Category: Breaking News

Science Meets Spirituality: Global Buddhist Conference Marks Dalai Lama’s 90th Birth Anniversary

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In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and scientific breakthroughs, humanity continues to search for answers to enduring questions of consciousness, purpose, and existence. Reflecting this intersection of science and spirituality, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is hosting a day-long international conference to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The conference, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 13 July at the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi, will bring together prominent Buddhist scholars, spiritual leaders, researchers, and practitioners from around the world. Many of these participants have closely interacted with His Holiness over the years. Senior hierarchs of both national and international Buddhist traditions will also be in attendance.

At the heart of the event is a shared commitment to exploring how Buddhist wisdom remains relevant in the 21st century. As science pushes the boundaries of the known universe, the spiritual insights of the Dalai Lama continue to offer a path toward ethical living, self-awareness, and inner transformation. His teachings emphasise that spirituality must be grounded in compassion, critical thinking, and empirical understanding. He advocates questioning dogma, embracing scientific inquiry, and integrating rational analysis with meditative insight. For the Dalai Lama, ignorance is the root of human suffering, and the antidote lies in deep reflection and awareness.

The conference will explore key themes such as the relevance of Buddha Dharma in contemporary life, the future of Tibetan Buddhism and the preservation of its culture, and the connection between Buddhist philosophy and modern science, particularly in the fields of quantum physics and neuroscience. These discussions aim to bridge traditional wisdom with cutting-edge research and promote mental well-being in a fast-paced world.

Among the key figures participating in the event is Most Venerable Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, an eminent scholar and former Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration. A lifelong advocate of nonviolence and Gandhian philosophy, he remains a close advisor to the Dalai Lama. Thai spiritual leader Most Venerable Phrarat VajarasuttiwongDhammalongkornvibhusit Arayawangso, a senior member of Thailand’s Supreme Sangha Council, will also be present, along with the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche of Uttarakhand, who has received teachings from many of the great Tibetan masters of this era.

Adding an academic dimension to the dialogue, Professor Ceon Ramon of the University of Washington will share insights on the intersection of neuroscience and Buddhism. With a background in quantum optics and cognition research, he is currently involved in EEG-based techniques for treating brain disorders. Khenpo Dr Ngawang Jorden, Principal of the International Buddhist Academy in Kathmandu and a Harvard-trained scholar, will also contribute to the discussions, as will Professor Sisir Roy, a theoretical physicist known for his work on brain function modelling and ancient Indian traditions.

Venerable Dr. Tashi Choedron, a civil engineer and award-winning environmental sociologist from Malaysia, brings an interfaith and ecological perspective to the event. The spiritual leadership of His Eminence Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Dorjee Pelsangpo, the 105th Gaden Tripa and supreme head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, further underscores the significance of this gathering.

The conference will serve not only as a tribute to the Dalai Lama’s life and teachings but also as a platform for dialogue between modern science and ancient wisdom. It reflects a growing global recognition that the path to human flourishing may lie in harmonising empirical knowledge with contemplative insight.

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UK trade reforms set to boost Sri Lankan apparel exports and jobs

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Sri Lanka stands to benefit significantly from the UK’s latest trade reforms, as the British government unveiled a series of upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) on 10 July.

The changes include simplified rules of origin, allowing more Sri Lankan goods — particularly garments — to enter the UK tariff-free, even when using components sourced from other countries in Asia and Africa, the British Department of Business and Trade said in a statement.

These reforms are expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the UK market, which is the second-largest export destination for Sri Lankan apparel.

The changes will support jobs, promote exports, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in the country.

Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), Sri Lanka, said:

“We warmly welcome the UK’s Trade Strategy.

The new rules allowing greater regional sourcing for garments while retaining duty-free access to the UK are a game-changer.

With the UK as our second-largest apparel market, this will boost exports, support livelihoods, and help us compete more fairly with global competitors.

The updated rules are part of the UK’s wider Trade for Development offer which aims to support economic growth in partner countries while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods.

And just last month, the UK’s Trade Strategy was published in further support of the Plan for Change to grow the economy, strengthen international ties, and deliver for households across the UK.”

Wider DCTS Reforms and Global Impact

British consumers and businesses are set to benefit from a package of new trade measures unveiled today (10 July), which will simplify imports from developing countries — helping to lower prices on everyday goods while supporting jobs and growth in some of the world’s poorest nations, the statement said.

The measures will give UK consumers greater access to competitively priced imports — from clothes to food and electronics — as upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) make it easier for businesses to trade with the UK, helping to lower prices on the high street.

“Upgrades include simplified rules of origin, enabling more goods from countries like Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines to enter the UK tariff-free — even when using components from across Asia and Africa,” the statement said.

The changes also ensure that countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia continue to enjoy zero tariffs on key products such as garments and electronics.

This will open up new commercial opportunities for UK businesses to build resilient supply chains, invest in emerging markets, and tap into fast-growing economies, the statement added.

UK Foreign Secretary raised Chemmani mass grave ‘directly’ with Sri Lanka

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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed “very grave concerns” regarding the recently uncovered mass grave at Chemmani, during a parliamentary exchange with MP Uma Kumaran this week, stating that he had “raised this with the Sri Lankan government directly”.

Speaking before the Foreign Affairs Committee, Kumaran praised the government’s recent decision to impose sanctions on Sri Lankan military officials accused of grave human rights violations, but highlighted the “horrific discovery” of a new mass grave in Chemmani as a painful reminder of Sri Lanka’s ongoing legacy of violence.

“It includes the remains of three babies,” she said. “It’s a fresh and painful reminder of how close to home these atrocities are.”

Kumaran, the first British MP of Eelam Tamil heritage, thanked the Foreign Secretary for his “personal commitment” to justice for the Tamil people and asked whether the UK government had raised the Chemmani mass grave with Sri Lankan authorities, noting that the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had warned that Sri Lanka lacked the resources to conduct exhumations in line with international standards.

Lammy confirmed that the UK had raised the matter with Colombo directly.

“Yes, we have raised this with the Sri Lankan government,” he said. “We did that last month.”

“We are also in close touch with families of those who disappeared from across the country. We’re working with NGOs and others to make sure their voices are heard.”

Lammy added that the UK would consider what “technical expertise” could be provided to support those working on the Chemmani mass grave.

“I’m happy to look into whether there is technical expertise we can bring to bear, supporting those looking at the mass grave issue, understanding that there are capacity issues.”

In a follow-up question, Kumaran asked whether the UK government would support the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ recommendation that perpetrators of atrocities be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“My understanding is that Sri Lanka is not an ICC state party,” responded Lammy. “So, the Court wouldn’t have jurisdiction to investigate any crimes that might be committed. That is the difficulty in what you recommend.”

The Chemmani mass grave, first brought to international attention in 1998, is currently being excavated again, with the remains of at least 47 individuals uncovered so far. Among them are women and children, alongside personal effects such as schoolbags and toys. Rights groups and Tamil civil society continue to call for international oversight and accountability.

The British foreign secretary has previously been forthright on the steps that needed to be taken to ensure accountability in Sri Lanka.

Previously, Lammy recognised Tamil struggles for justice and self-determination, stating that the occasion is “also of course a time for us to remember the sacrifices made by the Tamil people for self-determination, for peace, and for justice in Sri Lanka.”

In 2023, he urged the British government to act upon the recommendations of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and refer Sri Lankan war criminals to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In 2022, Lammy explicitly called for the UK to refer Sri Lankan war criminals to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Speaking at an event, he said, “I marched for sanctions on apartheid South Africa… I am demanding sanctions be imposed on Sri Lankan war criminals.”

He added, “We believe in internationalism, multilateralism, and the rule of law. That means you must be held to account for atrocities committed against innocent, decent people. As a fellow member of a minority community, I pay tribute to the Tamils.”

Sarah Jasmine, Taj Tip-Off, and SIS Negligence: Govt’s Fresh Update on Easter Attacks in Parliament

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Multiple DNA tests have failed to confirm the reported death of Pulasthini Mahendran, also known as Sarah Jasmin, one of the key figures linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament yesterday (9).

Delivering a statement during an adjournment debate on the Easter Sunday attacks, Minister Wijepala said: “A DNA report was requested on two occasions to confirm her death following reports that she died in a suicide bombing on 24 April 2019. On both occasions, the DNA did not match samples from her close relatives. A third DNA test, this time involving a sample from her mother, was conducted during the tenure of former Minister Sarath Weerasekara.”

He added that the way in which the samples were obtained has raised serious concerns, which are now under investigation. The CID is also looking into suspicions that she may have died in an acid attack, rather than a bombing.

The adjournment debate was moved by ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, who reiterated the importance of transparency and accountability in the continuing probe into the deadly attack that killed 274 people and injured nearly 600.

Minister Wijepala also revealed that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias ‘Pillaiyan’, had prior knowledge about the 21 April 2019 bombings. “Investigative officers have uncovered evidence that Pillaiyan was aware of the attacks beforehand. He is currently detained in connection with the abduction of a university professor, the assassination of Police officers, and the illegal use of firearms,” he said. The Minister further noted that Pillaiyan had maintained contact with intelligence officers at the time, though he refrained from disclosing further details due to the ongoing nature of investigations.

Highlighting lapses by the State Intelligence Service (SIS), the Minister pointed to a specific warning from the Taj Samudra Hotel, which was ignored. “Despite the hotel notifying SIS at 4:52 p.m. on 20 April 2019 about one of the suicide bombers, Abdul Latheef Mohamed Jameel, no action was taken. Jameel later detonated a bomb at the Tropical Inn in Dehiwala,” he said.

Minister Wijepala clarified a recent statement made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which had been misinterpreted in public discourse. “The President never said that the investigations were abandoned. He stated that the State is being scrutinised by the State itself in this process,” the Minister said.

Outlining the broader scope of the investigation, he said 748 suspects had been arrested, and 42 cases filed following the attacks. A Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) produced a report exceeding 67,000 pages, which has not yet been made public but is available to be tabled in Parliament if required.

According to the Minister, the probe was stalled under the previous administration but has since resumed under President Dissanayake’s leadership. “We have reinstated officers and launched a new inquiry committee. The Attorney General has also instructed a new investigation based on revelations made by Hanzeer Azad Maulana.”

He also assured Parliament that all those involved—including those suspected of directing Zahran Hashim, the ringleader—will be brought to justice. “We will not allow any form of terrorism or racism under any circumstances. New laws are being introduced and enforced to act against those who break the law.”

Wijepala criticised individuals linked to the previous government for making public statements while avoiding accountability. “Some individuals who were close to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa are now making various statements without clarifying where they were at the time. We have committed to the President that this investigation will proceed in a proper and orderly manner.”

He concluded by reaffirming that the Police, the Attorney General’s Department, and the CID are jointly pursuing all leads, and the government remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims of one of Sri Lanka’s deadliest terrorist attacks.

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Trump settles for 30% tariff on Sri Lanka, down from 44% proposed earlier

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US President Donald Trump has settled for a 30% tariff on imports from Sri Lanka, down from 44% proposed in April.

He announced the move in a letter to President Anura Kumara Disanayake dated 9 July 2025.

Analysts welcomed the move, which is lower than the tariff slapped on Laos and Myanmar (40%), Cambodia, Thailand (36%), Bangladesh (35%), and Indonesia (32%). However, others described it as higher than what Sri Lanka was lobbying for, which was 20%.

Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines have been slapped with a 25% tariff.

The US remains the largest export market for Sri Lanka, accounting for 27% ($ 3 billion) of the total manufactured exports ($ 12.8 billion) as of 2024—out of which textile and apparel exports accounted for 64% of the total exports

to the US.

The reciprocal action by Trump was due to the trade imbalance of $ 2.6 billion in 2024 in favour of Sri Lanka as against the US.

Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma earlier this week expressed hope that Sri Lanka could expect a favourable stance from the US on the looming reciprocal tariffs.

“We had several rounds of discussions with the US Trade Representative (USTR). They’ve indicated Sri Lanka is in a relatively better position, but at the end of the day, the decision will factor in the broader global trade scenario,” he told journalists. “Our hope is that given our proactive engagement, multiple discussion rounds, and overall cooperation with the USTR, Sri Lanka will get a positive stance,” Dr. Suriyapperuma reiterated.

The Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association (FTZMA) this week warned that Sri Lanka’s economy could face a significant blow from the proposed tariffs by US President Donald Trump, leading to a loss of up to 50,000 jobs in the initial phase, and undermine the country’s competitiveness across South and Southeast Asia. (See https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-faces-50-000-job-loss-risk-amid-looming-US-tariffs-FTZMA/44-778692).

Trump in his letter, however, misspelt President Disanayake’s first name as Aruna.

Following are excerpts from Trump’s letter.

It is a great honour for me to send you this letter in that it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our trading relationship and the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue working with Sri Lanka, despite having a significant trade deficit with your country. Nevertheless, we have decided to move forward with you, but only with more balanced and fair trade. Therefore, we invite you to participate in the extraordinary economy of the United States, the number one market in the world, by far. We have had years to discuss our trading relationship with Sri Lanka and have concluded that we must move away from these long-term, and very persistent, trade deficits engendered by Sri Lanka’s tariff, and non-tariff policies and trade barriers. Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal.

Starting on 1 August 2025, we will charge Sri Lanka a tariff of only 30% on any and all Sri Lankan products sent to the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs. Goods transhipped to evade a higher tariff will be subject to that higher tariff. Please understand that the 30% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity we have with your country. As you are aware, there will be no tariff if Sri Lanka or companies within your country, decide to build or manufacture products within the United States and, in fact, will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally and routinely – in other words, in a matter of weeks.

If for any reason you decided to raise your tariff, then whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 30% that we charge. Please understand that these tariffs are necessary to correct the many years of Sri Lanka’s tariff and Non-Tariff policies and trade barriers causing these unsustainable trade deficits against the United States. This deficit is a major threat to our economy and, indeed, our national security.

We look forward to working with you as your trading partner for many years to come. If you wish to open your heretofore closed trading markets to the United States and eliminate your tariff, non-tariff policies and trade barriers, we will perhaps consider an adjustment to this letter. These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your country. You will never be disappointed with The United States of America.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

With best wishes, I am,

Sincerely

Donald Trump

President of the United States of America.

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IMF Backs Sri Lanka’s Plan to Transform Economy

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Sri Lanka has unveiled a reform agenda aimed at unlocking long-term growth and resilience, as outlined in the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Report released this July.

At the heart of the reform package is a renewed focus on trade liberalization and export competitiveness.

The government plans to rationalize para-tariffs with due consideration to revenue implications, streamline customs procedures in line with Trade Facilitation Agreement recommendations, and implement a National Export Strategy with a focus on expediting negotiations of Free Trade Agreements and entry into regional trade blocs.

These efforts are part of a broader National Export Strategy designed to integrate Sri Lanka into global value chains and elevate key sectors such as industrial manufacturing, information technology, business process outsourcing, and tourism.

The report emphasizes that private sector empowerment will be crucial to sustaining growth.

With support from international development partners, Sri Lanka aims to cut bureaucratic red tape, modernize its regulatory framework, and reduce electricity costs through a more efficient energy mix.

A significant shift is also underway to reduce the public sector’s footprint in the economy, thereby fostering competition and improving resource allocation. Additionally, the introduction of a digital land titling and registry system is expected to enhance property rights and facilitate investment.

In a forward-looking move, Sri Lanka is also prioritizing climate resilience amid escalating environmental threats. The report notes a sharp rise in climate-related disasters, which have jeopardized food security and livelihoods. To counter these risks, the government is ramping up investments in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, with financing expected from both private and multilateral sources. Technical capacity-building initiatives are also underway to fast-track climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Three Arrested Based on Revelations by Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan, Interrogated Under PTA

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Police have confirmed that three individuals arrested based on revelations made by Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, commonly known as Pillayan, are currently being detained and interrogated.

According to police, the suspects are being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for a period of 72 hours for questioning.

One of the arrested individuals is reportedly a close associate of Pillayan. He was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department yesterday in the Kalmunai area over alleged involvement in murders and abductions.

In addition, former Eastern Provincial Council member K. Pushpakumar, also known as Iniya Bharathi, and another individual named Sivalingam Thavaseelan were arrested the day before.

Police said these arrests were made following information uncovered during the interrogation of Pillayan, in connection with ongoing investigations into several homicide cases.

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Sri Lanka, Germany discuss boosting healthcare sector

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An official of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), has met with Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa to present a position paper on the country’s healthcare sector.

The position paper outlined key challenges faced by the healthcare industry; potential risks these challenges pose to patient safety; and a set of internationally recommended best practices to address these issues effectively and sustainably, AHK Sri Lanka said in a statement.

“Both parties recognized the importance of establishing a structured platform for continuous dialogue between the Ministry of Health and German healthcare stakeholders.

“This initiative aims to bridge regulatory and operational gaps and foster collaboration to ensure the highest standards of healthcare delivery for Sri Lankan citizens.”

AHK Sri Lanka also stressed the need to accelerate the digitalization of healthcare-related processes — especially in product registration and supply chain traceability.

“These improvements are essential to enhancing transparency, operational efficiency, and investor confidence, while also encouraging increased foreign direct investment in the sector.

Klose highlighted the longstanding presence and contribution of German healthcare companies Siemens, B. Braun, Linde, Fresenius, Dräger, and ZEISS which have supported Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector over the years.

AHK Sri Lanka extended an invitation to the Ministry for continued collaboration in areas such as training, capacity building, knowledge-sharing, and the transfer of technical know-how from Germany’s healthcare system.

CM Stalin inaugurates 729 newly built houses in Sri Lankan Tamils’ Rehabilitation camps

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Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday inaugurated 729 newly built houses, constructed at a cost of Rs 38.76 crore, in Sri Lankan Tamils’ rehabilitation camps across five districts of the state, via video conference from the Secretariat. Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management K K S S R Ramachandran and Chief Secretary N Muruganandam were present on the occasion.

As per the announcement made in the State Assembly under Rule 110 in August 2021 — to improve the living conditions of Sri Lankan Tamils residing in 67 camps across 26 districts — the Tamil Nadu government has undertaken several measures, including the construction of new houses and the repair and renovation of existing ones, according to an official statement.

The newly constructed houses are located in camps in Villupuram, Tiruppur, Salem, Dharmapuri and Virudhunagar districts. Additionally, the government has initiated works to enhance basic amenities in the camps, such as roads, electricity lines and drinking water supply, at a cost of Rs 7.33 crore.

In the first phase of the rehabilitation programme, the government had issued an order to construct a total of 3,510 houses at Rs 180.34 cr in 35 camps. So far, a total of 2,781 houses were constructed in 32 camps across 18 districts and handed them over to the beneficiaries.

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Who is Iniya Bharathi? Pillaiyan’s Strongman Arrested Over Killings, Abductions, and Torture in the East

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Kumaraswamy Pushpakumar, better known by his alias Iniya Bharathi, was arrested on 6 July alongside a close associate in a major breakthrough linked to a string of serious crimes committed during Sri Lanka’s post-war period. A prominent figure in Eastern Province politics and a former Eastern Provincial Council member, Bharathi also served as the Ampara District organiser of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), a party formed from a breakaway faction of the LTTE.

The arrest was carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) based on new information uncovered during the interrogation of TMVP leader and former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillaiyan, who has been in detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) since April this year.

Both suspects were taken into custody in Thirukkovil and Sandiveli by the CID’s Homicide and Organised Crime Investigation Unit. Investigations revealed that Bharathi, now 45, was a former LTTE member who defected in 2004 to join the Karuna Amman-led faction. He is believed to have operated an armed camp in Thirukkovil before moving into mainstream politics. In 2007 and 2008, he held the post of Presidential Coordinating Officer for the Ampara District and went on to serve as a Provincial Councillor from 2012 to 2015.

According to police, Bharathi and his associate are suspected of being involved in a series of grave crimes in the Eastern Province between 2005 and 2008. These include:

The murder of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Ariyanayagam Chandranehru and five others in Pulliyankulam, Welikanda on 7 February 2005.
The killing of Johnson Jayakanthan, alias Sindhujan, on 9 May 2007.
The assassination of Thirukkovil Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Pillainayagam Udayakumar on 28 June 2007.
The abduction of Pavie Sivananthan Alagurasah in Thirukkovil on 27 July 2007.
The double murder of Grama Niladhari officers Nagarasa and Kanaga Anandhi in Kalmunai on 20 April 2008.
The abduction and killing of Pandith Thirumal Thiruvelvam in Vinayagapuram on 25 September 2008.
The shooting and murder of Pachchi Rasaiya Kopulan on 21 November 2008 in Vinayagapuram, during which his mother was seriously wounded.
Iniya Bharathi and his accomplice are also suspected of involvement in an arson attack on the Akkaraipattu Magistrate’s Court Complex in December 2022.

The Police Media Division confirmed that Bharathi had been previously named in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report and other investigative records as having directly participated in killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and firearm-related crimes during the war-era in the Eastern Province.