Author: TELO Admin

The United States Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced the arrival of the USS Tulsa (LCS 16), an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship, at the Port of Colombo on August 27 for a brief stopover to refuel and resupply.

Built for speed, agility, and versatility, the USS Tulsa is capable of operating in both shallow coastal waters and the open ocean.

This visit marks the ship’s return to Sri Lanka after its previous engagement in 2021 during the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise with the Sri Lanka Navy.

The U.S. Embassy expressed deep appreciation for Sri Lanka’s warm welcome, highlighting the visit as a symbol of the strong bilateral partnership and a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, secure maritime routes, and regional prosperity.

About the USS Tulsa:

About the USS Tulsa: The USS Tulsa is an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship designed to operate in near-shore environments and support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions. Equipped with a trimaran hull, LCS 16 can achieve a top speed of greater than 40 Knots.

The USS Tulsa has the capability of transporting small assault helicopters and assault forces with vehicles, making the LCS 16 a formidable force that has the flexibility to adapt to different mission needs.

Named after the second largest city in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, the USS Tulsa was commissioned in San Francisco on the February 16, 2019.

Guided by the motto ‘Tough, Able, Ready,’ the USS Tulsa is armed with a 57mm naval gun, missile launchers, and a range of other offensive capabilities. It patrols the Indo-Pacific region to help keep the area safe and stable by responding to threats and supporting maritime security.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced today that the government will reclaim all state-owned houses allocated to former Presidents, once new legislation is passed in September.

Addressing a public event in Colombo, the President said the move is part of his administration’s wider effort to ensure equality before the law and end privileges that undermine public trust in governance.

“The law will be enforced equally on all citizens. Those found guilty of corruption will face strict punishment, no matter their position or influence,” he stressed.

He added that providing luxury state housing for former leaders while the country is grappling with an economic crisis was unacceptable. “We cannot continue to burden the people with unnecessary expenses while asking them to make sacrifices,” he noted.

Palani Digambaram, Member of Parliament from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), was put in a difficult position when asked why the political unity currently shown in support of remanded former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was not seen during the long-standing wage struggles of estate workers.

Responding to the question, Digambaram said, “We have been continuously speaking about the wage issues of the plantation community. But the problem lies with the companies that are supposed to pay.”

Pressed further on whether discussions alone are sufficient, he admitted, “Yes, we are still talking. But talking is not the same as coming together. The companies must take responsibility—that’s the real issue.”

The MP’s remarks came amid growing criticism that opposition parties have rallied around Wickremesinghe’s legal troubles, while failing to show the same urgency for pressing socio-economic issues affecting marginalized communities.

When asked directly whether the current political unity is for the people or for Wickremesinghe, Digambaram responded, “What can I say? This government needs to be sent home. It’s not a government that listens—it’s an authoritarian regime.”

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has issued a statement condemning recent comments circulating on social media and other platforms that pertain to matters under the purview of the Judicial Service Commission and the judiciary.

The BASL reaffirmed that both the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission are independent institutions.

The Judicial Service Commission—comprising the Chief Justice and two senior Judges of the Supreme Court—holds authority over the appointment, promotion, transfer, disciplinary control, and dismissal of judicial officers and scheduled public officers, including High Court Judges.

The BASL emphasized that the independence of the judiciary must be safeguarded against any form of external threats or interference, particularly those arising through social media posts, public commentary, or speculative claims by individuals on platforms such as YouTube regarding ongoing cases.

The BASL went on to note that such acts undermine the Rule of Law, threaten due process, and have the potential to erode public confidence in the administration of justice.

In light of this, the BASL drew attention to Article 111(C)(1) and (2) of the Constitution, which contain penal provisions concerning interference with the judiciary, indicating that legal action may be taken against individuals who engage in such conduct.