Author: TELO Admin

Sri Lanka objects to Tamil genocide monument in Canada: Foreign minister

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Sri Lanka’s foreign minister has expressed the country’s objection to the construction of a Tamil genocide monument in Canada at a meeting with High Commissioner Eric Walsh.

“The strong objections of the GoSL to the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval for constructing such a monument, was conveyed to the Canadian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka today, at the Foreign Ministry,” foreign minister Vijitha Herath said.

“Such actions would hinder and complicate the government’s ongoing efforts to promote national unity, reconciliation, and lasting peace among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.”

Former minister M U M Ali Sabry also criticized the monument.

“The truth is, all communities suffered in this conflict. The Tamils bore unimaginable hardship, both from the war that raged through their lands and from appalling riots like in 1983.

“The Muslims and Sinhalese too suffered displacement and loss.

“But to falsely label Sri Lanka with the gravest of crimes, genocide, is not just wrong, it is divisive, dangerous, and deeply irresponsible.”

The Canadian government should know better, he said, but are blinded by vote-bank politics which threatens reconciliation.

“We must stand for truth, for all communities, and for a future rooted not in falsehood and foreign posturing, but in justice, unity, and dignity for every Sri Lankan.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ full statement is reproduced below:

Government of Sri Lanka strongly rejects unfounded genocide allegations and protests construction of misleading monument in Canada

The Government of Sri Lanka maintains that the allegation of genocide during the final phase of the conflict in Sri Lanka is unsubstantiated by any credible authority, either nationally or internationally, and is based on misleading information. Sri Lanka firmly rejects this false narrative and believes it has been propagated primarily for electoral gains within Canada.

It is worth highlighting that in April 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development of Canada officially confirmed that the Government of Canada has not made any finding of genocide in Sri Lanka. Additionally, Canada designated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization in 2006 and reaffirmed this designation in June 2024.

The Government of Sri Lanka has repeatedly expressed its strong objections to the construction of a so-called Tamil Genocide Monument at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada. It has consistently urged the Federal Government of Canada to intervene and prevent this regrettable initiative by the Brampton City Council.

Sri Lanka views this development as offensive to the broader Sri Lankan and Canadian communities. It strongly believes that the propagation of such unfounded allegations and the construction of monuments based on fabrications not only mislead the public but also hinder Sri Lanka’s genuine efforts toward reconciliation, national unity, and lasting peace among all communities.

In this regard, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with the Canadian High Commissioner today to reiterate the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.

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UK urged to sanction Kamal Gunaratne for war crimes and torture

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The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has submitted a dossier to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office calling for targeted sanctions against retired Sri Lankan General Kamal Gunaratne, citing his direct involvement in war crimes, torture, and systemic human rights abuses.

The submission, dated 8 May 2025, outlines a detailed case for the designation of Gunaratne under the UK’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. It presents extensive evidence of his alleged command responsibility in serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, including during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict in 2009 and in the post-war period.

Role in major atrocities

Gunaratne served in numerous high-ranking military and civil positions over four decades, including as Commander of the 53 Division during the 2009 genocide, and later as Commander of the Security Forces Headquarters – Wanni and Competent Authority for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. He was most recently the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence from November 2019 to September 2024.

The ITJP documents Gunaratne’s involvement in a wide range of abuses, including:

• Deliberate shelling of civilians and hospitals in government-designated ‘No Fire Zones’ during 2009, killing tens of thousands of Tamil civilians.
• Extrajudicial executions of surrendered LTTE fighters, including high-profile cases such as Isaipriya, a Tamil broadcaster.
• Arbitrary detention and torture, including sexual violence, at notorious detention centres such as Joseph Camp.
• Brutal treatment of civilians in IDP camps, where widespread violations including torture and enforced disappearances occurred under his watch.

According to the submission, Gunaratne issued orders to use indiscriminate weapons like multi-barrel rocket launchers in areas densely packed with civilians, fully aware of their consequences. He also admitted in his own writings that he instructed troops not to accept surrenders from those he labelled “terrorists.”

Command responsibility and failure to act

The ITJP’s submission draws on United Nations reports, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) investigation and the UN Secretary-General’s Panel of Experts, which found compelling evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

It argues that Gunaratne had effective control over his troops, maintained direct surveillance of the battlefield through UAVs, and was aware of the humanitarian situation on the ground. Despite this, he failed to prevent or punish violations, making him liable under international legal standards of command responsibility.

Calls for urgent UK action

The ITJP contends that sanctioning Gunaratne would meet the UK’s policy objectives of deterring torture and conflict-related sexual violence. It would also align with the UK’s March 2025 sanctions on other Sri Lankan military officials implicated in similar crimes.

“Sanctioning Kamal Gunaratne will send a clear message to the Sri Lankan government that egregious human rights violations in the name of national security will not be tolerated,” the report states, adding that such action is necessary given the complete lack of domestic accountability mechanisms in Sri Lanka.

The submission also emphasises the relevance of the case to the UK Tamil diaspora, many of whom are victims or relatives of those affected by the violations. It follows growing international momentum, including the installation of Tamil genocide memorials abroad and increasing calls for criminal accountability from the Tamils and human rights advocates.

Background

Gunaratne is best known for commanding the 53 Division during the closing months of the war, including operations in Mullivaikkal, where mass atrocities occurred. He has previously written extensively about his role in the war, often defending the military campaign and denying wrongdoing.

The ITJP’s recommendation includes corroborating witness statements, UN documentation, and analysis of military command structures, arguing that Gunaratne is an “involved person” under the UK’s Global Human Rights Sanctions framework.

If adopted by the UK, sanctions could include asset freezes and travel bans.

SL finalises US$ 930.8mn restructuring package with India

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Sri Lanka has formalised a series of debt restructuring deals with the Export-Import Bank of India, covering credit lines and buyer’s credit facilities worth approximately US$ 930.8 million, the Finance Ministry said yesterday.

The Bilateral Amendatory Agreements is part of Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to address its external debt obligations. The agreements were signed on 25 March and 3 April, according to the ministry.

The restructuring covers seven Lines of Credit and four Buyer’s Credit Agreements extended by the Indian government.

“The conclusion of the bilateral Amendment Agreements will certainly pave the way to developing further the deep and longstanding bilateral relationships between the Government of India and the Government of Sri Lanka,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

Sri Lanka’s Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana signed the agreements on behalf of the government, while EXIM Bank of India General Manager Nirmit Ved and Deputy General Manager Amith Kumar represented the lender in signing the Line of Credit and Buyer’s Credit agreements respectively.

India has played a pivotal role in steering Sri Lanka’s external debt restructuring process, the ministry acknowledged.

“The leadership, commitment, and constructive engagement of the Government of India with the support of needy emergency assistance during the peak of the crisis was instrumental for Sri Lanka to navigate the challenges of economic recovery and also to make a remarkable progress towards the restoring of debt sustainability,” the ministry said.

U.S. provides $1M worth of nuclear detection gear to Sri Lanka Navy

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The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has provided state-of-the-art radiation and chemical detection equipment valued at $1 million (299 million LKR) to the Sri Lanka Navy, significantly boosting the country’s capacity to detect and respond to nuclear, radiological, and chemical threats in its maritime domain.

This advanced equipment, supplied through the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) and its Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD), was officially handed over during a ceremony at Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters on May 15, attended by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

The equipment enhances the Sri Lanka Navy’s capability to conduct visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations in the Indian Ocean while strengthening its ability to detect and intercept hazardous chemical, radiological, and nuclear materials, safeguarding the nation’s ports and maritime routes.

“This advanced equipment is a vital tool for protecting Sri Lanka’s maritime borders and ensuring the safety of the entire region,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung. “By enhancing the Navy’s ability to detect and respond to nuclear and radiological threats, we are not just strengthening Sri Lanka’s security—we are also safeguarding international shipping routes, protecting communities, and making sure harmful materials don’t reach America’s and other countries’ shores. This partnership is about keeping people safe, maintaining secure trade, and reinforcing our shared commitment to regional security.”

This equipment transfer is the first major initiative following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in February 2024 between the Sri Lanka Navy and DOE/NNSA.

The MOU aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in detecting and preventing the illegal transport of nuclear and radioactive materials.

In addition to this transfer, in March, the U.S. Embassy, through DOE/NNSA, donated $500,000 worth of new radiation detection equipment at Colombo Port’s West Container Terminal, further enhancing Sri Lanka Customs’ ability to detect radioactive materials and secure global supply chains. This equipment is crucial because it helps prevent dangerous radioactive materials from entering everyday products, protects communities from potential hazards, strengthens the safety of international shipping routes, and stops nuclear and radiological threats before they can reach U.S. shores.

NSDD will continue to support the Sri Lanka Navy in the future through specialized training in the use of radiation detection equipment, and further enhancement of the Navy’s VBSS capabilities. The United States remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to enhance maritime security, detect and deter nuclear threats, and ensure a safer, more secure Indian Ocean region and U.S. homeland.

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Sinopec facing obstacles in Sri Lanka top Chinese scholar

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Sinopec, the leading Chinese petroleum company that has sought to invest in Sri Lanka, is facing obstacles in pressing ahead with implementation, a leading Chinese scholar who is presently in Sri Lanka told Daily Mirror yesterday.

In an interview with Senior Fellow and Director of Centre for South Asian Studies at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, Prof. Liu Zongyi said that companies currently operating locally had gotten in the way of Sinopec, fearing competition.

He is a scholar with his research focus on Indian economy and foreign policy, China’s foreign policy, South Asia issues, the Belt and Road Initiative and global governance. He is in Sri Lanka at the moment at the invitation of Pathfinder Foundation.

“For example, Chinese oil company Sinopec. They would like to build a refinery here. Now, we are facing obstacles because local companies don’t want Chinese oil companies to come here. It is a problem of competition. If a Chinese oil company comes here, they have higher technologies. So the local companies will face severe competition. They don’t want to accept such pressure because now the market is theirs,” he said.

Responding to a query about allegations of unviability of Chinese investments, he said, “In the past, China invested a lot in Sri Lanka and built a lot of infrastructure projects such as the Hambantota Port. It’s a mega infrastructure project. It needs time to become effective. It cannot fall into effect in just one or two years. But the local people think why the Chinese want to invest so much and why they want to put in so much money here while the Chinese cannot create jobs for the locals. Now you can find that the Hambantota Port has created profits for the local people,” he said.

During the visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to Beijing early this year, a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed with Chinese state-owned oil and gas giant China Petrochemical Corporation which is commonly known as Sinopec for US $ 3.7 billion oil refinery in Hambantota.

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Energy and Sinopec signed the agreement for US $3.7 billion investment to construct an oil refinery with a capacity of 200,000 barrels in the Hambantota region, according to the PMD. Sinopec Energy Lanka, a subsidiary of Sinopec, is currently involved in fuel distribution in Sri Lanka.

Sinopec and Sri Lanka will have to work to resolve land, tax and water issues. Sinopec’s refinery in Sri Lanka places it in direct competition with India’s interests in expanding its role as an energy supplier.

During the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, a MoU was signed among Sri Lanka, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish a multi-product petroleum pipeline as part of India-Sri Lanka connectivity.

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Pilleyan files FR petition challenging arrest and detention by CID

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Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pilleyan, has filed a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court through his legal counsel.

The petition seeks an order declaring that his arrest and detention by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for the purpose of questioning constitutes a violation of his Fundamental Rights, said Ada Derana reporter.

The petitioner is seeking a ruling that the CID’s decision to arrest and detain him under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), in connection with the abduction and disappearance of the Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University, violates his fundamental human rights.

The respondents named in the petition include the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Special Investigation Unit of the CID, Madhava Gunawardena; Director of the CID, SSP Imesha Muthumala; Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya; the Minister of Defence; and the Attorney General.

JVP’s 60th anniversary falls today

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The 60th anniversary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna falls today (14).

A commemoration ceremony and cultural festival to mark the occasion will be held at 3.30 pm at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre in Colombo today (14).

Leaders of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, members and supporters will participate.

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Media freedom under threat as Govt restricts journalists’ access to Cabinet briefings

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A decision by the government to restrict access to a key Cabinet press briefing has drawn sharp criticism from the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA),

which accuses the administration of threatening media freedom.

The controversy erupted after Shantha Wijesuriya, editor of the Lanka Sky News website and a member of the SLWJA, was denied entry to the weekly Cabinet media briefing on May 8.

Officials cited the lack of a government-issued media ID, despite Wijesuriya holding a press card issued by the International Federation of Journalists and his outlet.

The SLWJA condemned the move, calling it a targeted attempt to silence independent journalists and suppress criticism.

In a letter to Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and other top officials, the association warned that restricting access based on government-issued accreditation risks eroding press freedom and the public’s right to information.

The incident follows the Minister’s recent remarks stating that only journalists with official government IDs would be allowed into such briefings going forward, a policy seen by critics as exclusionary and undemocratic.

With Sri Lanka already ranking 139 out of 180 in the latest global press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders, media watchdogs say the incident reflects a deepening intolerance for dissent.

The SLWJA is calling for the introduction of an independent body to handle journalist accreditation and for immediate steps to ensure fair access to all legitimate media professionals.

High costs keep Sri Lanka’s poor children out of pre-primary education: Human Rights Watch

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In many countries, including Sri Lanka, where early childhood education or pre-primary education is not available for free, cost prevents children from low-income families from participating, Human Rights Watch has said.

“Although at least 68 percent of national constitutions explicitly protect the right to primary education, constitutional references to early childhood education are almost non-existent,” HRW said in a statement.

“When pre-primary education is not available free, cost prevents children from low-income families from participating.”

“Quality pre-primary education builds cognitive, social, and emotional skills during the most formative years,” HRW said.

In Sri Lanka, primary, secondary and even tertiary education in public institutions is free.

However, many families earn below the international poverty line, of under Rs. 1000 a day or under Rs.30,000 a month preventing them from enrolling children in pre-primary education institutions, which are not free.

“In Sri Lanka, a preschool teacher reported to Human Rights Watch in 2025 that students must pay 1000 LRK (US$3.50) monthly,” HRW said. “When families cannot pay, children do not come “for some months,” she said. In January 2025, only 3 out of 20 students in her class paid.”

“A Sri Lankan education officer said, “If you can’t afford to pay there is no space in the system… Only the families that have money can send their children to preschool.””

“Reasons for low attendance rates in some districts may include the unavailability of preschools near the home, high enrolment and tuition fees, and parents not seeing the benefit of a preschool education for their children and thus not demanding such services,” Sri Lanka’s National Policy on preschool education has told Human Rights Watch.

According to the National Census of Early Childhood Development Centres in Sri Lanka’s 2018 data, 19.8 percent of 19,668 preschools are public. 88.2 percent of the preschools in Sri Lanka charge a fee.

Studies have shown thar the early years of a child’s life are fundamental for overall development. The lack of access to quality education services can have long-term negative effects on cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.

HRW quoted a manager of a primary school in an area in Sri Lanka with high levels of children living in poverty as saying that 70 percent of incoming students had not benefited from any pre-primary education, and cited this as a reason for them facing learning challenges once in primary.

Ireland expanded free preschool to children aged 4 in 2010, and enrollment quickly became almost universal, HRW pointed out.

Pre-primary education is crucial for children with learning and physical disabilities.

Early exposure could strengthen the capacity to benefit from education and reduce stigmatization and discrimination against children with special needs.

The United Nations Sustainable Development goals aim to “By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.”

Sri Lanka, which is said to have a literacy rate of 92 percent, grapples in early childhood education with low enrolment rates as fees discriminate against the poor.

Election Commission Requests Names of Elected Local Government Members Within 7 Days

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The National Election Commission of Sri Lanka has instructed political parties and independent groups to submit the names of candidates elected through the recent local government elections within seven days, based on the number of votes each entity received.

According to the Commission, notifications have already been sent to the general secretaries of the relevant political parties and the leaders of independent groups, informing them of this requirement.

The Commission also issued guidelines regarding the inclusion of female representation in the nomination lists, emphasising the importance of adhering to gender quotas when finalising the elected members.

Once the names are submitted, the list of elected members at the divisional level will be officially published through a government gazette.

Furthermore, the Election Commission announced that the establishment of local government bodies is expected to begin on the 2nd of June.