Category: Defense
US blacklists Karannagoda for human rights violations; Sri Lanka regrets decision
The United States on Thursday banned former Sri Lankan Navy Commander and Governor of North Western Province Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda and his family from entering the country over gross violation of human rights. “The United States is designating Wasantha Karannagoda, Governor of North Western Province in Sri Lanka, pursuant to Section 7031(c) […]
Minister does all these malicious acts to harass us & to protect one SDIG, says Ajith Rohana
Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) of the Southern Province Ajith Rohana says that he will not abide by the recent transfer order made by the Ministry of Public Security, as he is not bound to follow unlawful orders. In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the National Police Commission, he highlighted that […]
Change of govt can only be brought about through a parliamentary election, says President
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the only way to bring about a change of government is through a parliamentary election and not through street protests, stating that the latter is not a viable option for the parliament. The President emphasized that a nation can become anarchic due to an economic collapse and urged everyone to […]
Sri Lanka & US Militaries Commence Joint Training Exercise
The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will commence exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Sri Lanka 2023 with the Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force in Colombo, Jan.19 – 26, 2023. CARAT/MAREX Sri Lanka is a bilateral exercise between Sri Lanka and the United States designed to promote regional security […]
End Arbitrary Detention of Student Activist: Human Rights Organizations
The Sri Lankan government should immediately end the arbitrary detention of Wasantha Mudalige, a student activist who was arrested on August 18, 2022, seven human rights organizations said today. Since August 21, Mudalige, 29, has been held on orders signed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a draconian law that […]
500 new jeeps for Sri Lanka Police under Indian loan assistance
As the first phase of the 500 jeeps to be given to the Sri Lanka Police under Indian loan assistance, 125 new jeeps were handed over to the police today (22nd) at the Ministry of Public Security. The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagle, symbolically handed over the jeeps to the Minister of […]
Illegally imported Hummer auctions off to the importer himself violating tender procedures
Customs officials have violated tender procedures by auctioning off an illegally imported Hummer to the illegal importer himself at a much lower price. The said vehicle along with three other vehicles was imported to Sri Lanka on February 22 this year. Later they were confiscated and sold in public auction without incurring any loss. However, […]
Revoke sweeping new order to restrict protest, says Human Rights Watch
The Sri Lankan government should reverse a new regulation that unlawfully restricts protests in large areas of the capital, Colombo, Human Rights Watch said today. On September 24, 2022, a day after the measure was issued, police arrested 84 people and used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters calling for the release of […]
Resume Sri Lanka’s participation in Stolen Asset Recovery initiative: Human Rights Watch
Sri Lanka’s new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, should ensure that his administration adopts measures to protect the basic rights of all Sri Lankans, Human Rights Watch said in a letter published today outlining key human rights concerns. Wickremesinghe was sworn in as president on July 21, 2022, after then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stepped down after months of widespread protests against economic […]
Sri Lanka rejects motion on alleged genocide adopted in Canadian Parliament
Sri Lanka notes with regret the adoption of a motion in the Canadian Parliament on the alleged genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka and recognizing May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, the islands’s Government said in a statement. “The Government categorically rejects the blatantly false allegation of genocide contained in the parliamentary motion […]
MR and 16 others get overseas travel ban
The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has imposed an overseas travel ban on Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and 16 others. The list includes – Johnston Fernando Pavithra Wanniarachchi Mahinda Rajapaksha Sanjeeva EdirimanaKanchana Jayaratne Rohitha Abeygoonewardene C B Ratnayake Sampath Atukorale Renuka Perera Namal Rajapaksha Sanath NishanthaNishantha Jayasinghe Amith Abeywickrema Pushpalal Mahinda KahandagamaDilith Fernando Deshabandu Tennekoon The order was issued by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court in relation to the […]
Protests at the Naval Base in Trinco
A protest erupted outside the Trincomalee Naval Base as reports have said that former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and some of his family members have sought refuge in the base following anti-government clashes on Monday. The group is demanding the former prime minister and his family be held accountable for the crisis and be arrested. […]