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’ »

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’ »