Category: Breaking News

Online Safety Law of SL brought to notice of White House

Posted on | by TELO Admin

The controversial Online Safety Law that entered Sri Lanka’s statute books in February which has erupted widespread national and international censorship and criticism brought to the attention and scrutiny of the White House when President Biden’s special assistant for Asian-American Affairs and Senior Liaison for the Asia-Pacific Region had a lengthy discourse with two Sri Lankan expatriates known to American lawmakers and socio-political activists as advocates for strengthening US-Sri Lanka relations, and most importantly, removing misunderstandings between the two nations.

Erika L. Moritsugu, a senior official in President Joe Biden’s White House staff handling Asian-American Affairs and Senior Liaison for Asia-Pacific Region, Sanje Sedera, Democratic Party activist in the State of Nevada who maintains continuous rapport and dialogue with U.S. lawmakers as well as the inaugural-Chair of the US-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, and Daya Gamage, former US State Department Foreign Service National Political Specialist, met on February 28, in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a thought provoking dialogue connected to US-Sri Lanka relations and issues in the Indo-Pacific Region in which Sri Lanka is strategically located.

Ms. Moritsugu made a special trip to Las Vegas to have this dialogue with Mr. Sedera and Mr. Gamage while scheduling meetings with officials of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI).

Besides involved in political and foreign affairs Mr. Sedera during the COVID-19 pandemic that hit Sri Lanka hard, liaised with US Congresswoman Dina Titus, co-chair of US-Sri Lanka Caucus and member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee’s South Asia Sub-Committee, to drastically increase the US-contributed medication to Sri Lanka.

Besides engaged in enhancing relations between the two nations, and clearing misunderstandings, the highlight of the discourse with Ms. Erika Moritsugu was the recently enacted Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Law.

Sri Lanka Parliament in mid-January this year enacted regulations to regulate online content sparking criticism from human rights groups and the diplomatic community that the government was trying to crack down on dissent and strife freedom of speech.

Both Mr. Sedera and Mr. Gamage were well aware that the obnoxious features of the Online Safety Act were communicated and made known to the diplomatic officials of the U.S. Department of State through the department’s diplomatic representative Ambassador Julie Chung, nevertheless the real message about the obnoxious features of the legislation has not been well communicated to Washington policymakers.

Having had the discourse with Ms. Moritsugu, the features of the Online Safety Law have now reached White House ‘policy wonks’ who work closely with President Biden.

It was explained that the Act provides sweeping powers to the Online Safety Commission, appointed by Sri Lanka President, and that this panel could decide what constitutes a prohibited statement and issue, take down orders to internet service providers and social networks.

Accompanying Erika Moritsigu was Krystal Ka’ai, Executive Director of White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

The discussions turned to US-Sri Lanka relations, and some of the misunderstandings and misconceptions Washington has on Sri Lanka’s social and demographic issues. Mr. Sedara and Mr. Gamage also reminded the White House official Sri Lanka’s failure to provide cogent information to clear some of the misunderstandings to help Washington to take productive foreign policy initiatives toward Sri Lanka.

It was brought to the notice of Ms. Erika Moritsigu that Daya Gamage and another retired Senior Foreign Service-Intelligence Officer of the US Department of State, Robert Boggs, are currently preparing a manuscript – Defending Democracy: Lessons in Strategic Diplomacy from US-Sri Lanka Relations – for international release examining roots of Sri Lanka’s revolts, reexamining the sources of both Sinhala and Tamil uprisings, and how U.S. strategic interests in Sri Lanka were thwarted due to Washington policymakers and lawmakers having less knowledge and misunderstanding of the intricate fabric of Sri Lankan society and her demography. Their book further discloses Sri Lankan authorities’ total failure to comprehend the same and provide cogent evidence and data to policymakers and lawmakers in Washington to provide them with cogent understanding to prevent formulating unfavorable foreign policy decisions on Sri Lanka.

The Biden White House senior official, Ms. Erika Moritsigu, paid attention to the disclosures, interpretations and analyses based on those that relate to US-Sri Lanka relations.

Army returns over 100 acres of land to rightful owners in Jaffna

Posted on | by TELO Admin

The government returned a total of 109.56 acres of land, previously occupied by the military, to the rightful owners in the Jaffna peninsula today.

The Sri Lanka Army said that this marks the 24th consecutive release of lands.

The returned lands include five plots in the Jaffna District and seven in the Kilinochchi District.

Currently, only 0.5% of lands remain occupied by the military, deemed essential for maintaining normalcy and security in the area.

This release of lands is part of an ongoing effort by the Sri Lankan government to return occupied lands to their rightful owners, under the guidance of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, and the supervision of the Commander of the Security Forces – Jaffna, Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe.

Sagala Ratnayake, the Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor, participated in this event as the Chief Guest.

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ITAK accepts President’s invitation for discussion with IMF

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The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has confirmed its acceptance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s invitation to opposition political parties for discussions with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) leader S. Shritharan and former TNA leader R. Sampanthan is slated to participate in the discussion scheduled to be held at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (11 March).

While invitations were extended to various opposition parties, it has been noted that the Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB) and the National People’s Power (NPP) have opted not to participate in the dialogue.

While the discussion in question will be taking place as per a request made by SJB MP Harsha De Silva, Chairman of the Committee on Committee on Public Finance, he is yet to confirm his participation.

During an inquiry made by Ada Derana, the parliamentarian had stated that a decision pertaining to his attendance would be made following discussions within his party.

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Opposition Leader Declines President’s Invitation for IMF Meeting

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The Office of the Leader of the Opposition released a statement today in response to an invitation for a meeting with the President to discuss national debt restructuring.

The statement signed by the Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition Thisath D.B. Wijayagunawardane PC to the Secretary of the President, outlines several reasons for the decision to decline the invitation including the concerns regarding transparency and consultation and the party’s disagreement with debt restructuring approach.

The statement highlights the SJB’s repeated requests for access to the Staff Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) throughout the negotiation process. They criticized the government’s refusal to share details and its unilateral handling of the negotiations.

The opposition strongly objects to the government’s plan to place a disproportionate burden on the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). They view this approach as a violation of social equity and unfair to those least able to bear the financial strain.

The statement also expresses disappointment at the lack of progress on restructuring debt held by primary bond holders and international sovereign bond holders.

While declining the meeting with the President, the opposition reiterated their willingness to engage with the IMF directly.

The statement emphasized their commitment to protecting the national interest, as demonstrated in past collaborations.

Ranil prefers Presidential election first; Rajapaksas want general election: AKD

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe is opting to hold the Presidential election first while the Rajapaksas want the General Elections held first, National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Speaking at the Colombo District Women’s Convention, he said the President prefers the Presidential election held first than to the General Elections as he has no strong support at the grassroots level.

He said the Rajapaksas prefer the General Elections first as they deem that going for a Presidential election is disadvantageous to them as they have no strong candidate to contest for the Presidency.

“The SLPP knows Rajapaksas cannot be brought in again as a leader. Basil came to the country recently. But, he has no chance to contest for the Presidency. So, they think that the General elections is more advantageous to them,” he said.

Dissanayake said however, when the tussle between the two factions continues over which election to hold first, the Elections Commission will get powers to hold the Presidential election by July 22, 2024.

He said the main political parties are scared to face any election at this juncture as they fear of losing power.

“There has been a change of government in the past. The power transmitted between them. They know they are going to lose power this time. That is why they are hesitant to go for an election. The upcoming election will be a revolutionary one. It will not be a mere change of a government or of a President. It will be a complete change in the political, social and economic spheres,” he said.

The MP said that every sector in the country had collapsed and that this situation cannot be rectified just by installing one government in place of another.

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President to begin Presidential polls campaign today

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to commence his Presidential Election campaign today from Kuliyapitiya, marking his first public propaganda rally since assuming office. The event, themed “Sabewa” (Reality), will take place at 2 p.m. at the Kuliyapitiya Municipal Council Stadium today.

United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said that President Wickremesinghe, coming forward as a non-party candidate, has gained widespread backing from various political entities for his candidature. In a bid to showcase unified support, Kariyawasam announced plans for future public rallies organized by different parties in favor of President Wickremesinghe’s non-partisan Presidential bid.

Notable figures expected to attend today’s rally include UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, MP and Party Chairman Wajira Abeywardena, General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, Party National Organizer and Presidential Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Colombo District Party Leader Ravi Karunanayake, as well as Ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara, and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Governor Navin Dissanayake.

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Russian embassy raises question on Gotabaya’s book remark

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Questions have been raised on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s newly released book. ‘The Conspiracy’ which claims internationally sponsored regime change was the cause for him to be ousted from the Sri Lankan Presidency in 2022.

Taking to ‘X’, the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka questioned the former President’s suggestion that foreign ambassadors’ visits to Sri Lanka military objects should be restricted.

“Took notice of publications in SL press about the freshly launched book by G. Rajapaksa, where it’s suggested that foreign ambassadors’ visits to SL military objects should be restricted. Then it needs clarification, the diplomatic representatives of which countries are meant?” the Russian Embassy questioned.

Also commenting on the book, MP Wimal Weerawansa, who was a close ally of Gotabaya Rajapaksa and later quit his government, said despite mentioning foreign involvement, the former President has failed to mention any names in his book.

MP Wimal Weerawansa has questioned why no names have been mentioned even though the former President claims that internationally sponsored regime change was the cause for his ouster.

Meanwhile, senior Sri Lankan journalist Ranga Sirilal pointed out that the cover of the former President’s book claims “internationally sponsored regime change” toppled him, but it has no mention of any foreign government inside.

“Even @USAmbSL gets just one mention on P88 along with UN Resident Rep calling for an investigation into the Rambukanna police shooting. Disappointing,” the Sri Lankan journalist said in a statement on ‘X’.

On Thursday (Mar 07), former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa launched his new book detailing incidents related to the protests to oust him from the Presidency in 2022.

In his book, Gotabaya Rajapaksa reveals the ordeal he went through during the anti-government protests, his evacuation, and the measures taken to address the economic crisis and restore normalcy in the country.

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New Book Reveals How Ranil Wickremesinghe Became President Despite Having Single Seat in Parliament

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UNP Chairman and Member of parliament Vajira Abeywardene announces the upcoming launch of a new book detailing Ranil Wickremesinghe’s path to the presidency after the ‘Aragalaya’ protests in 2022.

Titled “Inside the Presidency: The Ranil Chronicles,” it follows Abeywardene’s previous work, “Press vs the Prez.” Abeywardene states, “This book tells the inside story of how the incumbent President became the head of state with a solitary seat in Parliament.”

Former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa recently published a book describing the wave of protests which ousted him from power as a “conspiracy”.

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SJB to boycott meeting convened by President with IMF delegates

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The majority of the Members of Parliament representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) have reportedly decided not to participate the meeting with the representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) convened by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

This was revealed by the National Organizer of the SJB Tissa Attanayake today (March 09).

Joining a press briefing held today, MP Attanayake stated that however the party’s stance on the matter would be officially communicated later.

Attanayake further said that the IMF delegation, similar to the last time they were in Sri Lanka, would meet with and hold discussions with the opposition leader this time as well. He also pointed out that the SJB does not expect to take part in any discussions convened by the President to seek support for the government’s program.

President Wickremesinghe had extended an invitation to the party leaders representing the opposition in Parliament for a discussion with the IMF delegation on Monday (March 11) to offer a chance to discuss the global lender’s proposals.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) earlier said Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader S. Sridharan were invited to participate in these deliberations.

Additionally, an open invitation was extended to interested individuals to join alongside the invited leaders.

Shavendra and Kamal villains in GR’s new book

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Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has acknowledged his shortcomings in appointing key defence personnel, including General Shavendra Silva and General (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne in his tell-all memoir “The Conspiracy to Oust Me” launched yesterday (March 7).

Rajapaksa recounts the dramatic circumstances which led to his ousting in 2022, describing it as a first-hand experience of an internationally-sponsored regime change operation.

Rajapaksa who recalls several of his failures, most notably the organic farming initiative, also interestingly points out failures in the national security apparatus under his own administration.

“I appointed officers with long years of experience whom I had worked with for many years to the most important positions in the law and order and security apparatus.

Some structural shortcomings in the placements I made which did not show up when the armed forces were preoccupied with disaster relief operations during the pandemic, later obviously caused problems in the command and control structure of the defence establishment. However, by that time it was too late to address these issues.” he wrote.

The former President, referring to Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne and the Army Commander at the time Shavendra Silva noted the lack of ‘a seniority gap’ between the two heads which he asserted was detrimental to national security.

“Both of them were divisional commanders during the war and had got used to seeing themselves more or less as equals. Whether the two got on well was doubtful,” Rajapaksa said. He also alleged that the Army Commander and the Defence Secretary were working against each other at times, with the Army Commander disregarding the instructions of the Defence Secretary, Kamal Gunaratne. He added that Gunaratne may not have had the same control over the armed services that Rajapaksa once had as Defence Secretary.

In stark contrast to Rajapaksa’s presidential election campaign which was built around the themes of national security, and his status as a war hero, the memoir notes of the various failures of the defence apparatus in containing mass protests which led to him fleeing the country. One reason, Rajapaksa attributes is the fact that both the Defence Secretary and the Army Commander were facing human rights abuse allegations, which he says prevented the duo from taking necessary action.

Rajapaksa notes that the inability of Silva’s daughter to travel to the United States due to these circumstances ,‘ obviously’ had a psychological impact on the General.

The former President asserts that visits by foreign ambassadors to military installations must stop, and strict protocols must be introduced to monitor interactions of the armed services. While Rajapaksa maintains that his ouster was the result of a major international conspiracy, the failure of intelligence was also a key factor in preventing his ousting.

“Intelligence services performed well in pandemic-related duties, they completely missed the build-up of politically motivated mobs on social media,” he wrote.

The former President also shared some of his frustrations in being a novice politician, detailing the dilemmas he was forced to deal with in appointing members of the Rajapaksa family to powerful portfolios.“the fact that I was not leading the party meant that I did not have much political power,” Rajapaksa
wrote.

In a historic ruling in November 2023, the Supreme Court determined that the Rajapaksa brothers, — Gotabaya, Mahinda, and Basil — as well as senior officials in their administration, played a significant role in the economic crisis of 2022, breaching the public’s trust.

Nonetheless, Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s book reiterates his refusal to acknowledge any accountability for the nation’s financial downfall, and continues to attribute his ousting to “conspiratorial forces.”