By

Kishali Pinto Jayawardene

Is it not enough that politicians both in the Government and the Opposition are squabbling in the dark, literally so, as the Parliament chamber joined the rest of the nation this Friday with a full day blackout crippling essential functions? Do we not suffer enough by politicians and state agents disregarding the law and claiming privilege in so doing? Should we also have to undergo the ignominy of the Chief Opposition Whip no less, requesting the Government to allow Members of Parliament to enter higher educational institutions, including Universities, without a merit exam?

Disgraceful entitlements of politicians

These are part of disgraceful entitlements that Sri Lanka’s politicians claim for themselves, regardless as to whether they sit in the Government or Opposition benches. It is not only the nature of the request that is made but the sheer brazenness with which this claim is made in the first instance. The Opposition Whip appears to be laboring under a misapprehension that leeway for parliamentarians to be exempted from minimum requirements applicable to ‘ordinary’ students should be part of parliamentary privileges. Perhaps he should first read Erskine May to understand what that privilege means and the strict circumscribing of its reach in developed jurisidictions.

More to the point, is the Opposition tone deaf to the multiple enormous crises afflicting the land? From gas cylinders blowing up in the faces of hapless consumers forced to purchase them at exorbitant prices to the skyrocketing prices of essentials,is a free pass to Universities what the Opposition can think of? Two years from the largely inglorious spectacle that was the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe coalition Government apart from rare moments of glory where it seemed that, at last, Sri Lanka would change its dismal governance culture, one would have thought that, at least, the Opposition may have learnt some lessons.

Continue reading ‘The explosions of domestic cylinders, the unholy circuses that take place in doing away with consumer protection, from poisoned food to black marketeers making gross profits with their patrons in Ministerial garb are only festering symptoms of a rotten State.’ »

by Tisaranee Gunasekara

“Where has the tree gone, that locked Earth to the sky?”
Philip Larkin (Going)

Sirisena Cooray gave his final interview three months before his death. A Sunday Sinhala paper had carried a wildly inaccurate account of the Premadasa era. Sirisena Cooray called the editor and asked for an opportunity to set the record straight. The resulting interview ran to two full pages and was carried on consecutive Sundays.

Sirisena Cooray spent the last years of his life as an observer of the Lankan political scene. He was willing to talk to those who sought his advice, but shunned further involvement. Though distressed by the national trajectory, he opted for silence, unable to identify with any of the political players. But these self-imposed restraints vanished when Ranasinghe Premadasa was maligned. Sirisena Cooray could withstand extreme personal and political vicissitudes. Any attack on the memory of his leader and friend was another matter.

“An obituary is a perfect framing devise,” wrote New Yorker columnist Susan Orleans. It is also a balance-sheet of a life. Sirisena Cooray’s story was inextricably intertwined with the story of independent Ceylon/Sri Lanka and the story of Ranasinghe Premadasa. The Premadasa-Cooray relationship defined and shaped not just Sirisena Cooray’s life but also that of Ranasinghe Premadasa and thereby modern Lankan history.
Without Sirisena Cooray, there would have been a Minister Premadasa, perhaps even a Prime Minister Premadasa, but never a President Premadasa.

Continue reading ‘The Premadasa-Cooray relationship defined and shaped not just Sirisena Cooray’s life but also that of Ranasinghe Premadasa and thereby modern Lankan history.’ »

By Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

My mother told me, decades later, that she was sure Sirisena Cooray knew I was under 18 when he let me slip into the cinema in my long-trousers for the 9:30pm show for movies that were ‘adults only’, having conspired with my father. She remembered Mr. Cooray laconically saying “wait till the lights go off”. What surprised me was that my mother, too, had spotted our scam. Sirisena Cooray was the manager at Ceylon Theaters, which was the role in which Killi Rajamahendran became his lifelong friend. The two friends died in the same year. Cooray had tossed Killi and his brother out of the cinema for some infringement.

That was his day job, or rather, his on-the-books job. Off the books he had already started on his vocation. That was as the righthand man of Ranasinghe Premadasa. Cooray’s elder brother Nandisena was Deputy Mayor of Colombo. Premadasa used to visit Cooray’s father. As a young man heading the Sucharitha Movement, which he had founded, while a student of St Joseph’s College (Godfrey Gunatilleke once told me that Premadasa had been his classmate, except he had been Premadasa Ranasinghe at the time, not Ranasinghe Premadasa), Premadasa had already cut a figure in the ’hood.

Sirisena Cooray’s father told him, “If you are interested in politics, don’t hang out with your older brother, he won’t amount to much. Follow that young man, Premadasa, he will lead the country someday”. Young Sirisena took the advice.

Continue reading ‘Sirisena Cooray became in effect Ranasinghe Premadasa’s younger brother, though he always referred to him in conversation with others as “Mr. Premadasa” and with the man himself as “Sir”.’ »

By

Uwin Lugoda

India’s Adani Group, owned by Indian business tycoon Gautam Adani, is to develop a 1,000 MW wind power project in Mannar valued at over $ 1 billion, The Sunday Morning learnt.

It is also learnt that Adani is looking at developing a second wind power project in another location in the Northern Province – Pooneryn.

The Sunday Morning, on 24 October, exclusively reported Adani’s interest in entering the renewable energy generation sector in the Northern Province. The news report was published prior to Adani’s visit to Sri Lanka in October.

Continue reading ‘Indian business tycoon Gautam Adani’s Adani Group is to develop a 1,000 MW wind power project in Mannar valued at over $ 1 billion; Adani’s developing a second wind power project is also likely at Poonagary in the Northern Province.’ »

by Anura Gunasekera

A few days ago President Gotabaya Rajapaksa(GR), the first military man and, unarguably, the most ignorant in the ways of governance to occupy the presidential seat, celebrated the completion of two years as the eighth president of the Republic of Sri Lanka. The salutation coincided with the formal vesting with the Sangha, of the “Sandahiru Seya” in Anuradhapura, a project commenced during brother Mahinda’s last term as president. A towering stupa rising above the Jetawana and the Abhayagiri, ostensibly to honour the services rendered by the armed forces and the police in our ethnic conflict but, in reality, a monument to the Rajapaksa delusions of grandeur, aligns the Rajapaksa Family dynasty with the Sinhala Kings.

A tribute to the heroic is justified but the supreme incongruity of conflating the quintessential Buddhist symbol, with success in a bloody military campaign, is inconsequential to a hegemonic mindset. The incompatibility was also ignored by the Rajapaksa-adoring Sangha, including the Anunayake Theros of both Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters, who participated and enthusiastically endorsed its purpose.

Notwithstanding a grandiose commemoration, as Rajapaksa’s second year in the presidency ends and the year 2021 draws to a close, the country stands mired in calamities on every public front.

Continue reading ‘“Viyathmaga” is the road to certain ruin and the “Eliyamaga” will condemn this country to economic darkness before the Gotabaya presidency ends. It must now be clear to all that when madmen are allowed to run the asylum, lunacy becomes institutionalized and insanity infiltrates governance.’ »

A mob in Sialkot brutally murdered a Sri Lankan man and set his body on fire over blasphemy allegations. Priyantha Kumara, the export manager of a private factory, was attacked by workers of the factory on Wazirabad road in Sialkot, Pakistan.

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rao Sardar Ali Khan directed the regional police officials to reach the site immediately while taking notice of the incident. The IGP said that Sialkot District Police Officer Umar Saeed Malik was present at the location and the incident will be investigated thoroughly.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Export Manager of Factory in Sialkot, Pakistan Priyantha Kumara Brutally Murdered by Mob for Alleged Blasphemy and Body set on Fire; Pakistan PM Imran Khan Promises Severe Puishment for Those Responsible while Overseeing Investigation Personally.’ »

Suhasini Haidar and Meera Srinivasan

India and Sri Lanka agreed to a four-pronged approach to discuss initiatives on food and energy security to help mitigate Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, during a two-day visit by Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to New Delhi.

Four-pillar initiative

The decisions included a four-pillar initiative, comprising lines of credit for food, medicines and fuel purchases granted by India, a currency swap agreement to deal with Sri lanka’s balance of payment issues, an “early” modernisation project of the Trinco oil farms that India has been pursuing for several years, and a Sri Lankan commitment to facilitate Indian investments in various sectors.

Continue reading ‘Further Discussions To Finalise Modalities For India to Help Mitigate Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis Through a Four-Pronged Initiative in Lines of Credit, Currency Swap,Trinco Tank Harm Modernization and Facilitation of Indian Investment’ »

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo yesterday (2) stated that a proposed hybrid energy project in three islands off the Jaffna peninsula has been suspended due to a “security concern” from a third party.

In a Tweet, the Embassy said that the hybrid energy system to be built in three northern islands of Sri Lanka by the Chinese high-tech renewable energy company, Sino Soar Hybrid Technology, has been suspended.

It said that the same company has now inked a contract with the Maldivian Government to establish solar power plants at 12 of its islands.

Continue reading ‘Proposed hybrid energy project in Northern Islands of Delft,Analai Theevu and NainaTheevu Suspended by Chinese Company Sino Soar Hybrid Technology Due to India’s “Security Concerns”; China to Establish 12 Solar Power Plants in 12 Islands in the Maldives’ »

A meeting between Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was scheduled to be held yesterday (2), has failed to materialise for what government sources indicated were scheduling issues, The Morning learnt.

Rajapaksa is set to return to Sri Lanka today, after a two-day official visit to India to seek support amidst an unprecedented economic crisis in Sri Lanka. It is as yet unclear if the meeting with Modi would take place today (3) before Rajapaksa’s departure from India.

However, the Minister of Finance did meet India’s National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval in New Delhi yesterday. Doval is the fifth National Security Advisor of India and holds the rank of a Cabinet Minister.

Continue reading ‘Meeting Between Indin Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa Scheduled for Dec 2nd does not Take Place; Efforts Underway to Arrange Meeting for Dec 3’ »

By

Meera Srinivasan

Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers over the next two days. He is likely to seek crucial economic assistance from India by way of investments and enhanced tourist exchanges, official sources in Colombo indicated.

This is his first official visit abroad since his brother President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, appointed him Finance Minister in July last amid what the government termed an “unprecedented” economic crisis – with draining foreign reserves, falling rupee (200 to a US dollar), soaring living costs, and growing fear of a food shortage next year. Mr. Basil recently presented his first Budget in Parliament. It is expected to be passed next week, with the government’s two-thirds majority in the House.

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa is likely to seek crucial economic assistance by way of investments and enhanced tourist exchanges During his Two dy Visit to India’ »

By

Azzam Ameen

Sri Lanka Police have launched an investigation regarding two secretaries belonging to the personal staff of two Cabinet Ministers.

The inquiry is being carried out with regard to accusations that the two members of ministerial personal staff had attempted to secretly unearth a stock of gold said to have been buried in the Pudukuduirippu area in Mullaitivu District during the war.
It has been reported that the two individuals in question serve as personal secretaries to the Minister of Public Security and the Minister of Fisheries.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Public Security says that further investigations into the incident have been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

A stock of gold said to have been buried in the Pudukuduirippu area by the LTTE during the period of the war, was scheduled to be recovered on November 25 according to a court order.

Continue reading ‘Personal Secretaries of Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara and Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda Being Investigated by Police Over Alleged Complicity in Attempt to Excavate LTTE’s Buried Gold in Puthukkudiyiruppu’ »

BY Buddhika Samaraweera

An official of the Public Security Ministry has been suspended of his duties on suspicion of attempting to secretly unearth a stockpile of gold which is believed to have been buried by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area in Mullaitivu during the war, while an inquiry is to be carried out on a Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry official involved in the same incident, The Morning learnt.

Two members of the personal staff of Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekera and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Douglas Devananda have allegedly tried to recover a stock of gold buried by the LTTE in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area, on 25 November, according to media reports.

When contacted by The Morning, Public Security Ministry Media Secretary Chinthaka Perera said that the official suspected to be involved in the relevant incident has been suspended since investigations are being carried out into the matter. He also said that the Police have been instructed by Dr. Weerasekera to conduct an impartial inquiry into the incident.

Continue reading ‘Alleged Attempt by Public Security and Fisheries Ministry Officials to Excavate Gold Buried by LTTE in Puthukkudiyiruppu: Minister Weeraseka Suspends Official Pending Inquiry:Minister Devananda Says “He will carry Out Investigation in a Day or Two”’ »

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 the country and what have been repealed? What is this colossal joke that is being inflicted upon us?

What constitutional promises when basic norms are disregarded?
In the absence of infantile foundational knowledge on the laws which may be invoked to allege that a violation has occurred, is it not a veritably Alice-in-Wonderland dream to dwell on constitutional reforms or promise the nation, a new Constitution in the coming year? When the basic criminal law and criminal procedure been subverted to such an extent that notional obedience or a semblance of propriety ceases to be demonstrated by those tasked with implementing the law, where is one to turn to? We live in the shadow of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution which effectively subordinates all institutions and branches of state to the Office of the Presidency.

Consequently, is it not a farce of the highest order to talk of a constitutional balance of power between the executive, legislature and the judiciary? And for that matter, what is the point of learned perambulation on a Rights Bill to be put before the people? For these discussions to be taken seriously, the reversal of the 20th Amendment is imperative in that sense and sobriety must return to the constitutional discourse. That must trickle down to the working of the governance process rather than this madhouse of the absence of law and order that we see.

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 dull grey stone with the letters ‘DWC’ painted on it. “Once a stone like this is put on our lands, we have been told not to enter the area, as it is part of the government’s conservation effort,” he said.

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’ »

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, intelligence services, and national security, which led to the Easter Carnage.
He was very clear that having a two-thirds majority in Parliament, this government is ready to respond to the false propaganda of the Opposition, and provide a meal free of poison to the people.

He said the Presidential Commission appointed by Yahapalana has stated very clearly who was responsible for the Easter Carnage. This included the then President, Prime Minister and the entire Cabinet of that time.
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 all over Sri Lanka and India to compete with each other, one drummer more powerful than the next.

Throng of devotees at Nallur temple. Pic by Sivashanthan
The piercing sound of the

Simplicity and authority: Kumaradas Maapana Mudaliyar. Pic by Visakan

As the afternoon faded, Lord Skanda, dressed in green, would be taken back to his abode, dancing on the shoulders of his followers. These scenes from my childhood have always associated music and dance with the sacred and the divine.

Home for my brother and cousins in our early childhood was where my grandmother and great grandmother lived.

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 the US Congress. We are pleased with our discussions and remain encouraged by their concerns and responses.

In Washington, the Delegation met with Assistant Secretary of State, Ambassador Donald Lu; Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ambassador Kelly Keiderling; Acting Assistant Secretary for Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Lisa J. Peterson; Ambassador Michael Kozak of the Office of Global Criminal Justice; and Director for South Asia Security Affairs and Director for Democracy and Human Rights of the National Security Council at the White House.

The delegation also met with senior staff members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; the Assistant Administrator of the USAID; Legislators from the United States Congress; and former US Ambassadors to Sri Lanka and Assistant Secretaries for the region.

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 the elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was deprived of the chance to run for a third term – or even fourth or fifth like the peers in Africa and Russia and now in China – by the 19th amendment. Yet Mahinda knew how important it was to keep the post within the confines of the family.

Though handpicked by the elder brother, Gotabaya soon built his own brand and fellowship, the kind of folks who believed Gotabaya, a former military man and a political outsider (which he isn’t) as the panacea for the ills of Sri Lankan politics. His Sinhala Buddhist credentials were seen as the icing on the cake.

Having rescinded his American citizenship to run for the presidency, Gotabaya campaigned on a patriotic platform, prioritizing national security and offering prosperity. Elsewhere, his campaign was replete with Sinhala Buddhist exclusivist rhetoric, anti-minority dog-whistling and pledges to defeat many concocted foreign conspiracies.

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. If the appointment is given, the Lankan Minister will make a day’s trip.

As stated by Foreign Minister G.L.Peiris, Basil Rajapaksa’s agenda is wide – to seek loans, investment and economic cooperation. Rescheduling debt repayment could be an unstated item, as Sri Lanka had already sought it earlier from India and China.

But experts wonder if a hurried one-day trip will help Sri Lanka, when the agenda is large, and lacking in focus. There is a manifest absence of detailed planning with the involvement of both sides. Further, it is not even clear if the Sri Lankans have worked out details to make the discussions useful.

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 for all.”

I was devastated by Mangala’s passing, and these days find myself craving his wise counsel, irrepressible mischief, and rare gift for friendship. I also miss knowing that Mangala is out there hustling, refusing ever to give up on the idea that people could change for the better, that his country could realise his ideals, and that the world’s nations could think—and act—beyond their immediate self-interest.

The son of an open-hearted, trailblazing mother and a pioneering human rights lawyer father, the seeds of Mangala’s immense impact began as he witnessed the brutality of Sri Lanka’s civil war, with a simple thought: “Maybe I can make a difference.”

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 after the cry “all 225 are useless” became a dirge for political venality during the Yahapalana era.

The slogan was seen as a death march for politicians that had failed the nation. It was clear in the fact that people were disenchanted with politicians, after it became obvious that the then Government could not even put up a united front, let alone govern.

The ugly goings-on in Parliament during the 52-day crisis and other scenes of unruliness in the legislature also contributed to the idea that a proper leader would be one that was never tainted by previous political experience.

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 the green agriculture policy, Rajapaksa said that there is no impediment for officials who do not agree with the Government’s policy to leave. He said that the support of an honest team of officials is needed for the success of this programme,” stated the President’s Media Centre (PMC).

He made these remarks during a special meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (22), where the Maha cultivation season and the supply of organic fertiliser were discussed.

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 Morning learnt.

When contacted by The Morning for confirmation and further details, Dr. de Silva said that this decision was taken yesterday (22) as there are no organic fertilisers and liquid fertilisers that can be used for vegetable cultivations as at present.

“This decision does not mean that the policy of organic farming mentioned in the President’s manifesto has been abandoned, but considering the current situation, the President instructed to take necessary steps to import a limited quantity of chemical fertilisers as there are no organic and liquid fertilisers that can be used for vegetable cultivations,” he explained.

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.’ »

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 too, when remaining (largely) silent as official and religious events occur with nary a thought as to covid-19 health protocols. So when health officials lecture the public on these matters, it is best that the finger of responsibility is first directed towards the Government itself. Timidity in that regard while holding forth on the perils of protests in covid-times is disingenuous at best and politically sycophantic at worst. And there is a larger question in issue here.

Which comes first, the political chicken or the (purported) agitators’ egg? In other words, when protestors gather or are brought out to the streets against political actions that use a global pandemic as a cover to heap untold miseries on the people, on whom must the responsibility lie? The protestors or ruling politicians?

There is an easy answer to those questions. 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.

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 the greatest musical artist of the 20th Century, is said to have sold over 150 million records worldwide. And ‘Doing it my way’ was one his favourites.

Even in millennia before to the present day, history reveals that world conquerors — big and small — are pushed by their inner compulsions to ‘Doing it my way’.

The first post-Independent Sri Lankan strongman was Junius Richard Jayewardene. Soon after he swept the polls in 1977, parodying Napoleon on ‘Rolling up the map of Europe’ declared that he wanted to ‘Roll up the electoral map’ (of Sri Lanka) and created a constitution that gave him full executive power with a five-sixth majority backing in parliament.

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 from the same company, Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage told the Sunday Times.

“We cannot afford to damage diplomatic relations over this issue,” the minister said.

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 council — the Elpitiya PS — ends later on.

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.

Erik Solheim

Prabhakaran’s younger son, then 12 years old, was captured by Sri Lankan forces. And then he disappeared. In all likelihood, he was executed after surrendering. A war crime, of course.
Prabhakaran was allegedly shot dead by the Sri Lankan army, but not much is known about his final days. There are unconfirmed claims that he had offered to surrender.

THE WEEK interviewed Erik Solheim, former Norwegian diplomat and minister who had tried to negotiate a peace deal between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE in the early 2000s. Solheim was a confidant of Prabhakaran, and the only outsider who met him several times before the ceasefire was broken and the final battle played out.

Solheim is now the convenor of the advisory committee of The Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition (BRIGC) at the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Washington, DC. BRIGC is a non-profit organisation that works with leaders in government, business and civil society to promote green initiatives. It is supervised by the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment and has its own secretariat.

Solheim was in Chennai recently on WRI business. He spoke to THE WEEK about how the LTTE reached out to the world during the final days of the war, and how Prabhakaran rejected an offer from Norway and the international community.

Excerpts from the interview.

Q/ What actually happened in the last leg of the war?

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 instalments and interest on foreign loans that it has obtained at commercial rates could be repaid by reducing imports to the maximum and refraining from resorting to new loans. The senseless and stupid nature of the Government’s thinking can be well understood by this fact alone.

Sri Lanka, with the size of its economy and the limited potential of foreign exchange earnings, does not possess the ability to repay foreign loan instalments and interest while maintaining socio-economic activities at a healthy level. It was after carefully evaluating all these facts relating to the current issue that the international credit rating agencies have predicted that Sri Lanka will inevitably go bankrupt.

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 lakhs of voters! Just two days after that is the birthday of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa – reaching 76, with a political record of much success.

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 facing an economic crisis. This is a worldwide crisis. The situation is severe compared to other years and if I had a good private sector that earns more to tax them and get more money into the government’s revenue, I would have done so. If people earned more money, then I could have taken that money and done some other things,” said Rajapaksa.

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 the Cultural Affairs Minister and Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa was granted approval by the Cabinet of Ministers this week.

“The contribution of the cinema industry to the GDP stood at Rs. 1.9 billion in 2019,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing.

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

Statue of Santhaana Gopaalar

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 forming direct lines, circles or specific designs at temples, houses and business premises at dusk, and with the hope of dispelling darkness. The lamps are not put out until the next days.
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 against those in the second group.

It’s a stark, disturbing scene, with frightened men standing in the corner, somewhat aware of their fate – a reminder that such activities occur routinely, and how precarious are the lives of the marginalised, especially Dalits, in small towns and rural India.

Dalits make up about 20% of India’s population, and despite laws to protect them they continue to face discrimination and violence.

Jai Bhim’s title translates to “Long Live Bhim”, a slogan made popular by the followers of BR Ambedkar, a Dalit scholar and leader, who was the chief architect of India’s constitution and also the country’s first law minister.

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 spent, he said.

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 era, this Budget is expected to ease the economic burden on almost all segments of the society, not only a select few. Doing so has also been challenging, as almost all modes of revenue have also been affected owing to disrupted economic activities.
The public and the Government both expect a lot from this Budget, and different parties point out how the Government has either succeeded, or failed, at living up to these expectations.

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.)

Professor Arusha Cooray

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 confidence. The collapse of tourist revenues and remittances due to the pandemic, have compounded the situation. Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves are at an all-time low, currently sufficient to cover two months of imports. As a rule of thumb, a country’s foreign exchange reserves should be sufficient for at least three months of imports.

The fall in foreign exchange reserves has led to a depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar, making it more difficult to service the debt denominated in foreign currency. Sri Lanka’s debt to GDP ratio currently stands at 101%. Businesses relying on imports are struggling to make foreign currency payables. Prices of essential food items have risen, leading to hoarding and black markets. The government’s ban on the use of chemical fertilizer for farming and the printing of money by the Central Bank, has intensified the situation.

Sri Lanka has responded to these challenges hereto, by imposing capital controls, restricting imports, and engaging in currency swaps. Import controls have led to a shortage of essential goods. Currency swaps and capital controls are short terms measures. There is no strong evidence to show that import and capital controls succeed during a foreign exchange crisis.

Is there a way out? It is imperative that the government undertakes a reform plan that addresses key priority areas to salvage the economy.

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 relations struck a bad patch when the Mahinda Rajapaksa government was replaced by the pro-West regime led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremseinghe. The port city was stalled for a year and a half for alleged corruption. China reportedly incurred a loss of US$ 380,000 per day as a result of the suspension of work.

Eventually, the government had to bow to China. It had to give China outright possession of 20 hectares of land and another 88 ha on a 99 years lease in the Port City. Unable to pay loan instalments for the Hambantota port, the government leased it out to China for 99 years.

When Gotabaya Rajapaksa, brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, assumed the Presidency in 2019, he jolted China by telling an Indian interviewer that he will re-examine the Hambantota deal. Eventuallyhe restricted himself to ensuring that the security of the port was in the hands of the Lankan navy.

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 wanted to resign for “technical” reasons, i.e the fact that the findings of the “One Country, One Law” committee were to be made into law bypassing him. Or, at least, that they were to be placed before the legislature, without so much as a “by your leave” from the Minister.

But resignations are not resorted to for technical reasons. For example, ministers in other countries – god forbid, not Sri Lanka – have resigned when there were train derailments that cost lives.

Yet none of them said: “Well, if the Prime Minister can prove that I was in fact asleep when the accident happened – which I was – then, I’m not resigning, hallelujah, so help me God.”
If such resignations were common, they would not have been called resignations. They would have been called threats. When Minister Ali Sabry said he would resign because the President had appointed a controversial task force to draft new laws, the people thought he was as good as his word.

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 lives
and quickly go.
Some stay for a while and leave
Footprints in our heart
And we are never, ever the same”

To those who know him closely, “Ape luckiya,” “Lucky ayiya” , or “Ape Lucky” are some of the special, sentimental and fond nick names they use to talk about Mr. Luxman, Wijesekera. All of us know Luxman as a popular and well known singer, and a composer of music, especially for Children. Further, Luxmanis an extremely talented,Television drama producer, an advertising director and a singer of solo and duets which are very popular today. My good friend late“some”, (Mr, Somapala HewaKapuge) always referred to Luxmanas “Ape lukiya” fondly whenever he spoke about him. My association with Mr. Luxman Wijesekera, is more than 20 years, and I consider that it is a great privilege to write a short felicitation about LuxamanWijesekera and his contribution to the Children’s Music in Sri Lanka.

His parents were late Mr. Walter Wijesekera and late Mrs. Daisy GeterueWijesekara. He studied firstly at Anuradapura Central College, and Maliyadeva College in Kurunegala. Later he got admission to Government College of Music (Hewood) and received his first appointment, as a music teacher in Welusumana Vidyalaya. After a stint in Anuradapura, Luxman joined and taught music at Isipathna College and D.S.Senanayake Colleges in Colombo. In 1975,as an auditioned singer of Sri Lanka Broad Casting Cooperation, he earned popularity in Radio and Television in Sri Lanka. We, young and olds, still remembernostalgically his well-known “Muthu AhurakGayana” Children Song Program aired by Sri Lanka Rupawahaini Cooperation in the 80s.

Laxman Wijesekara, definitely is very close to our hearts and minds, and one of the key figuresin Children’s Music in Sri Lanka.

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 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. Historically, most of the sycophants who fuel the grandiose dreams of leaders and promote their infallibility are a part of their inner circle. The authoritarian or monarchical tendencies of presidents and prime ministers are supported by sycophants in the Cabinet of Ministers, in the Parliament, and key operatives within the political parties.

The citizens of Sri Lanka are quite aware of their rights; their desire not to become subjects of a king has been demonstrated time and again when they periodically turf these leaders out of power. Incumbent Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa lost the Presidential Election in 2015 when he was the President, despite enjoying backing from within his Cabinet, the Parliament, and his party when he promoted the 17th Amendment to the Constitution to lift presidential term limits forever.

Sycophancy was surely at its highest when the Cabinet, parliamentarians, and even the Supreme Court found creative arguments to justify the said Amendment and assure the people that the President’s right to contest elections in perpetuity enhanced the freedom of the electorate. We were told that it took democracy to a new height.

The people did not award Gotabaya Rajapaksa with unlimited power. He had strong support in Parliament but not a two-thirds majority. Yet sycophants seeking favour and position crossed over to give him that majority – it was not the people’s doing. Now, armed with the powers vested through the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, the President believes that he is beyond accountability.

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 discontent and political racketeering

This was not perhaps the wisest riposte that the Finance Minister should have made on the eve of presenting the Budget against a rising groundswell of popular anger, severe economic stress and wildly out-of-control racketeering by politically ‘protected’ traders. From fluctuating purchase prices of covid tests and vaccines to skyrocketing consumer essentials including cooking gas, garlic, rice and sugar, Government insiders no less allege that massive profits are being skimmed off ‘deals’ by Ministers.

Add to that, we have trade unionists, the Buddhist clergy, the Catholic Church and a motley collection of the Government’s constituent parties challenging a Cabinet decision that they say was made in secrecy, to transfer 40 percent of the state-owned shares of the Kerawalapitiya Yugadanavi power plant to an American company. Now before the courts, the issue is bound to generate substantial public discontent amidst talk of ‘deals’ and more ‘deals.’ We are far too disconcertingly familiar with such accusations.

At another level, as farmers call down ancient curses upon the heads of ruling politicians for depriving them of fertiliser for their fields, protests erupt elsewhere. In Negombo, fisherfolk and the clergy gather in their thousands against a proposed government acquisition of portions of the Muthurajawela wetlands. Demonstrations continue against failures to afford justice to victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday jihadist attacks on churches and hotels while the Government and the Opposition engage in shadow boxing in Parliament.

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 Finance Minister agrees with a US federal judge who has said that “Presidents are not kings”.

That will depend on what his brother – until recently a US citizen, too – thinks of the Sri Lankan presidency.
Surely, he won’t be thinking of any monarchy or royalty!
What short memories you have. It was only a few days ago that President Gotabaya made that speech where he showed how he could get the military to hold a goviya down by the neck, and ask him to use organic fertiliser. As this Budget plan gets underway, the goviyas will have to wear special neck guards, and avoid the military as much as possible — to escape the President’s monarchic thinking.

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 Warrant in the future

Telephone expenditure in State institutions to be slashed by 25%
Construction of new office buildings for State institutions to be suspended for two years

Eligibility for MPs’ pensions to be extended to 10 years from the current 5 years

Radio/TV Broadcasting & Telecasting licences to be issued on an auction basis

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 declared that he couldn’t remain the justice minister unless the authority given to the PTF over the justice ministry was done away with. The PTF consisted of 13 persons.

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 on how to successfully face the post-Covid-19 situation in the country,” a press release from the Ministry of Finance said yesterday (11).

Accordingly, the second reading of the Budget debate will take place from tomorrow (13) whilst 22 November will be the date of the vote on the second reading.
The third reading will take place from 23 November onwards for 16 days, following which the final vote will take place on 10 December.

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 Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, on Saturday filed a petition with the Sri Lankan Supreme Court against the appropriation, saying the project would affect the livelihoods of the people and various religious sites in the area.

On Sunday, the Archdiocese of Colombo, under whose jurisdiction comes Negombo and the marshlands, released brochures and leaflets explaining to the faithful about the possible damages the government’s move could cause.

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.

Continue reading ‘President Rajapaksa Issues Fresh Gazette amendinng OCOL Terms of Reference; Dayananda Banda and Mohamed Inthika Quit Task Force; Ramalingam Chakrawarthy Karunakaran, Yogeswari Patgunarajah and Iyyampillai Dayanandaraja Included;PTF has 8 Sinhalese, 3 Muslims and 3 Tamils’ Ex-Jaffna Mayor Yogeswari is Sole Woman member’ »

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.

He made this statement while speaking in Parliament today (10).

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.

Continue reading ‘Delegation Representing the Tamil National Alliance(TNA) Will be in the US this week for Discussions Commencing on Nov 13 with State Dept Officials on Constitutional Issues’ »

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 Province Mrs Anuradha Yahampath has spoken ill of me to several newspapers. She had insisted that the Senior Deputy Inspector of Police (SDIG) initiate an independent inquiry into a statement I had made in Parliament. When the SDIG spoke to me, he in fact mentioned that it was against my rights as a Parliamentarian, but went on to say that because a Government official has insisted, an inquiry has to be made. This is not the first time that the Governor has violated my rights, and it has happened several times even when I am in the Parliament. I have also been called names within the Parliament on several occasions,” said Rasamanickam.

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 yesterday that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s statement that Narahenpita Abayarama Temple’s Chief Incumbent Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera had helped the Government to come to power, made a few days after the monk was appointed as the Colombo University’s Chancellor by him, is “dangerous”.
“The chancellor position is a ceremonial one. However, it is a position which demands a certain respectability as it is a reflection of the university’s culture. We have a problem with the premise of this appointment, especially since the President said this weekend that Ananda Thera helped the current Government to come to power. Thus, we stand against this appointment, alongside the Colombo University’s Academic Federation which has communicated to us their protest at this appointment,” FUTA President Prof. S. Banneheka told The Morning yesterday.

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 not reflect the original intention behind creating the said Task Force as it was done to conceptualise the thinking behind ‘One Country, One Law’. It was not done to undermine the Justice Ministry in any way and plans are underway to fix this,” an official government source told The Morning yesterday (9).

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 Parliament.

“We don’t know whether Zahran’s wife is alive or not, but we request Minister Sarath Weerasekera to table the statement given to police by her in Parliament. We have evidence to prove that Zahran met intelligence officers prior to April 21 suicide attacks. Zaharan’s wife had confirmed this in her statement,” the MP said.

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 had informed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of his decision to quit the ministerial position over the controversial appointment. The SLPP National List lawmaker met President Rajapaksa last Friday (6), the day after his return from Glasgow, Scotland.

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 in the country, even at the height of numerous civil and ethnic conflicts, let it be said.

Cruel travesty of the law

Layers of misgovernance, thievery and the open abuse of the law are so pervasive that it seems there is little point in talking of the law at all. Perhaps that is the very idea, we dare say. There are those who are appointed as vice chancellors of universities in an open subversion of the spirit and the law of the Universities Act. The Government has shown little remorse over the appointment of a politically controversial monk to head a presidential Task Force to oversee law reform with the aim of bringing about ‘one country, one law’ in a cruel travesty of those very terms.

Murmurs of dissent from within its ranks, including the Minister of Justice who has been placed in the incredulous situation of having reforms proposed by the Ministry being ‘supervised’ by this Task Force have not resulted in any noticeable impact. And all this while indictments are withdrawn willy nilly by the Attorney General against the politically (and militarily) powerful with little more than a cursory explanation as to why criminal charges lodged with substantial material at one point are suddenly not found to be relevant any more.

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 of Justice in furtherance of this rather fluid hypothesis, and to submit amendments to the latter as appropriate.

Basically, a convicted felon has been assigned the responsibility for evaluating the competence of a legal system, which was earlier responsible, after due process, for convicting him. The arbitrariness, the ridiculousness of the very notion is such that at first the news was perceived as a bad joke circulating in social media.

By extension of that patently absurd determination, it would then seem quite logical to appoint Lohan Ratwatte, presently under investigation for threatening select Tamil prisoners with death at gun-point, as the chairman of a committee to study and recommend prison reforms, or ” Wele Suda”, currently in jail for drug trafficking, as head of a task force to advise law enforcement bodies on the prevention of drug smuggling.

An appointment to any important position is, generally if not invariably, preceded by an evaluation of the curriculum vitae of the proposed appointee. The priest from Galagoda first gained prominence as the head of the “Bodu Bala Sena” (BBS), a body inaugurated in 2012 and publicly provided patronage by the then Defence Secretary and now President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Since then, the cleric has been both vocally and physically involved in anti-minority (read Muslim) agitation. Most prominent was his alleged involvement in inciting anti-Muslim violence in Beruwala and Aluthgama in 2014, which resulted in four fatalities, injuries to dozens and the destruction of a large number of Muslim owned establishments. In March 2018, in Teldeniya and Digana, mobs of Sinhala Buddhists ramapaged, unchecked for over a week, destroying Muslim owned property, as well as damaging four mosques. The reported presence of Gnanasara in the area during this period is unlikely to have been accidental.

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 the construction of 1,500 roads. We fulfilled our duties during this period amidst countless obstacles. On several occasions the country was completely locked down. We know how difficult it was for the contractors to bring their labourers because of the COVID situation. I thank the Minister for completing the work on 1,500 roads amidst those obstacles.

At present, there are two groups that criticize me. One group is the ones who have no idea about the last two years; they think that these last two years are ordinary years. But not only me, all the world leaders too faced two years with the Covid-19 outbreak. The other group is the crowd that requested me to make a revolutionary change. When I tried to make this change, many were upset and those in that offended group also criticized me.

I became the President on November 19th. In December 2019, coronavirus began to rapidly spread in Wuhan, China. At that time no one in the world knew what type of pandemic this was or how we should face it, or whether there was a vaccine available against this virus. It was under such circumstances that 34 students who were studying in Wuhan were brought back to Sri Lanka. We sent a special aircraft and brought them to Mattala according to the health guidelines and from there these students were taken to a special quarantine facility at the Diyatalawa Army Base Camp. From then on we started the quarantine process. More than 150,000 persons serving in the Middle East were brought back to Sri Lanka and quarantined.
We had to shut down the country more than ten times.

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 that the Justice Minister had taken his resignation letter to the President, but that the President refused to accept it.

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 Gotabaya Rajapaksa has returned home from Glasgow, Scotland, where he told the world about his great new thinking on governance in Sri Lanka.

He told world leaders at COP26 that Sri Lanka recently “restricted the imports of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and weedicides due to public health concerns, water contamination, soil degradation, and biodiversity impacts; and that although opposed by entrenched lobbies, this has created opportunities for innovation and investment into organic agriculture that will be healthier and more sustainable in future.”

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 by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and visiting World Bank Vice President Hartwig Schafer.

Responding to criticism of the controversial Presidential Task Force (PTF) on “one country, one law” chaired by Ven. Galabodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, President Rajapaksa justified the appointment of the Thera, pointing out that it was the Thera who had spoken of the “one country, one law” concept during the past few years.

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 12 other members.

Gnanasara Thera, speaking to The Sunday Morning, said the goal of the task force was to bring about one Sri Lankan identity and that the views of all communities would be garnered in that effort.

“We have to somehow make this country united and have a national view. We must bring the Muslim community into the conversation. They are now separate and in different camps. We must get their views as well. We will make sure that no group is treated unfairly, but we must bring the communities together. The country cannot go forward in the current state it is in,” the Thera said.

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. The practice of appointing task forces comes naturally to the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Presidency, having appointed over 10 such entities in less than two years.

Furthermore, the prominence given to Buddhist clergy in recent years is also not new, considering their role in the presidential election campaign in 2019, to subsequent appointments to advisory bodies, task forces, and academic institutions, to name a few. It is the combination of the two and the audacity of such action – the appointment of a convicted rabble rouser with a track record of incitement against minorities in Sri Lanka – which took many by surprise. Added to this is its impact in terms of consolidating Sinhala-Buddhist hegemony and shaping a particular narrative that is deeply troubling and carries significant consequences for Sri Lanka.

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 effects, not only on economy and ethnic peace, but also on relations with China and India.

The name of one of the Rajapaksas featuring in the Pandora Papers is probably yet another scam in the making.

This month saw India making news more than once in the media. Visits by External Affairs Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Indian Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravane, the Indian and Sri Lankan armies’ joint exercise, and the visit by six warships of the Indian Navy highlighted India’s sustained interest in making India-Sri Lanka relations multi-faceted.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had imposed a total ban on agrochemicals, including fertilisers and pesticides, in May to make farming totally organic. It also helped the cash-strapped Government save around $ 400 million in fertiliser imports. The President’s action was ill-timed, as the economy was already reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The tea industry and farmers cried hoarse as the shortage of fertilisers peaked and food prices shot up. In August, the Government placed an order for the import of 96,000 metric tonnes (MT) of organic fertiliser with Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group, a Chinese company.

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 and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China” was presented to the US Congress on November 4th 2021.

The report’s section on the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army’ overseas Basing and Access states as follows-

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).

Continue reading ‘If the CID Arrests Fr.Cyril Gamini Due to Complaint Made by State Intelligence Service Head the Community will not bee Silent Warns Harin Fernando;“If they arrest our priest, We will take to the streets. We are ready to lay down our lives”States MP’ »

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 a visit to Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

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

Beautiful fresh flower garlands made for the festival

“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. The annual festival is usually celebrated in late October or early November according to the new moon, has been predominantly celebrated by the Hindus since the time immemorial.

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 2014

Last week a curious theft happened. A man broke into a CWE store Galle to steal a few packets of milk powder.

According to a World Food Programme survey (conducted in five districts between December 2020 and February 2021), 50% of the households were either moderately or severely food insecure (Food Insecurity among farmers in rural Sri Lanka and the perceived impact of Covid-19 https://academic.oup.com/cdn/article/5/Supplement_2/248/6292663).

Last week. Moody’s downgraded Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating to Caa2 (poor quality and very high credit risk); two more notches and we’d hit the rock bottom. The same day, Minister Namal Rajapaksa inaugurated a dune racing track in the Port City and promised to set up a billion dollar sports economy.

Thomas Piketty opens the introduction to his Capital and Ideology with a statement and a warning. “Every human society must justify its inequalities; unless reasons for them are found, the whole political and social edifice stands in the danger of collapse.” When inequalities turn too rampant for justification, as in Sri Lanka today, diversion is the only recourse. A red herring is needed, as red as blood.

Last week, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a Presidential Task Force on ‘One Country, One Law’ and placed at its head a monk who is a master in rabblerousing and minority-baiting. Is this another bungle by the most cerebrally-challenged administration in modern Lankan history? Or a coldly calculating measure to save the ruling dynasty by turning the clock back to 2019?

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 of the State, and added that no useful purpose would be served by the Task Force.

While stating that Legislative power is one of the aspects of the sovereignty of the people, the BASL states that the Constitution itself provides a framework for the legislative process which is supplemented by other laws and by the Standing Orders of Parliament.

The Sectoral Oversight Committees of Parliament as well as Standing Committees and Select Committees which can be constituted as per the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Law Commission which is an institution established by law are among these mechanisms. In addition, during the last year the Ministry of Justice has appointed several committees to propose reforms to various laws, according to the BASL.

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 while speaking exclusively to The Morning today (02).

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 films, their characters and their personas wallpapering the country’s imagination. They are, perhaps as much as the prime minister and the captain of the national cricket team, the most recognisable faces in India. They also happen to be Muslim.

For most Indians, to the extent they think about it at all, that is a source of pride: the Khans’ pre-eminence a sign of the country’s tolerant secularism. But it sticks in the craw of Hindu chauvinists, who are well represented by the government of Narendra Modi, the prime minister, and his Bharatiya Janata Party (bjp). All three Khans have faced criticism from bjp figures in recent years, along with the usual gibes that they should “go to Pakistan”. By the debased standards of Indian political discourse, where even the use of the indigenous Urdu language is seen as “Abrahamisation”, that is not surprising.

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 from the shock and demoralisation of the Easter bombing that had taken place six months before. The Muslim community came under special scrutiny as the suicide bombers had been Muslim. The concept of one country, one law came across as a powerful unifying theme to the majority of the population who felt that ethnic and religious minorities had created enclaves, both in territory and in law, which undermined the unity of the country.

In a context in which the previous government leadership had failed to act cohesively, the candidacy of Gotabaya Rajapaksa was projected as being that of a strong leader who would unify the country in all aspects. However, the situation that exists at the present time no longer supports such expectations. The country is beset by many problems of varying intensity and the expectations that people had with regard to the positive and developmental aspects of strong government are no longer being met. The appointment of the presidential task force has come at a time when the attention of the general population is focused upon the difficulties they are experiencing in growing food, feeding their families and educating their children in the midst of fertiliser bans, teachers strikes and economic hardship.

The basic concept of one country, one law continues to be welcomed by the ethnic and religious majority population who see in it no specific threat to their identity or to their interests. The principle of one law, one country is upheld by the constitution of the country, which however makes an exception for Buddhism which is given the foremost place and for personal laws that apply to Kandyan Sinhalese, Jaffna Tamils and Muslims.

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 Affairs to write to the Government of the United States of America, informing that Wickreamasuriya continue to enjoy all the diplomatic privileges and immunities in terms of Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Privileges and immunities respect of acts performed by him in exercise of his functions the America and United Mexican States.

Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justice Vijith K. Malalgoda PC, Justice Kumuduni Wickremasinghe and Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena observed that there is no merit in the appeal before Supreme Court and thereby decided to dismiss the appeal with cost fixed at Rs. 50,000.

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 what was expected from the Presidential Task Force according to the gazette notification was the same matters that the BBS had focused on over the years.

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 Sri Lanka’s northern districts, along with Jaffna legislator M.A. Sumanthiran, met Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay in Colombo on Monday, and voiced concern over the “delay in India’s response” to the issue of bottom trawling in the Palk Strait.

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 campaigned alongside civil society group ‘Viyathmaga’, at the 2019 presidential election, is quite disappointed at the unexpected development.

Sabry, who appeared for Gotabaya Rajapaksa in several high-profile cases, including the controversial acquisition of MiG-27 fighters, entered Parliament on the SLPP National List. Sabry is expected to make an announcement after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s return to the country from the UK.

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 conference on the role of the Presidential Task Force for ‘One Country, One Law’ which was held today (01) at the Presidential Media Centre via video technology.

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 sentiments behind this slogan are perfectly acceptable. After all, what not to like about a promise to implement the law equally for all in the country?

As we all know, the law does not apply equally in most instances – privilege triumphs justice each time, and any effort to make the law equitable in its implementation is certainly most laudatory. Except, 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.

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 am not happy about the move,” he said.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issued a gazette notification on Tuesday announcing the appointment of a 13-member Presidential Task Force for “One Country, One Law,” with Ven. Gnanasara Thera appointed as its chairperson. The task force’s other members are Prof. Dayananda Banda, Prof. Shanthinandana Wijesinghe, Prof. Sumedha Siriwardana, N.G. Sujeewa Panditharathna, Iresh Senevirathne, Sanjaya Marambe, Eranda Navarathna, Pani Wewala, Moulavi Mohomad, Mohomad Inthikab, Kaleel Rahuman and Azeez Nizardeen.

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 unkind blow to the idea of law reform

It is not only the imagery thereof that serves as wonderful inspiration for satirical cartoonists giving unfettered rein to their mockery but also, the very intertwining of two diametrically opposed realities that leads to mirth. More so, the Task Force is directed to ‘study draft Acts and amendments’ prepared by the Ministry of Justice, determine their ‘appropriateness’ and propose amendments to the same.

Indeed, this is an unkind blow that renders ridiculous, at one fell stroke, all the ambitious programmes planned by the Justice Ministry to ‘modernize’ Sri Lanka’s ‘outdated’ civil and criminal laws. In fact, one may well pity those in the seats of Government struggling to retain relevance or perchance, even sanity, in the face of such profound absurdities. How can one talk sensibly of law reform in these circumstances?

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 Vehicle (ATV) in the only artificial beach in Sri Lanka?

This Sand Dune display, in the Port City, is a big move for the development of tourism, as the green of agriculture is being forced out of the country, with tea estates and paddy cultivation facing great danger from the fertiliser attack. Sand Dune Tracking and Tracing can be the big new tourism exercise, not of a green country.

This is certainly keeping in line with the plans to have Formula One – F1- racing in Hambantota. Let’s prepare for the day when Lewis Hamilton – UK, Sebastian Vettel – Germany, Sergio Pérez – México, and many other F1 racers show their skills here, with their very special and expensive racing cars.

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 and arrangements have been made to use six luxury buses to transport them.

A full-page paid advertisement has also been placed in the widely circulated Scottish broadsheet newspaper “The Herald” against President Rajapaksa calling him “The Terminator” and accussing Sri Lanka’ armed forces of genocide against Tamils.

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 centuries as one country and one Nation, with individual, cultural, religious laws and identities under the protection of one Sri Lankan constitution, the ACJU expressed disappointment over Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero’s appointment as the Chairman of the Task Force.

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.

Continue reading ‘13 Member Presidential Task Force for One Country, One Law Holds inaugural meeting;Chairman of the Task Force Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera says an official statement will be made next Monday about 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 another scenario created by the TID to implicate Hizbullah.

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 Thero, and called on the Government to immediately rescind the relevant Gazette notification

The statement read that the appointment of the Task Force at a time of unprecedented economic hardships and unravelling of government policies raises a plethora of questions including the compounding of a culture of governance by task forces, the promotion of divisive Buddhist clergy linked to incitement of violence and attacks against religious minorities; all of which entrench impunity.

The CPA notes that the phrase ‘One Country, One Law’ – widely deployed in the run up to and during the 2019 Presidential election, has a very specific majoritarian connotation, and is by no means an expression of a desire for equality or the equal protection under the law. Rather, the advocates of the phrase deliberately distort Sri Lanka’s legal history and legal system, and promote a false narrative of a legal system which benefits minorities and harks to a mythical time where Sri Lanka was governed by “one legal system”.

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 been losing much of the public support, popularity and trust that brought him into power in November 2019.

The present crisis which President Rajapaksa and his regime are facing has four interconnected dimensions — economic, social, governance, and legitimacy.

Sri Lanka’s worsening economic crisis is not Mr. Rajapaksa’s creation. Yet, he and his team of policy advisers seem to be at a loss even to comprehend its gravity and its disastrous consequences which the people are forced to bear.

While the impact of the protracted public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on Sri Lanka’s economy may take a few years to manage, its social impact has been devastating. The absence of any effective government interventions to alleviate economic hardships faced by the poor, the new poor produced by the pandemic, the working people and all strata of the middle class, both urban and rural, have a fresh social crisis too.

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 of the PTF itself. The country has not forgotten Gnanasara Thera’s actions in the past few years. The consequences of his actions and words in targeting the minority Muslim population are evident. He is also a person who was once in jail on charges of contempt of court,” the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said in a statement released yesterday (28).

Similarly, SJB Parliamentarian Harin Fernando Tweeted on Wednesday (27): “It is very clear what President Rajapaksa’s agenda is after he failed to deliver on all aspects. The ‘One Country, One Law’ PTF is headed by someone who is blamed by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) which probed the Easter Sunday attacks of 21 April 2019, and whom the said Commission has also called to be prosecuted.”

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 companies by depriving the people of their dues. Such money has blood on them and they would not do any good to those who take them,” the Cardinal said yesterday.

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 as Chairman of Presidential Task Force to recommend proposals to implement the ‘One Country, One Law’, Fernando said: “Seeing the team appointed for such a task gives everyone chills down their spine.”

“Not to forget that they got reminded of the base of their mandate i.e., ‘One Country, One Law’ after a whole two years, before actually taking steps to implement it,” Fernando said.

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 prepare a draft act for this purpose, a gazette notification issued last night by Presidential Secretary P.B. Jayasundera said.

The 13-member task force will also study the draft Acts and amendments that have already been prepared by the Ministry of Justice in relation to this subject and suggest any suitable amendments which are to be included in a draft law.

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 in October 2018.

A Saudi court later sentenced five people to death for Khashoggi’s murder. Yet it is clear to anyone who knows the details of the case that those judges never dared to touch the real culprit. The awareness of this grim reality has led Khashoggi’s fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, to continue to seek genuine accountability for the killing.

On Nov. 2, Cengiz will finally get her chance. On that day she will testify in Khashoggi’s case at the Permanent People’s Tribunal, a forum created by leading civic society groups to hold states to account for human rights abuses. Nov. 2 is also the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists 2021, and the session at which Cengiz will appear has been organized by three leading press freedom organizations: the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and Free Press Unlimited. Khashoggi’s case is not the only one to be investigated at the tribunal, which will address attacks on journalists around the world.

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 by the law enforcement agencies to record a statement regarding the said allegation.

Fr. Fernando, who is also the Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Church, Kurana, had claimed that the National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ) terror group was supported by the intelligence services, including Maj. Gen. Sallay, who was the then Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) Director. On 25 October, a complaint was filed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against Fr. Fernando by Maj. Gen. Sallay with regard to the aforesaid statement.

Accordingly, when contacted by The Morning, Ministry of Public Security Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Jagath Alwis said that Fr. Fernando and others who attended the said discussion would have to come and give a statement regarding the basis on which the allegations against Maj. Gen. Sallay were made.

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. sujeewa Panditharathna, Iresh Senevirathne, Sanjaya Marambe, Eranda Navarathna, Pani Wewala,, Moulavi Mohamed of Ulama Council in Galle, Lecturer Mohamed Inthikab, Kaleel Rahuman and Azeez Nizardeen.

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 Organic Fertiliser, and Paddy and Grains, Organic Foods, Vegetables, Fruits, Chillies, Onion, and Potato Cultivation Promoting, Seed Production, and Advanced Technology Agriculture State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa told the media yesterday (26) that China had refused to accept the results of the tests conducted so far.

“They (China) said that the tests carried out on these fertiliser samples by the local agencies could not be accepted as they were not accredited laboratories. They said that this company in question manufactures fertilisers for about 16 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the US, and therefore asked us to understand the quality of these fertilisers.”

Accordingly, Rajapaksa said that the Government had agreed to refer these fertiliser samples to a third party laboratory in order to ascertain their quality.

He made these remarks when the media questioned him regarding a meeting which is said to have been held between the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the local agricultural authorities on the matter.

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 terror attacks despite receiving prior warnings of such an attack.

Attending an online meeting with a group of Sri Lankans living abroad, Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith revealed that the last warning, which was given to Jayawardena before the terror attacks, contained all the information such as where the bombings were going to take place.

“Despite these warnings, he didn’t do anything. However, he could have, as a responsible police official, acted upon this intelligence information. Under the Police Ordinance, if a police officer comes to know that there is a threat to any citizen, it is their responsibility to take actions regarding it without waiting for orders from higher authorities,” he 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 Police Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nihal Thalduwa who confirmed the same.

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 in the North and East continue to call for devolution of power, particularly for the full implementation of the 13th Amendment, and for meaningful engagement on justice and reconciliation following nearly 30 years of conflict.
In an interview with The Sunday Morning, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran shared his views on some of the key issues that the communities in the North and East face.

Following are excerpts of the interview.

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’ »