The UNHRC Core Group for Sri Lanka yesterday expressed concern and regret over the lack of progress on human rights, with a number of further concerning developments. Delivering the statement on behalf of Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Malawi, Montenegro and the UK, the Core Group on Sri Lanka referred to the UN Human Rights Council …

Continue reading ‘The UNHRC Core Group for Sri Lanka echoing sentiments articulated by UNHRC Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet expresses concern over the lack of progress on human rights and further developments causing concern.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday returned to Parliament, ten months after his United National Party (UNP) suffered its biggest electoral defeat in history. In the first intervention by his party in the current legislature, Mr. Wickremesinghe slammed the Rajapaksa government on its economic policy that, he said, …

Continue reading ‘Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe returns to Sri Lanka Parliament as National List MP and Slams Rajapaksa government’s economic policy and ‘militarisation’ »

By W.K. Prasad Manju The sentences of 216 prisoners, who have been sentenced to death for more than 20 years, will be commuted to life imprisonment, on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, State Minister of Prisons Management and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Lohan Ratwatte told Ceylon Today.

( Text of Editorial Appearing in the “Daily Financial Times” of June 22nd 2021 under the heading “Ranil’s Return”) The United National Party (UNP) decision to nominate its Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to the party’s sole parliamentary seat, one secured through the National List, has ruffled many political feathers. The furore about Wickremesinghe’s re-entry to Parliament, …

Continue reading ‘The furore about Ranil Wickremesinghe’s re-entry to Parliament speaks volumes about the man’s reputation among friends and foe alike, to shape political events.’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya Farmers across this paradise isle are raging against a man-made disaster courtesy of a presidential directive. Holding placards in their starving paddy lands and hollowed out cash crops, they protest against a crippling shortage of fertilizer, the reason for that being a dimwitted presidential order to ban chemical fertilizer. Worst still, the …

Continue reading ‘Pushing Farmers From Poverty Fringes Into Abject Poverty through the Dimwitted Presidential Directive Banning Chemical Fertilzer is a crime worse than white vans.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan A widely-shared image on social media, showing a row of men kneeling in front of soldiers for reportedly violating Sri Lanka’s current lockdown, has prompted the Army to probe the incident. Issuing a media statement on Sunday, the Army said “it immediately removed” the personnel from their duties, “after an alleged improper …

Continue reading ‘Army Commences Probe Into Incident where Soldiers Assaulted and Publicly Humiliated Muslim Civilians For Reportedly Violating COVID Lockdown Rules in the Eastern Province Town of Eravur.’ »

By Kumudini Hettiarachchi The COVID-19 vaccination programme has come under fire from senior medical specialists who are part of the independent expert panel of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), calling for an immediate probe on major flaws that could have prevented deaths. The eight professionals are – Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama (physician), Prof. Neelika Malavige …

Continue reading ‘Epidemiology Unit Disregarding Recommendation to Vaccinate Persons Over 60 Years Against COVID Caused Hundreds of Avoidable Deaths Charge Reputed Medical Specialists in Letter to Health Ministry’ »

Text of European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2021 on the situation in Sri Lanka, in particular the arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (2021/2748(RSP)) The European Parliament, – having regard to its previous resolutions on Sri Lanka, – having regard to the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human …

Continue reading ‘European Parliament resolution on the situation in Sri Lanka Urges using the GSP+ as a leverage to push for advancement on Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations and assess whether there is sufficient reason to initiate a procedure for the temporary withdrawal of Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status’ »

The Election Commission has gazetted the name of United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the party’s one and only National List Member of Parliament. The extraordinary gazette notification was published today (June 18) by the Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal G. Punchihewa and the members of the election body, S.B. Divaratne, M.M. …

Continue reading ‘Election Commission gazettes the name of United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the party’s sole National List Member of Parliament’ »

Leader of the United National Party and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says countries like Sri Lanka have much to learn from how China has progressed under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). “We should appreciate the leadership given to China by the Chinese Communist Party. Because it is very important for …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Echoes Rajapaksas in Praising Chinese Communist Party:”Countries like ours have many lessons to learn from the leadership given to China by the Chinese Communist Party”Says UNP Leader’ »

(Text of a Press Release issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo) A five member Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation led by Hon. R. Sampanthan, Member of Parliament called on the High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Gopal Baglay. The prescheduled meeting took place today (17 June 2021) at India House. Leader of Ilangai Tamil …

Continue reading ‘India reiterates support for devolution within a united Sri Lanka on the basis of full implementation of the 13A which would be in line with Tamil aspirations for equality, justice, peace & reconciliation and strengthen Sri Lanka.’ »

The Court of Appeal order granting bail to Shani Abeysekara delivered a stinging rebuke of the Police Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) case against the former CID chief and three other police officers. In its order, the Court of Appeal noted the six-year delay in making the complaint about the cops who investigated the 2013 contract …

Continue reading ‘Court of Appeal grants bail to Shani Abeysekara while delivering a stinging rebuke of the Police Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) case against the former CID chief and three other police officers and strongly suggesting that the allegations against Abeysekara were falsified to cause harm to the former CID chief.’ »

By a Special Correspondent The Court of Appeal decision to grant bail to former CID Director Shani Abeysekara sparked a torrent of reactions from human rights groups, victims, and opposition activists yesterday, who have long viewed the arrest and incarceration as a reprisal against his investigations into high profile human rights abuses. Making an order …

Continue reading ‘Despite Court of Appeal Granting Bail to both, Gampaha Magistrate further remands SSP Abeysekara and SI Mendis until 30 June Because the higher court order is yet to be delivered to the Magistrate and the High Court from the Court of Appeal registrar.’ »

(Text of Eitorial Appearing in “The Morning” of June 17th 2021) The year 2021 was rather special to Sri Lanka as far as its international relations and the international community’s stance on Sri Lanka’s social and political atmospheres were concerned. Dealings with India and China, most of which revolved around Sri Lanka’s Ports, loans and …

Continue reading ‘“Speculation is rife that the nationalist forces within and outside the Government disapproval of planned meeting may have resulted in the postponement of the meeting.”-The Morning’ »

(Text of Statement Issued by the National Peace Council) There is increased international scrutiny of Sri Lanka that is critical in nature and foretells sanctions to come. A country that was ahead of almost all others in Asia at the time of independence is almost at the bottom today in terms of economic prospects. All …

Continue reading ‘Dialogue With Ethnic Minority Parties Is Necessary To Deal With International Pressures – National Peace Council’ »

(Text of Press Release Issued by the High Commission of India in Colombo) India becomes the first country to partner with Sri Lanka in fulfilling the vision of the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to ensure that 70% of Sri Lanka’s national power requirements are fulfilled by renewable energy sources by 2030, …

Continue reading ‘India Extends US$ 100 million Line of Credit for Projects in the Solar Energy Sector in Sri Lanka’ »

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday informed the Election Commission regarding the appointment of Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to the National List seat they secured at the general elections last year. Earlier this month, Wickremesinghe was selected to the post by the party’s working committee, with the UNP General Secretary and former Parliamentarian Palitha Range …

Continue reading ‘UNP Formally Submits Letter Nominating Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as Member of Parliament on the Bational List to Elections Commission Chairman’ »

Thirty scientists and agriculture specialists have written to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa warning that a sudden and aggressive shift towards 100% organic fertiliser-based agriculture would pose serious issues and challenges with far-reaching economic, social and political implications and ramifications. They have submitted their considered opinion, observations and recommendations based on scientific evidence, experience and expertise gained …

Continue reading ‘30 scientists and agriculture specialists write to President Rajapaksa Warning that sudden and aggressive shift towards 100% organic fertiliser would pose serious issues and challenges with far-reaching economic, social and political implications and ramifications’ »

By Meera Srinivaasan A meeting between Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and a delegation of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), scheduled to be held on Wednesday, stands postponed, according to the TNA. Earlier on Tuesday, a statement issued by TNA spokesman and Jaffna legislator M.A. Sumanthiran said the TNA was meeting the President on June …

Continue reading ‘Envisaged First Meeting Between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Tamil National Alliance to Discuss “Constitutional Reform” Scheduled for June 16th at the Presidential Secretariat is Postponed Suddenly’ »

By Col R Hariharan (The writer is a former MI specialist on South Asia. He served as head of Intelligence of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990) The enactment of the Colombo Port City Commission Act in Sri Lanka last month has created a lot of disquiet and dismay …

Continue reading ‘Special Economic Zone in Colombo Port City can Enable China to eavesdrop Indian communication, track warship movements, enhance cyber threat/satellite tracking and could be a useful take-off point for infiltrating agents acting against Indian interests’ »

Under fire for imposing additional burden on the masses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday justified the sharp hike in fuel prices, saying the move was warranted and also helps to achieve other beneficial broader socio-economic goals. In a statement, the President said the price increase is only one key factor in a …

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

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

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

(Text of Statement Issued by Former Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale on 14 June 2021) Last week, we learned that the European Parliament has taken note of the politically motivated imprisonment of the highly respected former CID Director SSP Shani Abeysekara. This undemocratic and autocratic conduct has helped to place Sri Lanka’s GSP+ import duty concessions, …

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

(Text of Statement by Former Prime Minister and Leader of the UNP, Hon. Ranil Wickremesingh regarding the risk of Sri Lanka losing the GSP+ concession given by the European Union) “Our government took action to regain the GSP+ from the European Union to assist in developing the country’s economy in 2017. This facility provides Sri …

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

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

For two weeks an inferno blazed on the X-Press Pearl, a container ship, off Sri Lanka’s western coast. Its cargo—everything from frozen fish to hazardous chemicals and tiny plastic pellets known as nurdles—burned up or spilled into the ocean. Eventually, on June 2nd, the ship sank. Nurdles and other debris are washing up on beaches. …

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

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

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

Sri Lankans posting/sharing falsehoods on social media face arrest without warrant, police said. In a statement issued June 08, police said anyone creating, publishing, sharing, forwarding, or aiding and abetting the spread of fake news on social media will be considered to have committed an offence under provisions in the police ordinance, the penal code, …

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

By Sulmaan Wasif Khan (Sulmaan Wasif Khan is the Denison chair of international history and diplomacy at Tufts University’s Fletcher School. He is the author of Haunted by Chaos: China’s Grand Strategy From Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping.) Sometime in 2020, China came unmoored from its grand strategy. Until then, Beijing’s diplomatic, military, and economic …

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

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Over the weekend, the vultures got into the presidential palace…” – Gabriel Garcia Marquez, ‘The Autumn of the Patriarch’ It looks like a scene from a science fiction movie or a glimpse of the end times. A leaden beach; figures in head-to-toe protective gear shovelling tiny plastic pellets into sacks. A labour …

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

Two Fundamental Rights petitions filed on behalf of two teachers of the Al- Zuhriya Arabic College said that two teachers were forced by the Criminal Investigations Department to implicate Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah. The two petitions were filed by lawyer Erik Balasooriya was supported before the Supreme Court yesterday. M.A. Sumanthiran PC told the court that …

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

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

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

By Shamindra Ferdinando Former JVP MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says the government owes an explanation as regards the role played by Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa in the ongoing efforts to bring the rampaging Covid-19 epidemic under control. Dr. Jayatissa, who represented the Kalutara District in Parliament during 2015-2020 period, failed to retain his seat at …

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

By Meera Srinivasan Last month, Sri Lanka passed the controversial Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, which governs the China-backed Colombo Port City project worth $1.4 billion, amid wide opposition to the creation of a “Chinese enclave” in the island nation. Why is the project surrounded by controversies? The Colombo Port City has grabbed headlines …

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

UNP leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to look into the fire on the X-Press Pearl. “The ship arrived in the outer harbor of Colombo on the night of May 19. On the 20th of May our crew entered the ship. There they learned …

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

by Rajan Philips Qadri Ismail, Professor of English, Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature, in the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, passed away recently. His death was sudden and shocking. Yet another Sri Lankan scholar, writer and activist has been prematurely snatched away. Everyone who reads Sri Lankan politics in English knows of Qadri Ismail. I hardly …

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

By Sarasi Wijeratne The decision to tow away the MV X– Press Pearl to deeper waters could result in further and unprecedented damage to the environment and marine life unless the bunker oil is taken out. The ship was carrying more than 300 tons of bunker oil for its use and there are likely to …

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

By Sarasi Wijeratne The fire on board the MV X-Press Pearl could have been averted if the acid leak that wasdetected was fixed before it sailed to Colombo. The ship’s crew had detected the leak after it left Jebel Ali in Dubai where it had loaded cargo and was enroute to Hamad in Qatar. The …

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

(Excerpts from the “Sunday Times”Political Column of June 6th 2021) This week, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who appeared to lean in favour of Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the presidential election, came out fiercely at a news conference. He criticised bitterly the ruling alliance and charged that there was a conspiracy to save those …

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

Columnist Fareed Zakaria says in an opinion piece in The Washington Post dated May 28 that in a country that is divided on almost everything, one area of bipartisanship in the United States is alive and growing — fear of China. “The Chinese are eating our lunch,” says President Biden. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of …

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

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya Six more people including Jackson Anthony’s daughter Madhavee Wathsala Anthony have been arrested for attending the birthday party thrown at Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo on May 30 violating quarantine regulations, Police said. Milan Silva, the husband of Madhavee Wathsala Anthony, Anarkali Akarsha and mother of event organiser Chandimal Jayasinghe were also …

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

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

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

By Meera Srinivsan Sri Lankan authorities on Thursday said they were bracing for a possible oil spill, as a fire-damaged cargo vessel was sinking off the island’s main port in capital Colombo. Singapore-registered MV X-Press Pearl, carrying chemicals and plastic, has been in news since a fire incident on May 20 and subsequent explosion aboard, …

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

By Col R Hariharan Many would consider the passing of the controversial Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill by Sri Lanka parliament, with a comfortable margin on May 20, as a victory for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. President Rajapaksa’s personal reputation was at stake, after Supreme Court scrutiny had found both constitutional and procedural anomalies with …

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

(Text of Statement Issued by Former Prime Minister and United National Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe urging the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Govt to prepare a draft law to control the pandemic and to sustain the country and the economy) “First of all, I would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, researchers, public health …

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

By Easwaran Rutnam The Working Committee (WC) of the United National Party (UNP) has picked party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the UNP nominee for Parliament. At a meeting held today (Monday) the UNP Working Committee proposed that Wickremesinghe enter Parliament through its only National List seat. UNP sources told Daily Mirror that the party will …

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

By Easwaran Rutnam Two Maulavis who have been arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), have informed court through their lawyer that they are under pressure to frame human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah. Attorney-at-law Erick Balasooriya had filed a Fundamental Rights petition alleging that the two Maulavis are being coerced to frame Hizbullah. In …

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

By Ashwini Natesan (The writer is a lecturer, legal researcher and consultant specialising in Technology, Media and Communications Law.) At the outset it should be said that there is no question as to the need or importance of a data protection legislation. Sri Lanka has long needed a comprehensive legislation to protect individuals’ personal data …

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

By Suhasini Haidar and Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka on Friday invited international investment into the Colombo Port City that it described as a “fully Sri Lankan project”, while official sources in New Delhi said they were “keeping a close eye” on the project and its “security implications”. “If it is only a commercial venture then …

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

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed seven members to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, including three young leaders from the private sector. The Commission, which will be chaired by Gamini Marapana PC, has a three-year term of office and could be re-appointed. The Commission will act as a single window investor facilitator for all the …

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

By P.K.Balachandran In contrast to iconic Tamil Nadu leaders like K.Kamaraj or M.G.Ramachandran (MGR), who were invariably portrayed glowingly, Muthuvel Karunanidhi, leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and many times Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, was dogged by negative portrayals. To his adoring followers, he was the quintessential Tamil icon and a relentless crusader …

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

On may 6th Wang Xing, a Chinese tech tycoon, posted a classical ninth-century poem on Fanfou, a social-media platform. The poem mocked an ancient Chinese emperor who tried to quell unrest by burning books. “The ashes of burnt books had not yet faded away but the Qin dynasty was already weak,” read the poem. For …

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

மனோ கணேசன் தற்போது சமூக ஊடகங்களில் உலாவும் தமிழ் இல்லாத, சிங்களம், சீனம், ஆங்கிலம் ஆகிய மொழிகள் மட்டும் கொண்ட ஒரு பெயர் பலகை படம், ஒரு வருடத்துக்கு முன்பே அகற்றப்பட்டு விட்டது என சீன தூதரகம் எனக்கு தெரிவித்துள்ளது. எனினும் இதுபற்றி யோசித்து பார்த்தால், தமிழ் மொழியை புறக்கணிக்க சீனர்கள், இலங்கை அரசிடம்தான் பாடம் படித்துள்ளனர் போல் தெரிகிறது. சட்டத்துக்கு வரைவிலக்கணம் தரும் பொறுப்பை கொண்டிருக்கும் சட்டமா அதிபர் திணைக்களத்தில், மொழி சட்டத்தை மீறும் வகையில், …

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

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka’s Attorney General’s Department on Saturday removed a plaque at a recently opened library on its premises following social media uproar over the omission of Tamil, an official language, while including Mandarin in the text . “The plaque made to declare open the Smart Library of the AG’s Department, by an …

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

By Meera Srinivasan When ‘Enjoy Enjaami’ fame Arivu from Chennai recently joined a virtual discussion with a group of activists and youth from Sri Lanka’s Malaiyaha or hill country Tamil community, there was one person binding them and their histories — Valliamma, Arivu’s grandmother. She is named in the song that has got over 200 …

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

By Sheain Fernandopulle The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC) has been able to secure 32 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Sri Lanka, SPC Chairman Dr Prasanna Gunasena said. He said this during a meeting held with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and other officials at the Presidential Secretariat today. Dr Gunasena said according to …

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

(Text of Speech made by TNA Jaffna District Parliamentarian. M.A. Sumanthiran in Parliament at the 2nd reading of Colombo Port City Economic Commission draft Bill on May 20th 2021) Thank you Honorable presiding member, for the opportunity to speak on this Bill. But before I commence my comments on the Bill itself I must place …

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

By Chandani Kirinde The Supreme Court in its determination on the Port City Economic Commission Bill has held that the reclaimed land that makes up the Colombo Port City is part of the territory of Sri Lanka in terms of the law and Parliament has legislative power over the area. In a 63-page ruling, the …

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

The Cabinet of Ministers last evening (18) gave approval to incorporate amendments indicated by the Supreme Court to the Port City Economic Commission Bill. The agreement was conveyed at a special meeting of the Cabinet. The two-day debate on the Bill will begin this morning and the Bill will be put to a vote on …

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

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

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

Outgoing Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera says his Department is not in a position to present charges/indictments against the conspirators and abettors of the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks during his tenure of office as CID investigations in this regard are incomplete. De Livera, who will retire on 24 May, said the CID is …

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

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) today condemned the recent killing of two suspects in police custody, namely Melon Mabula alias ‘Uru Juwa’ and Tharaka Perera Wijesekera alias ‘Kosgoda Tharaka’ which has occurred on two consecutive days. In a statement, the BASL said the State and the Police should have a duty to ensure …

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

By Saman Indrajith JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday dismissed the SJB’s call for an all party conference to discuss possible solutions to the prevailing pandemic situation. Responding to media queries on his party’s position with regard to the proposal of setting up of an APRC, during a press conference held at the party headquarters …

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

The Commonwealth Foundation on Wednesday announced the regional winners of the world’s most global literary prize, with Sri Lankan author Kanya D’Almeida winning the 2021 Commonwealth Short Story Prize (Asia) for her story, ‘I Cleaned The—’ The 35-year-old author from Sri Lanka fought off competition from a strong field of shortlisted entrants including Indian authors …

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

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

Sri Lanka has entered into a $ 500 million loan agreement with the EXIM Bank of Korea to finance development projects, the Finance Ministry said in a statement yesterday. In order to further strengthen the economic cooperation between the two countries, the Government of the Republic of Korea has agreed to provide concessional loans from …

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

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

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

By Meera Srinivasan Daily-wage agricultural labourer Abdul Ghafoor Muhammadhu Jazeem, in Sri Lanka’s northern Mannar district, had one life goal. To ensure his children have a good education. Despite toiling for years to realise the dream, he could not be more dejected today. On May 16, 2020, the police arrested his eldest son, Ahnaf Jazeem, …

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

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

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

DMK president M K Stalin was sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Friday, along with 34 ministers in his cabinet. Stalin will hold key portfolios of Police and Home, among others. The list promises to be a balanced cabinet featuring both the youth and the experienced. Many former ministers have been inducted into …

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

DMK president MK Stalin took oath as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu along with 33 other Cabinet ministers. Interestingly, the Tamil Nadu cabinet now has a unique combination of a Stalin, a Gandhi and a Nehru. MK Stalin, who was named after late Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin, was sworn in as the chief …

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

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

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

By Camelia Nathaniel and Amali Mallawaarachchi Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara yesterday (05) requested the Speaker not to allow MP Rishad Bathiudeen, who is detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to attend Parliament until the investigations relating to his arrest are completed. Weerasekara stated that any MP who would be detained under the …

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

By Shamindra Ferdinando Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Asela Gunawardena, who is the state authority for the national campaign against the rampaging Covid-19 pandemic, has acknowledged that his directive that Piliyandala police area be isolated on May Day was overridden. Appearing on Hiru TV ‘Salakuna’ programme on Monday (3) night, Dr. Gunawardena admitted that …

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

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

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

The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has condemned Sri Lankan legislation that allows for the creation of “reintegration centers” as part of a campaign against violent extremist religious ideology. The commission said that the legislation will permit arbitrary detention of Muslims who will be subject to human rights violations …

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

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

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

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

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

(Former Caabinet Minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s Spouse Ayesha Rishad Writes to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Over the Arbitrary Arrest and Detention of her Husband and his Brother Riyaj Under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The Full text of the letter is Posted Below) Ayesha Rishad, Spouse of Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen M.P, No. 410/16, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo – …

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

By Col.R.Hariharan The recently held Quad summit, which transformed an informal frame work of the US, India, Japan and Australia, into a formal grouping with a broad range of objectives in the Indo-Pacific seems to have triggered China into action in South Asia. China’s State Councillor and defence minister Gen Wei Fenghe made a two-day …

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

By A.J.A. Abeynayake Attorney General Dappula de Livera yesterday indicted, in the Colombo High Court, former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara on 800 charges over the Easter Sunday terror attacks. The AG’s Coordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said the charges had been filed in respect of those …

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

By S.Kumaresan It was a well-fought battle, defying predictions of a “clean sweep,” springing quite a few surprises in the process. Out of power for a decade, the DMK finally managed to dethrone its Dravidian rival by a comfortable margin. MK Stalin, who has been waiting in the sidelines for the last several years, is …

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

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

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

by Sasanka Perera South Asian University I have a clear recollection of one of my teachers in the Advanced Level Sinhala class narrating the story of how a Sri Lankan ruler was kidnapped by a Chinese naval commander in the Kotte period. It was not part of the subject matter of his class. But as …

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

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

Tamil National Alliance(TNA) Jaffna District Parlimentarian MA Sumanthiran escaped unhurt when the vehicle in which he was travelling in met with a hydroplaning accident at 3.45 am on the Colombo – Katunayake Expressway on April 30. The vehicle had gone out of control after skidding on the wet surface of the highway. It had spun …

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

By Meera Srinivasan Sri Lanka has prioritised developing relations with China and “firmly supports” China’s positions on issues concerning its core interests, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defence Wei Fenghe, according to Chinese state media. The Sri Lankan President said his country “has been pursuing an independent foreign policy …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By P. K. Balachandran The visit of the Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe to Sri Lanka which begins on Tuesday (27) is significant as it indicates Sino-Lankan relations may go beyond economic engagement to acquiring a military dimension. A local Sunday paper reported that Wei’s visit will result in China giving Sri Lanka equipment to …

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

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray When SJB MP Harin Fernando stood up in Parliament, donned a black shawl and made his explosive speech about the Easter Sunday attack, his audience would have reacted along partisan lines. But on one point, his supporters and detractors would have been in agreement. As they listened to him, they would …

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

( Text of Media statement issued by Attorney at Law Rushdhie Habeeb on behalf of Hon Rishard Bathiudeen MP and Riyaj Bathiudeen) We have been instructed by the members of the family of Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen MP and his brother Reyaj Bathiudeen and the All Ceylon Makkal Congress to issue this statement to the media …

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

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

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

(Text of Speech made in Parliament on 22 April 2021.= by TNA Jaffna District Parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran on the Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization.) Thank you, deputy chairman of committees for the opportunity to speak on this adjournment debate on the report that has been presented by the Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization. …

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

By Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith (Nine suicide bombers affiliated to local Islamist extremist group National Thowheed Jamath targeted three Christian churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019, killing 269 people and injuring more than 500. On the second anniversary of the Easter attacks, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo, gave the …

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

Questions were raised in Sri Lanka’s parliament how China’s embassy invited them to a ‘study tour’ of Colombo Port City where a bill to set up a regulatory commission for the reclaimed area is currently challenged at the Supreme Court. Opposition legislator Harshana Rajakaruna, dressed in black to mark Islamist suicide attacks on Easter Sunday …

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

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray Bhagya Abeyratne, a young woman from Godakawela, became a household name overnight when she spoke with passion and sincere devastation about the destruction of the Sinharaja rainforest that she saw with her own eyes. In a matter of minutes, she accomplished something the entire opposition has failed to do for months. …

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

By Dilshan Tharaka Attorney General Dappula de Livera filed indictments against 16 accused in the Kegalle High Court in connection with causing damage to Buddha statues in Mawanella in 2018, as a prelude to the Easter Sunday attacks by the members of the National Thawheed Jamaath (NTJ) Organisation including its leader Mohammed Zahran Hashim, who …

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