Mahinda, Sajith Join Indian HC At Mayurapathy Kovil Ceremony

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The procession of offerings for the Kumbhabhishekam Pooja began its journey from the Mayurapathy Kovil in Colombo, destined for the Seetha Amman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya.

A group of special representatives recently brought holy water from the Sarayu River in Ayodhya, India, considered the birthplace of Lord Rama, to Sri Lanka for the Kumbhabhishekam festival.

These offerings, including bowls containing the sacred water, were deposited at the Mayurapathy Kovil in Colombo yesterday.

Today, after a special pooja, the procession carrying the offerings began its journey.

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa were also present at this event.

The offerings are being taken to Seetha Eliya in a special procession.

The motorcade will travel to the Seetha Amman Kovil in Seetha Eliya, Nuwara Eliya.

It is believed that this temple is located in the jungle areas, where Princess Seetha was held after being brought to Sri Lanka.

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Election Commission urges prompt action on LG polls

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In a bid to resolve ongoing electoral issues and ensure the smooth functioning of local governance, the Election Commission has urged the government to hold the Local Government elections as early as possible.

This was discussed and conveyed in a recent meeting held between election commission officials and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

During the meeting, the Election Commission also presented the Prime Minister with options for the upcoming Provincial Council elections.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake highlighted that these elections could be held under either the existing system or a newly demarcated system, providing flexibility to accommodate various logistical and administrative considerations.

The discussion also focused on the hurdles impeding the Provincial Council elections.

The Commission underscored the need for specific legislative amendments to the Local Government Election Law, which would streamline the electoral process and address current challenges.

By advocating for these changes, the Election Commission emphasized the importance of timely and effective electoral procedures to uphold democratic principles and ensure robust local governance.

UN report urges accountability and public apology for Sri Lanka’s enforced disappearances

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Sri Lanka’s Government must take meaningful action to determine and disclose the fates and whereabouts of tens of thousands of people who have been subjected to enforced disappearance over the decades and hold those responsible to account, a UN Human Rights Office report released today (May 17) says.

It calls on the Government to acknowledge the involvement of state security forces and affiliated paramilitary groups, and to issue a public apology.

“This report is yet another reminder that all Sri Lankans who have been subjected to enforced disappearance must never be forgotten,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. “Their families and those who care about them have been waiting for so long. They are entitled to know the truth”.

“The Government owes it to all those who have been forcibly disappeared. It is critical for these crimes to be investigated fully. These crimes haunt not only their loved ones, but entire communities and Sri Lankan society as a whole”, the report added.

Despite some positive formal steps by successive governments, such as the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the establishment of the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations, tangible progress on the ground towards comprehensively resolving individual cases has remained limited, the report finds.

Between the 1970s and 2009, widespread enforced disappearances were carried out primarily by Sri Lankan security forces and affiliated paramilitary groups. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam also engaged in abductions which the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances described as “tantamount to enforced disappearances”, it mentioned.

Based on individual and group interviews, the report details the enduring psychological, social, and economic impact of enforced disappearances on the families of those forcibly disappeared, especially women. As most disappeared individuals have been male, women have often become the sole income-earner for a family, in a labour environment that poses many obstacles to women’s participation, including risks of sexual harassment and exploitation.

It adds that many women who have been at the forefront of efforts to find the disappeared have themselves been subjected to violations, including harassment, intimidation, surveillance, arbitrary detention, beatings and torture at the hands of army and police. “They told me if I continue, they will cut my husband in pieces or that they will go after my children,” said a woman who is still seeking a loved one.

Under international law, it is a clear obligation for the State to resolve cases of enforced disappearances, which constitute continuing violations, until the fate and whereabouts of those disappeared are clarified, said the High Commissioner.

Yet, most victim families remain without such clarification. “Two weeks passed, then two months, then two years. Now it has been 32 years, and I am still waiting,” said a man who testified before a national commission of inquiry about his disappeared son.

“Successive commissions of inquiry have been created by the Government. However, only a few of their reports have been made public and even when published, access has usually been limited. Most recommendations, particularly those relating to criminal accountability, have not been implemented. Alleged perpetrators, including current and former senior officials and diplomats, continue to evade justice.”

Despite the passage of nearly 15 years since the end of the armed conflict, and many decades since the earliest waves of enforced disappearances, Sri Lankan authorities are still failing to ensure accountability for these violations, it added.

Sri Lanka’s ‘Mullivaikal Kanji’ Explained

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During the ongoing Mullivaikal Remembrance Week, commemorative events including the distribution of Mullivaikal Kanji or Porridge have been conducted across various locations in the Northern region, marking the fifth day of these activities.

What is this commemoration about?

The Mullivaikal Remembrance Week takes place to honor those who lost their lives in the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War. The week culminates on 18th May, the date marking the end of the war in 2009.

During this week, various events and ceremonies are held to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the conflict, especially civilians caught in the crossfire.

These events often include religious services, memorial gatherings, candlelight vigils, and the distribution of symbolic food items like Mullivaikal Kanji or porridge.

This porridge is significant, as it depicts the only meal civilians had during the final week of the war, while trapped in Mullivaikal.

This meal is a mix of rice, and water. Some reports suggest that in the absence of clean water, sea water was used to prepare this meal.

Sri Lanka: IMF Lauds Progress; Outlines Critical Steps for Debt Deal

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The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday (16), that Sri Lanka’s overall program performance, has been strong.

Julie Kozack, Director of Communications at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) speaking to reporters in Washington D.C., said that the completion of the review by the IMF Executive Board requires two critical components.

“First, the implementation by Sri Lankan authorities of the agreed prior actions. Second, the completion of the financing assurances review. This review will confirm contributions from multilateral partners and assess adequate progress in debt restructuring,” she said in reponse to question raised by News 1st’s Zulfick Farzan.

Kozack noted that Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic policies are beginning to yield positive results.

She said that commendable outcomes include a rapid decline in inflation, robust reserve accumulation, and initial signs of economic growth, all while maintaining stability in the financial system

Looking ahead, Kozack outlined the next steps for Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts, noting that the primary focus now is to conclude negotiations with external private creditors and to implement the agreements in principle with Sri Lanka’s official creditors.

She noted the challenges in reaching a consensus with external bondholders, stating, that the initial debt restructuring negotiations with external bondholders ended in mid-April without an agreement.

However, she said that discussions are ongoing with the aim of reaching an agreement in principle.

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Sri Lanka appoints special panel to provide state lands to military ahead of polls

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Sri Lanka has appointed a special committee to provide state-owned lands to military, State Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said, ahead of the country declaring the Presidential polls.

The presidential election date is expected to be declared after July 17, but the Election Commission has already declared that the polls will be held between September 17 and October 16.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the country’s Defence Minister, is expected to contest under an independent coalition with the support of most parties backing him in the current government, his close allies have said.

Wickremesinghe has launched a national programme to grant unconditional freehold ownership of lands allocated to farmers and low-income earners, titled “Urumaya”.

Granting of “Urumaya” freehold deeds is expected to enhance land value, preserve heritage, and strengthen family economies.

“President presented a cabinet paper to give concession when the lands are given to military personnel,” Tennakoon told a media briefing on Wednesday (15).

“So that they can obtain the lands if they are trying to receive government lands. A special committee has been appointed for this under President’s secretary including the defence secretary as a member. This will go in parallel with Urumaya programme.”

Backing of currently serving military and retired armed forces is vital for any political leader to win a presidency, analysts say.

Sri Lanka’s military is highly regarded among majority of the island nation for winning a 26-year war against the Tamil Tiger separatists popularly known as Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) despite strong human rights violations.

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Refugee from Sri Lanka becomes mayor of British town

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A British town’s new mayor is a refugee from Sri Lanka who will be the first Hindu to hold the position.

Labour councillor Elango Elavalakan has taken over the ceremonial role after a unanimous vote at Ipswich Borough Council’s annual meeting.

“I’m so happy today, and very proud to be mayor of this great town,” said Mr Elavalakan.

Council leader Neil MacDonald, who proposed the nomination, said Mr Elavalakan would get to read out a general election result during his year in office.

“The announcement by a refugee who fled war and persecution, and who has made a new life and contributed to society here, will send a message,” he said.

Members of Ipswich’s Hindu community attended Wednesday evening’s ceremony, with celebrations at the nearby temple planned for later in the week.

Dr Sachin Karale, chair of Ipswich Hindu Samaj, said: “It shows the great diversity and multiculturalism of Ipswich town that a Hindu man is becoming mayor. I’m really proud.”

Mr Elavalakan’s wife, Manchula Elavalakan, will be his consort.

The mayor’s theme for the year will be “support and wellbeing” with his two chosen charities Genesis Orwell Mencap and Cancer Support Suffolk.

‘Ipswich is my home town’

Having left Sri Lanka, Mr Elavalakan lived and worked in India, Uganda and Rwanda before moving to the UK.

He initially moved to Ilford in east London, before moving to Ipswich in 2006.

“When I came for one project here, in Ipswich, I felt the people were very friendly,” he said.

“So I decided, Ipswich is my home town.”

He became a Labour councillor for St John’s ward in 2014.

“Having lived in many different countries and experienced many different lifestyles, I have always been interested in helping those that need it,” he said.

“I am passionate about empowering communities and representing those in need.”

Mr Elavalakan is not the first Ipswich mayor from the Indian sub-continent, however.

Kavas Jamas Bashah was born in Mumbai and was a senior officer of the Indian Civil Service.

He retired to Ipswich and became mayor in 1925.

The town elected its first mayor, Benjamin Brame, in 1836 following the Municipal Corporations Act the previous year which reformed local government and made Ipswich a municipal borough.

Its first female mayor was Mary Whitmore, in 1946.

She was a suffragette and member of Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), and was made MBE in 1951 for her contribution to public services.

Albert Grant became Ipswich’s first black councillor and mayor of Ipswich in 1995.

He moved to the UK in 1955 at the age of 21 and has dedicated his life to tackling racism and fighting to secure equality and justice.

He was awarded an OBE in 2000 for his services to ethnic minorities and in 2021 received an honorary degree from the University of Suffolk.

Source: BBC News

HRCSL calls for criminal investigation into 2024 alleged enforced disappearance

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) in a letter to the Attorney General this week has stressed that it is imperative that an independent and impartial criminal investigation be launched into the alleged enforced disappearance of Gonapinuwala Kapila Kumara De Silva, a resident of Horowpathana, Anuradhapura in March 2024.

The HRCSL urged the Attorney General to review the evidence and allegations and decide whether a separate criminal inquiry should be initiated by the Sri Lanka Police under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Act, based on the Attorney General’s counsel.

The HRCSL observed that De Silva was reported missing on 27 March 2024. According to De Silva’s account, he was allegedly abducted by a group in civilian attire in a white van who identified themselves as law enforcement officers.

“He alleged that the persons who took him into custody interrogated him for several days in relation to a shooting incident. He alleged that his interrogators assaulted him and that, on one occasion, informed him that he would be executed. He claimed that he had informed the interrogators that he was not involved in the said incident,” the HRCSL said.

The HRCSL reported that it had contacted the Special Task Force (STF) to ascertain if De Silva was in their custody, as his family suspected. It said however, the STF denied having arrested him and said that De Silva was a suspect in a shooting incident and was wanted by the STF, but he was currently evading capture.

The HRCSL said it found on 22 April that De Silva was in the custody of the Pitigala Police and had been presented to court before being remanded. According to the victim, the HRCSL said he was handed over to the Pitigala Police on 20 April by those who abducted him.

The HRCSL told the Attorney General it is of the view that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the key elements of the offence of ‘enforced disappearance’ according to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Act may have been satisfied in De Silva’s case.

“The HRCSL accordingly urges you to consider providing the requisite advice to Sri Lanka Police to initiate such a criminal investigation into the possible enforced disappearance of de Silva. We also urge you to consider, if applicable, the initiation of proceedings before the High Court under and in terms of the Act,” it said.

Sri Lanka to send delegation to Russia to help repatriate men duped into Ukraine fighting

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Sri Lanka will dispatch a high-level delegation to Russia to investigate the fate of hundreds of nationals reportedly fighting in the war in Ukraine, a top official said on Thursday.

Social media campaigns via WhatsApp have targeted ex-military personnel with promises of lucrative salaries and promises of citizenship, the Defence Ministry has said, warning its nationals not to be duped.

The messages, sent by Sri Lankan nationals, provide a number to agents, who then arrange the documentation and the flights.

The campaigns have proved appealing as Sri Lanka struggles to emerge from its worst financial crisis in more than seven decades, which has doubled poverty rates from pre-pandemic levels and pushed hundreds of people to migrate.

Earlier this month, Sri Lankan authorities launched investigations into reports of its citizens, mostly with military training, being trafficked to fight in the war in Ukraine, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya.

“The primary challenge lies in determining the exact number of individuals in Russia. As per unofficial sources, approximately 600-800 Sri Lankan individuals are in Russia,” he told reporters.

Russia’s embassy in Colombo did not immediately reply to a request for comment and in the past Moscow has not responded to repeated requests from Reuters on this issue.

Sri Lanka’s authorities have received 288 complaints from family members of nationals who had left illegally to fight in Ukraine and have arrested seven people, including a retired major general, linked to the human trafficking, according to the island nation’s defence ministry.

At least 16 retired military personnel have died in Ukraine, the ministry said.

Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, and a former ambassador to Russia will be among the delegates who will leave for Russia shortly, Balasuriya said.

In 2009, Sri Lanka ended a 26-year civil war between separatist Tamil insurgents and government forces. After the conflict many Sri Lankan military personnel retired from active service.

Source: REUTERS

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Victims of Kumuthini boat massacre remembered 39 years on

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The 39th anniversary of the Kumuthini boat massacre was solemnly observed on Delft island today, as people gathered to remember the 36 Tamils who were killed by Sri Lankan naval officers.

On May 15 1985, six plain-clothed Navy officers boarded the boat and pointed a gun at passengers before ordering them to come up to the main deck one by one and shout their name and destination. Each passenger was then hacked to death.

The commemoration took place at a monument on Delft island that is dedicated to the victims.

Religious observances were held at the St. Xavier Church and Veerapathra Pillaiyar Kovil, offering prayers and seeking solace for the souls of the departed. Relatives of the victims, along with religious leaders and members of the general public, laid flowers at a memorial dedicated to the victims who were murdered.