Category: Politics
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 […]
New Administration Fails to Reverse Damaging Policies of Its Predecessor: Human Rights Watch
The change of presidents of Sri Lanka in 2022 did not lead to any improvement in the country’s human rights record, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2023. During 2022, thousands of Sri Lankans took to the streets after years of misrule, impunity, and corruption undermined the rule of law and contributed […]
Former British Prime Minister meets the President
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is on a personal visit to Sri Lanka, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (02). During a friendly discussion, Cameron extended his best wishes to President Wickremesinghe for the New Year. President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff, Sagala Ratnayake, […]
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 […]
Romesh de Silva PC Opines on Ranil Wickremesinghe After 50 Years at the Bar (full speech)
December 8, 2022 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s leading Silk Romesh de Silva PC delivered a speech felicitating President Ranil Wickremesinghe at an event in recognition of the President’s 50 years at the bar. The full speech is reproduced below: Today we are felicitating our president and deservedly so. The stated purpose is his completion of […]
President assures solutions to land issues in NP; 8 committees to resolve provincial land issues
President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that eight (8) committees would be appointed at the provincial level to resolve the land issues. He also pointed out that all the land-related issues in the North and South of the country would be resolved accordingly. President Wickremesinghe made these observations while participating in the District Development Committee meeting held […]
CCC hails passing of 21st Amendment; applauds consensual approach adopted by political parties
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to note the passing of the 21st amendment with an overwhelming majority in Parliament last week. While all measures proposed by the Chamber along with other likeminded professional bodies and civil society organizations may not be addressed by this amendment, it nevertheless considers this as a step in […]
Sri Lanka rejects resolution at the UN Human Rights Council
Sri Lanka categorically rejected resolution A/HRC/51/L.1 (Rev.1) titled “Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka” tabled by the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United States, which was adopted by a vote at the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, today (06 October 2022). Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry delivered […]
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 […]
National Council proposal passed in Parliament without division
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s proposal to establish a ‘National Council’ was passed in Parliament on 20.09.2022 without a division. The ‘National Council’ will be constituted to represent all the parties representing the Ninth Parliament from the recognized political parties of Sri Lanka. The consensus was obtained at three rounds of discussions under the leadership of […]
Nirj Deva appointed as Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor
September 21, 2022 (LBO) – Former member of the British and EU Parliaments, Nirj Deva Aditya, has been appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe as a Senior Advisor and Presidential Envoy. He will function as Senior Advisor on EU Affairs to the President and Presidential Envoy to Western Europe and the Commonwealth of Nations. Key objectives […]