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 …

Continue reading ‘“No one should harm anyone belonging to another religious group or ethnic group to achieve his or her personal goals. This is common to people who belong to all ethnic and religious groups” States Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘“OUR LANDS ARE UNDER THREAT”:Lands in Batticaloa District Where Tamils Have Been Living for Generations Under Increasing Threat from Different Governmental Bodies Overseeing agriculture, conservation and archaeology.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Chinese communication facility TETRA — Terrestrial Trunked Radio — to be provided as Part of a Grant to Sri Lankan Police to improve communication between officers and police stations and provide for tabs to support the body cameras but cybersecurity professionals express concerns over the system.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Catholic Church Asks all devotees to observe two minutes silence at 8.45 a.m. on Wednesday April 21 on Second Anniversary of Easter Bombings;no major protest to mark the day but Catholics would gather in prayer and worship seeking justice for the victims. Holy Mass at St. Anthony’s Church,Kochchikade and St. Sebastian’s Church,Katuwapitiya.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Arrest of consumer rights advocate Asela Sampath who pointed out alleged faults concerning the Rs 1000 “relief pack” distributed through Lanka Sathosa outlets shows Govt. will silence anyone raising uncomfortable questions say activists’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘18 Petitions filed against the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill claiming that the proposed Commission violates Sri Lanka’s Constitution will be taken up on April 19th for hearing by a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Jayanatha Jayasuriya with Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Priyantha Jayawardena, Murdu Fernando and Janak de Silva.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘59 Year old Popular Tamil Film Actor Vivek Passes Away on Saturday ( April 17) at a Chennai Hospital to Which he was admitted on Friday After Suffering a Massive Heart Attack at Home’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Vivekh was a rare actor who practised what he preached through comedy and lived his life based on those beliefs’ »

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. …

Continue reading ‘Opposition parties, civil society groups, and labour unions Mount Challenges in the Supreme Court Against Gazetted Bill on the Chinese-backed Port City in capital Colombo arguing it “directly affects” Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘No New Year for Women Satyagrahis Protesting in Hinguragoda Over Failure of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Implement Election Campaign of Abolishing Microfinance Debts and Setting up Alternative Sources of Credit’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘US $ 500 Million FTFF signed in Beijing between the China Development Bank (CDB) and Sri Lankan Finance Ministry Described as a Sinhala/Tamil New Year gift To Sri Lanka by the Chinese embassy in Colombo’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Chinese Defence Minister’s Sri Lanka Visit Assumes Special Significance Against Backdrop of Beijing Developing Stronger Ties With India’s Neighbours To Wean Them Away From New Delhi’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Notorious Underworld Figure Sanjeewa Samararatne alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa and 10 others Detained Since 2019 as Suspects for Complicity in Alleged Plot to Assassinate Jaffna District MP Sumanthiran Released by Colombo Chief Magistrate Following A-G Opining Insufficient Evidence to Prosecute’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Mayor of Jaffna Viswalingam Manivannan Arrested by the Police TID Released on Bail by Jaffna Magistrate.Jaffna District MP Sumanthiran PC Along with 25 Lawyers Makes Submissions on Behalf of Jaffna Mayor’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Mrs. World Caroline Jurie says her only intention was to stand up against injustice caused to the competitors throughout this competition which she alleged was tainted with heavy politicization.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘UNP condemns arrest of Jaffna Mayor and Calls on Govt. to present clear evidence regarding allegations and treat the Elected official with dignity and respect.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Jaffna Mayor Visvalingam Manivannan Who was Arrested Under PTA for Allegedly Promoting Pro-LTTE symbols Is Granted Bail by Jaffna Magistrate’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Re-crowned Winner of “Mrs Sri Lanka for Mrs.World” Beauty Pageant Pushpika de Silva May Enter Politics by Contesting from Ex-President Maithripala Sirisena’s Polonnaruwa District’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Mrs. World Beauty Pageant Will be held in Sri Lanka as Scheduled Despite Ugly Catfight Between Curent Mrs. Sri Lanka Winner Pushpika de Silva and Last Year’s Winner Caroline Jurie’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa Presidency faces multiple Pressures Due to Domestic, external, economic and political Problems.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Catfight at Mrs. Sri Lanka Beauty Pageant!Reigning Mrs World Caroline Jurie Snatches Crown From New Winner Pushpika de Silva Alleging she is a Divorcee and therefore Ine;igibe and Crowns First Runner Up Instead;Huge Brawl Erupts Backstage’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka has again become a global cause of International civil society. Once you get on the agenda of international civil society, it is difficult to get off.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘300 kg heroin from Iran Seized in Sri Lankan Fishingboat “Ravihansi” off Kerala Coast by Indian Coast Guard Vessel;six Sri Lankan crew members L.Y. Nandana, H.K.G.B. Deshapriya, A.H.S. Gunasekara, S.A. Senarath, T. Ranasingha and D. Nissanka remanded to judicial custody’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Former Roman Catholic Bishop of Mannar Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph was a Passionate Human Rights Defender and an untiring advocate of Tamil rights and justice during Sri Lanka’s civil war and post-war years.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Indian Govt Bestows the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Tamil Cimema “Superstar”Rajinikanth for his contributions as an actor, a producer and screenwriter;the honour is considered India’s highest award in cinema’ »

( 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 …

Continue reading ‘People of this country must not be fooled by grandstanding and the same old lie being repeated over and over again. Please listen to what others are saying and then decide who the real traitors are and who the true patriots are”- Ex-Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena Tells Parliament that the Recent UNHRC Resolution on Sri Lanka was “Illegal” but Sri Lanka would continue to engage with the UN agencies.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘The Adani Ports Group Seeking to Develop Colombo West Container Terminal is paying up to $US52 million over a proposed container port Deal in Yangon to a Myanmar military Junta -controlled company that has just been slapped with sanctions by the United States over human rights violations.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Countries which did comply with UN Resolutions were made to do so by a powerful country or a set of powerful countries through sheer coercion, economic or military or both.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Chinese President Xi Jinping Tells 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.’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘“Not one Muslim country did vote against Sri Lanka, though four countries voted for Sri Lanka, notwithstanding utterances by sections in the government violative of the human rights of the Muslims.”’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘” We are not ready to bring back separatism in the name of devolution of power and betray our sovereignty” – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘By Abstaining at the UNHRC Resolution on Sri Lanka Vote, India has utilised the opportunity to preserve its diplomatic space and to contain the pervasive influence of China over Colombo even while maintaining its support for the Tamil minority to achieve equality, justice, dignity and peace.’ »

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, …

Continue reading ‘Cultural Cross-border collaboration and exchange between Sri Lankan and Indian Artistes has been halted by the COVIS -19 Pandemic Travel Restrictions’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Declares Sri Lanka will face the aftermath of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) without fear and emphasises the Government would never succumb to international pressure as it represents a free nation.’ »

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, …

Continue reading ‘Parliament Asst Secy Gen refuses to disclose details about educational qualifications of ministers and MP’s Citing “invasion of Privacy” in Response to Application Filed Under Right to Information Provisions’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘The presidency was supposed to save us from oblivion, but what can save us from the presidency?’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘United National Party blames Govt for colossal failure at recent UNHRC sessions in Geneva.UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena says the Government’s decision to withdraw from the previous resolution, which was co-sponsored by Sri Lanka that resulted in the fresh resolution.’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘“Sri Lanka considers the draft resolution to be unwarranted, unjustified and in violation of the relevant Articles of the United Nations Charter that provides for the mandate of the Human Rights Council.For the above reasons, this Resolution against Sri Lanka is illegal.”Says Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in Parliament’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘Five Indian Fishing Boats Seized and 54 Fishermen Arrested by Sri Lankan Navy;Indian High Commission Seeks Exoeditious Consular Access to Provide Emergency Supplies to Apprehended Indian Nationals’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Dinesh Tells Proponents of UNHRC Resolution on Sri Lanka to divert millions sought for implementation for SL resolution to welfare of people in war-affected areas’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau Welcomes Adoption by the UNHRC of resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka saying ” Canada, as part of the Core Group on this resolution, worked alongside members of the council for the passage of this resolution.”’ »

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. …

Continue reading ‘Resolution on Sri Lanka Adopted by the UNHRC in Geneva with 22 Member States Voting for and 11 Voting Against While 14 Abstain from Voting; Resolution A/HRC/46/L.1 Co- Sponsored by 6 Core Group Countries Gets Additional Co -sponsorship by 35 More Countries Including the USA’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet expresses hope that Sri Lanka would “change course” from current policies after passage of Resolution in the Geneva UN Human Rights Council’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘India Abstains from Voting at the UNHRC in Geneva While China and Pakistan vote against the resolution in support of the Sri Lankan government.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘UNHRC Resolution on Sri Lanka is a a clear reminder from the international community that the alleged abuses in the Sri Lankan conflict will not be forgotten or ignored.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘“I welcome the Human Rights Council’s decision to continue its monitoring of human rights in Sri Lanka and pursue accountability for past crimes”- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michele Bachelet’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Resolution to promote accountability, reconciliation and human rights in Sri Lanka Presented by the UK with Over 30 Co-sponsoring Counries will be taken up for Voting by the United Nations Human Rights Council around 10.30AM Geneva time as the first item on Tuesday March 23rd 2021 UNHRC Agenda’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Tamil National Alliance “Hopes are High” that India Will Vote for the resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva Says Party Spokesman MA Sumanthiran MP.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapakasa,that India “will not do any injustice to Sri Lanka,” at the UN Human Rights Council says the Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Adm.Prof .Jayanath Colombage.’ »

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. …

Continue reading ‘Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena hits out at the resolution pending before the 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, …

Continue reading ‘As the military seeks to consolidate power, it is increasingly targeting journalists with lawsuits and violence in order to stop them from reporting the truth about what’s happening in Myanmar.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘“In Sri Lanka now there are warrants, seizures and disinformation campaigns, which erode public trust in critics and the news media. As one of the earliest targets of this subdued terror campaign, I can attest to its effectiveness” States Former “Sunday Observer”Editor Dharisha Bastians’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka to ban the wearing of burqas;Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara cites national security for decision saying garments are ‘sign of religious extremism’; plans to close more than 1,000 Islamic schools known as madrassas.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Wants to Re-open Over 50 Dismantled Security Camps in the Pre-dominantly Tamil Speaking Eastern Province “Because separatist terrorism or Islamic extremism will not be allowed under our government.”’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘20 plantation companies file writ application before 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.’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘” We believe the resolution the UK has presented to the UNHRC is an ambitious one that can pass in the face of challenging UNHRC dynamics”- UK Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth Lord Tariq Ahmad’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Human Rights Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, German, Sweden, Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia and Luxembourg Issue Joint Statement denouncing 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”’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa promulgates new regulations under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for the deradicalisation of those holding violent extremist religious ideologies and persons causing or intending to cause acts of violence or religious, racial, or communal disharmony or feelings of ill will or hostility between different communities.’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘Indian High Commissioner Gopl Baglay Re-iterates that the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil community Could be achieved through meaningful devolution within a united Sri Lanka During Discussions with Cross Section of Tamil Political Leaders in the North and East’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘Indian Envoy Gopal Baglay’s Northern Province Visit Lays Emphasis on cultural, civilisational, contemporary and commercial Connectivity’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Unprecedented Toughening of language in Resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva by the Co-sponsors could be signalling a degree of confidence on the part of the co-sponsors that the Council may vote to adopt the resolution.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Passage of Resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva Will Establish a Mechanism to “collect, analyse, consolidate and preserve evidence” on Human Rights Violations in Sri Lanka that would support judicial proceedings in other UN member states to Indict and Prosecute Alleged HR Violators in Sri Lanka overseasInvoking Universal Jurisdiction’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Co-sponsors of Resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva Decline to Amend Reference to “Mandatory Cremations” in Wording of Text Despite Demands by Sri Lanka For Its Deletion.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘The Centre for Policy Alternatives is deeply troubled with report of the ‘Commission of Inquiry to Investigate Allegations of Political Victimisation During the Period Commencing 8 January 2015 and Ending 16 November 2019’ tabled in Parliament, and the t action taken to establish a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry based on its findings.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘144 intermediate housing units for Pilgrims to Our Lady of the Rosary Church at Marudhamadu in Mannar Costing 300 Million Rupees to be Constructed Within Madhu Church Precincts with Indian FinancialAssistance’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry Expresses Concern to Chinese Embassy in Colombo about Doormats and Toilet Mats with Images of Sri Lanka’s National Flag Being Manufactured in China and Marketed Worldwide Through On Line Platforms’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay Commences 4 -day visit to the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka;Attends Maha Sivarathri Pooja at Historic Thirukketheeswaram Temple in Mannar’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘81% of the total cargo arriving at the Colombo Port is transhipment cargo with Over 70% of the transhipment business is linked to the Indian market.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Intelligence services have identified Naufer Moulavi as the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday terror attacks Discloses Sarath Weerasekara:”99 suspects have been arrested in Sri Lanka and 35 suspects overseas for directly and indirectly supporting the Easter Attack”Reveals Public Security Minister; Eleven Identified extremists organisations to be Banned’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘EASTER BOMBINGS: “Who stood to benefit is one question that ought to be asked, who benefited is another question that must be asked. We all know the answer” states TNA Jaffna MP Sumanthiran in Parliament’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘SJB and TNA MP’s Ranjith Madduma Bandara and MA Sumanthiran Call for International Investigations Into April 21st 2019 Bombing Incidents as the debate on the report of the commission that probed the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks gets underwayin Parliament’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Sudden Reduction of Special Commodity Levy for Sugar from Rs 50 to 0.25 Cents per KG Results in 15.6 Billion Rupee Loss for Treasury:UNP Demands Govt Probe Into Sugar Scam Exceeding 2015 Treasury Bond Scam and Divulge Names of Importer andPowerful Persons in Govt Allegedly Responsible’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Plantation Workers Get Rs 1000 Daily Wage fter Prolonged Struggle:Labour Ministry Gazettes Daily Wage Comprising Rs 900 Basic Salary and Rs 100 as Budgetary Allowance; New Rates Effective From March 5th 2021.Labour Minister Hails it as “Great Breakthrough”’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘“By turning a blind eye to the State’s effort to subvert these investigations, you have jeopardised the credibility of the Commission, the Police, the Attorney General’s Department and the entire Sri Lankan criminal justice system.”- Ahimsa Wickrematunge Writes to National Police Commission’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Govt will not proscribe the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) as recommended by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) that probed the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks as it was not acceptable to Govt says Prof G.L. Peiris’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Adani Group was selected for the WCT project despite no specific request from the Indian Government because the Sri Lankan Government continued under the “assumption” it would remain as the Indian nominee for the WCT as in the case of the ECT Earlier Explains Cabinet Co-spokesperson Gammanpila’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Trade Unions attached to the Colombo Port opposed to any direct agreement about development of West Container Terminal (WCT) between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Adani Group of Companies that does not involve the Indian government’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Understanding and Tackling COVID-19 Misinformation in South Asian and other Diverse Communities in Canada’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Gota Govt Suspends “Compulsory Burials in Iranaitheevu Only” Order; Burials of Muslim COVID Victims Allowed in Oddamaavady in Batticaloa district; 9 Buried in Land Donated by Muslim Businessman on March 5; Another 8 to be Buried on March 6th.’ »

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, …

Continue reading ‘Formation of a political party called Ilankai Bharatiya Janatha Katchi (IBJK) Announced in Jaffna by Colombo Based Tamil Businessman Velusamy Muthuswamy: New party would be known in English as Sri Lanka Bharathiya Janatha Party (SLBJP) and in Sinhala as Sri Lanka Bharathiya Janatha Paksaya (SLBJP).’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Eleven President’s Counsels 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 Attorney General’s Dept.’ »

(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 …

Continue reading ‘The Tamil National Alliance the largest Tamil Party representing the Tamil People of the North and East of Sri Lanka appeals to the member States of the UN HUman Roghts Council “on behalf of our people” to ensure the passage of the HRC 46/1 at the UNHRC in Geneva’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan government’s claim that a proposal on Colombo Port’s Western Container Terminal has been approved by the Indian High Commission in Colombo is factually incorrect says Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava’ »

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, …

Continue reading ‘“I hold Rajapaksa responsible — as I made plain when I moved to sue Rajapaksa in Los Angeles for his role in my father’s murder.it is high time for the world to draw a red line at the killing of journalists and ensure that murderous autocrats pay a price”’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Envoy to UN in Geneva C.A. Chandraprema Demands sweeping changes to the draft resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC including the deletion of the reference to forced cremations of coronavirus deceased and removal of operative clauses 5,6&7 during two informal discussions.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Islamic Centre to write to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the World Muslim Congress urging immediate intervention and seeking redress after the govt announced that burials of the COVID-19 dead would take place only iin the Iranaithivu Islet’ »

.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 …

Continue reading ‘Muslims Urge Govt to Allow Burials of COVID Victims in Kuppiyawatte Muslim Burial Grounds in Colombo Instead of the Iranaitheevu Island 10 KM away from the Kilinochchi district Coast in the Gulf of Mannar’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Despite India’s non -Committal on the Issue, Sri Lanka is ‘Confident India will stand on the right side’ and vote against Resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in Geneva’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rmbukwella denies that agreeing to foreign investment from India and Japan for the West Container Terminal was a deviation from the Government’s policy of not giving strategic assets to other countries’ »

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), …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Cabinet Approves Decision to Grant Development of West Container Terminal of Colombo Harbour Project to Investors Nominated by India and Japan who will be Accorded a Higher Stake of 85%’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Chinese Permanent Representative in Geneva CHEN Xu 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 UNHRC’ »

(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, …

Continue reading ‘23 aircraft of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy will participate in the Grand Fly past and Aerobatic Display at Galle Face to Celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Sri Lankan Air Force’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘“We can’t do anything just because someone points a gun at our head and says, okay reconcile. It will never happen.” – Says Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Adm.Jayanath Colambage in Interview with “The Hindu”’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Commission of Inquiry Probing Easter Sunday Bombings Discloses Much Information about Zahran Hashim the Ring Leader of the Group Responsible for the Attacks’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Despite Issuance of Gazette Allowing Burials of COVID Victims Health Ministry Officials Continue to Enforce Forced Cremation Saying Guidelines Have to be Prepared after consulting agencies about the possible pollution of ground water while taking into consideration the social impact as there could be opposition to burial in certain areas.’ »

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 …

Continue reading ‘Saliya Pieris, PC 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.’ »

(Text of a Press Release Issued by Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem MP) We are relieved that the Government after a prolonged vacillation has finally restored the constitutionally protected fundamental the right for burial of COVID 19 victims and COVID-19 suspected victims. In this regard it is quite obvious that if not for …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Muslim Congress is relieved that the Govet after prolonged vacillation has finally restored the constitutionally protected fundamental the right for burial of COVID 19 victims and COVID-19 suspected victims States Party Leader Rauff Hakeem’ »

By Kelum Bandara The international lobbying spree by the government gathered momentum today with 21 countries speaking in favour of Sri Lanka and 15 against during an Interactive Dialogue at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Daily Mirror learns. A core group of countries led by the United Kingdom has proposed to move …

Continue reading ‘21 Countries Including 10 Member States of the UN Human Rights Council Speak in Support of Sri Lanka During the Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka at Geneva UNHRC 46th Session While 15 Nations Speak Against SL’ »

By P.K.Balachandran Late on Thursday, February 25, the Sri Lankan Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi issued a gazette extraordinary lifting the year-old ban on burying COVID-19 dead. The Gazette amended the earlier ordinance by putting the words “cremation or burial” in place of the single word “cremation”. “In the case of burial, the corpse of such …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Govt Permits Muslims to Bury Persons Dying of COVID – 19 Due to Need to Prevent Islamic Nations Voting Against Sri Lanka at Crucial UNHRC Vote in Geneva and Because of Intense Lobbying by Pakistan’ »

by Jamila Husain

. By P.K.Balachandran The two-day visit of the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Sri Lanka, which concluded on Wednesday, has put Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations on a higher footing. Besides the traditional defense and security ties, which will be enhanced, the relationship may acquire a strong economic basis, and Pakistan may become a factor in …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka-Pakistan ties on a new footing following Imran Khan’s visit;Besides Enhanced defense and security ties the relationship may acquire a strong economic basis with Pakistan becoming a factor in Lankan Muslim politics’ »

Issuing his statement on OHCHR report on Sri Lanka, Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Permanent Representative of India, said they believed that respecting the rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution, contributes directly to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka. Full statement is as follows, We have taken note of the High Commissioner’s …

Continue reading ‘Support for Sri Lanka’s unity and territorial integrity and Abiding commitment to aspirations of the Tamils of Sri Lanka for equality, justice, peace and dignity are the Two Pillars of India’s Consistent Position on Sri Lanka Says Indian Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey at UNRC in Geneva’ »

(Text of Statement by Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena during the Interactive Dialogue on the OHCHR Report at the 46th sessions of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva). Madam President, Madam High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, The OHCHR Report which is presented today, emanates from the Resolution 30/1 and 40/1, …

Continue reading ‘Text of Statement by Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena during the Interactive Dialogue on the OHCHR Report at the 46th sessions of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva’ »

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has vowed to support judicial proceedings in other countries against perpetrators of grave human rights violations in Sri Lanka, after the Government had effectively closed the door to achieving justice locally for alleged war time abuses. In her statement to the 46th Session of the UN Human …

Continue reading ‘UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michele Bachelet Tells 46th Session of the UN Human Rights Council that her office would support judicial measures Targeting Sri Lanka in jurisdictions of Countries Outside the Island because the Sri Lankan Government had “closed the door” to justice for grave rights abuses nationally.’ »

Sri Lanka rejected High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet’s report yesterday, saying it had “unjustifiably” broadened its scope and mandate, to include issues of governance that are essentially domestic for any sovereign country. Responding as the country concerned to Bachelet’s oral statement on her report to the UNHRC on Sri Lanka’s progress on accountability and reconciliation, Foreign …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Govt categorically rejects the conclusions and recommendations in the UN Human Rights High Commissioner’s Report and calls upon the members of the UNHRC to reject any resolution based upon this Report presented to the Council.’ »

By Sriram Lakshman The U.S. will seek re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Tuesday, as he “humbly” asked for the support of UN member states. ‘ This is the latest in a series of moves by the Biden administration to reverse a pattern of retreat …

Continue reading ‘“The United States will seek election to the human rights council for the 2022 to 2024 term. We humbly ask for the support of all UN member States in our bid to return to a seat in this body” – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’ »

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council for the first time since its exit in 2018, the US yesterday urged member states of the Council to back a resolution on Sri Lanka to address the lack of accountability for past atrocities in the island. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the 46th Session of the …

Continue reading ‘US Urges UNHRC member states to support resolution on Sri Lanka:Secretary of State Blinken says resolution will address “lack of accountability for past atrocities”’ »