Sri Lanka president meets German foreign minister

Sri Lanka’s President Anura Disanayake has met Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to discuss expanding cooperation.

Disanayake, who is on an official visit to Germany, met with Wadephul at the Waldorf Astoria in Berlin, his media division said.

“They discussed expanding cooperation between their countries, highlighting new opportunities in trade, the digital economy, investment and vocational training.”

Earlier in the day Disanayake met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

They talked about strengthening economic and international relations, especially enhancing cooperation in vocational training and the tourism industry, the PMD said.

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Sri Lanka’s growth forecast to decelerate to 3.5% this year: WB

The World Bank (WB) yesterday revealed that growth in Sri Lanka is forecast to decelerate to 3.5% this year, reflecting the scarring effects of the crisis, structural impediments to growth, and heightened global economic uncertainties.

Sri Lanka grew by 5% in 2024 in a sign of recovery following two years of negative growth.

The WB in its Global Economic Prospects publication also said Growth in SAR is expected to slow to 5.8% in 2025 as rising trade barriers weigh on exports, dampen business confidence, and weaken investment in the region. Growth is then set to increase to 6.2% a year, on average, in 2026-27, supported by improving activity in India and accelerations elsewhere, broadly consistent with the region’s potential growth estimates.

India is projected to grow at 6.3% in FY2025/26. The forecast has been downgraded by 0.4% relative to January projections, with exports dampened by weaker activity in key trade partners and rising global trade barriers. In the next two fiscal years, starting in FY2026/27, growth is expected to recover to 6.6% a year, on average, partly supported by robust services activity contributing to a pickup in exports.

Excluding India, regional growth is forecast to inch up to 3.6% in 2025 and firm to 4.4% a year in 2026-27, on average. Growth in Bangladesh is projected to increase to 4.9% in FY2025/26 and 5.7% in FY2026/27, with an expected rebound in investment, predicated on improving political stability and the successful implementation of reforms. In Pakistan, growth is expected to strengthen to 3.1% in FY2025/26 and 3.4% in FY2026/27, aided by contained inflation and declining borrowing costs. The projected strengthening of growth in Bhutan and Nepal partly reflects an expansion of hydroelectricity generation.

In Maldives, GDP is expected to expand by 5.7% this year and then moderate to 5.3% in 2026, partly reflecting global trade uncertainties and projected weakening in external demand. Growth in Afghanistan is envisaged to remain subdued at about 2.2% in FY2025/26 (late-March 2025 to late March 2026), due in part to disruptions in aid from donor countries.

The report stressed that key risks for South Asia include possible further intensification of trade barriers from major trading partners and heightened global trade policy uncertainty. Higher-than-expected global inflation and a decline in risk appetite could lead to a tightening of global financial conditions, potentially weakening currencies in the region and causing capital outflows. Other downside risks include the possibility of a surge of violence and social unrest in the region, as well as more frequent and severe natural disasters.

Illegal release of prisoners: ‘Relevant authorities must take them into custody’

The Presidential Secretariat stated that if any individual who is supposed to be in prison is not, it is up to the relevant authorities to ensure that they are taken back into custody.

Following the revelation that an inmate from the Anuradhapura Prison had been released despite his name not being included in the official list of prisoners approved for a Presidential pardon on Vesak of this year, it has now come to light that over 60 such questionable releases have taken place over the past few years.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Presidential Secretariat’s Legal Director, attorney J.M. Wijebandara said that if someone who is supposed to be in prison is not, the institutions responsible should take the necessary steps to correct it. “No pardon means no pardon. If someone acted beyond their legal power to release prisoners, then, it’s up to the relevant institutions to fix the situation,” he emphasised.

When queried as to whether individuals who have been released illegally will be taken back into custody, he said: “As the Presidential Secretariat, we don’t have the authority to order arrests. If someone who should be behind bars is out, that’s a matter for the Prisons authorities to handle. We don’t need to be watching over every move. The law already gives these institutions the authority that they need. If they don’t take action, we can step in and monitor the situation.”

According to the President’s Media Division, the inmate in question had been convicted of financial fraud and was not included in the list of 388 inmates approved for a Presidential pardon for Vesak 2025. The approval process, as per the Constitution, involves recommendations made by the Prisons authorities, which must then go through the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, before being signed off by the President.

Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris told the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (10) that 68 inmates had been illegally released under the guise of a Presidential pardon during Christmas of last year (2024) and Independence Day in February 2025. Of the 68, he said that 57 were released during the Christmas period, and another 11 during the Independence Day pardon, despite not meeting the necessary legal criteria. He also noted that 338 inmates had been released from 29 prisons across the country during the Vesak Poya, and that at least two of them were released without valid approval.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, Acting Police Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F. U. Wootler, said that he was awaiting information from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the action to be taken against individuals who have been released from prison illegally. “I am waiting for a message from the CID on what action they are going to take against them. They (CID) should first receive the necessary directives from the Attorney General. Then they will proceed with the next part of the inquiry. I haven’t received that message yet, but as soon as I do, I will share it with you all,” ASP Wootler added.

President meets German President in Berlin

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, was warmly received today (11) by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President’s Media Division (PMD) announced.

Upon his arrival at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, President Dissanayake was welcomed with full state honours, including a ceremonial Guard of Honour presented by the German Armed Forces. The President also took part in the inspection of the military parade.

Following the official welcome ceremony, President Dissanayake and President Steinmeier held bilateral discussions.

Their talks focused on further strengthening economic and international relations between the two countries, with special attention given to enhancing cooperation in vocational training and the tourism sector.

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Ex-Army Intel Brigadier Remanded Over Threats in Eknaligoda Murder Trial

Retired Brigadier Shammi Kumararatne of the Army Intelligence Unit, the main accused in the High Court trial concerning the abduction, murder, and disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, has been arrested on charges of intimidating a key witness.

The suspect was presented before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court today (11) and subsequently remanded until the 25th of this month.

Journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda went missing on January 24, 2010. Investigations conducted since then have revealed that he was abducted and murdered.

In connection with this case, the Attorney General has filed indictments against ten individuals, including retired Brigadier Shammi Kumararatne, before the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial at Bar. The trial is currently ongoing.

Most of the accused were serving in the Army Intelligence Unit at the time of the incident.

The Head of the Investigation Unit of the Authority for the Protection of Victims and Witnesses informed the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court today that retired Brigadier Kumararatne had threatened Suresh Kumar, a key witness in the Eknaligoda case.

It was revealed that the threats were made on multiple occasions using the retired Brigadier’s personal phone number.

Additionally, the report submitted to the court included details of another threat made on June 6th from the same phone number by a former army officer.

Excerpt: An individual named Mohammed, identified as a military officer, allegedly called and stated that LTTE Intelligence Chief Vinayagam had arrived in Mannar with weapons through the port. He further claimed that the current government under Anura would not last long and that the next leader would be either Namal Rajapaksa or Vijeyweera’s son. He warned of an LTTE threat and urged the witness to come to Colombo and stay with him. This complaint was filed at the Ichchalampattu Police Station and reported by the Officer-in-Charge. End of Excerpt

The Head of the Investigation Unit also confirmed to the court that the phone number used to intimidate the witnesses has been investigated and verified.

Considering these facts, the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court ordered that retired Brigadier Shammi Kumararatne be remanded until the 25th and instructed that he be presented before the Permanent High Court Trial at Bar on the 13th for the ongoing trial.

Batticaloa mayor elected as ITAK secures council with SJB backing

Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has taken control of the Batticaloa Municipal Council, with Sivam Pakkiyanathan elected as Mayor today in a vote backed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) councillors.

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam confirmed the result via a post on ‘X’, noting that Pakkiyanathan’s victory was made possible through the SJB’s support.

Meanwhile, MP Rasamanickam also claimed that the National People’s Power (NPP) government had resorted to unconventional moves in a bid to secure the council, reportedly attempting to form an alliance with former MP Pillayan’s Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) to push their candidate.

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US Justice Dept trains Sri Lanka prosecutors

The US Department of Justice has worked with new prosecutors from Sri Lanka’s Attorney General’s Department to build trial skills.

These included skills “Like delivering powerful opening & closing arguments & examining witnesses on the stand,” the American Embassy in Colombo said.

These prosecutors will soon take on smugglers of narcotics, humans, and other illicit goods, the embassy said.

“Holding transnational criminals accountable strengthens justice, security, & the rule of law for both Sri Lanka & the United States.”

Sri Lanka’s present government rode to power promising to ‘catch thieves’.

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2025 to Bring Financial Strain, Policy Uncertainty, and Rising Debt : Fitch

Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has revised its outlook for sovereign credit conditions in 2025 from “neutral” to “deteriorating,” citing rising trade tariffs, policy uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions as key risks to global economic stability.

According to Fitch, the ongoing global trade war and unclear outcomes regarding tariffs are creating serious disruptions in global trade, investment, and supply chains. These uncertainties are also making it harder to predict interest rate decisions by the U.S. Federal Reserve, increasing the risk of financial market volatility.

Adding to the pressure, Brent crude oil prices are expected to drop to USD 65 per barrel in 2025, down from USD 79.5 in 2024, which could strain the economies of major oil-exporting countries. Meanwhile, cuts to U.S. international aid are likely to impact vulnerable emerging markets.

However, there is a silver lining for some developing countries: the depreciation of the U.S. dollar is expected to ease the burden of dollar-denominated debt and give central banks more room to lower interest rates.

Fitch also warns that public finances will remain under pressure in 2025 from rising defence spending, interest costs, demographic trends, weak growth and social pressures, particularly in developed markets.

Government debt levels are projected to rise slightly, with the median debt-to-GDP ratio increasing to 54.5% by the end of 2025, up from 54.1% in 2024.

Geopolitical risks remain elevated, driven by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, U.S.-China tensions, and shifting U.S. foreign policy. Despite these challenges, Fitch notes that sovereign credit ratings are relatively balanced mid-year, with 13 countries on a positive outlook and 10 on a negative one.

Pakistani man who allegedly plotted US attack extradited from Canada

A Pakistani man was extradited from Canada to the United States on Tuesday to face charges of plotting to carry out an attack on Jews in New York City, the Justice Department said.

Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested in Canada in September.

According to a criminal complaint, Khan planned to travel to New York and carry out a mass shooting in support of the Islamic State (IS) at a Jewish center in Brooklyn on the October 7 anniversary of the deadly 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

“He planned to use automatic weapons to kill as many members of our Jewish community as possible, all in support of IS,” US Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement.

Khan allegedly revealed his plans in conversations with conspirators who were actually undercover law enforcement officers, the Justice Department said.

He was taken into custody by Canadian authorities in the municipality of Ormstown some 12 miles (19 kilometers) from the US-Canada border.

Khan is charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempting to commit acts of terrorism. He could face a maximum of life in prison if convicted.

Source: NDTV

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Ponnambalam calls for Chemmani site to be officially declared a mass grave and protected

Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) leader and Jaffna parliamentarian Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam has urged the Sri Lankan government to officially designate the Chemmani site in Jaffna as a mass grave and to provide immediate funding and protection for the ongoing excavation process.

Speaking in parliament last week, Ponnambalam warned that the lack of official recognition and proper funding was jeopardising the investigation and risking the loss of crucial forensic evidence.

“Honourable minister, these graves now, there have been more than three bodies found, skeletons found. So it qualifies, under international jurisdiction, qualifies for a mass grave,” Ponnambalam said.

He raised serious concerns over the current conditions at the site, noting the lack of basic security to safeguard the area.

“There is no security put there. There is no protection at all. When the court, when the people go there, they go… and then after that, it’s open to all the elements,” he said.

Ponnambalam also highlighted that existing funding allocated for the investigation was insufficient and warned that the work could soon grind to a halt.

“At the moment, the amount of money that has been allocated to the courts, in order to carry out this… for the judicial medical officer to actually do the finds, is not going to last more than twenty days,” he said. “So if at the next adjournment, if there is not enough funding, they’re going to stop the proceedings.”

Calling for urgent intervention, Ponnambalam appealed to the government to declare the site a mass grave and to explore international avenues for funding the excavation.

“So I ask you to at least declare it a mass grave site, a potential mass grave site, and if you want, we can also help you in getting some funding from outside in order to do it properly, but it must be done,” he said.

Ponnambalam also reminded parliament of the site’s grim history, recalling that it had already been identified as a potential mass grave based on testimony from the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy murder case.

“I say it with a lot of responsibility. You will be fully aware… that area was declared a mass grave site because the accused in the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy murder case said that there were over 600 people buried in that area,” he said.

“I think it is extremely important with regards to finding the truth, and I ask you to intervene in this matter and to make the relevant allocations, fund-wise. Secondly, to declare it a mass grave site so that we can raise funds maybe with the international community or any other institution that can help with the funding — and also to protect that site, to ensure that there is no tampering with the evidence.”

Ponnambalam’s intervention comes as concerns mount over the integrity of the Chemmani-Sindhubathi site, where at least 19 skeletal remains have been exhumed so far. Local families of the disappeared and international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have also called for the site to be protected and excavated in line with international standards.