By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Has the law been forgotten to such an extent in Sri Lanka that individuals who happen to antagonise the politically (or militarily) powerful are being summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on the basis that they have offended repealed laws? Does no one know what laws are in force in …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka must be the first country in the world where the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, No 56 of 2007 is being used as the main legal tool by state agents to terrify those who speak out against them’ »

By Meera Srinivasan In Chundikulam village, located on the eastern tip of Jaffna Peninsula, farmers are facing a peculiar challenge. They are unable to access their lands in which they have recently sowed vegetables. “Border stones of the Department of Wildlife Conservation have sprouted on our plots,” said S. Arunthavaraja, a resident, pointing to a …

Continue reading ‘Residents of Northern Village Chundikulaam Deprived of heir Traditional Agricultural Lands by Wildlife Conservation Dept’s Arbitrary Expansion of Area for Wildlife Park’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake Former President Maithripala Sirisena has struck hard on warnings of being deprived of Civil Rights by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. In his recent statement, President Gotabaya was clear on observing the policies laid down in his Saubhagya Dekma manifesto. He recalled how the Yahapalana government had given no importance to the war heroes, …

Continue reading ‘The “Gotabaya Keliya” is fast doing turns and twists on policies of the government. The Rajapaksas are being surrounded by faults and failures. The Prevailing reality today is the rising farce of family power.’ »

By Radhika Coomaraswamy The piercing sound of the nadaswaram filled the air. A soul-rending call, expressing the constant yearning of the human spirit, I would hear echoes of it in dark spaces in New York in the sound of the tenor saxophone. It was “ther” day at the Nallur Kandasamy temple and musicians came from …

Continue reading ‘The Nallur Kandasamy Kovil became the premier temple of the Northern province Under the Custodianship of Kumaradas Maapana Mudaliyar’ »

(Text of a Press Statement Issued by the Global Tamil Forum in London on 25 November 2021) Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation together with Global Tamil Forum (GTF) representatives (the “Delegation”), had many significant engagements in the US between November 15 – 22, articulating Tamil people’s concerns to key US Government policymakers and Members of …

Continue reading ‘Tamil National Alliance -Global Tamil Forum joint delegation calls for a more engaged US Govt role in promoting human rights, accountability, political resolution and reconciliation in Sri Lanka’ »

By Ranga Jayasuriya A glorious day passed without much funfair. Two years ago on November 16, 6.9 million Sri Lankan voters elected as their executive president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the wartime defence secretary cum the presidential brother. Younger Gotabaya Rajapaksa was anointed as the candidate of the newly formed Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) by …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa is not known to be corrupt, a rare distinction from his brothers. Yet the economic crisis, he is partly responsible for perpetuating, has resulted in runaway corruption by the rent-seeking businessmen associated with his party.’ »

By P.K.Balachandran Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa is planning to visit New Delhi at the earliest, to seek from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urgent help to tide over the economic crises in the island, especially the part concerning foreign debt repayment. According to sources, a request has been made for an appointment with Modi. …

Continue reading ‘Will Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa Be Able to get Urgent Assistance From Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modito help Tide Over the Economic Crisis in the Island?’ »

By Samantha Power Mangala Samaraweera was a remarkable public servant and one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever known. He was also a courageous leader, who dedicated his life to pursuing his vision for a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-lingual Sri Lanka that would, as he described it, “guarantee equal rights, justice and dignity …

Continue reading ‘Mangala Smaraweera was a courageous leader who dedicated his life to pursuing his vision for a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-lingual Sri Lanka that would as he described it, “guarantee equal rights, justice and dignity for all.”’ »

By Rajpal Abeynayake President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected not despite his lack of political experience, but because of it. On the campaign trail, he was seen as the outsider who was not tainted by politics. He was Defence Secretary, but that was a public office, not a political office. The outsider element became especially important …

Continue reading ‘People elected the Political Outsider Gotabaya Rajapaksa as President because they thought here was a man with some integrity and a no-nonsense air about him. But what he has done is to further erode people’s faith in the integrity and probity of politicians.’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Emphasising that the policy of the Government is to direct agricultural activity in the country entirely towards the use of organic fertilisers, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that the officials who do not agree with it are free to leave. “Stressing the need for officials to seek solutions for the protesting farmers within …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Emphasises that his 100% Organic Agriculture Policy Will Continue and that Hereafter Govt will Provide Subsidies only to Farmers Using non-Chemical Fertilizer;Tells Officials who Diasagree are Free to Leave’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed Agriculture Director General (DG) Dr. Ajantha de Silva to take necessary steps to import specialised chemical fertilisers and pesticides required for vegetable cultivation, in limited quantities, for a limited period, owing to the lack of organic and liquid fertilisers for the same, and the prevailing rains, The …

Continue reading ‘Govt to relax Chemical Fertilier ban Partially and import specialised chemical fertilisers and pesticides required for vegetable cultivation in limited quantities for a limited period due to lack of organic and liquid fertilisers and the prevailing rainy season.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jaywardene There is a certain sense of sanctimonious humbuggery on our part when we raise our hands to the heavens to scorn the sight of mass crowds on Colombo’s streets agitating against policies of the Government which have dire impact on Sri Lanka’s poor. Responsibility of the State for unjust policies That …

Continue reading ‘When the State remains deaf, dumb and blind to the cries of people who have been pushed to the brink, there is little option for the affected but to violate the law, whether this comes through a court directive or not.’ »

By Gamini Weerakoon (The writer is a former editor of The Sunday Island, The Island and consultant editor of the Sunday Leader) Frank Sinatra in his smooth, melodious and pugnacious style of delivery described how a strongman would want to accomplish his tasks: ‘Doing it my way’. This American singer and actor, considered as being …

Continue reading ‘Frank Sinatra’s Song “And I did it my way.Yes, I did it my way” Appeals to Many Strongman Rulers Including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’ »

The Government has decided to back down in the dispute over the Chinese organic fertiliser shipment that was found to be contaminated. Preparations are underway to resolve the dispute by paying 75 percent of the claim by the Chinese company. This amounts to US$ 6.7 million. The Government has also decided to buy fresh stocks …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Govt has decided to back down in the dispute over the Chinese organic fertiliser shipment found to be contaminated;“We cannot afford to damage diplomatic relations With China over this issue,” Says Agriculture minister Mahindanand Alutgamage’ »

The Government is to extend the local councils’ term by one year without elections, the Sunday Times learns. Accordingly, the terms of 340 local bodies — 24 municipal councils, 41 urban councils and 275 Pradeshiya Sabhas — will be extended after their mandated four-year term expires in April next year. The term of another local …

Continue reading ‘Terms of 340 local bodies Comprising 24 municipal councils, 41 urban councils and 275 Pradeshiya Sabhas will be extended by One Yer after their mandated four-year term expires in April next year.’ »

By Lakshmi Subramanian Sri Lanka’s 30-year civil war ended in 2009, with the killing of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. More than decade later, the Sri Lankan government led by the Rajapaksa family is still battling allegations that the final days of the war witnessed mass murders. Prabhakaran’s younger son, then …

Continue reading ‘“The mass murder of tens of thousands Tamilians certainly happened. Hospitals and civilian institutions were shelled. It was very, very bad; it may qualify as a war crime.” – Erik Solheim’ »

By Victor Ivan The Government’s Budget clearly indicates that the Government does not have a pragmatic vision at all for overcoming the crisis facing Sri Lanka other than its greed for holding on to power. The Government seems to be contemplating that it would be able to overcome the crisis facing Sri Lanka if the …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka is now on the brink of a grave catastrophe. The stupid actions of the Government will only exacerbate and expedite the destruction.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayke The beginning of November is known for its Remembrance Events — All Souls, Poppy Days and in our political past the Suriyamal Day too. But as we move to mid-November it marks the highlights of Political Power. Who could forget the election of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as President of Sri Lanka, by 69 …

Continue reading ‘For nearly two years we have been talking about a virus – that came from China. What we see today is much more than a China Virus. It is the Chinese direction of the political leadership of this country.’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka While acknowledging that the economic situation in Sri Lanka is worse than in previous years, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka is not alone in facing such a crisis. He made this statement during an interview on Ada Derana’s Hyde Park programme yesterday (18). “Sri Lanka is not alone in …

Continue reading ‘“The opposition thought that I will tax the people and put additional taxes and try to get more money, but I did not do that. So they are not happy.”- Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’ »

By Charumini de Silva Cinema stakeholders hailed the Government’s decision to officially grant ‘industry’ status, but said they were awaiting more clarity on the move, as details on how it would benefit them were yet to be disclosed. The proposal to this effect was jointly submitted by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as …

Continue reading ‘Cabinet Approves Proposal by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa to Recognize Sri Lanka’s Cinema Trade as an Industry and Grant it Official Status to the Effect’ »

Text and pix by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai The Tamil month of “Kaarthigai” is dedicated to devotion and purity. “Kaarthigai Deepam” or “Vilakkeedu” as it’s popularly known was recently celebrated by the Hindus, which fell on the day of the “Kaarthigai” star. “Kaarthigai Deepam” is celebrated by lighting of ghee or coconut oil lamps and clay lamps …

Continue reading ‘Karthigai Vilakkeedu: Devotional Lighting of Lamps of Purity on the day of the November Star’ »

By Aseem Chhabra At the beginning of Jai Bhim, police officers are shown separating a group of suspects based on their caste. Those who are from the dominant castes are asked to leave, while others who are Dalits (formerly untouchables) or belong to tribal communities are asked to stay back. Later, police file false charges …

Continue reading ‘Tamil Film “Jai Bhim” is Rated Top Film by Users on IMDB; It’s the latest in a line of hard-hitting Indian movies telling stories of repression against Dalits who are at the bottom of a rigid Hindu caste hierarchy,’ »

By Dinasena Ratugamage The Northern Provincial Council (NPC) has misused the annual allocations from the government for a long time, Governor of the province, Jeevan Thiagarajah alleged on Tuesday in Vavuniya. The NPC had not spent the annual budgetary allocations it received from the government and there were many irregularities in the way money was …

Continue reading ‘New Northern Province Governor Jeevan Thiagarajah Says he would take action against politicians and state officials who were involved in irregularities in the Province’ »

By Sumudu Chamara On 12 November, the Government presented what, in economic terms, can be referred to as a recovery Budget, in a context where the country has just started paying attention to and supporting the revival of sectors that did not receive adequate attention last year. In other words, unlike in the pre-Covid-19 pandemic …

Continue reading ‘Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa says that in the history of Sri Lanka no Budget has allocated money to address the cost of living and food security to the extent to which the 2022 Budget has.’ »

By Arusha Cooray (Arusha Cooray is a Professor of Finance at James Cook University, Australia. She served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Norway, Finland and Iceland.) Sri Lanka is currently facing an unprecedented set of economic challenges: a large and increasing public debt, rising fiscal and current account deficits, foreign exchange shortages and declining investor …

Continue reading ‘The “Trapped” Economy of Sri Lanka: Is There a Way out?’ »

By P.K.Balachandran Relations between Sri Lanka and China were excellent between 2010 and 2015 when the pro-China Mahinda Rajapaksa was President. During this period, China constructed the US$ 1.1 billion Hambantota port, an ultra-modern container terminal in Colombo, a state-of-the-art airport at Mattala, and had begun constructing the US$ 1.4 billion Colombo Port City. But …

Continue reading ‘Chinese Organic Fertilizer With Harmful Bacteria Crisis: Will President Rajapaksa step in and put out the fire or will he allow it to consume Sino-Lankan relations? With the US and India emerging as a possible alternative to China, Would Gotabaya take a hard stand on the issue?’ »

By Rajpal Abeynayake So, Ali Sabry didn’t resign after all. But he did resign to the inevitable. What was Minister Ali Sabry’s purported wish to resign his ministerial portfolio all about? To be charitable to Mr. Sabry, he could not have expressed the desire to resign on a matter of principle. It appeared he just …

Continue reading ‘Appointing Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera to any post with State patronage was an injury but following that up with the Ali Sabry Resignaion pantomime was adding a grievous insult to that injury.’ »

(Veteran musician, singer and actor Lakshman Wijesekera has passed away at the age of 73. This article was posted on this Blog first on March 13th 2018.It is being re-posted without any changes here as tribute to the ever popular Lucky Aiya.) by Prof.Theodore Warnakulasuriya Open University of Sri Lanka. “Some people come into our …

Continue reading ‘“Lucky Aiya” Also Known as ” Apey Lucky” and his Indelible Footprints in the Children’s Music Sphere of Sri Lanka’ »

BY Dr. Sakuntala Kadirgamar (The writer is the Law and Society Trust’s Executive Director) “We are not a monarchy. We are a republic.” Justice Minister President’s Counsel (PC) M.U.M. Ali Sabry’s words were heartening to read and to hear. However, it is worth reminding Minister Ali Sabry PC that if presidents in Sri Lanka foolishly …

Continue reading ‘“if presidents in Sri Lanka foolishly believe that they are monarchs, or monarchs in the making, and unaccountable for their actions, it is because they are surrounded by sycophants who allow them to believe so.”’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene There was little doubt that Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s off the cuff quip that, ‘there is nothing to give, we may only have to take’ (from Sri Lankans) when quizzed by reporters as to what relief the 2022 National Budget promises to the citizenry, would soon return to haunt him. Public …

Continue reading ‘There is Little Doubt that Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s off the cuff quip about the 2022 Budget that, ‘there is nothing to give, we may only have to take’ (from Sri Lankans) would soon return to haunt him.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake Sri Lanka has just achieved a world record. Its national Budget has been presented in Parliament by a foreigner. Yes, yes – A Dual Citizen. Are you sure this Budget is not really meant to help US President Joe Biden to get over his problems? We must wonder whether our American/Sri Lankan …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka has just achieved a world record. Its national Budget has been presented in Parliament by a foreigner. Yes, yes – A Dual Citizen!’ »

By Azzam Ameen Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa, delivered his inaugural budget speech today (12). This is the 76th budget of an independent Sri Lanka and it is also the second budget of the incumbent Government. Key takeaways from the Minister’s speech are detailed below: Annual Warrant for State expenditure to be made a Quarterly …

Continue reading ‘Key Take ways From the Budget Presented by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on November 12th 2021’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando The government has amended a controversial Gazette dated Oct 26, 2021on the appointment of Presidential Task Force (PTF) headed by Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara to examine the implementation of ‘One Country, One Law’ principle and prepare a draft Act following strong objections by Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC. SLPP National List lawmaker Sabry …

Continue reading ‘Ali Sabry will Remain as Justice Minister Without Resigning Following Compromise Reeached wih President Rajapaksa who Issues Amended Gazette Diluting Supervisory Powers Given to “One Country One Law”Presidential Task Force Chaired by Convicted Monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita The 76th Budget reading for the financial year (FY) 2022 will begin in Parliament today (12) at 2 p.m., with a focus on transforming Sri Lanka into a manufacturing-based economy. “The Budget aims to utilise Sri Lanka’s geopolitical location and address the ongoing loss of foreign income to the country, whilst planning …

Continue reading ‘Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa Will Unveil His Maiden Budget at 2 PM On Friday November 12th; Basil is on record saying ” We won’t be able to give, only take.” Which means the new Budget will not provide increased welfare measures to the people’ »

By Robin Gomes In an official Gazette notification on October 07 by the government of Sri, the Western Province’s Urban Development Authority (UDA) has decided to take over a part of the land of the Muthurajawela wetlands, situated some 30 km north of the capital Colombo, near the western coastal city of Negombo. Cardinal Malcolm …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church is opposing the government acquisition of a part of the Muthurajawela wetlands near Negombo saying it would affect the livelihood of local people and harm the environment.’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka A new gazette has been issued for One Country One Law task force, where amendments have been made by taking into account the views and opinions held by various parties.

By Ruwani Fonseka Questioning President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s decision to appoint Bodu Bala Sena Secretary General Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero to lead the One Country One Law Task Force, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said that he suspects the President is attempting to split the country by causing racial differences and unrest. …

Continue reading ‘Neither the Prime Minister nor the Justice Minister were aware of Gnanasara Thero’s Appointment Beforehand says Anura Kumara Dissanayake:”Is the President trying to Create a Racist Conflict? asks the JVP Leader.’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita Representatives from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) are due to leave for the US this week for discussions with the US State Department officials regarding the proposed new Constitution, The Morning learnt. It is learnt that TNA representatives will be at these discussions in the US from 13 November.

By Ruwani Fonseka Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam said in Parliament today (09) that his privileges as an MP have been violated as the Eastern Province Governor has allegedly spoken ill of him, and that serious action should be taken against those who “name call” in Parliament. “The Governor of Eastern …

Continue reading ‘Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam Tells Parliament that Eastern Province Governor Anuradha Yahampath has Pressurised a Senior DIG to Inquire into Speech made by him in Parliament and Appeals to Speaker to Protect his rights and Privileges as an MP’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA), the Colombo University’s Academic Federation, the Faculty of Medicine Teachers’ Association (FMTA), and the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday (9) condemned the appointment of Narahenpita Abayarama Temple Chief Incumbent Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera as the Chancellor of the University of Colombo. The FUTA said …

Continue reading ‘University Teachers condemn the appointment of Narahenpita Abayarama Temple Chief Incumbent Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera as Chancellor of the University of Colombo.’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita Discussions are underway to restore the original intention of the Extraordinary Gazette which appointed the Presidential Task Force for “One Country, One Law”, as the current one, although it is unclear at this point whether or not the Gazette will be amended in that process, The Morning reliably learnt. “The Gazette did …

Continue reading ‘Discussions Underway to Amend Gazette Issued by President Rajapaksa Appointig the “One Country One Law” Presidential Task Force in Order to Restore the Original Intention Behind the Setting up of the PTF’ »

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana Zahran’s wife had confessed that her husband had met the intelligence officers several times prior to Easter Sunday attacks, SJB MP Harin Fernando told Parliament today. Whilst making this disclosure, MP Fernando requested the Public Security Minister to table a copy of the statements given by Zahran’s wife to …

Continue reading ‘Harin Fernando MP Tells Parliament that Zahran’s Wife had Confessed that her Husband had met Itelligence Officers Several Times Prior to the April 21st Terror Bomb Attacks’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC, yesterday (7) said that he had offered to give up his portfolio over the appointment of Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera as the head of Presidential Task Force (PTF) to study the “One Country, One Law’ concept. Minister Sabry said so when The Island asked him whether he …

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Refuses to Accept Justice Minister’s Resignation after Ex[linin to him that the PTF under Gnanasara Thero was Appointed to Advise him and not to make Laws; “The matter is in sort of limbo,” says Ali Sabry’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene As Sri Lanka’s farmers abandon their rice fields, burning effigies of politicians and shouting their agonies to the heavens over the deprivation of fertiliser, elsewhere a desperate man breaks into the government-run Sathosa to steal three packets of milk doubtless for his family. These vistas of desperation have not been seen …

Continue reading ‘“We have long crossed that familiar point where the expectation is that politicians in power will not aggravate their electorates beyond a point due to fear that they will meet with a rude reckoning at the polls”’ »

by Anura Gunasekera Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara, pardoned after serving one and half years of a six-year rigorous imprisonment sentence for Contempt of Court, has been appointed the Chairman of a Presidential Task Force, mandated to study the implementation of the “One Country, One Law” concept, as well as to examine amendments prepared by the Ministry …

Continue reading ‘The renegade, racist monk Gnanasara Thero has achieved both high visibility and notoriety for his belligerent anti Muslim sentiment expressed on widely circulated video and U-tube interviews, discussions, press briefings and public speeches’ »

(Text of Address by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the ceremony to declare open 1,500 completed roads on the same day at the Mandaduwa Stadium in Weeraketiya on 2021-11-06) A year ago, I laid the foundation stone for the National Programme of Developing 100,000 Km of Roads Project. At the end of the year, we completed …

Continue reading ‘“Once the concept of “One Country One Law” has been drafted by the PTF headed by Ven.Gnanasara Thero, I will give it to the Minister of Justice. If there are any shortcomings, they can be fixed and then presented to Parliament”-President Rajapaksa’ »

Justice Minister Ali Sabry submitted his letter of resignation, from his membership in the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), his parliamentary seat, and the justice portfolio, to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last Friday (5), The Sunday Morning reliably learnt. The President had, however, refused to accept the resignation letter. Highly placed sources told The Sunday Morning …

Continue reading ‘Ali Sabry Submits Letter Resigning as Justice Minister, Member of Parliament and SLPP party Member but President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Refuses to accept Resignation’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake Many supporters of Rajapaksa governance have begun to turn away from this family leadership in national governance. Amidst the hugely rising cost of living – or will it soon be the cost of dying – there is also the issue of One Country, One Law that is pushing the political swing. President …

Continue reading ‘The Monkey Business of Establishing a “Monkocracy”of Sihala Buddhist Power; Murutthettuwe Ananda Thera as Colombo University Vice Chancellor and Galagadaaththe Gnanasara Thero as “One Country One Law”Presidential Task F orce Chairman’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (6) called on the youth of the country to have faith in the Government, and to continue with the work they had started. The President made the request at the event held to launch 100,000 km of roads that were developed by the Government in Weeraketiya. The event was also attended …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says the “one country, one law”” concept once presented by the Task Force Chaired by Ven. Galabodaaththe Gnanasara Thera would be handed over to the Justice Ministry for the relevant laws to be drafted.’ »

By Skandha Gunasekara The Presidential Task Force (PTF) for the “one country, one law” initiative took heavy flak ever since its appointment, with many asserting that it would be counterproductive in the aim of uniting communities. On 27 October, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a presidential task force chaired by Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera and comprising …

Continue reading ‘Presidential Task Force (PTF) for the “one country, one law” initiativechaired by Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera may Divide Rather Than Unite Communnities’ »

By Bhavani Fonseka (The writer is an Attorney-at-Law and a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Policy Alternatives) The recent appointment of a task force mandated with law reform headed by a controversial Buddhist monk has raised concerns from multiple fronts. Yet, considering recent trends in Sri Lanka, this should not come as a surprise. …

Continue reading ‘The recent task force with an ethno-majoritarian bent in the guise of “one country, one law” is the latest in a string of attempts to shape a particular single story.’ »

By Col. R. Hariharan Happenings in Sri Lanka during the month of October 2021 can be summarised as “politics of majoritarianism, security, and scams”. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is known for goal-oriented action. But two of his recent decisions, the abolition of the use of chemical fertilisers, and introducing “one country, one law”, are having ripple …

Continue reading ‘Politics of majoritarianism, security, and scams Prevailed in Sri Lanka During October’ »

The US Department of Defense in a report presented to the US Congress has placed Sri Lanka among a group of Countries where the Peoples Republic of China may establish a military facility or base to enhance support for Chinese power projection in the naval, air, ground, cyber, and space spheres. The Pentagon report “Military …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka Among Countries Under Considertion by China to set up a Peoples Liberation Army military base support for Chinese power projection in the naval, air, ground, cyber, and space spheres says Latest Pentagon report to the US Congress’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka The Head of the State Intelligence Service has become a thug, as he wants a Priest to be arrested over something that was discussed in Parliament, said Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harin Fernando. He made this statement during a press conference held yesterday (04).

By Ruwani Fonseka Claiming that he is not a politician that acts upon the instructions of the intelligence chief, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa said that his loyalty to the Sri Lankan Catholic community is obvious due to his close connections with Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. He made this statement yesterday (04) after paying …

Continue reading ‘“There is a conspiracy going on that I am not close to the Catholic community, but I want people to know that I stand with the Catholic community.” Declares SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa’ »

The inner light Text and Pix by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai “Deepavali” is a celebration and joy and wisdom, and will be celebrated on the 4th of November 2021 around the world, with great pomp and enthusiasm. “Deepavali” is popularly known as the “Festival of Lights”. It is celebrated with sweets, savouries, firecrackers, greetings, gifts and lights. …

Continue reading ‘May the Sparkle of “Deepaaval”i the ‘Festival of Lights’ on November 4th Lift Our Inner Spirit.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “This country still has a Sinhala police, a Sinhala army. If after today a single Muslim or some other alien lays a hand on a single Sinhalese, let alone a robe, it will be the end of all these creatures” – Monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara, pre-riot speech in Aluthgama – 15 June …

Continue reading ‘On 20 September 2000, Monk Gnanasara was fined Rs. 12,000 by Traffic Court of Colombo 12, after pleading guilty to nine charges including drunk driving, speeding, driving without licence, and failing to report an accident.’ »

By Azzam Ameen In a letter addressed to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has pointed out that the preparation of draft legislation and the study of existing legislation which the One Country One Law Task Force has been directed to perform are tasks of a serious nature involving several institutions …

Continue reading ‘Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) says “One Country One Law(OCOL)Presidential Task Force would usurp the functions of many institutions established under the Constitution and the law, including Parliament and the Ministry of Justice’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka If the Hippo Spirit vessel docks in Sri Lanka after it has been denied entry into the Port and tries to unload the consignment of Chinese organic fertiliser, it would be considered as some sort of terrorist act, says Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture Prof. Udith Jayasinghe. He made this statement …

Continue reading ‘If “Hippo Spirit” Vessel docks in Colombo after it has been denied entry into the Port and tries to unload the consignment of Chinese organic fertilizer that has been Rejected it would be considered as some sort of terrorist act says Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture Prof. Udith Jayasinghe.’ »

(This article appeared in the Asia section of the “Economist print edition under the headline “BJP v Bollywood) If bollywood is India’s secular religion, then the Khans—Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh—are its holy trinity. The three actors, who are unrelated, have for three decades sat at the top of India’s colossal Hindi-language film industry, their …

Continue reading ‘Narendra Modi led BJP Govt Targets India’s colossal Hindi-language film industry with Secular and Liberal Values Because it is simply too great a threat to Modi’s narrow vision of a Hindu Nation.’ »

by Jehan Perera President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a presidential task force to take forward the concept one country, one law that proved to be an effective slogan at the election campaign that won him the presidency in 2019. Of course, those were different times. At that time the country was still trying to recover …

Continue reading ‘The appointment of the presidential task force on “one country one law” needs to be challenged due both to the composition and mandate.’ »

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda An appeal filed by former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States Jaliya Wickramasuriya challenging Court of Appeal’s decision to dismiss a writ petition filed regarding his diplomatic immunity has been dismissed by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court further refused to issue a writ of Mandamus directing the Minister of Foreign …

Continue reading ‘Appeal filed by former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States Jaliya Wickramasuriya challenging Court of Appeal’s decision to dismiss a writ petition filed regarding his diplomatic immunity dismissed by Supreme Court as having no merit’ »

By Ajith Siriwardana The ‘Presidential Task Force for One Country, One Law’ was a golden opportunity to make the social issues discussed by the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) organisation a reality, Head of the Task Force Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera said today. He told during a virtual press conference of the Presidential Media Centre that …

Continue reading ‘Gnanasara Thero Says Issues Close to the Bodu Bala Sena such as Steriliztion, Religious Conversion and Cultural Invasion would be accommodated in Draft to be pre[red by the “Pne Country One Laaw’ Presidential Task force headed by him’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The Indian High Commissioner in Colombo on Monday assured Sri Lanka’s northern fishermen that he would convey their concerns over bottom trawling by Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait to both New Delhi and Tamil Nadu and look at some immediate measures to address the problem. A delegation of fisher leaders from …

Continue reading ‘Representatives of Fishing Organiztions from Northern districts of Sri Lanka along with TNA Jaffna District MP Sumanthiran meet Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay in Colombo and convey their concern over ‘delay in India’s response’ to bottom trawling issue’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando President’s Counsel Ali Sabry, the only Muslim among the Cabinet ministers, is likely to quit the justice portfolio over the recent appointment of Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera as the head of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) to make recommendations in respect of ‘One Country, One Law’ concept. Well-informed sources say Sabry, who …

Continue reading ‘Justice Minister Ali Sabry Likely to Resign his Post in Protest Against Appointment of Gnanasara Thero as PTF Chair After President Rajapaksa Returns from Scotland;PM Mahinda Rajapaksa Advises Sabry not to take a Hasty Decision’ »

By Azzam Ameen No citizen should be subjected to any difference or discrimination before the law on the basis of their race, religion, caste or any other factor, according to the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for ‘One Country, One Law’ Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera. He made these remarks while addressing the first media …

Continue reading ‘“Our responsibility is to create a one nation that can get together under one flag and to formulate one law suitable for the country”says “One Country One Law”Presidential Task Force Chair Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero at his first Media Briefing after assuming Office’ »

By Harini Amarasuriya (The writer is a former senior lecturer at the Open University of Sri Lanka [OUSL] and is currently an MP representing the National People’s Power) One of the most prominent slogans the current Government, and particularly, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, used during election campaigns was “one country, one law”. At first glance, the …

Continue reading ‘When this regime touts “one country, one law” it is not talking about equality before the law for all; rather the entire campaign for “one country, one law” emerged from a very pointed, anti-Muslim position.’ »

By Chris Kamalendran Justice Minister Ali Sabry said he was unaware of the setting up of the “One Country, One Law” Presidential Task Force headed by Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda-aththe Gnanasara Thera. Mr Sabry told the Sunday Times he was not consulted on the setting up of the Task Force. “I …

Continue reading ‘Justice Minister Ali Sabry was unaware of the setting up of “One Country, One Law” Presidential Task Force headed by Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Gen Secy Galagoda-aththe Gnanasara Thera. Saying he was not consulted on the setting up of the Task Force,Sabry says “I am not happy about the move”’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Interestingly enough, this week’s Presidential appointment of a controversial monk who once served a jail term for contempt of court, as head of a Presidential Task Force to suggest law reform to bring about ‘one country, one law’ no less, has provoked freewheeling ridicule rather than fury in Sri Lanka. An …

Continue reading ‘A Presidential Task Force to recommend ‘one country, one law’ in an avatar that invokes contempt and fear in equal if not uncanny parts is not a message that the Sri Lankan people, majority and minorities, will take kindly to.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake It’s time to cheer. We have a Sand Dune – not in a desert – but on the beach of the Port City. A great Veli Keliya Vella. Isn’t it truly great to see Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa – with Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunge lodged behind him – riding an All Terrain …

Continue reading ‘All the powers that Gotabaya Rajapaksa enjoys and uses today, thanks to 20A is certainly the best way to bring Political Buddhism against Saddharma Buddhism to the people of Sri Lanka.’ »

by Sujeeva Nivunhella A demonstration has been organised by LTTE sympathisers in the UK opposite the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow where President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is scheduled to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). The Sunday Island reliably learns that the organisers of the protest have invited people from all over the UK …

Continue reading ‘Massive demonstration organised in the UK opposite the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow where President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is scheduled to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference:full-page advt in the Scottish newspaper “The Herald” against President Rajapaksa calls him “The Terminator”’ »

By Azzam Ameen The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) has stated that it is shocked and dismayed by the establishment of the Presidential Task Force for One Country, One Law under the leadership of what it refers to as a controversial individual. While stating that the citizens of Sri Lanka have been living for many …

Continue reading ‘All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) is shocked and dismayed by the establishment of the Presidential Task Force for One Country, One Law being under the leadership of “a controversial individual”.’ »

By Camelia Nathaniel The Presidential Task Force for One Country, One Law held its inaugural meeting yesterday. According to the Chairman of the Task Force Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, an official statement will be made next Monday following the discussions.

By Ruwani Fonseka An employee of the Save the Pearl organisation told the Fort Magistrates Court on the 27th that he was tortured to implicate Hejaaz Hizbullah. Speaking to The Morning, an informed source confirmed that the above practice has been ongoing by the Terrorist Investigations Department (TID) for a long time, and this was …

Continue reading ‘Fort Magistrates Court Told that Three TID Officers Allegedly Tortured “Save the Pearl”Organization Employee Mohammed Sulthan to Force him into Giving False Evidence Implicating Detained Lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has issued a statement saying that it is deeply shocked and disturbed by the appointment of the latest Presidential Task Force (PTF) mandated to implement the ‘One Country, One Law’ concept, including the drafting of a law to give effect to it, headed by Galagodaaththe Gnanasara …

Continue reading ‘The Centre for Policy Alternatives wants the Government to immediately rescind the relevant Gazette notification appointing Presidential Task Force mandated to implement the ‘One Country, One Law’ concept headed by Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero’ »

By Dr.Jayadeva Uyangoda (Jayadeva Uyangoda is Former Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Science and Public Policy, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka) What has Gotabaya Rajapaksa achieved when he enters his third year in office as Sri Lanka’s President on November 18? A not-so-attractive record of failures in governance. President Rajapaksa has also …

Continue reading ‘The Present Crisis Faced by President Rajapaksa and his Regime has Four Interconnected Dimensions – Economic, Social, Governance and Legitimacy.’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita A number of civil society groups and Opposition parties have condemned President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s appointment of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera as the Chairman of the new Presidential Task Force (PTF) for “One Country, One Law”. “The appointment of Gnanasara Thera to this PTF ridicules the mandate …

Continue reading ‘Appointment of Gnanasara as “One Country One Law” Presidential Task Force Chair by Gotbaya is Strongly Condemned by Opposition Parties and Civil Society Group.’ »

By Norman Palihawadane and Nishan S. Priyantha Monies taken in the form of commissions by forfeiting people’s welfare will never do any good to those who take them, says His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. “The biggest malady our society is afflicted with is the commissions earned by politicians through various deals. They take commissions from …

Continue reading ‘“We have a Cabinet minister who is notoriously known as Mr. Ten Percent. Imagine the shame on this nation when there is such a minister taking ten percent of commission from every project he passes’ says Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’ »

Firebrand Opposition Parliamentarian Harin Fernando yesterday flayed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the selection of the Chair of a key task force, which the Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP described as his “One Country One Crazy Law”. Issuing a statement following President Rajapaksa’s decision to appoint the controversial Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Leader Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero …

Continue reading ‘Harin Fernando MP flays President on the Appointment of a Presidential Task Force Headed by Gnanasara Thero; Calls it “One Country, One CRAZY Law” and says “Seeing the team appointed for such a task gives everyone chills down their spine.”’ »

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has set up a Presidential Task Force to make proposals to implement the ‘One Country, One Law’ concept and named the controversial Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) leader Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero as its Chairman. The task force will study the implementation of the concept ‘One Country, One Law’ within Sri Lanka and …

Continue reading ‘Galalagoda Aththe Gnanasara to head 13 member ‘One Country, One Law’ Presidential Task Force that Will recommend proposals to prepare draft law ensuring all citizens are treated alike before the law’ »

By Hamid Mir In 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told an aide that he would “use a bullet” on Jamal Khashoggi if the journalist, who was then living in exile, didn’t cease his criticism of the Saudi government. Ultimately, a team of assassins killed Khashoggi during his visit to the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul …

Continue reading ‘The People’s Tribunal Will Commence Hearings at Hague in Jan 2022 against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for allegedly ordering the murder of Sri Lankan Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge when he was Defence Secretary; The lead prosecutor is prominent human rights lawyer Almudena Bernabeu, supported by former International Criminal Court judge Sir Howard Morrison’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera National Catholic Centre for Social Communications Director Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando and several others who attended a recent online forum, in which allegations related to the Easter Sunday terror attacks on 21 April 2019 were made against State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Maj. Gen. Suresh Sallay, are likely to be summoned …

Continue reading ‘Public Security Ministry Secy Maj. Gen. Jagath Alwis says Catholic Priest Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando and several others who participated in online forum where allegations relating to the Easter Sunday terror attacks were made against SIS Chief Maj. Gen. Suresh Sallay, are to be summoned for recording of statements’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka An extraordinary gazette has been issued to appoint a 13-member Presidential Task Force (PTF) to study the implementation of the concept “One Country, One Law” and prepare a draft Act. The task force is chaired by Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara. It consists of Prof. Dayananda Banda, Prof. Shanthinandana Wijesinghe, Prof. sumedha Siriwardana, N.G. …

Continue reading ‘Ven Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera Appointed Chair of 13 member Presidential Task Force to tudy the Concept of “One Country, One Law” and prepare a draft Act to implement it’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Following requests from China, the Government has agreed to send the organic fertiliser samples from the China-based Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co. Ltd., which have been found to contain harmful bacteria on two previous occasions, to a third party and to retest their quality. Promoting the Production and Regulating the Supply of …

Continue reading ‘Govt to send organic fertiliser samples from China-based Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co. Ltd., which were found to contain harmful bacteria in two tests to a third party for a hird test following China’s refusal to accept the previous two test findings’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera The Catholic Church has said that instead of naming former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Nilantha Jayawardena as a state witness in the cases pertaining to the Easter Sunday terror attacks of 21 April 2019, he should be prosecuted for not having prevented the said …

Continue reading ‘Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Faults AttorneyGeneral Sanjay Rajaratnam for Making former State Intelligence Service Director Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Nilantha Jayawardena a state witness Instead of Prosecuting him;sends letter to A-G citing 15 reasons for Prosecuting Instead of Citing as State Witness’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka A complaint has been filed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) against Reverend Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando by the Director-General of the State Intelligence Service Major General Suresh Salley. The complaint was filed today (25) in regard to multiple malicious statements made in reference to Maj. Gen. Salley. The Morning spoke to …

Continue reading ‘Director-General of the State Intelligence Service Major General Suresh Salley files Comlaint at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) against Reverend Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando for allegedly making multiple malicious statements’ »

By Asiri Fernando The communities in the North and East are often disproportionately affected by most crises that impact Sri Lanka. The current crisis caused due to a sudden ban on the use of chemical fertiliser and the continued fisheries dispute regarding poaching by Indian fishing vessels add to the woes of these communities. Many …

Continue reading ‘“Permitting Chinese footholds in the North with such proximity to India will unnecessarily upset the security balance of the region. Therefore the TNA would prefer to avoid Chinese investments in the North.”-TNA Spokesman MA Sumanthiran MP’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Under cover of a seductively glittering propaganda blitz that laws are being ‘modernized,’ is the Government ferociously bent on a pursuit of turning even the remnants of Sri Lanka’s civil liberties safeguards on its unsteady constitutional head? Withdrawals of indictments and privileging the police This is a question that legitimately arises …

Continue reading ‘Hypothetically Will the Supreme Court Feel Compelled to Intervene if the Attorney General proceeded to exercise the powers of office only to benefit politicians of a particular political party (indict/not to indict, withdraw indictments/not to withdraw indictments) while ignoring others?’ »

Catholic Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said last Saturday (23) that His Holiness Pope Francis had written to him asking what assistance or action the Archbishop requires from the Pope regarding the investigation into the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019. He revealed this during a discussion held yesterday (24) with Sri Lankans living …

Continue reading ‘His Holiness Pope Francis Sends Hand Written Letter to his Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Expressing his Sadness and asking what assistance or action the Colombo Archbishop requires from the Pope regarding the investigation into the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019.’ »

By Asiri Fernando Several Indian businesses have expressed interest in investing and carrying out the proposed renewable energy projects earmarked in the Northern Province, The Sunday Morning learnt. It is reliably learnt that one of the Indian investors interested in the renewable power generation projects in the North is Adani Green Energy, with plans afoot …

Continue reading ‘Several Indian businesses Including Adani Green Energy express interest in investing and carrying out renewable energy projects earmarked in the Northern Province While Chinese bid for northern renewable energy projects take a backseat’ »

By Skandha Gunasekara Regional plantation companies (RPCs) were reducing the pay of workers by reducing the number of working days, in an effort to reduce the cost following the gazetting of Rs. 1,000 as the minimum daily wage, trade unions (TUs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) told The Sunday Morning. The move was pushing an already …

Continue reading ‘Plantation Workers are not Benefitting from 1000 Rupee Daily Wage Arrangement Due to Plantation Companies Reducing Workdays to 13-15 days per Month instead of 25 days every month as Stipulated Complain Trade Unions and Non -Governmental Organizations’ »

BY RUWANI FONSEKA Two members of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) party were bullied by Government MP’s during a meeting held by the Ministry of Forest and Wildlife, said ITAK MP M A Sumanthiran. This was brought up in Parliament yesterday (22) just as Sumanthiran stood up to deliver his speech.

(Text of an Editorial appearing in the “Daily Financial Times”of October 21st 2021 under the heading “The Politics of Hate”) A new report published by Amnesty International this week is a damning indictment against the Sri Lankan state that continues to countenance – and promote – consistent discrimination, harassment and violence against the country’s Muslim …

Continue reading ‘There is no doubt that this SLPP Presidency was built on a vicious and relentless campaign of hate against Sri Lanka’s minority communities in general, and the Muslims in particular.’ »

(Text of Editorial Appearing in “The Island”of October 22nd 2021) His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has once again demanded that the recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI), which probed the Easter Sunday terror attacks be fully implemented. The PCoI has not revealed the mastermind behind the carnage; it has only cursorily dealt with …

Continue reading ‘Why is the Gotabaya Govt Not Taking Legal Action Against Former President Maithripala Over the Easter Sunday Bombings?Sirisena should not be spared simply because he is a government MP and his party has 14 members in the SLPP parliamentary group.’ »

By Lucien Raajkarunanayake The schools will fully reopen on Monday. The trade unions, parents and children will certainly consider this a special day for education in Sri Lanka. It’s best not to think too much about the last two days, with very low presence of children and teachers in most of the smallest schools in …

Continue reading ‘Will we see a Maha Vipakaya – A Great Disaster – in the cultivation of the people’s meals, and a Maha Badaginna or Huge Hunger on the rise?’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera If anyone tried to come to power on the blood of innocent people, they would not be able to enjoy that power for too long, said Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, in reference to the Easter Sunday terror attacks of 21 April 2019 and the probe into it. During …

Continue reading ‘“If anyone tried to come to power on the blood of innocent people, they would not be able to enjoy that power for too lon”, says Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith in reference to the Easter Sunday terror attacks of 21 April 2019; Who is the Target of this “Bombshell” by His Eminence ?’ »

By Asiri Fernando The Attorney General (AG) had refused to appear for State Minister Lohan Rattwatte in the case related to the fundamental rights (FR) petition filed by eight prisoners of the Anuradhapura Prison who were allegedly intimidated and threatened by Ratwatte, The Morning learnt. The AG had appeared for the Prisons Commissioner General and …

Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Grants Leave to Proceed in Fundamental Rights Petition Filed by Eight Tamil Prisoners Detained Under PTA in Anuradhapura Jail;Attorney -General Refuses to Appear for State Minister Lohan Ratwatte Citeds First Respondent’ »

By Ruwani Fonseka Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Party has formed branches in Sri Lanka, according to the Save Our Motherland Unity Organisation Secretary Chirantha Amarasinghe. Such statements, along with demands to remove Sri Lanka from the Akhand Bharat Map within 7 days, were raised by the Organisation outside the …

Continue reading ‘Save Our Motherland Unity Organisation Demands Removal of Sri Lanka From the “Akhand Bharat” Map Within 7 Days as Sovereign Sri Lanka is not Part of India’; alleges that Narendra Modi’s BJP has formed brnches in Sri Lanka’ »

When young Satheeshan Rathnayaka first rendered his voice to ‘Manike Mage Hithe’, the song made by Chamath Sangeeth, he would not have ever thought that it would go to the internationals chart bringing glory to Sri Lanka. However with the cover version by Yohani de Silva and his rap part, the song has reached eye …

Continue reading ‘Satheeshan Rathnayaka was the Original Singer of “Manike Mage Hithe” for which the Melody was Composed by Chamat Sangeet and Words Written by Dulanja Alwis’ »

By Sumudu Chamara Animal welfare is a highly contested topic in Sri Lanka owing to several issues, such as disparities between the pacifist Buddhist culture and agricultural practices that often see villagers in conflict with wild animals, as well as traditional practices that involve the use of animals and opposition from animal rights activists. The …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Govt Move to implement the Cattle Slaughter ban Evokes concerns regarding the religious and ethnic dimensions of this decision’ »

BY Dinitha Rathnayake The Health Professionals Experts’ Association alleged that the reason why certain Health Ministry officials are publicly clashing with Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella is due to the Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals State Ministry exerting power over the Health Ministry on certain matters. “It is very rare for Health Ministry officials to …

Continue reading ‘Is State Minister Channa Jayasumana Engaged in a Power Struggle With Cabinet Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in an Attempt to Usurp Control Over Health Ministry Matters?’ »

BY Sumudu Chamara The need for the country’s legal system to be closer to the public than it is now has been emphasised on many occasions in the recent past, and when the people do not understand what is happening in courts or do not see what they think is justice, it can gravely affect …

Continue reading ‘Withdrawal of Indictments in Separate Cases Against Basil Rajapaksa and Wasantha Karannagoda by the Attorney-General Erodes Public Trust in the Legal System’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Two days after the release of the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday terror attacks of 21 April 2019, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had telephoned Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and informed that it is not possible to implement all the recommendations of said …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith on the Telephone that it was not possible to implement all the recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) Report into the Easter Sunday terror attacks of 21 April 2019 since doing so would make him (Gota)unpopular.’ »

BY Pamodi Waravita Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday (18) that the work on the proposed new Constitution has been finalised by the experts committee chaired by Romesh De Silva PC, and that a draft of the new Constitution will be presented to Parliament in January 2022.

By Azzam Ameen President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has rejected the request made by 11 allied parties of the government for a discussion on the agreement reached between the Sri Lankan government and US-based New Fortress Energy for latter’s investment in West Coast Power Limited (WCP) – the owner of 310 MW Yugadanavi Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya. …

Continue reading ‘President Gotabaya Rajapaksa rejects request made by 11 allied parties of the govt for a discussion on the agreement regarding US-based New Fortress Energy’s investment in the 310 MW Yugadanavi Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya.’ »

By Azzam Ameen Sri Lanka’s Muslim community has suffered consistent discrimination, harassment and violence since 2013, culminating in the adoption of government policies explicitly targeting the minority group, Amnesty International said in a new report published today. The 80-page report, From Burning Houses to Burning Bodies: Anti-Muslim Harassment, Discrimination and Violence in Sri Lanka, traces …

Continue reading ‘Amnesty International publishes report on discrimination, harassment and violence against Sri Lanka’s Muslim community’ »

By Meera Srinivasan Dozens of northern fishermen on Sunday set out on boats from the coast of the eastern Mullaitivu district to Point Pedro in Jaffna in the north, demanding that Sri Lankan authorities implement laws banning the destructive bottom trawling method of fishing. The protest comes in the wake of an increase in reported …

Continue reading ‘Northern Fishermen in Dozens of Boats Sail From Mullaitheevu to Paruthithurai Demanding Impentation of laws against bottom trawling’ »

By Dinitha Rathnayake and Pamodi Waravita Northern fishermen took approximately 1,000 boats out to sea to participate in a large-scale protest yesterday (17) extending from the seas of Mullaitivu to Point Pedro in the Northern Province, against what they termed the inaction of Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda over Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan …

Continue reading ‘Northern fishermen in 1000 Boat large-scale protest extending from the seas of Mullaitheevu to Point Pedro against what they termed as the inaction of Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda over Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan seas’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene If the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe coalition of 2015-2019 was tone deaf to outraged mutterings of the citizenry at the time, surely the Rajapaksa-Rajapaksa-Rajapaksa government of 2020 onwards must be wholly dumb, deaf and blind to the roars of fury exploding in their favoured constituencies in Sri Lanka. On splendid ironies and political victories …

Continue reading ‘The “Rajapaksa-Rajapaksa-Rajapaksa” government of 2020 onwards must be wholly dumb, deaf and blind to the roars of fury exploding in their favoured constituencies in Sri Lanka.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake The Pandora Papers have moved away from the focus of politics and the fight against corruption. We can await the report of the Bribery and Corruption Commission, which has its own way of giving innocence to the guilty; much more than the fighters against corruption ever expect. But that is the stuff …

Continue reading ‘Let us keep praying for the political escape from the wider Rajapaksa governance — moving next from Basil Rajapaksa to Namal Rajapaksa.’ »

By Dr Nihal Jayawickrama It was fifty years ago, on October 2, 1971, that the Governor-General, William Gopallawa, assented to the Bill that sought to abolish the Senate, the upper chamber of the Parliament of Ceylon. It was an event that was precipitated by the Senators themselves. The Senate was one of the five constitutional …

Continue reading ‘How and Why the Senate was Abolished by the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Govt 50 Years ago on October 2nd 1971’ »