By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Two days before the advent of the “Pilava” April New Year on April 12th , Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala released 11 suspects who had been in custody for two years since early 2019. These included well-known underworld figure Sanjeewa Samararatne alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa a.k.a. Malingamuwe Sanjeewa and ten others who were …
BY Yohan Perera Colombo’s Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said today the brutal attacks on Easter Sunday in 2019 was unleashed by a group, which tried to consolidate their political power by using religious extremism as a tool. The Cardinal made these remarks during the unveiling of a monument constructed at General Cemetery in Borella, in …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The Easter Sunday bombings of April 21st 2019 and its consequences have caused a profound impact on the body politic of Sri Lanka. A significant feature of his fall-out has been the bold initiative taken by the Catholic Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. Immensely disappointed by the slow and tardy …
By Meera Srinivasan Over the last few months, farmers of Mavadi Odai in Sri Lanka’s eastern Batticaloa district frequently spotted something crop up on their land overnight — a border stone they had not planted. “The Forest Department people come and put their stones when we are asleep, and then claim the land to be …
By Damith Wickremasekara The Chinese Government is to provide a grant to Sri Lanka to improve the communication facilities for the Police. As part of the Chinese grant, a widely used communication facility known as TETRA — Terrestrial Trunked Radio — will be provided to the Police to improve communication between senior officers and police …
By Chrishanthi Christopher In the run up to the second anniversary of the Easter Sunday bombings on Wednesday April 21, the Catholic Church said there will be no major protest to mark the day, but Catholics would gather in prayer and worship seeking justice for the victims. An Archdiocese spokesperson said holy masses, holy hours …
By Sandun Jayawardana The arrest of a consumer rights advocate who pointed out alleged issues concerning the Rs 1000 “relief pack” distributed through Lanka Sathosa outlets is an attempt to silence those who raise questions on behalf of consumers, activists claim. Asela Sampath, National Organizer of the Canteen Owners’ Association, was taken into custody on …
By Ranjith Padmasiri A host of petitions filed against the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill claiming that the proposed Commission violates Sri Lanka’s Constitution will be taken up tomorrow for hearing by a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Jayanatha Jayasuriya. The other judges are: Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Priyantha Jayawardena, Murdu Fernando and Janak …
Tamil actor Vivek passed away in a Chennai hospital early on Saturday following a cardiac arrest. He was 59. Vivek was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital on Friday morning after he suffered a heart attack. A medical bulletin said he underwent “emergency coronary angiogram followed by angioplasty” on Friday. Soon after …
By Srivatsan S Actor Vivekh died early Saturday morning (4.35a.m.) after suffering a massive cardiac arrest on Friday. He was 59. The comedian’s untimely demise has shaken up the Tamil film fraternity, and legions of fans. Vivekh was one of the lambs shepherded by legendary filmmaker K Balachander, who introduced the actor as ‘Vivek’ in …
by D.B.S.Jeyaraj ( The World’s first Woman Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was born on April 17th 1916. This article published in 2019 July is being re-posted here without any changes to commemorate her 105th Birth Anniversary) Germany’s defence minister Ursula von der Leyen has been elected president of the European Union (EU) Commission following a …
By Sandun A. Jayasekera Parliamentarian Wijedasa Rajapakshe today alleged that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had telephoned him early morning and threatened him over his allegations yesterday that the Port City would transform into a Chinese colony.
By Meera Srinivasan Filing about a dozen petitions at Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court on Thursday, opposition parties, civil society groups, and labour unions challenged a recently-gazetted Bill on the Chinese-backed Port City in capital Colombo, arguing it “directly affects” Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. The cases are scheduled to be heard by the top court on Monday. …
By Meera Srinivasan M. Champa Irangani is in no mood to celebrate ‘Avurudu’, or New Year, the biggest annual festival that Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhalese community observes mid-April, while Tamils celebrate the Tamil New Year around the same time. “The New Year will dawn only the day our debts are cancelled. Until then we cannot …
On Monday a USD 500 Million Foreign Currency Term Financing Facility (FTFF) was signed in Beijing between the China Development Bank (CDB) and Sri Lankan Finance Ministry. This is the second tranche of the total RMB 2 billion plus (USD 1 billion) FTFF pledged by the Chinese side to Sri Lanka after the outbreak of …
By P.K.Balachandran The visit to Sri Lanka of China’s Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe later this month, may be described as a “routine ministerial visit”. But seen in light of the developing situation in Sri Lanka and the South Asian and Indian Ocean region, the visit is significant. China is keen on developing ties with …
Well-known underworld figure Sanjeewa Samararatne – popularly known as Ganemulla Sanjeewa or Malingamuwe Sanjeewa – who was in custody for plotting to assassinate M. A. Sumanthiran MP, trading weapons and several other charges was released along with 10 others by the Colombo Chief Magistrate Court on April 12, 2021. Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Sinhala cinema’s pioneering director Lester James Peries is the Sri Lankan filmmaker I like, admire and respect most. The master movie maker’s 102nd birth anniversary falls on April 5. Sri Lankan Superstar Gamini Fonseka remains my favourite actor on the Sinhala silver screen since childhood. The Movie monarch’s 85th birth anniversary was on …
Continue reading ‘Cinematic Links Between Director Lester and Actor Gamini’ »
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Former Catholic Bishop of the Mannar Diocese the Most Rev. Rayappu Joseph passed away peacefully in Jaffna on 1 April, just 15 days before his 81st birthday. He served as Mannar Bishop from 1992 to 2016. There was spontaneous grief and widespread mourning. Having served as Bishop for over two decades in Mannar, …
Continue reading ‘Mannar Emeritus Bishop Rayappu Joseph and the Madhu Church Crisis of 2008’ »
By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka police’s Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) on Friday arrested the Mayor of Jaffna for allegedly promoting the LTTE’s ideology, in the choice of uniforms for an environment task force of the local municipal council. The move has drawn wide condemnation, including from the country’s Tamil polity and civil society. Late on …
Mrs. World Caroline Jurie, today said she was ready to hand over her crown stating that she stood by her values even if she has to stand alone. In a video statement, Jurie said as a woman, a mother and the crowned Mrs. World, she was aware that she held a great responsibility towards protecting …
The United National Party (UNP) yesterday condemned the arrest of Jaffna Mayor Visvalingam Manivannan under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and called for the official to be treated with dignity and respect. Issuing a statement, the UNP said the arrest allegedly took place due to concerns raised regarding the uniforms worn by members of …
By Asiri Fernando Jaffna Mayor Visvalingam Manivannan who was arrested for allegedly promoting pro-LTTE symbols yesterday was later granted bail by the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court. He was moved to Vavuniya for questioning and to record a statement, according to Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd.) Sarath Weerasekara. Manivannan was arrested by the Jaffna Police and …
By Chaturanga Samarawickrama The winner of Mrs Sri Lanka for Mrs. World Pushpika De Silva yesterday said that she may enter politics in the future. This may be possible now that Pushpika has received widespread publicity following the brawl on Sunday evening, with her even landing in tears in front of cameras yesterday. While answering …
By JAMILA HUSAIN The Mrs.world International pageant will go ahead in Sri Lanka as scheduled in December and the recent incident where the reigning Mrs World, Caroline Jurie uncrowned Mrs Sri Lanka, attracting international attention will not have any impact, national Director for Mrs.sri Lanka for Mrs.world, Chandimal Jayasinghe said yesterday. After returning the Mrs …
Attorney General Dappula De Livera has authorized the Proscription of eleven Islamic Organisations connected to extremist activities, AG’s Coordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne. The 11 organisations to be banned are as follows:
By P.K.Balachandran The Gotabaya Rajapaksa Presidency, which is in its second year, is facing multiple problems, both domestic and external, economic as well as political. Divisions have arisen in the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and also with alliance partners. There is difficulty in kick-starting the economy derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due …
By Jamila Husain Following the brawl which erupted at the Mrs. Sri Lanka pageant in Colombo on Sunday night where the winner, Pushpika De Silva, was uncrowned by reigning Mrs World Caroline Jurie over allegations that she was a divorcee, the Mrs. World Organization yesterday responded saying delegates sent by Mrs. Sri Lanka-world to compete …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj ‘Is Sri Lanka fighting a lost battle in Geneva?’ was the heading of the article by this writer in these columns a fortnight ago. The answer became known conclusively as events unfolded at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 23 March. In spite of Sri Lanka’s strong opposition, the resolution titled …
Continue reading ‘Setback in Geneva For Sri Lanka at UNHRC Despite Strong Fightback’ »
By Radhika Coomaraswamy (Radhika Coomaraswamy is former Under Secretary General and Special Representative of the Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflic)t “Hey Geneva” laments Ajith Kumarasiri (musician, songwriter, and composer in Sri Lanka) in powerful Sinhala rhythm and blues. “We no longer kill.” “We don’t shoot anymore.” “Give us our island back.” Geneva as …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The final version of the proposed resolution to promote “reconciliation, accountability and human rights” in Sri Lanka was tabled on 12 March at the 46th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. It was sponsored by the United Kingdom (UK) and co-sponsored by Germany, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro and North …
Continue reading ‘Is Sri Lanka Fighting a Lost Battle at the UNHRC in Geneva?’ »
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The ‘Great Game’ in Geneva involving Sri Lanka is now underway at the UNHRC! The 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that commenced on 22 February at the Palais des Nations in Geneva is scheduled to end after 30 days on 23 March. The current membership (2021) of …
Continue reading ‘UNHRC, Gotabaya Government and the Great Game in Geneva’ »
The Indian Coast Guard has seized a Sri Lankan fishing vessel carrying 300 kilograms of heroin and firearms and arrested six Sri Lankans during a raid carried out in the waters off the coast of Vizhinjam in Kerala, South India. According to Indian media, on the intelligence received by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of …
By Meera Srinivasan Former Roman Catholic Bishop of Mannar Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph, an untiring advocate of Tamil rights and justice during Sri Lanka’s civil war and post-war years, passed away on Thursday. He was 80. The Bishop was a vocal critic of the state, periodically taking up allegations of war-time killings and disappearances in …
Former Bishop of Mannar, Rayappu Joseph, passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday (01), while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Jaffna. The late Right Reverend Rayappu Joseph had rendered a great service to the Roman Catholic Community in Sri Lanka, said Rt. Rev Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, Bishop of Mannar. >Courtesy:News 1st
Five days ahead of the Tamil Nadu poll, the Narendra Modi government on Thursday announced the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Rajinikanth for his contributions as an actor, a producer and screenwriter. The honour is considered India’s highest award in cinema Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar made the announcement at his Delhi residence. “Happy to …
( Remarks on the UNHRC Resolution on Sri Lanka made by former Foreign Minister Minister Mr. Mangala Samaraweera at the Press Conference held at the Solis Hotel on 31.03.2021.) During the last few weeks, much has been talked about the Geneva resolution which was presented on March 23. I felt it as my duty to …
By Saman Indrajith The government yesterday told Parliament that the recently ratified UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka was illegal. Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that the resolution was an attempt to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. “Sri Lanka considers the resolution unwarranted. This resolution against Sri Lanka is illegal.” Minister Gunawardena said that Sri …
Exclusive by investigative reporter Josh Robertson The Adani Group is paying up to $US52 million ($68.1 million) to a Myanmar military-controlled company that has just been slapped with sanctions by the United States over human rights violations. Leaked documents in a report by human rights lawyers and activists obtained by the ABC reveal the scale …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attacks was handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by the Chairman of the Commission Supreme Court judge Janak de Silva at the Presidential Secretariat on February 1st 2021. Former President Maithripala Sirisena appointed the Commission of Inquiry on September …
Continue reading ‘Zahran Hashim, Kattankudy and the Islamic State in Sri Lanka.’ »
By P.K.Balachandran As early as 2002, the UN correspondent of the Los Angeles Times, Maggie Farley, noted that more than a hundred UN resolutions were being violated, and that in many cases, enforcement of resolutions was blocked by the US or its allies. She made this observation based on a 15-year review of compliance with …
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday told Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that China is willing to work with Sri Lanka to enhance Belt and Road Cooperation and contribute to the economic revival of Sri Lanka in post-pandemic era. Xi said China will continue to provide necessary assistance to Sri Lanka, conduct cooperation in areas …
(The following is the text of the statement issued by M M. Zuhair PC, former MP, Latheef Farook, Journalist and Author, Mass L Usuf, Attorney-at-Law and Advocacy Columnist and Mansoor Dahlan, Theology Scholar) “We as a country may not be happy about the outcome of the UN Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) resolution adopted on 23rd …
(Views expressed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing the gathering at the 16th “Discussion with the Village” programme held at the Derangala Maha Vidyalaya premises in the Kiriwelkele North Grama Niladhari Division 3, of Pitabeddara Divisional Secretariat Division in the Matara District on 2021-03-27) We are conducting the “Discussion with the Village” programme at the district …
(Text of Editorial Appearing in “The Hindu”of March 25th 2021 Under the Heading “Tactical abstention: On the U.N. Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka”) By abstaining from the vote on the U.N. Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka, India has signalled its unwillingness to upset its neighbour. At the same time, it does …
By Meera Srinivasan Yazhpanam P.S. Balamurugan had to cancel nearly a dozen performances in India last year, after the pandemic made it impossible to travel from Jaffna, where he lives, in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. “I participated in some online events, and in another instance recorded a performance here and shared it with organisers there, …
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday (Mar 27) said Sri Lanka will face the aftermath of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) without fear and insisted the Government would never succumb to international pressure as it represents a free nation, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. The President also said Sri Lanka will not be …
s By S. Rubatheesan Parliament has refused to disclose educational qualifications of ministers and Parliamentarians (MPs) on the basis it would be an ‘invasion of privacy’. Responding to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by the Sunday Times, Parliament’s Assistant Secretary General and Information Officer Tikiri Jayatilleke said: “Educational qualifications relate to personal information, …
By Krishantha Prasad Cooray In 1978, J.R. Jayawardena ushered in the executive presidential system in Sri Lanka as a panacea for all the nation’s woes. By 1991, his co-architects in this venture, Gamini Dissanayake and Lalith Athulathmudali, had realized the dangers inherent in the executive presidency. They formed the DUNF not only as an opposition …
The United National Party (UNP) yesterday blamed the Government for a colossal failure during the recent UNHRC sessions in Geneva. UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, speaking to media at Sirikotha, stated that it was the Government’s decision to withdraw from the previous resolution, which was co-sponsored by Sri Lanka that resulted in the fresh resolution. Under …
(Text of Special statement made by Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in Parliament on March 25th 2021 on the UN Human Rights Council Resolution Regarding Sri Lanka) The United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted by a vote, the draft Resolution titled ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka’ (A/HRC/46/L.1/Rev.1) tabled by …
(Text of Statement Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo on the apprehension of 54 fishermen and 5 boats from India) High Commission has been informed about the apprehension of 54 fishermen and five boats from India by Sri Lanka Navy on the night of 24 March 2021. We reiterate that issues associated …
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday called on the proponents of the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka to divert millions of dollars it is seeking for the implementation of the proposal to improve the lives of the people affected by the conflict. “This huge amount of funds is sufficient to build thousands of houses in the …
(Text of Media Release Issued by the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement: “Canada welcomes the adoption of the UN Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. “Today’s resolution represents the international community’s continued support …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Tuesday March 23rd 2021 adopted a resolution titled ‘Promotion of Reconciliation Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka’ with Twenty-two member states out of Forty -Seven voting in favour of it. Eleven members voted against the resolution while fourteen countries abstained from voting. …
UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet has expressed hope that Sri Lanka would “change course” from current policies as she welcomed the decision of the Human Rights Council to ramp up monitoring of human rights and war-time abuses in the island. On Tuesday, 22 member states of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) voted to …
By Meera Srinivasan . India on Tuesday abstained from a crucial vote on Sri Lanka’s rights record at the UN Human Rights Council. The resolution on ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’ was however adopted after 22 member states of the 47-member Council voted in its favour. Both, the Government of Sri …
By Anbarasan Ethirajan, BBC World Service South Asia Regional Editor> Despite weeks of intense behind-the-scenes diplomatic campaigning, the UN Human Rights Council resolution has gone against the Sri Lankan government. The new resolution gives more powers to the UN human rights chief to ensure accountability for the alleged war crimes during the conflict with the …
The United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has been authorised to collect and preserve evidence of alleged war crimes during Sri Lanka’s long civil war, which ended in 2009. The UN believes 80,000-100,000 people died in the 26-year conflict with the Tamil Tiger rebel group. A resolution passed by the UN Human Rights Council …
Forty-seven member states of the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council will cast their votes on a resolution that will keep the international spotlight on human rights violations in Sri Lanka, and establish a central database of evidence to future prosecutions against perpetrators of war-time abuses. The database which will be managed by the Office of …
By Meera Srinivasan The Tamil National Alliance’s (TNA) “hopes are high” that India will vote for the UN resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka next week, according to its spokesman and Jaffna legislator M.A. Sumanthiran. Whether India votes for the resolution or abstains is “entirely a matter that they will …
By P.K.Balachandran In his recent telephone conversation with the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapakasa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that India “will not do any injustice to Sri Lanka,” says the Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Adm.Prof.Jayanath Colombage. He denied a report in the State-owned Daily News which quoted him as saying that India …
By Chandani Kirinde Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday hit out at the resolution pending before the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Sri Lanka, calling it a political move by the core group of countries and not one put forward to assist the country in its efforts to address accountability and human rights-related issues. …
By FRONTIER “Don’t be afraid of them,” The Hakha Times CEO Ya Lalawmpuia, also known as Pa Pui, advised his newsroom on March 3. “If we are afraid, we will not be able to reveal the truth about what they [police and soldiers] are doing.” Less than a week earlier, on February 27, Pa Pui, …
By Dharisha Bastians Terror tore through me when I heard that my friend and editor of the Nation newspaper, Keith Noyahr, had been abducted. It was May 2008; the civil war was raging and Sri Lankan troops were chalking up victories against Tamil Tiger separatists in the north. In the fog of war, government critics …
Sri Lanka has announced plans to ban the wearing of burqas and said it would close more than 1,000 Islamic schools known as madrassas, citing national security. The minister of public security Sarath Weerasekara, said he had signed a paper on Friday seeking the approval of the cabinet of ministers to ban burkas – outer …
By P.K.Balachandran Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said that security will be beefed up in the Eastern Province to stem separatist terrorism and Islamic extremism. Tamils and Muslims together outnumber the Sinhalese in the Eastern Province. The province had been the base of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and also Jehadists who …
Twenty plantation companies yesterday filed a writ application before the Court of Appeal seeking an order to invalidate the gazette notification issued last week to increase the daily wage of plantation workers to Rs. 1,000. The application names the Labour Minister, Ministry Secretary and the Wages Board as respondents. The petitioners argue that increasing the …
(Text of Detailed Response by UK Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth Lord Tariq Ahmad to Representaions made by a group of Tamil Organizations Concernig the Resolution on Sri Lanka Sponsored by the UK at the United Nations Human Rights Council 46th session in Geneva) “Thank you for your correspondence of 1 …
Eight European Human Rights Ambassadors have denounced the treatment of Attorney-at Law Hejaaz Hizbullah stating that they “regret to note that after 10 months of detention, Mr. Hizbullah is now being accused of speech related offences”. The statement signed by Human Rights Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, German, Sweden, Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia and Luxembourg state …
By Chandani Kirinde President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has promulgated new regulations under the Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) Act for the deradicalisation of those holding violent extremist religious ideologies. The regulations will apply to those who surrender to law enforcement officials or are taken into custody on suspicion of being a person who causes or intends to …
(Text of Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo about High Commissioner Gopal Baglay’s s meetings with political leaders of Northern and Eastern Provinces) High Commissioner H.E Shri Gopal Baglay held a series of meetings with leaders of various political parties in Jaffna and Trincomalee on 13 March 2021, the third …
(Text of Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo Regarding the Visit of Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay to Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka) The second day of the High Commissioner’s visit to the Northern Province saw emphasis on connectivity – cultural, civilisational, contemporary and commercial. The High Commissioner …
The UNHRC draft resolution on Sri Lanka in its third revision contains a strengthened paragraph on the implementation of the 13th Amendment and sets the stage for the country’s human rights record to be in the international spotlight every six months. The revised draft was expected to be tabled by end of business in Geneva …
OHCHR evidence preservation body for Lanka fleshed out in Geneva Establishing a dedicated capacity at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to collect and preserve evidence about grave rights violations in Sri Lanka will cost an estimated $ 2 million, UNHRC member states were informed this week. If established, the mechanism …
The language of the draft resolution on Sri Lanka continues to tighten unprecedentedly as the days wind down for negotiations on the text before it is put to a vote at the UN Human Rights Council at the end of its 46th Session on 22-23 March. The co-sponsors of the resolution on Sri Lanka are …
MENU search The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) yesterday said it was deeply troubled by the Presidential Commission on Political Victimisation report and warned appointment of a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry (SPoI) could undermine judicial independence and renewed calls to repeal the Special Presidential Commissions of Inquiry Act as it could be used to …
The construction work to build 144 intermediate housing units for Madhu pilgrims was commenced at the Madhu Church premises in Mannar on Thursday yesterday under the patronage of Indian High Commissioner Dr. Gopal Bagle, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and Bishop of Mannar Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando. The total cost for the project is estimated at …
By JAMILA HUSAIN The Foreign Ministry today said that it had called for a full scale inquiry into the sale of non slip doormats on the Amazon site with the print of Sri Lanka’s national flag. The Ministry, in a statement said that following, recent reports on social media platforms of a “Sri Lanka Flag …
(Text of a Press Releae Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo) High Commissioner H.E Gopal Baglay commenced his four-day visit to Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka on 11 March 2021. He started his visit by attending Shivratri Pooja at the sacred Thiruketeeswaram Temple. After offering prayers at the Temple, High …
By Meera Srinivasan In a Cabinet decision on February 1 this year, Sri Lanka booted India and Japan out of a 2019 deal to jointly develop the East Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port, as trade unions and sections of the Buddhist clergy vehemently opposed foreign involvement in the strategic national asset. Further, some …
By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardane The intelligence services have identified Naufer Moulavi as the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday terror attack while Ibrahim brothers and several international organisations have funded the Thawheed Jamaath to carry out the attack, Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara said today. He told Parliament that it was revealed that Naufer …
(Text of Speech made in Parliament on 10th March 2021 during the debate of the report of Easter Sunday attack by TNA Jaffna district Parliamentarian M.A.Sumanthiran PC) Thank you, deputy chairman of committees for the opportunity to speak at todays’ debate. As I commence I must bring to the notice of the house that we …
By Chandani Kirinde Government and Opposition MPs traded charges in Parliament yesterday as the debate on the report of the commission that probed the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks got underway with some backing calls by the Catholic Church for an international investigation into the attacks. SLPP National List MP Jayantha Weerasinghe commenced the adjournment …
United National Party (UNP) member Palitha Range Bandara yesterday urged the Government to investigate the Rs. 16 billion tax loss due to the reduction of the Special Commodity Levy and reveal to the public who profited from the racket. The former Parliamentarian made the comments at a press conference held at Sirikotha. “The Government’s decision …
By Uditha Jayasinghe The years-long battle for plantation workers to be given a Rs. 1,000 daily wage wound to a close yesterday after the Government issued the necessary Gazette notification. The Gazette was issued by Labour Ministry Secretary M.P.D. Mapa after the Wages Board cleared the way on 1 March. Under the Gazette, the basic …
(Slain “Sunday Leader”Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge’s daughter Ahimsa Wickrematunge has responded to the National Police Commission over the suppression of evidence in her father Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder investigation.) Following are excerpts of Ahimsa’s letter: Re: Appointing a suspect to run the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) I write to respond to your letter dated 21 January 2021 …
By Shamindra Ferdinando SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (8) ruled out the possibility of proscribing the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) as recommended by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) that probed the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Addressing the regular weekly SLPP briefing at the Waters Edge, Prof. Peiris, who is also the minister of …
By Uditha Jayasinghe The Government yesterday defended its decision to approve Adani Group to develop the West Container Terminal (WCT) conceding that the Indian Government did not specifically nominate the company, but that the selection was based on an “assumption” as the second terminal project was deemed less strategic. Cabinet Co-spokesman and Energy Minister Udaya …
BY PAMODI WARAVITA Trade Unions (TUs) attached to the Colombo Port would be opposed to any direct agreement about the development of the West Container Terminal (WCT) between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Adani Group of Companies, The Morning learnt. “We are against a unilateral agreement with Adani that does not involve the …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj (Popular Tamil film actor M. N. Nambiar who excelled in playing “villain”roles on screen was born on March 7th 1919. This article appearing in the “Spotlight” cinema Column of the “Daily FT” on November 28th 2015 is being re-posted here with minor changes in the first paragraph to denote the 102nd birth anniversary …
By: Harrish Thirukumaran Eleven months after the COVID-19 disease became recognized as a global pandemic in March 2020, the number of Canadians diagnosed with the virus increased daily or have been in high figures. A multitude of factors have been blamed for this steady increase. Throughout this time, the health situation has led to many …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj Even as proceedings at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) continued in Geneva, the Sri Lankan Government headed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa , in a significant political move, backtracked from its rigid stance on permitting the burial of COVID -19 victims of the Islamic faith in Sri Lanka. While suspending on the …
By P.K.Balachandran A Colombo-based Tamil hotelier of Indian Origin, Velusamy Muthuswamy, has announced the formation of a political party called Ilankai Bharatiya Janatha Katchi (IBJK) to further the socio-economic development of all Sri Lankans, especially the Tamils in the plantation areas and the war-torn Northern and Eastern provinces. It will promote education, multiple language skills, …
Eleven President’s Counsels and former Presidents of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) have expressed “serious concern” that the contents of the report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Political Victimization may “undermine the Rule of Law in this country, impair independence of the judiciary and erode impartial and efficient functioning of the …
(Text of a media release issued on March 5th 2021 stating the Response of the Tamil National Alliance to the statement of Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Human Rights Council) Our attention has been drawn to the statement made by Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena at the High-Level Segment …
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Friday described as ‘factually incorrect’ the Sri Lankan government’s claim that a proposal on Colombo Port’s Western Container Terminal has been approved by the Indian High Commission, and said it understands that the Lankan dispensation has engaged directly with investors on this project. Sri Lanka announced on Tuesday …
by Ahimsa Wickrematunge (Ahimsa Wickrematunge, a writer and activist, is the daughter of murdered Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge) In 2007, my father, Lasantha Wickrematunge, one of Sri Lanka’s most fiercely independent journalists, exposed an arms deal involving then-Secretary of Defense Gotabaya Rajapaksa embezzling over $10 million in government funds. Rajapaksa took him to court, …
By D.B.S.Jeyaraj (This is an Updated Version of an Article written for the “DBS Jeyaraj ” Column in the “Daily Mirror ” of Feb 20th 2021.) The flower bud is the accredited electoral symbol of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) which is ruling Sri Lanka. However the image of that flower bud resembles the …
Continue reading ‘The “Maravanpulavu” Man Behind Moves to Form the “BJP” in Sri Lanka’ »
The Government has demanded sweeping changes to the draft resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council, including the deletion of the reference to forced cremations of coronavirus deceased during informal discussions on the draft text this week. Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva C.A. Chandraprema insisted that the co-sponsors …
By JAMILA HUSAIN A leading Muslim organisation in Sri Lanka will this week send an official letter of concern to the global Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the World Muslim Congress, seeking their intervention to urge the Sri Lankan government to allocate a decent land for the burial of Muslim COVID-19 victims. The Daily Mirror …
.By JAMILA HUSAIN Muslims in Sri Lanka will make an urgent appeal to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, to find a suitable land for the burial of Muslim COVID-19 victims, instead of burying them in the island of Iranaitivu, in the Gulf of Mannar, stating it was not a practical solution to …
The Government yesterday expressed confidence that India would stand with Sri Lanka on the “right side” at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions and support it to defeat the resolution that is set to be moved next week. Cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told the weekly Cabinet briefing that the Sri Lankan Government was …
By Uditha Jayasinghe Cabinet has cleared the West Container Terminal (WCT) of the Colombo Port to be developed as a 35-year joint venture with India’s Adani Group and its local partner John Keells Holdings PLC as well as with investment from Japan, a top official said yesterday. Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told …
By Meera Srinivasan . Sri Lanka on Tuesday said it will develop the West Container Terminal (WCT) at the Colombo Port along with India and Japan, in a near-360 degree policy turn from a month ago, when the two partners were ejected from a 2019 tripartite agreement to jointly develop the East Container Terminal (ECT), …
Chinese Permanent Representative in Geneva Ambassador CHEN Xu on Thursday extended China’s strong support to Sri Lanka in his official statement in the interactive dialogue on the OHCHR Report on Sri Lanka during the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council. The full text of the statement is as follows: “As a friendly neighbour of …
(Text of a Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo) The Sri Lanka Air Force is celebrating its 70th Anniversary on 02 Mar 21 and the presentation of President’s Colours to No. 5 Fighter Squadron and No. 6 Helicopter Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force. To commemorate this historical event, …
By Meera Srinivasan Seeking India’s “proactive” support at the UN Human Rights Council, where a resolution on Sri Lanka will be soon put to vote, the Secretary to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “India cannot abandon us”. “If the world is one family, as your Foreign Minister has said, then we are immediate …
By Sandun Jayawardana The authorities failed to take adequate and effective steps to meet the threat from Islamic extremism in the critical build-up phase from 2016 to 2019 prior to the Easter Sunday terror attacks, the Commission of Inquiry (COI) that investigated the attacks has noted in its final report. Volume 1 of the final …
By Damith Wicremasekara Cremation of people who die of COVID-19 will continue until modalities and guidelines for burial are worked out, a senior Health Ministry official said yesterday. He said more time was required to prepare fresh guidelines and name designated places for burials. He said locations for burial would need to be decided upon …
Saliya Pieris, PC, was this week elected as 26th President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) for the year 2021-2022 with a thumping majority over his rival candidate Kuvera de Zoysa, PC. Mr Pieris secured total of 5,178 votes while Mr de Zoysa polled 2,815–a difference of 2363 votes. In Colombo, Mr Pieris …