Author: TELO Admin

The Human Rights Watch organization has issued a stark warning, asserting that Sri Lanka is regressing in terms of human rights and social justice standards. Blaming misgovernance and a lack of accountability for the country’s ongoing economic crisis, Human Rights Watch criticizes the government, led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, for prioritizing the suppression of dissent over addressing critical issues.

Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Asian Director at Human Rights Watch, expresses deep concern over Sri Lanka’s trajectory under the Wickremesinghe administration, citing a pattern of regressive policies and increasing repression.

As Sri Lanka prepares for a presidential election later this year, the report highlights President Wickremesinghe’s implementation of new laws aimed at curbing criticism and stifling dissent. Human Rights Watch underscores the urgent need for attention to human rights and social justice in Sri Lanka, urging the government to prioritize accountability and transparency to address the country’s challenges effectively.

For further details, refer to the full announcement on Human Rights Watch’s website: https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/02/14/under-ranil-wickremesinghe-sri-lanka-going-fast-reverse

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Liz Allen arrived in Sri Lanka to discuss safeguarding the information and media space in the country.

This is the first visit from a US Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy to Sri Lanka, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said.

The US State Department said that while in Sri Lanka, she will reaffirm US support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Her agenda includes fostering dialogue on freedom of expression and democratic values with diverse groups of stakeholders, including journalists, civil society members, government officials, and the Embassy’s Youth Forum.

Her engagements with the Sri Lanka Press Institute, U.S. public diplomacy program alumni, and local content creators will emphasize the critical role of preserving diverse voices for a stable and inclusive Sri Lanka.

Additionally, she will meet with representatives from Sri Lanka’s multifaith community to underscore the importance of societal inclusivity.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma is slated to travel to Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives from February 18 – 23.

According to a statement from the State Department, Verma’s visits are expected to bolster the United States’ cooperation with each of these key Indo-Pacific partners.

The Deputy Secretary’s meetings with senior officials in Colombo will support U.S.-Sri Lankan defense and maritime security cooperation, the statement read further.

Verma will visit the Colombo Port’s West Container Terminal, where the U.S. is supporting Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery through USD 553 million in financing to transform Colombo into a regional shipping hub.

Subsequently, he will meet with civil society leaders to hear their perspective on democratic governance in Sri Lanka and with government officials to voice U.S. support for the protection of free speech and open discourse.

Prior to his Sri Lanka visit, Verma will travel to India and the Maldives to discuss full range of issues including economic cooperation, security, and technology.

Meanwhile, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Elizabeth M. Allen is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next week. The State Department said Allen’s visits to India, Sri Lanka and Jordan would underscore the United States’ unwavering commitment to reinforcing and expanding partnerships and alliances.

While in Colombo, she plans to foster dialogue on freedom of expression and democratic values with diverse groups of stakeholders, including journalists, civil society members, government officials, and the Embassy’s Youth Forum.

Her engagements with the Sri Lanka Press Institute, U.S. public diplomacy program alumni, and local content creators will emphasize the critical role of preserving diverse voices for a stable and inclusive Sri Lanka, the statement read further.

Additionally, she will meet with representatives from Sri Lanka’s multifaith community to underscore the importance of societal inclusivity.

The HMS Trincomalee which was constructed in 1817 in Mumbai stands as the Royal Navy’s last ship built in India, boasting over two centuries of history.

According to the National Museum of the Royal Navy, prior to its current mooring in Hartlepool, this illustrious ship sailed more than 100,000 miles worldwide. Remarkably, HMS Trincomalee never engaged in battle but holds a rich narrative of service, ranging from patrol and protection to exploration.

Now anchored in Hartlepool, HMS Trincomalee represents one of the two Leda-Class Frigates commissioned by the Royal Navy in 1812. Its name commemorates the 1782 Battle of Trincomalee off the coast of the Indian subcontinent, the historic clash between British and French fleets during the Anglo-French War (1778-1783).

The choice to build in India was influenced by a scarcity of oak in England, exacerbated by the ongoing Napoleonic Wars, and the strategic location of Bombay.

The ship’s arrival in England, 18 months post-construction, coincided with the end of the wars, making the HMS Trincomalee surplus to the fleet requirement.

Its journey was further delayed when plans aboard the HMS Java were lost after its sinking by the USS Constitution, the oldest still-afloat ship. Consequently, HMS Trincomalee spent 28 years in reserve before being refitted as a 26-gun corvette for patrolling duties in the Atlantic and beyond, including participation in the Crimean War and operations in the Pacific. From 1860, it served as a stationary training and accommodation vessel, continuing in various capacities into the 20th century.

Distinguished from its counterparts by its teak construction, known for durability and resistance to decay, HMS Trincomalee has preserved much of its original framework. Among its notable early passengers was Eliza Bunt, a British resident in India, whose documenting of her journey to London provides invaluable insights into the ship’s history.

The National Movement for Social Justice Chairman Karu Jayasuriya has strongly emphasised that his organisation will vehemently oppose any attempts to postpone the elections.

This assertion was made during a special discussion titled ‘A new electoral system for a strong democratic country’, which was organised by the organisation led by the former Speaker in Colombo earlier this week.

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Professor G.L. Peiris, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Azath Salley along with other politicians, former Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, and a cohort of professionals and academics participated in this conference.

Jayasuriya reiterated that the stance of his organisation remains unchanged regarding the abolition of the Executive Presidency. However, he emphasised the paramount importance of conducting all elections according to their designated schedules.

Additionally, Jayasuriya stressed that all candidates participating in the upcoming Presidential election must disclose their stance on the office of the Executive President to the nation.

“The President appointed a committee to investigate a new election system last December, and we have submitted our proposals to that committee,” Jayasuriya said.

“I want to stress a crucial point here. We adamantly oppose any postponement of elections. Elections must be conducted as scheduled. Similarly, all candidates vying for the Presidential election must unequivocally disclose their stance on the Executive Presidential system to the nation,” he added.

The Speaker also urged all candidates to disclose a specific date for the abolition of the post if they pledge to do so. “The citizens of this country have the fundamental right to be informed about the stance of each candidate regarding the Executive Presidential system,” Jayasuriya emphasised.