Category: News

Modi expected to arrive through Palaly

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Sri Lanka through the Palaly Airport when he visits the country in March, Indian media has reported.

Prime Minister Modi will first open the Cultural Centre in Jaffna, built with Indian funds, and then proceed to Colombo.

The Indian Prime Minister is arriving in the country on an invitation extended by his Sri Lankan counterpart. Modi will also attend a meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation

Lack of transparency in HRCSL appointments blamed on 20A

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Asserting that the appointments made to the Human Rights Commission by the Parliamentary Council established in terms of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution lacked transparency, the HRCSL has called for an urgent Constitutional Amendment.

Issuing a media statement yesterday the HRCSL said that in case a constitutional amendment wasn’t feasible at the moment, the government could (a) formulate regulations stipulating the criteria that should be adopted regarding appointments made in section 3 of the Human Rights Commissions Act 19 of 1996, and publish the said criteria through a gazette notification.

The HRCSL comprises Justice Rohini Marasinghe, Ven. Kalupahana Piyarathana Thera, Dr. M.H. Nimal Karunasiri, Dr. Vijitha Nanayakkara and Anusuya Shanmuganathan.

The HRCSL issued the statement having had meetings with the Colombo-based diplomatic community on 08 and 09 Feb., at their office.

The HRCSL stated that their recommendation would ensure that such appointments complied with the principles relating to the status of National Institutions (Paris Principles) adopted by General Assembly Resolutions No.48/ 134 of 20th December 1993.

The Commission has further said that the definition of ‘human rights” should be extended to cover all Covenants absorbed into law.

The HRCSL head said those amendments should be placed before a Parliamentary Select Committee under section 10(d) of the HRC Act.

The HRCSL has explained to the diplomatic community that though the Commissioners were appointed in terms of the Constitution by the President on the observation of the Parliamentary Council, their removal could only be done after an address and a vote in Parliament.

The powers of investigation and recommendations stipulated in the HRC Act were a complete detachment to the executive arm of the government, the diplomats have been told

SJB urges Govt. to submit report issued by UNHR Ambassador

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today urged the government to submit the report issued by UN Human Right Ambassador Michelle Bachelet on Sri Lanka’s human rights situation to Parliament and to allow a debate on it.

SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake made this request at a press conference today.

“We believe that Sri Lanka has received the report by UN Human Rights’ Ambassador Michelle Bachelet and we request that it be submitted to Parliament and the MPs allowed to debate on it,” MP Dissanayake said.

“Ms.Bachelet had referred to the situation pertaining to the human rights situation in Sri Lanka,” he added.

Both MP Dissanayake and MP Gayantha Karunatilleke who participated in the media conference alleged that the government is responsible for the attack on journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama’s house and for the arrest of civil activist Shehan Malaka which they called a harassment.

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HRCSL calls for PTA’s abolition

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Notwithstanding the amendments already suggested by the Government which includes the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has advocated for the complete abolition of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979 as amended.

In a press release issued on “The Briefing of the Diplomats on 8, 9, and 10 February, on the road map of the HRCSL for 2022 held at the HRCSL Headquarters” yesterday, which dealt with the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), it was noted that the Commission “believes that the offence of terrorism should be included in the Penal Code with a new definition for terrorism, which should be explicitly for those who threaten or use violence unlawfully to target the civilian population by spreading fear to further a political, ideological, or religious cause”. The Commission advocates that terrorism should be investigated under the general law of the country with necessary amendments.

The Commission also supports that it is not required to exclude the application of the Evidence Ordinance for the offence of terrorism.

Moreover, the Commission has observed that the indefinite period of detention violates the Constitution’s Article 13(4) which holds that the “deprivation of liberty of a person pending investigation or trial shall not constitute punishment”.

Further, the Commission has pointed out that amendments to the Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Judicature Act, and the Bail Act require modifications for this purpose.

Meanwhile, an islandwide signature campaign was conducted by the “Justice for All” organisation appealing to the Government of Sri Lanka to honour its promise to repeal the PTA, with the convener of the organisation being Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran.

The islandwide signature campaign in Colombo was conducted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Fort Railway Station.

“The Government has given several assurances in the past that this legislation will be repealed and a law will be enacted in its place that complies with international human rights standards and norms. However, the recent Amendment Bill presented to the Parliament falls short of such assurances and fails to address any of the draconian provisions in the PTA,” the letter noted.

The letter additionally states that the 1979 PTA was brought about as a Temporary Provisions Act for six months, yet continues to be in operation for over 40 years.

“During this period, we have witnessed its use to crush dissent against the Government of the day, as has been done consistently in the past and which continues today,” the letter mentioned.

Last week, Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris tabled the the Bill to amend the PTA in Parliament, whilst MP Sumanthiran, upon presentation of the Bill by Prof. Peiris, quoted Justice Minister Ali Sabry as saying that the PTA would be totally repealed.

UN reiterates need to protect journalists to ensure democracy

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The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer states that the protection of Journalists and Activists play a fundamental role in ensuring a democratic society.

In a tweet, she further stated that while their protection is vital to ensure freedom of expression, transparency and accountability. The silencing of critical voices, undermines public debate, freedom and the human rights of everyone.

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Local church with Vatican planning action behind closed doors: Cardinal

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A course of action to mete out justice to those affected by the Easter Sunday Bomb attacks is being organized by the Sri Lankan Catholic Church together with the Vatican behind closed doors, Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said today.

“A course of action is being organized by the Sri Lankan Catholic Church together with the Vatican, but we will not divulge anything about it now,” Cardinal Ranjith told a press conference.

“It is the government which has to bear the responsibility for the consequences which Sri Lanka has to undergo if the church seeks international assistance to mete out justice to those who were affected by the Easter Sunday mayhem,” he added.

The local Catholic Archbishop who referred to the arrest of activist Shehan Chanaka on Monday, alleged that it has been more or less an abduction. “Shehan has been taken away by a white van while walking on the road and no one knows as to where he is at the moment. There is a civilized way to arrest people. I would like to remind the Attorney General and the IGP that satisfying politicians is not their duty,” he also said.

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Cardinal slams Police and present Attorney General over their conduct

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The head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Tuesday called on the masses to respond at the appropriate time to the attempts being made to suppress the truth through intimidation.

“If Shehan Malaka did not go live on social media, the country would have never known that he was being forcefully taken away by a group in a white van. He had the courage to reveal this to the country,” said His Eminence.

He slammed the police over its conduct in arresting people adding that Sri Lanka Police must be present in uniform when making an arrest and must use a police jeep for such purpose.

“Police officers must read the charges against any accused when making an arrest,” he said adding that the Shehan Malaka was not arrested, but abducted in broad daylight.

His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith termed such conduct as uncivilized and immoral, which is not suitable for a democratic community.

The Archbishop of Colombo also took a blow at the present Attorney General, noting that he is a public servant and NOT a political stooge.

He said the Attorney General who is expected to enforce the recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry that probed the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, is making attempts to arrest those who are calling for justice over the Terror Attacks.

“I request the people to understand the conspiratorial conduct of the government. Respond to it at the appropriate time,” he stressed.

He once again said that if the issues cannot be solved locally, he would not hesitate to make his appeal at an international level.

His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith held the government accountable for these events.

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IMF to discuss Sri Lanka economic report on February 25

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The International Monetary Fund’s executive board is due to discuss a staff report on Sri Lanka’s economy following annual discussions on February 25.

Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa will also update the cabinet of minister on the report next week, Trade Minister Bandula Gunewardena told reporters.

The Sri Lanka staff report comes after annual ‘Article IV’ consultation held recently.

The IMF report comes after a two year gap, due to the failure to conduct the consultation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Article IV report contains and analysis of economy and debt and monetary conditions.

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Three Cabinet sub-committees to find alternative methods for imports from China, Japan & ME

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The Cabinet of Ministers has given the go-ahead to appoint three Cabinet sub-committees to discuss alternative methods for importing essential food items, raw materials and industrial goods from China, Japan and Middle Eastern countries.

During the Cabinet meeting held on Jan. 03, the memorandum “economy 2022 and the way forward” was taken up for discussion.

The Cabinet had considered the need to identify alternative methods for importing essential food items, raw materials required for export-oriented industries, and industrial goods.

Accordingly, it was decided to agree on the measures taken by the President to appoint the following Cabinet sub-committees to discuss with these countries on importing the aforesaid goods:

Peoples’ Republic of China
• Minister of Foreign Affairs – Chairman
• Minister of Trade
• Minister of Industries
• Minister of Plantation

Government of Japan
• Minister of Foreign Affairs – Chairman
• Minister of Health
• Minister of Mass Media
• Minister of Highways

 Middle East countries
• Minister of Foreign Affairs – Chairman
• Minister of Youth, Sports and Development Coordination and Supervision
• Minister of Justice

SL envoy in South Africa seeks support of Southern African Countries at UNHRC

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High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to South Africa, Siresena Amarasekara held several meetings with government officials of South Africa and envoys of countries accredited to South Africa to discuss the achievements made by Sri Lanka in matters on human rights, focusing on the upcoming UNHCR sessions and recognizing the importance of the African region where the countries have emerged as a cohesive group of nations.

He met High Commissioner of Namibia, Veiccoh K Nghiwete, Ambassador of Zimbabwe, D.D. Hamadziripi, High Commissioner of Malawi, Stella C. Hauya Ndau and Charge de Affair of Switzerland in South Africa, Veronique Haller, in this regard, the Sri Lanka High Commission said.

At these meetings, High Commissioner Amarasekara emphasized the importance of a domestic mechanism to resolve internal conflicts within the domestic socio-political environment, rather than an imposed mechanism by external parties.

He stated that the involvement of the external parties further complicates ethnic issues, rather than resolving them. The government of Sri Lanka has the authority, wish, and capacity to resolve it. But due to unwarranted external involvements, the government that resolves the problem has become the accused and is prevented from performing its task.

The High Commissioner further stated that after the conflict, the Government of Sri Lanka has done almost everything possible to provide relief to affected people. He also stated that due to unnecessary international pressure, the government is compelled to sacrifice its meager resources to play a defensive role. He said that if these international parties are genuinely interested in the issues of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, they should support the government in its effort to provide relief to the affected. Encouraging the pressure groups to work with the government to find a solution is a duty of the countries that brought the resolution before the UNHRC, and assist to reduce the gap between different ethnicities in Sri Lanka, he said.

At these meetings, the High Commissioner explained that the word ‘accountability’ has no meaning if the responsible parties can’t correct the mistakes done by them and not serve the affected parties.  High Commissioner Amarasekara invited them to look into this problem from a wider perspective without depending on unfounded and fabricated narratives.

He further referred to Lord Naseby’s book and various articles written by him on the ethnic issue of Sri Lanka, revealing factually correct and impartial analysis. High Commissioner Amarasekara requested impartial African nations to encourage those parties who have been misled by biased information, to revisit the resolution against Sri Lanka with an open mind.