation into Chinese officials. They allege that through threats, intimidation and physical force, nearly 3,000 Uyghurs—85-90% of the total population in Tajikistan—have been compelled to return to China, where they are likely to end up in detention camps.

Continue reading ‘Lawyers for two Uyghur groups Trying to get International Criminal Court Prosecutor to open an Investigation into Human Rights Abuses by Chinese officials Against Uyghurs in Tajikistan’ »

Sri Lankans posting/sharing falsehoods on social media face arrest without warrant, police said.

In a statement issued June 08, police said anyone creating, publishing, sharing, forwarding, or aiding and abetting the spread of fake news on social media will be considered to have committed an offence under provisions in the police ordinance, the penal code, the prevention of terrorism act (PTA), the computer crimes act and other laws.

Continue reading ‘Person or Persons Posting or Sharing “FAKE NEWS” on Social Media in Sri Lanka Can be Arrested Without without Warrant by Police’ »

By
Sulmaan Wasif Khan

(Sulmaan Wasif Khan is the Denison chair of international history and diplomacy at Tufts University’s Fletcher School. He is the author of Haunted by Chaos: China’s Grand Strategy From Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping.)

Sometime in 2020, China came unmoored from its grand strategy. Until then, Beijing’s diplomatic, military, and economic efforts were all directed toward national security. Learned observers could quibble about whether Beijing saw security as inseparable from hegemony; they could debate how productive China’s policies were. But the consistency of purpose underpinning China’s behavior was hard to miss.

Of late, however, China has lost that purposefulness—one of the hallmarks of grand strategy. The predominant feature of Chinese conduct today is not grand strategy but a belligerent, defensive nationalism that lashes out without heed of consequences.

Just why that breakdown has occurred is uncertain, but it is clear that the change has put both China and the world in jeopardy. China risks undoing all it has gained—at considerable cost—since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) came to power. And the rest of the world, particularly the United States, finds itself confronted not with the hard task of managing a rising, reasonably predictable power but the infinitely harder job of managing a flailing one.

Grand strategy is the integration of different kinds of power to achieve an overarching objective. How a state defines its objective and how it weaves together diplomacy, military power, and economic policy to pursue it will vary, but certain features are usually clear.

First, grand strategies are long-term. The idea is to be safe not just now or tomorrow but a decade or so down the line.

Second, they are all-encompassing. Be it Iran or environmental change, the cost of potatoes or military modernization, grand strategies consider these items as they relate to an overarching objective, not in isolation.

Third, they have flexibility. The grand strategist is capable of shifting tacks: This particular path isn’t getting me where I want to go; therefore, I must try another way.

In China’s case, a grand strategy has defined the Communist Party’s conduct for most of its time in power. From Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping, China has sought to secure the state by weaving together diplomatic, economic, and military power.

Continue reading ‘The predominant feature of Chinese conduct today is not grand strategy but a belligerent, defensive nationalism that lashes out without heed of consequences.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

“Over the weekend, the vultures got into the presidential palace…”
– Gabriel Garcia Marquez, ‘The Autumn of the Patriarch’

It looks like a scene from a science fiction movie or a glimpse of the end times. A leaden beach; figures in head-to-toe protective gear shovelling tiny plastic pellets into sacks. A labour of Sisyphus, for as they clean one mound, waves heap more on the shore. Carcasses of fish, sea birds, turtles and dolphins pile up on other shores, the first victims of a cataclysm that could have been prevented but wasn’t.

A few miles, and a universe, away, it is business as usual for the Rajapaksas. President Gotabaya presents nephew Namal with a spanking new State ministry. Prime Minister Mahinda inaugurates six road construction projects – five overhead bridges and one expressway. It is as if the worst marine environmental disaster in the history of Sri Lanka is a thing happening to other people.

The multiverse is here.

The Rajapaksas rule in one universe and we live in another.

In their universe Sri Lanka is a world-leader in fighting the pandemic, has a vaccine rollout that is a shining example of efficacy and fairness, possesses enough money for everything health, and is lending dollars to Bangladesh in millions.

In our universe, everything is otherwise.

Continue reading ‘The Rajapaksas don’t Dismantle the Chicken Coop. They merely make the Foxes the Guardians and Protectors of the Chickens.’ »

Two Fundamental Rights petitions filed on behalf of two teachers of the Al- Zuhriya Arabic College said that two teachers were forced by the Criminal Investigations Department to implicate Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah.

The two petitions were filed by lawyer Erik Balasooriya was supported before the Supreme Court yesterday.

M.A. Sumanthiran PC told the court that the two teachers had told their lawyer Balasooriya during a consultation held in the presence of two CID officers who had an audio recording device, that the officers had promised “leniency” if they implicate Hizbullah.

“They were forced to implicate Hizbullah and were promised leniency and they don’t even know who Hejaaz Hizbullah is,” he told court.

Continue reading ‘Two Teachers at Al-Zuhriya Arabic College who did not even know Hejaz Hizbullah Personally were Forced by CID Officers to Falsely Implicate the Prominent Lawyer in Fabricated Statements and were Promised “Leniency” in Return.’ »

By

Vijitha Yapa

Three graduates from Peradeniya University applied for the posts of journalists at the Sunday Times in 1987. We wanted fresh blood and these three outclassed the others who responded to our advertisement. All three, Qadri Ismail, Romesh Fernando and J.F. Tissanayagam were recruited.

Qadri was an English Honours graduate and began to show his skills in word craft and presentation of facts early. But soon he was embroiled in controversy on English with his mentor, Professor Ashley Halpe of the Department of English, through the pages of Mervyn de Silva’s The Lanka Guardian. Mervyn asked Ashley to bring the argument to a halt and Ashley sent a two-liner to conclude the confrontation. He said ‘all this time we were taught English in the schools through W.H. Samaranayake’s English with a smile but now there is a modern version, English with an Ismail’.

Nov. 8, 1987: Qadri wrote the near-death experience he faced while reporting the IPKF’s war against the LTTE\\

The decision to give Lasantha Wickramatunga and Qadri space to write two weekly columns saw the birth of a controversial adventure. While Lasantha wrote the inside stories on politics and gave intricate details including the menus partaken at meals by politicians, Qadri was adept at writing on any subject under the sun. But unlike Lasantha, Qadri’s comments on politics meant he was immersed in controversy.

Continue reading ‘Vijitha Yapa the Founding Editor of “Sunday Times” Writes About Qadri Ismail’s Journalistic Stint at the Newspaper Three Decades Ago’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Former JVP MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says the government owes an explanation as regards the role played by Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa in the ongoing efforts to bring the rampaging Covid-19 epidemic under control.

Dr. Jayatissa, who represented the Kalutara District in Parliament during 2015-2020 period, failed to retain his seat at the last general election, conducted in August 2020.

The JVPer asked whether the government had created a special position for Minister Rajapaksa in the apparatus tasked with battling the epidemic.

Referring to a spate of press releases issued by the Sports Ministry in the past two weeks, Dr. Jayatissa questioned the rationale behind Minister Namal Rajapaksa chairing a meeting of State Ministers at Temple Trees where the focus was on the ongoing national inoculation project.

Continue reading ‘Why is Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa Playing a Prominent Role in Govt Activity Relating to the COVID Threat while there are one cabinet minister and three State ministers in charge of functions Concerning Health Sector asks ex -JVP Parliamentarian Dr.Jayatissa’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Last month, Sri Lanka passed the controversial Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, which governs the China-backed Colombo Port City project worth $1.4 billion, amid wide opposition to the creation of a “Chinese enclave” in the island nation.

Why is the project surrounded by controversies?

The Colombo Port City has grabbed headlines in Sri Lanka in recent months even as the relentless third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps through the country. Almost an artificial island, the territory coming up on 2.69 square kilometres of land reclaimed from Colombo’s seafront has stirred controversy since its inception. Those backing it see in that patch of land their dream of an international financial hub — a “Singapore or Dubai” in the Indian Ocean. But sceptics claim that it could well become a “Chinese colony”, with the Bill, which is now an Act, providing the Port City and the powerful Commission that will run it substantial “immunity” from Sri Lankan laws, besides huge tax exemptions and other incentives for investors.

Pitched as a “world-class city for South Asia”, the development is envisioned under five distinct “precincts” — the Financial District, the Central Park Living and the Island Living to come up as residential areas, The Marina, which is planned as a leisure destination, and the International Island, which would include educational institutions and convention centres. The Port City project is scheduled for completion by 2041.

Continue reading ‘Why has the China-backed Colombo Port City project come under attack from the Opposition and citizens?’ »

UNP leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to look into the fire on the X-Press Pearl.

“The ship arrived in the outer harbor of Colombo on the night of May 19. On the 20th of May our crew entered the ship. There they learned that there was a fire in the container boxes containing the chemicals stored on the ship. By May 25, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) had informed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that this area was in danger,” Wickremesinghe said.

“If the explosion had taken place when the X-Press Pearl had entered the port of Colombo, the damage would have been worse. It could have destroyed all the buildings from the Colombo port to the Shangri-La Hotel,” the UNP Leader stressed.

Continue reading ‘” People have a right to know how the ship caught fire and why it could not be extinguished. Also, the people have a right to know what steps we will take next regarding the ship. We urge the government to expedite this” -UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on X-Press Pearl Disaster’ »

by Rajan Philips

Qadri Ismail, Professor of English, Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature, in the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, passed away recently. His death was sudden and shocking. Yet another Sri Lankan scholar, writer and activist has been prematurely snatched away.

Qadri Ismail

Everyone who reads Sri Lankan politics in English knows of Qadri Ismail. I hardly knew Qadri apart from his writings.

I have met him only once, and that was in Minneapolis, in 2007. The backdrop to our meeting was the rather long review article I had written on Qadri’s (thesis) book: “Abiding by Sri Lanka: On Peace, Place and Post-coloniality.” The article was published in 2006, in The Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities.

I owe a debt of intellectual gratitude to Dr. Senath Walter Perera, now Emeritus Professor of English and the Journal Editor at that time, who invited me to review the book and then introduced me to Qadri. In keeping with the many themes that Qadri touched in his book, and following up on my recent articles on the fiftieth anniversary of the 1971 insurrection, it is appropriate that I write this sequel on the limitations of Sri Lanka’s three nationalisms as a homage to the memory of Professor Qadri Ismail.

Continue reading ‘Qadri Ismail discursively envisioned a Sri Lanka “that has never existed” – one that can only experientially evolve and not be built by brick and mortar.’ »

By Sarasi Wijeratne

The decision to tow away the MV X– Press Pearl to deeper waters could result in further and unprecedented damage to the environment and marine life unless the bunker oil is taken out.

The ship was carrying more than 300 tons of bunker oil for its use and there are likely to be several bunkers with oil in them.

‘There are experienced divers who can be deployed for this’, said Dr. Dan Malika Gunasekara an expert in national maritime and logistics. ‘It should be done under the guidance of maritime experts and a captain’.

The second priority is to move the wreck of the vessel from its current position because it is in the middle of busy shipping lanes and an obstruction can have a heavy financial cost.

Continue reading ‘Urgent Priority now is to Remove 300 Tons of Bunker Oil from MV X– Press Pearl to Prevent Ecological Damage and Move the wreck of the vessel from its current position because it is in the middle of busy shipping lanes and an obstruction can have a heavy financial cost’ »

By Sarasi Wijeratne

The fire on board the MV X-Press Pearl could have been averted if the acid leak that wasdetected was fixed before it sailed to Colombo.

The ship’s crew had detected the leak after it left Jebel Ali in Dubai where it had loaded cargo and was enroute to Hamad in Qatar. The leak was allegedly not fixed here and nor was it fixed in Hazari in India which was its next stop. The ship, which was on a fixed port rotation between these ports was a regular and the next port of call was Colombo.

‘In addition to responsibilities under the fixed port rotation system we have a Port of Refuge and support services obligation and we could not have turned the ship away,’ said a high–level source at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority(SLPA). ‘It could have resulted in a criminal prosecution’.

Denying the ship had not been allowed entry to Hamad and Hazari the source clarified that it was allowed entry into these ports to offload and reload cargo but the leak allegedly was not fixed. According to the source the prevailing ground conditions were instrumental. ‘The ship was in Hamad during the Ramadan season andin Hazari it could not get help because of Covid’.

Continue reading ‘If Acid Leak Detected by MV X-Press Pearl Crew After Ship Left Jebel Ali in Dubai where it had loaded cargo had been Fixed at Hamad in Qatar or Hazaril in India the Fire on Board the Vessel Off Colombo Could Have Been Averted.’ »

(Excerpts from the “Sunday Times”Political Column of June 6th 2021)

This week, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who appeared to lean in favour of Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the presidential election, came out fiercely at a news conference. He criticised bitterly the ruling alliance and charged that there was a conspiracy to save those responsible for the Easter Sunday massacres in 2019.

Here are edited excerpts of what he said:

“We are deeply sorry about the current situation. There are several factors that contribute. In general, we are unsure whether there is any rule of law in the country, The trajectory the country is headed is also questionable. Sri Lanka is a country which is situated in an incredibly special geographic location in the world, Those who pledged to protect the country and came to power are dragging the country towards a path of destruction. It is very saddening to talk about this.

“Expectations in our hearts and minds are shattered. Who is ruling the country? Who takes decisions? Our country has become a place where we are uncertain about these matters. We as people of this country, and not only as Catholics, what we can say is ‘please stop moving forward like this’. Development is not selling the country’s resources. It must be easy to sell all the resources. Yet we have something called self-esteem and confidence. The politicians are responsible for protecting the country. Please do not offer our land to different countries.

“Government politicians, who supported us earlier when we were protesting against the MCC agreement with the US, are now doing the same thing in a worse manner. We are terribly sad about it. The former Attorney General has said that a huge conspiracy is taking place in this country. That means there is huge conspiracy behind the Easter Sunday attacks. We should know what that conspiracy is? If the former Attorney General said it, he should have investigated it.

Continue reading ‘“We elected a leader who we thought was capable to govern the country through politics. If he is not, we won’t place our confidence in him.”- Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Lashes Out at Media Conference.’ »

Columnist Fareed Zakaria says in an opinion piece in The Washington Post dated May 28 that in a country that is divided on almost everything, one area of bipartisanship in the United States is alive and growing — fear of China.

“The Chinese are eating our lunch,” says President Biden. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri says they “are well on their way” to achieving their goal of world “domination.” Experts warn that China’s Belt and Road Initiative and vaccine diplomacy are bolstering its soft power, Zakaria points out.

“Let’s look at what is actually happening on the ground. China’s secrecy and deception about the origins of covid-19 have spurred increasing calls for thorough investigations, including now from Biden. Instead of being transparent and welcoming international efforts to figure out what went wrong, Beijing’s attitude has been defensive and obstructionist — fueling suspicions and conspiracy theories.”

Continue reading ‘“President Xi Jinping has pursued a combative, unpredictable and often emotional foreign policy. Now Chinese diplomats embrace conflict and hurl insults in what is known as “wolf warrior” diplomacy.”’ »

By

Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Six more people including Jackson Anthony’s daughter Madhavee Wathsala Anthony have been arrested for attending the birthday party thrown at Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo on May 30 violating quarantine regulations, Police said.

Milan Silva, the husband of Madhavee Wathsala Anthony, Anarkali Akarsha and mother of event organiser Chandimal Jayasinghe were also among the arrested.

Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that the police are searching for another person who is evading the arrest.

He said a total of 21 persons have been arrested over the incident so far.

Continue reading ‘21 Persons Including Jackson Anthony’s Daughter Madhavee Wathsala and Actress Anarkali Akarsha Arrested for Attending Birthday Event Organized by Chandimal Jayasinghe and model Piumi Hansamali at the Colombo Shangri-La Hotel’ »

“BOTH HUSBAND and wife have the duty to practise family planning.” In China these words are a threat, enshrined in the constitution. Failure to abide by the ruling party’s notion of the correct family size can result in punishment, with a large fine or the loss of a job.

Among the mainly Muslim ethnic minorities in the far-western region of Xinjiang, women who exceed their allotted quota of children have been subjected to forced sterilisation and sent to detention camps.

Some Chinese may be relieved, then, that the Communist Party will relax the rules. Previously, most couples had been kept to two children. On May 31st the Politburo announced that the limit would be raised to three.

Continue reading ‘China should stop telling its citizens how many children to have;it’s none of the Communist Party’s business;Every other country grants its people the basic freedom over whether or not to have children. Why not China?’ »

By

Meera Srinivsan

Sri Lankan authorities on Thursday said they were bracing for a possible oil spill, as a fire-damaged cargo vessel was sinking off the island’s main port in capital Colombo.

Singapore-registered MV X-Press Pearl, carrying chemicals and plastic, has been in news since a fire incident on May 20 and subsequent explosion aboard, following which tonnes of plastic pellet deposits were found deposited along the country’s beaches.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan authorities bracing for a possible oil spill as fire-damaged cargo vessel “MV X-Press Pearl” carrying chemicals and plastic starts sinking off the island’s main Harbour in Colombo.’ »

By

Col R Hariharan

Many would consider the passing of the controversial Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill by Sri Lanka parliament, with a comfortable margin on May 20, as a victory for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. President Rajapaksa’s personal reputation was at stake, after Supreme Court scrutiny had found both constitutional and procedural anomalies with the draft. In the end, the government accepted all the amendments suggested by the Supreme Court, though it bypassed suggestions for referendum and two thirds majority for certain sections, to rush it through the parliament.

The Act empowers the President to create a commission for the special economic zone to manage the SEZ, accord tax and duty concessions for investors. Concerns of ‘foreigners’, euphemism for Chinese, being inducted into the Commission were assuaged after the President Rajapaksa appointed President’s Counsel Gamini Marpana to head the Port City Commission with six other Sri Lankans including Treasury Secretary SR Attygalle as members.

The Economic Commission, which was mooted as an independent body, will now function under the country’s regulatory authorities and constitutional bodies including the parliament. The companies in CPC will have to operate under Sri Lankan laws and judiciary and conform to financial and customs regulations applicable to elsewhere in the country. This has taken some sheen off the original proposal, depriving the CPC much of the hype to become an international financial hub on the lines of Dubai or Singapore. Reconciling the demands of the SEZ to attract investment with the constraints imposed by the Act, must be worrying the Rajapaksas.

Continue reading ‘One wonders how President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would stick to his assurance to India’s concerns on security, with the Chinese literally breathing down his neck.’ »

(Text of Statement Issued by Former Prime Minister and United National Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe urging the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Govt to prepare a draft law to control the pandemic and to sustain the country and the economy)

“First of all, I would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, researchers, public health inspectors, junior staff as well as the Grama Niladharis including the Armed Forces and the Police who have dedicated themselves to the people of Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

We will never forget these people that have worked so hard during the disaster. I urge all citizens to express their gratitude to this group. Our health workers are tired today because they have continually worked for the past year. It is dangerous to continue this way. The Health Sector has reached its tipping point. The only way to protect them is to set a common set of principles that everyone will accept. Only through such a plan can we halt this situation.

First of all, follow the doctor’s instructions. The government still does not accept the medical advice. However, Malaysia decided to close the country for 14 days as soon as it received medical advice.

Also, our country has not yet received the required number of vaccines. As soon as the Minister of Health announced that she would sign an agreement to obtain the vaccine last November, the Pfizer Vaccine Company submitted its proposals. But it did not work. Unfortunately, it was not until seven months later that the government focussed seriously on the vaccination program. This is a great crime.

If we buy the vaccine now, it will have to be done by an authorized representative of the company. Other groups are waiting to earn extra money from the vaccine sales. I urge the Government not to use the vaccination program as an opportunity for middlemen to make money.

Continue reading ‘Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Offers Sensible Advice to Presient Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Govt on How o Deal With the COVID Pandemic Crisis Effectively; Is it a case of Casting Pearls Before Swine?’ »

By

Easwaran Rutnam

The Working Committee (WC) of the United National Party (UNP) has picked party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the UNP nominee for Parliament.

At a meeting held today (Monday) the UNP Working Committee proposed that Wickremesinghe enter Parliament through its only National List seat.

UNP sources told Daily Mirror that the party will now take a final decision on the matter.

Continue reading ‘The Working Committee of the United National Party Unanimously Decides to Nominate party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the UNP National List MP in Parliament.’ »

By Easwaran Rutnam

Two Maulavis who have been arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), have informed court through their lawyer that they are under pressure to frame human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah.

Attorney-at-law Erick Balasooriya had filed a Fundamental Rights petition alleging that the two Maulavis are being coerced to frame Hizbullah.

In the Petition, Balasooriya said the Moulavis do not know Hizbullah nor did they conduct any extremist teaching at the Al-Zuhriya madrasa.

When the Moulavis were first produced before the Colombo Magistrates court yesterday, Balsooriya informed court that the Moulavis intend making a statements to him. The matter was thereafter transferred to the Fort Magistrates court.

Continue reading ‘MA Sumanthiran PC Files Application on Behalf of Two Moulavis Detained Under the PTA who Want to Make Direct Statement to Fort Magistrate Claiming to be under Pressure by Police to Implicate Lawyer Hejaaz Hibullah Falsely in Case Relating to Alleged Extremist Teachings at AlhZuhriya Madrassa’ »

By

Ashwini Natesan

(The writer is a lecturer, legal researcher and consultant specialising in Technology, Media and Communications Law.)

At the outset it should be said that there is no question as to the need or importance of a data protection legislation. Sri Lanka has long needed a comprehensive legislation to protect individuals’ personal data from breach and unauthorised use. However, a reading of the Personal Data Protection 2021, draft in its present form, (Draft 7 published in February 2021 in ICTA’s official website, hereinafter ‘Proposed Data Protection’) raises certain potential concerns that require attention.

Continue reading ‘Is the Proposed Data Protection legislation a cause for concern for journalistic expression?’ »

By

Suhasini Haidar and Meera Srinivasan

Sri Lanka on Friday invited international investment into the Colombo Port City that it described as a “fully Sri Lankan project”, while official sources in New Delhi said they were “keeping a close eye” on the project and its “security implications”.

“If it is only a commercial venture then that is their [Sri Lanka’s] choice… We will continue to engage Sri Lanka, while watching our national interest,” said a government source in New Delhi, awaiting the final version of the Bill whose blueprint the Sri Lankan Parliament’s Speaker signed on Thursday. The ‘Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act’ is yet to be made public.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Invites International Investment into the Colombo Port City while New Delhi Officials say they are “keeping a close eye” on the project and its “security implications”.’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed seven members to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, including three young leaders from the private sector.

The Commission, which will be chaired by Gamini Marapana PC, has a three-year term of office and could be re-appointed.

The Commission will act as a single window investor facilitator for all the investments and projects in the Colombo Port City. Land within the Port City vests with the Commission and any lease of land for a project will have to be executed with the Commission.

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Appoints Seven Members to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission; Gamini Marapana PC will be Chairman while Other Six comprise Treasury Secretary S R. Attygalle, Water Supply Ministry Secretary Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama,Saliya Wickramasuriya, Kushan Kodituwakku, Rohan de Silva and Gerard Ondaatjie.’ »

By

P.K.Balachandran

In contrast to iconic Tamil Nadu leaders like K.Kamaraj or M.G.Ramachandran (MGR), who were invariably portrayed glowingly, Muthuvel Karunanidhi, leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and many times Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, was dogged by negative portrayals.

To his adoring followers, he was the quintessential Tamil icon and a relentless crusader for the Tamils’ rights and a promoter of social justice. But to his opponents, he had institutionalized corruption and was a radical Tamil nationalist who, at times, betrayed secessionist ideas.

A.S.Panneerselvan’s just released biography of Karunanidhi entitled: “Karunanidhi: A Life” (Penguin/Viking 2021), shows the Tamil leader in a very favorable light. Rich in detail, it cites context after context in which Karunanidhi was deliberately wronged by interested parties.

Continue reading ‘Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Leader Muthuvel Karunanidhi’s policy on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue was “refined and nuanced” and “statesman-like” Argues A.S.Panneerselvan in his New Biography “Karunanidhi: A Life”’ »

On may 6th Wang Xing, a Chinese tech tycoon, posted a classical ninth-century poem on Fanfou, a social-media platform. The poem mocked an ancient Chinese emperor who tried to quell unrest by burning books. “The ashes of burnt books had not yet faded away but the Qin dynasty was already weak,” read the poem. For some reason, cynics suggested that the dynasty Mr Wang had in mind was not an ancient one at all, and the “emperor” he was mocking was Xi Jinping.

Mr Wang swiftly deleted the post, and censors wiped all comments. But the share price of Mr Wang’s firm, Meituan, a popular online platform for shopping and delivery services, promptly collapsed. In four days it declined in value by $26bn, wiping $2.5bn from Mr Wang’s personal fortune. He insisted that he had been referring to competition within the e-commerce industry. His firm is one of several that have come under recent close scrutiny from antitrust regulators.

Continue reading ‘Open criticism is taboo of China’s all-powerful leader Xi Jinping known as “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named”’ »

மனோ கணேசன்

தற்போது சமூக ஊடகங்களில் உலாவும் தமிழ் இல்லாத, சிங்களம், சீனம், ஆங்கிலம் ஆகிய மொழிகள் மட்டும் கொண்ட ஒரு பெயர் பலகை படம், ஒரு வருடத்துக்கு முன்பே அகற்றப்பட்டு விட்டது என சீன தூதரகம் எனக்கு தெரிவித்துள்ளது. எனினும் இதுபற்றி யோசித்து பார்த்தால், தமிழ் மொழியை புறக்கணிக்க சீனர்கள், இலங்கை அரசிடம்தான் பாடம் படித்துள்ளனர் போல் தெரிகிறது.

சட்டத்துக்கு வரைவிலக்கணம் தரும் பொறுப்பை கொண்டிருக்கும் சட்டமா அதிபர் திணைக்களத்தில், மொழி சட்டத்தை மீறும் வகையில், தமிழுக்கு பதில் சீன மொழியை எழுதி, திறன் நூலகத்தை சட்டமா அதிபரே திறந்து வைக்கிறார். இப்போது, எமது எதிர்ப்புகளின் பின் அது மாற்றப்படுவதாக சொல்லப்படுகிறது. ஆனால், நடந்த “சட்டமா” குளறுபடிக்கு காரணம் யார்? சட்டமா அதிபர் திணைக்களமா? சீன தூதரகமா? இலங்கை அரசா?

எங்கள் பொறுமைக்கும் ஒரு எல்லை உண்டு. இந்நிலை தொடருமானால், இலங்கை-சீன அரசுகளுக்கு எதிராக நாம் மொழி போராட்டத்தை கொழும்பு தெருக்களில், துறைமுக நகருக்குள்ளேயே சென்று ஆரம்பிக்க வேண்டி வரும் கூறி வைக்க விரும்புகிறேன் என தமிழ் முற்போக்கு கூட்டணி தலைவர் மனோ கணேசன் எம்பி கூறியுள்ளார்.

சீன நிறுவன பெயர் பலகைகளில் தமிழ் மொழி தவிர்க்கப்படுவது பற்றி தனது டுவீடர் தளத்தில் பதிவு செய்துள்ள மனோ எம்பி மேலும் கூறியுள்ளதாவது,

Continue reading ‘“எங்கள் பொறுமைக்கும் ஒரு எல்லை உண்டு. இந்நிலை தொடருமானால், இலங்கை-சீன அரசுகளுக்கு எதிராக நாம் மொழி போராட்டத்தை ஆரம்பிக்க வேண்டி வரும். இந்நாட்டு அரசியலமைப்பில் உள்ள அரச கரும மொழி சட்டத்தை மீறும் பெயர் பலகைகளில் கறுப்பு வண்ண தாரை பூசும் போராட்டத்தை நானே தலைமை தாங்கி நடத்தவேண்டிவரும்.”- தமிழ் முற்போக்கு கூட்டணி தலைவர் மனோ கணேசன் எம்பி’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Sri Lanka’s Attorney General’s Department on Saturday removed a plaque at a recently opened library on its premises following social media uproar over the omission of Tamil, an official language, while including Mandarin in the text

.
“The plaque made to declare open the Smart Library of the AG’s Department, by an inadvertent omission did not contain the script in Tamil language, has been removed now and is being replaced with a new plaque,” the public prosecutor’s spokesperson said.

The development comes following considerable twitter backlash from users who shared the picture of the Attorney General — along with the Chinese Ambassador — unveiling the plaque, with text in Sinhala, English, and Mandarin. They questioned the exclusion of Tamil. Prominent Tamil legislators too raised the issue on social media.

Continue reading ‘Though an Official Language Tamil is Often Omitted in Official Name Boards While Mandarin Chinese is Being Included with Sinhala and English Replacing Tamil in some Sign Boards’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

When ‘Enjoy Enjaami’ fame Arivu from Chennai recently joined a virtual discussion with a group of activists and youth from Sri Lanka’s Malaiyaha or hill country Tamil community, there was one person binding them and their histories — Valliamma, Arivu’s grandmother.

She is named in the song that has got over 200 million views since its YouTube launch two months ago. The viral number has intrigued listeners about her story — she was among the Indian-origin Tamils who laboured in Sri Lanka’s tea estates and was later repatriated back to India, with not a patch of land to call her own after years of hard work. Thousands like her returned, and several thousands remained in Sri Lanka, plucking tea every day, building its export-reliant economy.

Continue reading ‘‘Enjoy Enjaami’ song with 200 million Tou tube views in two months could lead to greater awareness of Sri Lanka’s Long Ignored Malaiahath Thamil community’s struggles’ »

By

Sheain Fernandopulle

The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC) has been able to secure 32 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Sri Lanka, SPC Chairman Dr Prasanna Gunasena said.

He said this during a meeting held with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and other officials at the Presidential Secretariat today.

Dr Gunasena said according to the Epidemiology Unit, a total of 29 million doses are required to vaccinate population above 20 years of age.

Continue reading ‘Pharmaceuticals Corporation Chairman Dr Prasanna Gunasena says 32 Million doses of COVID-19 vaccines Comprising 13 million doses of Sputnik-V, 5 million doses of Pfizer and 14 million doses of Sinopharm have been Secured for Sri Lanka’ »

(Text of Speech made by TNA Jaffna District Parliamentarian. M.A. Sumanthiran in Parliament at the 2nd reading of Colombo Port City Economic Commission draft Bill on May 20th 2021)

Thank you Honorable presiding member, for the opportunity to speak on this Bill.

But before I commence my comments on the Bill itself I must place on record our protest at having this debate at a time like this, when there is a third wave of Covid – 19; when many experts have publicly declared that the alert level should be level – 4 and not level – 3. Prof. Malik Peiris and Prof. Kamini Mendis have jointly issued a statement to the public. The Government has failed to adhere to professional advice on this matter, all for the sake of hurriedly having this Bill enacted in Parliament today.

There is a lot of talk about why this still remains a part of the country. Government speakers have repeatedly asked the question as to why focus is being made on China, when anyone can come and invest in this artificially created land mass that is annexed to the city of Colombo. When I appeared in the determination before the Supreme court, I asked their Lordships the question as to why they were wasting their time trying to determine on a Bill that related to a place which is not part of Sri Lanka. And it is that intrigue with which I speak today as well as to why this house is deliberating on something that doesn’t relate to Sri Lanka. I will tell you the reason why I say that at the end of my speech.

Continue reading ‘“You have given away a land mass in your territorial waters to China. You say so much about Eelam; but this is “Cheelam”. This is Cheena, this is “Cheelam”- Jaffna MP Sumanthiran Lambastes Gotabaya Govt in Parliament’ »

By Chandani Kirinde

The Supreme Court in its determination on the Port City Economic Commission Bill has held that the reclaimed land that makes up the Colombo Port City is part of the territory of Sri Lanka in terms of the law and Parliament has legislative power over the area.

In a 63-page ruling, the five-member Bench of the SC also held that several clauses in the Bill were inconsistent with the Constitution, with three of them requiring a two-thirds majority in Parliament as well as an approval by the people at a referendum, and suggested amendments to the Bill to overcome these inconsistencies.

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya PC and Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare PC, Priyantha Jayawardena PC, Murudu Fernando PC and Janaka De Silva.

Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Ruling on Port City Economic Commission Bill States that the reclaimed land that makes up the Colombo Port City is part of the territory of Sri Lanka in terms of the law and that Parliament has legislative power over the area.’ »

The Cabinet of Ministers last evening (18) gave approval to incorporate amendments indicated by the Supreme Court to the Port City Economic Commission Bill.

The agreement was conveyed at a special meeting of the Cabinet.

The two-day debate on the Bill will begin this morning and the Bill will be put to a vote on Thursday evening. The Government will move amendments to the Bill at the Committee Stage debate on the Bill.

Continue reading ‘Govt will Amend Port City Economic Commission Bill According to Ruling Given by Supreme Court At Committee Stage to Facilitate Passage in Parliament with a Simple Majority on May 20th after Two Day Debate’ »

By Asiri Fernando

Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd.) Sarath Weerasekara yesterday called for a report on the status of the Easter Sunday Bombings investigations from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The Minister’s calls for a report follows claims by Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera that he is unable to take action against conspirators of the attacks due to incomplete investigations.

Attorney General de Livera last weekend informed the public that he was not in a position to file charges or indictments against the conspirators of and abettors to the Easter Sunday attacks (April 2019) during his tenure in office, as the CID investigations into the bombings were incomplete.

Continue reading ‘Minister Sarath Weerasekara Says Police Handed over 8 Files Regarding 32 Suspects to Attorney-General Several Months Ago to File Indictments Against Easter Bombing Conspirators and Calls for Report from CID About Attorney -General’s Inability to Prosecute’ »

Outgoing Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera says his Department is not in a position to present charges/indictments against the conspirators and abettors of the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks during his tenure of office as CID investigations in this regard are incomplete.

De Livera, who will retire on 24 May, said the CID is yet to conclude investigations in connection with all suspects linked to the April 2019 attacks despite several communications from the AG to expedite the probe.

Continue reading ‘Attorney-General Dappula de Livera Due to Retire on May 24 Tells IGP that AG’s Dept is Unable to File Indictments Against Suspects in Easter Bombings Due to Police Investigations Being Incomplete against 5 Persons and Seeks Clarification on 130 Pieces of evidence Against 42 Suspects’ »

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) today condemned the recent killing of two suspects in police custody, namely Melon Mabula alias ‘Uru Juwa’ and Tharaka Perera Wijesekera alias ‘Kosgoda Tharaka’ which has occurred on two consecutive days.

In a statement, the BASL said the State and the Police should have a duty to ensure the safety and security of persons in their custody, irrespective of the character of such persons and the seriousness of the nature of the allegations against such person.

The full statement is as follows,

Continue reading ‘Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) condemns killing of two suspects ‘Uru Juwa’ and ‘Kosgoda Tharaka’in police custody on two consecutive days:”These deaths have all the hallmarks of extra-judicial killings” Notes BASL’ »

By Saman Indrajith

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday dismissed the SJB’s call for an all party conference to discuss possible solutions to the prevailing pandemic situation.

Responding to media queries on his party’s position with regard to the proposal of setting up of an APRC, during a press conference held at the party headquarters in Pelawatte on Tuesday, Dissanayake said that all-party representative committee (APRC) meetings were mere political comedies.

Continue reading ‘JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake dismisses the SJB’s call for an all party conference to discuss possible solutions to the prevailing pandemic situation as a Political Comedy’ »

The Commonwealth Foundation on Wednesday announced the regional winners of the world’s most global literary prize, with Sri Lankan author Kanya D’Almeida winning the 2021 Commonwealth Short Story Prize (Asia) for her story, ‘I Cleaned The—’

The 35-year-old author from Sri Lanka fought off competition from a strong field of shortlisted entrants including Indian authors Aravind Jayan, Riddhi Dastidar, Ling Low from Malaysia and Nur Khan from Pakistan to become the Asia winner. She will go through to the final round of judging and the overall winner will be announced on 30 June.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Kanya D’Almeida is Asia Winner of 2021 Commonwealth Short Story Prize with her story titled -‘I Cleaned The—’‘dirty work,’ which talks of “domestic labour, but also love among the rambutan and clove trees of Sri Lanka”’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday (10) conveyed Sri Lanka’s deep concern over the adoption of Private Member Bill 104 on ‘Tamil Genocide Education Week’ by the Ontario Legislative Assembly on 06 May 2021 to Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Seeks immediate intervention of the Canadian government to stop Royal Assent by Lt. Governor of Ontario to the Private Member Bill 104 on ‘Tamil Genocide Education Week’ Passed by the Ontario Legislative Assembly on 06 May 2021’ »

Sri Lanka has entered into a $ 500 million loan agreement with the EXIM Bank of Korea to finance development projects, the Finance Ministry said in a statement yesterday.

In order to further strengthen the economic cooperation between the two countries, the Government of the Republic of Korea has agreed to provide concessional loans from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of the Export Import Bank of Korea (KEximbank).

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Signs $ 500 million loan agreement with the EXIM Bank of South Korea to finance development projects at Low Interest Rates of 0.15-0.20% Repayable in 40 Years With Grace Period of 10 Years’ »

Former Prime Minister and Leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday, making a special statement on the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country, urged the President and the Cabinet of ministers to take control of the worsening situation in the country.

Pointing out that the committees appointed to control the pandemic have failed, the former Premier called on the President and the Cabinet to take full powers to protect the people from this pandemic.

Following is the statement made by the UNP leader:

Continue reading ‘Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Implores President and Cabinet to Take Full Control pf The Situation to Stop Worsening Spread of COVID and Save Lives; Points out that Committees(And Task Forces) Appointed to Check Pandemic Have Failed’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Daily-wage agricultural labourer Abdul Ghafoor Muhammadhu Jazeem, in Sri Lanka’s northern Mannar district, had one life goal. To ensure his children have a good education. Despite toiling for years to realise the dream, he could not be more dejected today.

On May 16, 2020, the police arrested his eldest son, Ahnaf Jazeem, a 26-year-old teacher and Tamil poet, based on allegations that his poetry collection, promoting “religious extremism”, was circulated among his students in Puttalam in the North Western Province, where he was employed.

Mr. Ahnaf Jazeem was arrested under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) — that rights groups deem draconian and want replaced — and has been in custody for a year now. His case, like that of prominent Muslim lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah — also in detention for a year — has brought to focus growing fears over minority rights in Sri Lanka, and old concerns about the 40-year-old anti-terrorism law.

Continue reading ‘Arbitrary Arrest and Prolonged Detention of Teacher-Poet Ahnaf Jazeem and Lawyer Hejaz Hizbullah Under the Prevention of Terrorism Act Strengthens the Case for Repealing Draconian Law Modelled on South Africa’s Apartheid Legislation’ »

Soon after being sworn-in, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on Friday, signed five files to implement major promises made in the DMK Assembly election manifesto, including offering ₹4,000 as COVID-19 relief to family cardholders, free travel in city buses (ordinary) for women and reducing the retail price of Aavin milk by ₹3 per litre from May 16.

An official release said, Mr. Stalin, who reached his office in the Secretariat at Fort St George, ordered the implementation of financial assistance of ₹4,000 to each of the 2.07 crore rice ration card holders across the State, in view of the hardships they face due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Continue reading ‘New Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Begins Implementation of Election Promises by Ordering Grant of Rs 4000 to Each Family, Free Bus Travel in Cities to Working Women and Girls Pursuing Higher Studies, Lowering of Milk Price and Extension of Chief Ministers Health Insurance Scheme for COVID Patients’ »

DMK president M K Stalin was sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Friday, along with 34 ministers in his cabinet. Stalin will hold key portfolios of Police and Home, among others.

The list promises to be a balanced cabinet featuring both the youth and the experienced. Many former ministers have been inducted into the cabinet with some of them being given different portfolios this time around.
Former Chennai Mayor Ma Subramanian will be the Minister for Medical and Family Welfare while Palanivel Thiagarajan (PTR) will be the Minister for Finance.

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, one of the youngest MLAs, will be the Minister for School Education. The cabinet will also have two women members — Geetha Jeevan and N Kayalvizhi Selvaraj — who have been appointed as ministers for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment and Adi Dravidar Welfare, respectively.

Interestingly, Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi does not figure in the list.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin’s Cabinet Ministers:

1. M K Stalin – Chief Minister; Public, General Administration, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Other All India Service, District Revenue Officers, Police, Home, Special Initiatives, Special Programme Implementation, Welfare of Differently-abled persons.

2. Duraimurugan – Minister for Water Resources – Irrigation Projects including small Irrigation, Legislative Assembly, Governor and Ministry, Elections and Passports, Minerals and Mines.

3. K N Nehru – Minister for Municipal Administration – Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply.

Continue reading ‘Names of Ministers in New Tamil Nadu DMK Cabinet and Their Portfolios.’ »

DMK president MK Stalin took oath as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu along with 33 other Cabinet ministers. Interestingly, the Tamil Nadu cabinet now has a unique combination of a Stalin, a Gandhi and a Nehru.

MK Stalin, who was named after late Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin, was sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Friday after the DMK-led alliance won 159 seats, trumping the long AIADMK rule.

Tiruchirappalli-based DMK strongman and former minister, KN Nehru took oath as the Minister for Municipal Administration, a department that was earlier handled by Stalin in the previous DMK government.

Continue reading ‘New 34 Member Tamil Nadu cabinet has a unique combination of a Stalin, a Gandhi and also a Nehru’ »

Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin, the DMK president who led his party to a huge victory in the Assembly polls was sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Friday. Governor Banwarilal Purohit administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 68-year old Stalin, for whom this would be the first stint as CM, in a simple ceremony at the Raj Bhavan here.

A total of 33 ministers were also sworn in following Stalin, of whom 15 are first-time ministers. All the 34, including Stalin took the oath as per their conscience and in Tamil, in sync with the decades old tradition of the DMK.Earlier, Stalin, clad in a white shirt and dhoti introduced his Cabinet to Purohit.

Continue reading ‘68 Year old DMK President Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin Sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu by State Governor Banwarilal Purohit in a Simple Ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Guindy’ »

By
Camelia Nathaniel and Amali Mallawaarachchi

Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara yesterday (05) requested the Speaker not to allow MP Rishad Bathiudeen, who is detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to attend Parliament until the investigations relating to his arrest are completed.

Weerasekara stated that any MP who would be detained under the PTA should not be allowed to attend Parliament until the relevant investigations are over.

Continue reading ‘Jaffna MP Sumanthiran Criticises Sarath Weerasekara’s Move to Prevent MP’s Detained Under PTA From Attending Parliament and Warns that MP’s could be taken into custody under the PTA and investigations carried out for three months which will automatically cancel their seat in Parliament’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Asela Gunawardena, who is the state authority for the national campaign against the rampaging Covid-19 pandemic, has acknowledged that his directive that Piliyandala police area be isolated on May Day was overridden.

Appearing on Hiru TV ‘Salakuna’ programme on Monday (3) night, Dr. Gunawardena admitted that the very basis of the mechanism in place to isolate areas threatened by the Covid-19 epidemic had been violated.

Dr. Gunawardena said so in response to ‘Salakuna’ anchor Chamuditha Samarawickrema repeatedly pressing the DGHS over the removal of the isolation directive issued effective at 6 am on May Day following Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge’s intervention. Samarawickrema sought an explanation as regards the removal of the directive at 5 pm and the subsequent isolation of five Grama Niladhari areas in the Piliyandala police area.

Continue reading ‘Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Asela Gunawardena’s Directive to Isolate Piliyandala Due to COVID Spread is Flouted by Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge who uses his “Power” to Remove Piliyandala from the to be Isolated Areas List.’ »

By Asiri Fernando

Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen’s absence in Parliament yesterday sparked heated debate in the House, with Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Rtd) Sarath Weerasekara requesting that the Speaker not allow his presence, which was subsequently met with heated arguments from the Opposition.

Public Security Minister Weerasekera asked the Speaker not to allow anyone being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to enter Parliament until relevant investigations had been concluded.

Continue reading ‘Attorney-General Dappula de Livera Tells CID There is no Legal Impediment for PTA Detained MP Rishd Bathiudeen to Attend Parliament but Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara Tells Speaker not to Allow any one Detained Under PTA to Enter Parliament Until Investigations are Over.’ »

The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has condemned Sri Lankan legislation that allows for the creation of “reintegration centers” as part of a campaign against violent extremist religious ideology.

The commission said that the legislation will permit arbitrary detention of Muslims who will be subject to human rights violations without any legal oversight.

It also said that a newly imposed ban on the wearing of the burqa, under the pretext of counterterrorism measures, “squarely violates minorities’ rights to freedom of religion guaranteed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

Continue reading ‘The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Condemns Sri Lankan legislation creating “reintegration centers” Saying it will permit arbitrary detention of Muslims who will be subject to human rights violations without any legal oversight.’ »

By P.K.Balachandran

“India and Asian geopolitics: The past, present” by Shivshankar Menon (Brookings Institution Press, Washington DC, 2021) may, at first glance, appear to be primarily on India. But it is about Asia as a whole, its past, present and future in the context of global developments. China’s growth, problems and prospects in a changing world figure prominently in it.

Menon, who was India’s Foreign Secretary and National Security Advisor, and envoy in China and Sri Lanka, says that one of the main reasons for the emergence of China as a power was the withdrawal from Asia of an increasingly inward looking United States, and the weakening of Russia’s hold on its former possessions in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. China started filling the vacuum through its infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from 2013 onwards.

China’s new outlook was stated by President Xi Jinping at the 19th Party Congress in October 2017: “Currently, conditions, both domestic and abroad, are undergoing complicated changes. Our country is in an important period of strategic opportunity in its development. The outlook is extremely bright; the challenges are also extremely grim,” Xi said. China has “become a great power in the world” and that it was time China took the center stage in the world and made a greater contribution to humankind.

Continue reading ‘“China today spends more on internal security than on national or external defense. . Since 2012, under Xi Jinping, CCP’s command and control have been tightened with a drastic recentralization”’ »

By Meenakshi Ganguly

Muslims in Sri Lanka already faced a growing list of discriminatory government policies before the cabinet approved plans on April 27 to ban women’s face coverings. If approved by parliament, the measure will outlaw garments worn by some Muslim women such as the niqab or burqa, increasing their social marginalization.

After a similar ban was temporarily imposed following the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka documented numerous cases of Muslim women, including those legally wearing a hijab – a head covering that does not cover the face – being abused in public and denied access to public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and universities.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Face Covering Ban for Muslim Women is a Discriminatory Measure Targeting a Marginalized Population says Human Rights Watch’ »

(Former Caabinet Minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s Spouse Ayesha Rishad Writes to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over the Arbitrary Arrest and Detention of her Husband and his Brother Riyaj Under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Full text of the letter is Posted Below)

Ayesha Rishad,
Spouse of Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen M.P,
No. 410/16, Bauddhaloka Mawatha,
Colombo – 07
03rd of May, 2021

H.E, Gotabaya Rajapaksa
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Presidential Secretariat
Colombo

Your Excellency,

Arbitrary Arrest of My Husband Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen M.P

I am forwarding this appeal to your Excellency on account of the grave agony and intense drama that had been caused to me and my children by reason of the unlawful and unjustified arrest of my husband Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen M.P.

On 24th of April 2021 that is during the Holy month of Ramadan, at around 3.00 a.m, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) suddenly descended on our house and arrested my husband. At that time no reason for arrest was furnished. On inquiries, we have since become aware that it is alleged that my husband had been privy to telephone calls between the then Additional Secretary (Industrial Development) Mr. Balasubramaniyam of the Ministry, then headed by my husband as the Minister of Industry and Commerce and also in respect of calls said to have been made by Inshaf Ahamed to Mr. Balasubramaniyam.

I wish to bring to Your Excellency’s attention the contents of the Gazette bearing No. 33/24 of 27th of April, 1979 in terms of which the power to issue licenses for the export of scrap metal was vested in the Secretary to the Ministry. This power has been delegated by the Secretary to the Additional Secretary.

A meeting had been held at the Presidential Secretariat on the 27th of March 2019, which had been attended by the Secretary to the Ministry Mr. Ranjith Asoka, Additional Secretary Mr. Balasubramaniyam, and several Exporters. My husband had no information of the meeting and as such he was not present. It had apparently been decided at the meeting to permit the issue of licenses to export scrap metal and as submitted above, the power to grant such licenses was vested exclusively with the Secretary to the Ministry.

Continue reading ‘Former Cabinet Minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s Spouse Ayesha Rishad Writes to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over the Arbitrary Arrest and Detention of her Husband and his Brother Riyaj Under the Prevention of Terrorism Act’ »

By

Col.R.Hariharan

The recently held Quad summit, which transformed an informal frame work of the US, India, Japan and Australia, into a formal grouping with a broad range of objectives in the Indo-Pacific seems to have triggered China into action in South Asia.

China’s State Councillor and defence minister Gen Wei Fenghe made a two-day visit to Colombo after making a fleeting visit to Dhaka on May 27.

The Chinese defence minister called upon President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties, including defence cooperation and post pandemic economic recovery. The Chinese minister’s high-level delegation included Deputy Chief of Staff of Joint Staff Department under China’s Central Military Commission Lt General Shao Yuanming and Major General Ci Guowei. This would indicate Indian Ocean strategic security issues, in the wake of the Quad summit, could be one of the topics of discussion.

Continue reading ‘Formalising of QUAD Grouping Comprising US,India,Japan and Australia In Indo-Pacific Seems to Have Triggered China into Action in South Asia.’ »

By A.J.A. Abeynayake

Attorney General Dappula de Livera yesterday indicted, in the Colombo High Court, former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara on 800 charges over the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The AG’s Coordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said the charges had been filed in respect of those killed and injured in the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Continue reading ‘Attorney-General Dappula de Livera Indicts Former Defence Secy Hemasiri Fernando and EX-IGP Pujith Jayasundara at the Colombo High Court on 800 Charges Over Easter Sunday Attacks;Will ace Separate Trials at Bar for Murder and Attempted Murder Says State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne’ »

By

S.Kumaresan

It was a well-fought battle, defying predictions of a “clean sweep,” springing quite a few surprises in the process.

Out of power for a decade, the DMK finally managed to dethrone its Dravidian rival by a comfortable margin.

MK Stalin, who has been waiting in the sidelines for the last several years, is all set to be sworn-in as the eighth Chief Minister of the State.

At 68, he would be the oldest first-time CM of Tamil Nadu. This is the first time in 25 years that the DMK has secured a majority on its own.

Continue reading ‘DMK Led Alliance in Sweeping Victory with 159 Seats out of 234 in Tamil Nadu State Assembly Elections While AIADML led Alliance gets 75; DMK Ally Congress Gets 18;AIADMK Ally BJP get 04, Parties Led by Actor Kamal Hasan and Director Seeman Fail to get a Single Seat.’ »

By

Priyanka Thirumurthy

The DMK is set to form government in Tamil Nadu after a decade and party chief MK Stalin will be sworn in as Chief MInister on May 7. The DMK’s general secretary Durai Murugan has called for a meeting of elected MLAs on May 4 but this is a mere formality where Stalin will be elected as the legislature party leader.

But the bigger question on everybody’s minds is who will be appointed to key positions in Stalin’s cabinet. Sources in the DMK say that Duraimurugan who won with a slim margin in Katpadi will be the first to choose a portfolio as he is second in command to Stalin.

“He is expected to take either the Public works department or the Finance department,” says a source in the party. Meanwhile PTR Thiyagarajan who retained the Madurai Central with over a margin of 33,000 votes is likely to get the Finance portfolio or Industry if Duraimurugan chooses the former.

Continue reading ‘D.M.K. Leader MK Stalin to be Sworn in as Chief Minister on May 7th as the Dravidian Party Gets Set to Form a Govt In Tamil Nadu After 10 Years: Who Will Be the Key Member in Stalin’s Cabinet?’ »

by Sasanka Perera
South Asian University

I have a clear recollection of one of my teachers in the Advanced Level Sinhala class narrating the story of how a Sri Lankan ruler was kidnapped by a Chinese naval commander in the Kotte period. It was not part of the subject matter of his class. But as a well-read man he knew the story and wanted to make a point about power and political interference. I cannot now remember what the exact context was.

Over time, I also forgot who the Chinese belligerent was but always remember the local kidnap victim as Alakeshvara. In the annals of Sinhala heroism, Alakeshvara or Vira Alakeshvara comes up as an able military leader who is credited for establishing the fortifications of Kotte, which later became the main kingdom of Lanka and for bringing invading soldiers from the kingdom of Jaffna under control.

He later captured power in Kotte and became the king and ruled for 12 years. But Alakeshvara’s plight at the hands of the Chinese is not part of this heroic discourse. ‘National defeats’ are hardly a part of public national memory anywhere in the world and not simply in Lanka. Moments of ‘shame’ are often forgotten or consciously erased in preference to what can be more easily and happily celebrated.

As such, there is a deafening silence on the Chinese belligerence in the 15th century even though there are adequate references to the incident from records of the time as well as from the work of latter-day scholars such as Edward Dreyer, Louise Levathes, Senarath Paranavitana and others. All these sources collectively offer a reasonable sense of what happened not only in Lanka, but the overall contexts and politics of Chinese naval expansion in the 15th century.

It seems to me an understanding of this past is quite important to the present as well, given the way in which this ancient incident is embroiled in diplomatic, military and commercial interests.

Continue reading ‘Parakramabahu the Sixth was nominated as King of Kotte by Chinese Emperor Yongle and effectively installed on the Throne by Chinese Naval Commander Zheng He After Defeating Vira Alakeshvara Militarily and Taking him Prisoner’ »

by Norman Palihawadana

There’s no move to arrest opposition MP, Harin Fernando over his statement in Parliament that he was aware of the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday terror attacks, Public Security Minister, Sarath Weerasekara said.

Continue reading ‘Opposition MP Harin Fernando Wont be Arrested over his statement in Parliament that he was aware of the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday terror attacks Says Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara’ »

Tamil National Alliance(TNA) Jaffna District Parlimentarian MA Sumanthiran escaped unhurt when the vehicle in which he was travelling in met with a hydroplaning accident at 3.45 am on the Colombo – Katunayake Expressway on April 30.

Although the vehicle as well as the safety railings were extensively damage, Sumanthi along with his driver and Police security officer were not injured.

Continue reading ‘TNA Jaffna MP Sumanthiran Escapes Unhurt after his Vehicle Meets with Hydroplaning Accident on he Colombo -Katunayake Expressway at 3.45 am’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Sri Lanka has prioritised developing relations with China and “firmly supports” China’s positions on issues concerning its core interests, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defence Wei Fenghe, according to Chinese state media.

The Sri Lankan President said his country “has been pursuing an independent foreign policy and will never bend to pressure from major powers outside the region as well as never forge an alliance with any country,” Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka and China vowed to enhance pragmatic cooperation in all sectors, “including the military”. While specifics of the enhanced military ties are yet to emerge, Senior Sri Lankan Defence officials and the visiting Chinese delegation signed a ‘Military Assistance Protocol’, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement issued after the top Chinese official’s departure Thursday morning.

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Tells Chinse Defence Minister Wei Fenghe tht Sri Lanka Firmly Supports China’s Positions on Issues Concerning Its Core Interests Reports Chinese State Media’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Defence Secretary retired General Kamal Gunaratne has greatly appreciated the stand taken by China on behalf of Sri Lanka at the recently concluded 46th sessions of the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), during talks with the high powered Chinese delegation led by State Councillor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe.

The delegations led by Minister Fenghe and Defence Secretary Gunaratne met at the Shangri-La Hotel, Wednesday (28). Minister Fenghe is the highest foreign dignitary to visit the hotel overlooking the mega China investment Colombo Port City since it was attacked by two suicide bombers on April 21, two years ago.

UN Security Council member China on behalf of Sri Lanka called for a vote on controversial draft resolution titled ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka,’ after the UK led Core Group targeting Sri Lanka insisted on a punitive text and the setting up of a new inquiry at a cost of USD 2.8 mn. The UNHRC adopted the latest resolution on March 23 with 22 countries voting for, 11 including China against and 14 abstaining.

Continue reading ‘China and Sri Lanka sign ‘Military Assistance Protocol.’in Colombo. Visiting Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe says “We are looking forward to working together with Sri Lanka to enhance practical cooperation and to promote bilateral relations to a greater extent.”’ »

By P.K.Balachandran

A video conference of the Foreign Ministers of South Asian countries and China on the containment of the raging COVID-19 pandemic in the region was held on Tuesday. However, India and its allies, Bhutan and the Maldives, were conspicuously absent, perhaps due to the participation of China. New Delhi envisages no role for China in South Asia.

Those who participated in the conference were the State Councilor Wang Yi (China), Dinesh Gunawardena (Si Lanka), Mirwais Nab (Afghanistan), A.K Abdul Memon (Bangladesh), Pradeep Kumar Gyawali (Nepal) and Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi (Pakistan).

Apparently, the regional and global health emergency has not mitigated pre-existing conflicts and politico-strategic line-up in the strife-torn South Asian region.

A press release from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the discussions focused on consolidating COVID-19 response cooperation and promoting post-pandemic economic recovery as well as poverty alleviation amidst the recent spike in COVID-19 infections.

Continue reading ‘CHINA ENTERS INDIA EXITS; China Participates in South Asian Foreign Ministers Video Conference ON COVID Along With Sri Lanka,Pakistan,Nepal, Bangla Desh and Afghanistan While India and Allies Bhutan and Maldives are Conspicuous by their Absence’ »

By
Dilshan Tharaka

Attorney General Dappula de Livera filed indictments against eight persons including deceased Zahran Hashim and Mohammed Husthun who carried out the suicide bombs at the Colombo Shangri-La hotel and Katuwapitiya St. Sebastian’s Church, in the Puttalam High Court for collection of explosives and maintaining an explosive manufacturing base in Wannathivullu area in 2019.

Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said that the Attorney General has also requested the Chief Justice to appoint a Trial-at-Bar to try the case.

Continue reading ‘Indictment Filed at Puttalam High Court by Attorney-General Against Eight Persons Including Two Deceased For Allegedly Collecting and Manufacturing Explosives in Wannaathivillu: Chief Justice Requested to Appoint A Trial -at -bar;Among The accused are Naufer Maulavi, Zahran Hashim and Mohammed Hasthun.’ »

By P. K. Balachandran

The visit of the Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe to Sri Lanka which begins on Tuesday (27) is significant as it indicates Sino-Lankan relations may go beyond economic engagement to acquiring a military dimension.

A local Sunday paper reported that Wei’s visit will result in China giving Sri Lanka equipment to modernize the army, navy and air force and enhancing the training component. Though independent confirmation of this has not been possible, what is clear is that China is looking beyond infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka. It views the island nation as a strategic asset in the military sense also.

China has been a supplier of military hardware to Sri Lanka during the long drawn out war against Tamil separatists when other countries refused to supply arms on humanitarian grounds or because they were partial to the Tamil movement. China did not have any such considerations. After the war ended in 2009, training of Sri Lankan troops and the supply of new hardware continued, albeit on a limited scale. The focus then shifted to infrastructure development in a significant manner with China building highways, a container terminal, a whole new port and a new airport with amazing speed.

Earlier in April, Sri Lanka inked an agreement with the State-run China Development Bank for a loan of US$ 500 million. A month or so earlier it signed a currency swap deal worth US$ 1.5 billion with China to ensure fiscal stability in the face of the unceasing pandemic. “The US$ 500 million loan was a part of the US$ 1 billion loan (signed before), out of which US$ 500 million was released last year,” the Sri Lankan embassy in China explained. A Sunday paper added that another US$ 700 is being sought.

Continue reading ‘Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe’s Visit to Sri Lanka is significant as it indicates Sino-Lankan relations may go beyond economic engagement to acquiring a military dimension.’ »

By

Krishantha Prasad Cooray

When SJB MP Harin Fernando stood up in Parliament, donned a black shawl and made his explosive speech about the Easter Sunday attack, his audience would have reacted along partisan lines. But on one point, his supporters and detractors would have been in agreement. As they listened to him, they would have thought, that chap is definitely going to be arrested any day now.

In Sri Lanka today, whether or not you will be arrested or prosecuted is not a function of whether you have committed a crime, but whether or not you have spoken or acted in a manner offensive to the government.

If you are loyal to the regime, you enjoy virtual impunity to commit a crime of your choosing. But if you cross this government, it is only a matter of time before you find yourself in jail or facing trial.

A fierce fighter with an acute political compass, it was Fernando who debuted and popularised the phrase “Sir Fail”. For his trouble, he was warned that if he did not back down, he would be treated like Prabhakaran.

Today Harin Fernando is being hounded for his explosive revelations about the Easter Sunday attacks. Violating sacred parliamentary privileges, the Government is said to have plans to arrest him under the same Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) that was enacted to destroy Prabhakaran. When it comes to treating Fernando like Prabhakaran, that seems to be the only promise being kept.

Since the majority of the mainstream media are slavishly loyal to the Government, censoring or twisting any news that casts the Government in a poor light, many Sri Lankans are unaware of the degree to which the Police and the justice system are being used as instruments of revenge by the Government.

Continue reading ‘The Government will continue to misuse the police and the legal system to hunt its critics. If Harin Fernando’s turn doesn’t come tomorrow, it will come someday.’ »

( Text of Media statement issued by Attorney at Law Rushdhie Habeeb on behalf of Hon Rishard Bathiudeen MP and Riyaj Bathiudeen)

We have been instructed by the members of the family of Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen MP and his brother Reyaj Bathiudeen and the All Ceylon Makkal Congress to issue this statement to the media conveying their shock and surprise on the sudden and unannounced arrests by officers of the CID, pass midnight on Saturday 24th April 2021 from their homes.

We have noted the statement released to the media by the police spokesman alleging that the two of them were arrested for aiding and abetting Easter Sunday bomb attackers.

At the outset we have been asked to appeal to the members, well- wishers and the island-wide voters of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), a registered political party with four elected Members of Parliament and 169 members of local authorities, to stay calm and continue the fasting in this holy month of Ramazan.

Continue reading ‘Easter Sunday Commission headed by an Honourable Judge of the present Supreme Court found no evidence of Rishad Bathiudeen or Reyaj Bathiudeen aiding or abetting the suicide bombers in the 21/4 attacks!’ »

By

D.B.S.Jeyaraj

Former Cabinet minister and Wanni district MP Rishad Bathiudeen was arrested by the Police at 3 am on Saturday April 24th 2021. The leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) that has four MP’s in the current Parliament from the Wanni, Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Amparai districts was arrested in his Bullers Rd (Bauddhaloka Mawatte) residence.

Shortly before his arrest, the ex-cabinet minister tweeted “ The CID has been standing outside my house in Baudhaloka Mawatha since 1.30 am today attempting to arrest me without a charge. They have already arrested my brother. I have been in Parliament, and have cooperated with all lawful authorities until now. This is unjust.”

Continue reading ‘ACMC Leader and Former Cabinet Minister Rishad Bathiudeen MP arrested by CID at his Col 7 Residence on April 24 at 3 am;Younger Brother Riyaj Bathiudeen also arrested by Police at his Col 6 Residence.Both Detained Under the Prevention of Terrorism Act(PTA)’ »

(Text of Speech made in Parliament on 22 April 2021.= by TNA Jaffna District Parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran on the Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization.)

Thank you, deputy chairman of committees for the opportunity to speak on this adjournment debate on the report that has been presented by the Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization.

Right at the outset, I must say, that when appointing members to committees such as this, customarily, the President of the Republic says, I am reading from the gazette notification by which these three commissioners were appointed (dated 09th January 2020): “Now therefore I, Gotabaya Rajapaksa,Rpresident of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka reposing great trust and confidence in your prudence, ability and fidelity do in pursuance of the provisions of section 2 of Commissions of Inquiry Act by these presence appoint you” and so on … that he has confidence in their “prudence, ability and fidelity” and when you look at the names of the three persons so appointed you wonder why he chose those persons.

A disgraced member of the Judiciary, who was interdicted for misconduct; sent on compulsory transfer… I don’t want to say anything more than what is in the public realm about whom books have been written and published, the famous book “Unfinished struggle” by Victor Ivan, four editions have come out also, for almost one and a half decades those books have been in circulation. Without anybody being able to refute the facts in that book, say much about the Chairman of this Commission. I don’t usually say anything about anyone who’s not able to reply, but these are maters in the public realm.

Continue reading ‘The Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization Besides exceeding its mandate has gone against the judiciary of this country, rule of law and has sought to make a mockery of the system of justice in this country States MA Sumanthiran MP in Parliament.’ »

By

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

(Nine suicide bombers affiliated to local Islamist extremist group National Thowheed Jamath targeted three Christian churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019, killing 269 people and injuring more than 500.

On the second anniversary of the Easter attacks, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo, gave the following speech at a remembrance ceremony at St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade:)

April 21, 2019, will enter history as a day that cannot be forgotten. We stress the need not to put under the earth the whole effort to discover who and what were behind these attacks.

We are surprised that even after two years answers to the questions of who, why and what lay behind these attacks have not been found by the relevant authorities.

We have to stress that what is happening at the moment, which is an uncaring attitude where all the factors are not properly investigated or coordinated in an organized pattern from day to day according to each day’s fortunes, is not going to satisfy our questions.

Very often we see that there are political reasons behind some of the investigations stalling.

Continue reading ‘“We will continue our struggle until a comprehensive investigation is conducted and those responsible are brought to book. Afterwards we will discuss the need to pardon those who attacked these innocent people” States Cardinal Malcolm Rnjith’ »

Questions were raised in Sri Lanka’s parliament how China’s embassy invited them to a ‘study tour’ of Colombo Port City where a bill to set up a regulatory commission for the reclaimed area is currently challenged at the Supreme Court.

Opposition legislator Harshana Rajakaruna, dressed in black to mark Islamist suicide attacks on Easter Sunday April 21 in 2019 read out a text message from the parliament saying that a visit to Colombo Port City on the invitation of the Chinese embassy in Colombo had been postponed.

“Why is the Chinese embassy directing this study visit?” he questioned. “In the last administration when a tour was arranged, the Urban Development Authority did it.

Continue reading ‘Chinese Embassy in Colombo’s Invitation to Members of Sri Lankan Parliament for a “Study Tour” Of Colombo Port City Instead of the Urban Development Authority Sparks Controversy’ »

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray

Bhagya Abeyratne, a young woman from Godakawela, became a household name overnight when she spoke with passion and sincere devastation about the destruction of the Sinharaja rainforest that she saw with her own eyes. In a matter of minutes, she accomplished something the entire opposition has failed to do for months. She connected with the common citizen, and made people open their eyes and think about the tragedies going on around them. That is traditionally the role of the opposition, but today, in the absence of a strong opposition with a clear vision or message, it is a role being performed by people like young Bhagya.

The government responded to the patriotism of this public-spirited young woman by deploying the police like stormtroopers to raid her house, grill her family and neighbours and attack her in the media. Yet she stood tall, unbowed and unafraid. Her bravery and plight were ignored entirely by virtually all the mainstream media barring Sirasa TV, but her resolve resonated with ordinary people, making her a symbol of resistance against the pillaging of Sri Lanka’s national heritage by a government that swore to defend the country. One thing is clear from the lightning-like solidarity that Sri Lankans showed Bhagya. Our people are fed up and thirsty for a strong resistance movement, for an opposition.

Yes, the government has failed, visibly, and comprehensively, barely a year after coming to power. But the question is – what is the opposition doing about it? Yes, the government is sinking the ship of state. But the SJB, which is supposed to be piloting the rescue boat, is asleep at the wheel. What has the main opposition done other than gloat and wait in the wings? What solutions do they offer to the problems that face us today?

Continue reading ‘The people expect the SJB, as their main opposition party, to take a stance on the issues most critical to the fabric of our democracy like corruption, nepotism and the independence of the judiciary and public service.’ »

By
Dilshan Tharaka

Attorney General Dappula de Livera filed indictments against 16 accused in the Kegalle High Court in connection with causing damage to Buddha statues in Mawanella in 2018, as a prelude to the Easter Sunday attacks by the members of the National Thawheed Jamaath (NTJ) Organisation including its leader Mohammed Zahran Hashim, who carried out suicide bomb attacks on April 21, 2019.

Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said that the Attorney General has also requested the Chief Justice to appoint a Trial-at-Bar to try the case.

Continue reading ‘Attorney-General Files Indictments in Kegalle High Court Comprising 21 Charges Against Naufer Moulavi and 15 Others Connected to the National Thowheed Jamath Over the Vandalising of Buddha Statues in Mawanella in 2018; A-G Requests Chief Justice to Appoint Trial-at-bar’ »