Category: Breaking News

The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has submitted more than 60 sanctions and visa ban requests against Sri Lankan public and security officials to date for human rights and economic crimes in Sri Lanka and multiple universal jurisdiction cases.

These have been sent to the Governments of the US, UK, Australia, Canada and the EU as well as the UN.

The submissions cover gross violations of human rights and significant corruption in respect of the Sri Lankan army, navy, air force, police and intelligence officials, Tamil paramilitaries, as well as civil servants including judges and former ministers, the ITJP said.

The gross human rights violations and atrocity crimes include extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance, arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, and various forms of sexual violence, perpetrated both during and after the civil war.

These range from attacks against civilians that may amount to serious international crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In addition, the focus is on significant corruption which is structurally embedded in Sri Lankan governance and public institutions which encompasses undue interference with judicial processes that further sets back accountability efforts for underlying human rights violations, as well as abuses of power. In this regard, submissions look at state-owned enterprises and misappropriation of public funds that resulted in huge financial losses for the entire country, and contributed to the economic crisis in the country.

Furthermore, visa ban requests have been made for a number of identified former Indian Peacekeeping Force officers alleged to have been complicit in gross human rights violations and mass atrocity crimes, in the period when deployed in Sri Lanka in the late eighties.

“In the absence of any criminal accountability to date, it is vital to continue to document past and current crimes, analyse the evidence and use every channel to keep on asserting the truth.

We hope the new government in the UK will sanction Sri Lankans on Human Rights Day this year (10 December) for their alleged role in war crimes during the end of the country’s conflict”, said Yasmin Sooka, executive director of the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP).

The ITJP has submitted lengthy sanctions dossiers on General Shavendra Silva1 in 20211 and General Jagath Jayasuriya in 20221 to the UK Government, as well as sending dossiers to the Governments of Canada, Australia and the EU.

In 2020, Shavendra Silva was publicly designated in the US under 7031c of the Appropriations Act for his role in gross human rights violations1 and it is believed Jagath Jayasuriya has also been denied US visas though not publicly named.

Another accountability tool that the ITJP has utilised has been filing universal jurisdictions for war crimes: in 2017 the ITJP filed universal jurisdiction cases for war crimes against Jayasuriya in Brazil and Chile1 based on his role in one of the country’s most notorious army garrisons known as Joseph Camp1.

This was followed up with a criminal complaint in Australia that the federal police failed to investigate1. A Torture Victim Protection Act case was filed in the US against Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019 and a criminal complaint submitted in Singapore in 2022.

A further universal jurisdiction case is under investigation in an undisclosed jurisdiction against a retired senior member of the Sri Lankan Army.

Additionally, two linked war crimes cases involving suspects from a Sri Lankan Tamil paramilitary group aligned to the military were referred to the UK’s Metropolitan Police which made two arrests and recently put out a public appeal for information.

The Government yesterday (10) stressed that the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended (PTA) as well as the Online Safety Act should be urgently revisited, as it is crucial to address the concerns surrounding such laws that have negatively affected public trust in the country’s law.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara made these remarks during a media forum held in Colombo on human rights related concerns. The Convenor of the Justice for All group that organised the said event, President’s Counsel and former Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran emphasised that the PTA should be repealed regardless of a replacement, and that the PTA’s repeal should not be dependent on a replacement. Noting that Sri Lanka has in place various other laws that can be employed to deal with emergency situations, he said that the repeal of the PTA will therefore not have an impact on national security. In addition, Sumanthiran expressed concerns that waiting for an appropriate replacement to repeal the PTA will delay the repeal of the PTA which he stressed is urgent.

Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya Opposition MP Harshana Rajakaruna said that a moratorium on the use of the PTA should be demanded, regarding which the group however expressed concerns as such moratoriums declared in the past have been violated.

Former MP Thalatha Athukorala yesterday presented evidence to the media challenging the academic credentials of Speaker Asoka Sapumal Ranwala, alleging he never pursued a doctorate at Waseda University in Japan, as previously claimed.

The controversy surrounding Speaker Ranwala’s qualifications erupted after opposition parties accused him of falsely using the title “Dr.” The Parliament website initially listed him as “Dr Asoka Sapumal Ranwala,” but the designation was quietly removed this week.

Athukorala highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting the Speaker’s pivotal role as the third-highest-ranking official in Sri Lanka, after the President and Prime Minister. She pointed out that the Speaker also chairs the Constitutional Council, which oversees critical appointments, including those in the judiciary and the police force.

“The Speaker acts on behalf of the President or Prime Minister in their absence. Such a significant position demands integrity. The NPP Government, which promised to clean up Parliament, has instead compromised it with such appointments,” she said.

Former SLPP MP Premanath C. Dolawatta joined the criticism, calling for Ranwala’s resignation. “The removal of the doctorate title from the Parliament website is an admission of guilt. Claiming such a qualification without merit insults the dignity of the Speaker’s office. He must step down and allow for a new Speaker to be appointed,” he said.

The controversy has intensified scrutiny on the Government’s commitment to transparency and ethical governance, with the opposition accusing it of failing to deliver on its anti-corruption pledges.

Former Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has also called on Speaker Asoka Sapumal Ranwala to either substantiate his academic qualifications or step down from his position.

The controversy surrounding Ranwala’s credentials deepened after recent alterations to his LinkedIn profile and Wikipedia page, which initially claimed he held a PhD in Biochemistry from Waseda University in Japan. These references to the doctorate have since been removed. The LinkedIn profile also previously listed a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and a role as Director at the BioGenic Green Technology Research Institute.

Upon Ranwala’s appointment as Speaker, Parliament released a press statement introducing him with the following credentials:

“Dr. Asoka Ranwala represents the Gampaha District and entered Parliament following the most recent General Election. Beginning his political career as a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Dr. Ranwala currently serves as a member of the National Executive Committee of the NPP. Dr. Ranwala completed his primary education at Yatiyana Primary School and his secondary education at Henegama Central College. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and a doctorate in Biochemistry from Waseda University, Japan. Dr. Ranwala has also previously served as a member of the Biyagama Pradeshiya Sabha and the Western Provincial Council.”

Billionaire Gautam Adani-led conglomerate on Tuesday said it will use its own resources to fund a Sri Lankan port project and not seek US funding.

In an exchange filing late on Tuesday, Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd said the project “is on track for commissioning by early next year” and added that the company will fund the ongoing project through “internal accruals”, aligning with its capital management strategy.

The company said it has withdrawn its 2023 “request for financing from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)”.

The US International Development Finance Corp, in November last year, agreed to provide a USD 553 million loan to support the development, construction, and operation of a deep-water container terminal called the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) at the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka.

A consortium of Adani Ports, Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings Plc, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is developing the CWIT.

Also Read: Adani Ports’ concession extended, raising concerns on monopoly, revenue loss
DFC financing was part of the US government’s broader efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the region and was seen as an endorsement of Adani’s ability to develop world-class infrastructure.

However, the loan process stalled after the DFC asked that the agreement between Adani and the SLPA be amended to align with their conditions, which then went under review by Sri Lanka’s Attorney General. As the project is nearing completion, Adani Ports, which holds 51 per cent of the venture, chose to proceed with the project without funding from the DFC, officials privy to the process explained.

The US agency had recently stated that it was “actively assessing the ramifications” of the bribery allegations against the Adani group executives. It had so far not disbursed any money to the ports-to-energy conglomerate.

Last month, the US Department of Justice charged the Adani group’s founder chairman Gautam Adani, and seven others over allegedly conspiring to pay USD 265 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure lucrative solar power supply contracts that were expected to yield USD 2 billion in profits over 20 years.

Adani group has denied all charges as baseless and vowed to pursue all possible legal recourse.

The Port of Colombo is the largest and busiest transhipment port in the Indian Ocean. It has been operating at more than 90 per cent utilisation since 2021, signalling its need for additional capacity.

Also Read: US joins Adani Group to build terminal at Colombo port
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The geopolitically sensitive port project in Sri Lanka is as much of a move by the US to counter Chinese influence in the island nation.

Phase 1 of the project is scheduled to become commercially operational by Q1 2025.

The new terminal will cater to growing economies in the Bay of Bengal, taking advantage of Sri Lanka’s prime position on major shipping routes and its proximity to these expanding markets.

The Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) project was initiated in September 2021, when Adani Ports signed an agreement with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings, pledging over USD 700 million to expand the capabilities of Colombo Port.

The CWIT will be Sri Lanka’s largest and deepest container terminal, with a quay length of 1,400 metres and an alongside depth of 20 metres. When complete, the terminal will be able to handle Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) with capacities of 24,000 TEUs and is expected to have an annual handling capacity of over 3.2 million TEUs.

As of September 30, 2024, Adani Ports had approximately USD 1.1 billion (Rs 8,893 crore) in cash reserves and generated an operating profit of USD 2.3 billion (Rs 18,846 crore) in the past 12 months.

As island nations, the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka both know the importance of trade for our prosperity and economic development. Trade creates jobs, stimulates investment, attracts technology and generates foreign exchange to pay off debt and fund public services. The UK is Sri Lanka’s second largest export market, with iconic brands such as M&S and Gymshark sourcing from Sri Lanka. To strengthen this relationship, this week the UK Government has been working with Sri Lankan partners to deliver a trade mission designed to bring together companies from both countries in the agri-produce and garment sectors. I have been lucky enough to be part of this mission which has introduced me to the riches that Sri Lanka has to offer and has convinced me of the power of trade to bring our countries together and to boost our economic growth.

Trade and Development

The UK Government takes trade and development seriously. I have the honour of leading a dedicated Trade for Development unit that looks at how to maximise the positive impact of trade for developing countries around the world. It takes action to open up UK markets for developing country exports through lower tariffs and simpler rules. It provides technical assistance to businesses and governments, including here in Sri Lanka, to help them compete in the global economy.

UK—Open for Business

The UK is open for business with Sri Lanka. Our Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is a good example of how committed we are to growing free and fair trade with countries like Sri Lanka, boosting our economies and supporting jobs. The DCTS came into force in 2023 and made it even easier for Sri Lankan firms to export goods to the UK. We reduced tariffs so that 99 per cent of goods from Sri Lanka can now enter the UK duty free and we simplified the requirements for Sri Lanka to continue to benefit from these preferential tariffs, providing more certainty and security for exporters. Key Sri Lankan exports that benefit from zero or reduced tariffs under the DCTS include textiles, plastics, rubber, animal products, food and machinery. Sri Lanka also continues to benefit from rules which allow Sri Lanka to source raw materials from countries across South Asia and still pay zero tariffs on exports and we are looking at ways to improve this further.

UK Buyer Mission

As well as opening our markets to Sri Lankan goods, the UK provides practical, technical help to Sri Lankan businesses. This week, I have been delighted to accompany a UK-funded delegation of Presidents of British Chambers of Commerce and commercial buyers to Sri Lanka in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board (EDB) and supported by our partner, International Trade Centre (ITC), a trade subsidiary of the UN. Our mission brought together British businesses in the apparel and agri-food sectors with Sri Lankan exporters in order to foster business connections, clarify the requirements of the UK market and, in time I hope, to secure deals. During my trip, I have visited a range of businesses producing medicinal spices, exotic sauces, speciality mushrooms, handicrafts and apparel and throughout each visit I have been impressed with the quality of Sri Lanka’s products and the drive and determination of its business leaders.

Great Taste

The UK also provides direct support to small and medium-sized enterprises in Sri Lanka to help them promote their exports, find buyers and meet the standards required by export markets. UK support has helped Sri Lankan firms win international awards: I am pleased to say that despite stiff competition from over 12,500 products in the UK’s Great Taste Awards, 15 Sri Lankan exports won stars and awards with UK Government support. Plant Based Studios achieved significant recognition at the 2024 Nourish Awards with its Granola Bar and Coconut Jam, a win that has opened doors to new buyers and helped to increase exports.

Empowering Women

Gender equality is central to the aims of the UK Government. We believe that the economic empowerment of women is key to ensuring that they are able to contribute fully and equally to society, politics and economic growth. Trade is a big part of that, which is why the UK’s flagship women and trade programme, SheTrades, is also in operation in Sri Lanka. SheTrades aims to increase the participation of women-owned businesses in international trade through information, training and networking and through support to policy makers on reforms that support trade by women. We are very excited to be launching a new SheTrades Hub in Sri Lanka next year in partnership with the EDB which will act as the host institution for the hub.

Conclusion

The UK is committed to a prosperous, long-term trading relationship with Sri Lanka which enables us to grow both of our economies and to strengthen the bonds between us. Based on what I have seen (and tasted!) this week, I am certain that Sri Lanka’s award-winning produce will continue to find great success in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Simon Calvert is Head of Programmes in the Trade for Development Team at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK Government

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that no matter how many laws are enacted or institutions are established, justice cannot be ensured to the citizens if those responsible for enforcing them fail to implement them properly.

He further highlighted that the power entrusted by the people must be utilized to serve them; otherwise, that power becomes meaningless.

President Dissanayake made these remarks during a ceremony held today (09) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) to mark the “International Anti-Corruption Day National Celebration – 2024.”

This year’s International Anti-Corruption Day is being commemorated under the theme, ” Uniting with Youth against Corruption: Shaping tomorrow’s Integrity.”

The President pointed out that Sri Lanka already has sufficient laws and institutions to combat bribery and corruption. However, he called for introspection, urging all to examine their conscience and question whether these mechanisms are truly being employed to prevent misconduct.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described corruption and bribery as a social tragedy and questioned the relevance of celebrating International Anti-Corruption Day, given Sri Lanka’s decline in rankings from 79th in the international index in 2013 to 115th in 2023.

He highlighted that corruption and fraud have worsened year by year, stressing that if tangible progress is not made in reducing these issues by next year, such celebrations would hold no real value.

The President also noted the performance of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), revealing that 69 cases were filed in 2021, of which 40 were later withdrawn. Similarly, in 2022, 89 cases were filed, and 45 were subsequently withdrawn.

President Dissanayake emphasized the need to inform the public about the reasons behind the withdrawal of bribery and corruption cases and to disclose why investigating officers failed to appear as witnesses in these cases.

Highlighting that the Bribery or Corruption Commission had convicted only two constables, a Grama Niladhari, and a clerk in a single year, the President noted a widespread public perception that the law in Sri Lanka operates like a spider’s web—where small offenders get caught, while powerful individuals escape unscathed.

The President stressed that rebuilding the country requires a complete overhaul of the state system, asserting that a healthy and functional state cannot be created without such reforms.

He further pointed out that the public’s trust in the legal system and its institutions has been eroded, emphasizing that justice delayed is justice denied.

The President urged collective dedication to transform Sri Lanka into a state with minimal corruption, which he said is essential to restore citizens’ confidence and fulfill their expectations.

As part of these efforts, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), through its JURE project, has trained over 1,000 government officials to serve as exemplary officers. President Dissanayake formally conferred appointments to 15 of these trained officials.

Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security D.W.R.B. Seneviratne, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Senior DIG Priyantha Weerasooriya, Chairman of the CIABOC W. M. N. P. Iddawala, Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, foreign ambassadors and CIABOC officials were also present.

Sri Lanka’s new Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody has sought assistance from the United States to develop the renewable energy sector in the island nation, his Ministry said in a statement.

The move comes after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government has promised to review India’s Adani renewable energy deal following some top officials of the Indian company indicted on multiple counts of fraud

Minister Jayakody sought assistance on Monday (09) when he met the U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung to discuss the “ways to enhance cooperation in the power sector between the two countries”.

“The Ambassador said that the U.S. government is also ready to provide technical and other assistance to Sri Lanka’s power sector,” the Energy Ministry said in the statement.

“Minister of Energy Eng. Kumara Jayakodi explained the new government’s energy policy and vision for energy and expressed his expectation of the US government’s support for the renewable energy sector in the country.”

The U.S. has been promoting sustainable energy in Sri Lanka and has backed some projects.

It has assisted with technical assistance to help further develop Sri Lanka’s electric vehicle sector, a $19 million, 5-year Energy Programto support Sri Lanka’s vision to increase the renewable energy generation to 70 percent by 2030. The aim is to support Sri Lanka’s transition into a cleaner energy-generating nation.

The meeting with the top US official came nearly three weeks after the Federal prosecutors in New York indicted the top eight officials of India’s Adani Group, including the Group Chairman Gautam Adani and seven others on multiple counts of fraud.

Adani had proposed setting up 500MW of wind plants in Sri Lanka’s Northern Mannar and Pooneryn. An energy permit was approved by Sri Lanka’s Sustainable Energy Authority for the Pooneryn plant for 234MW as well in February this year.

The new government has promised to review Adani projects amid environmentalists and the Bishop of Mannar have sought legal actions saying that the plants are in the way of a migrant bird route, and that the price paid for power generated by the project is too high.