February 17, Colombo (LNW): The U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Elizabeth M. Allen, is set to visit Sri Lanka, India, and Jordan this month, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to expanding global partnerships and alliances.
The State Department’s press release outlines Allen’s trip from February 12 to 22, emphasizing the core principles of U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy initiatives, including the promotion of freedom of expression, economic empowerment, and global collaboration.
While the exact date of her arrival in Sri Lanka is not specified, the statement highlights Allen’s plans to engage in dialogue on freedom of expression and democratic values. Meetings with diverse stakeholders, including journalists, civil society members, government officials, and the Embassy’s Youth Forum, are on the agenda. Engagements with the Sri Lanka Press Institute, U.S. public diplomacy program alumni, and local content creators will underscore the significance of preserving diverse voices for a stable and inclusive Sri Lanka.
Allen’s visit will also include meetings with representatives from Sri Lanka’s multifaith community to emphasize the importance of societal inclusivity. Following her time in Sri Lanka, she will proceed to India as part of her diplomatic tour.
15 February 2024: This week, we heard the sad news of the death of Mrs Sriya Malathi Karunaratne Gunasekara, the beloved wife of late comrade Prince Gunasekara. Born in 1932, she has passed away last Sunday, February 12, in London. . She was 92 years old. Her husband, Prins was well known as a parliamentarian and an attorney at law. For most of us he was a human rights defender even when it was difficult to do so like in the 1970s. He was one of the first group of lawyers who appeared on behalf of many suspects including me, charged under the Criminal Justice Commissions Act. Because of his political and human rights activities, he and his wife faced many challenging situations when they lived in Sri Lanka.
The Gunasekera family lived in Rosemead Place, Colombo. Comrade Rohana and I were frequent visitors in the late seventies and the first half of the eighties, before the proscription of the JVP in July 1983 by the regime led by President J R Jayawardene. Whenever we visited their home, Mrs Gunasekera treated us politely and kind-heartedly.
Comrade Prins was the legal advisor to comrade Rohana when he was the candidate for Presidential Elections in 1983. He was also the attorney who looked after the legal aspects when the JVP filed a case against the referendum that postponed the general elections that were to be held immediately after the Presidential Elections. He also contributed to building links between comrade Rohana and Mr Maithripala Senanayake and later with Mr Felix R Dias Bandaranayake.
In 1983, under the Emergency Laws Comrade Prins was detained with me and about twenty others of the JVP. We were held incommunicado on the first floor of the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department. Their so-called investigations were held on the fourth floor. The ordeal lasted for many months. It was followed by a period of severe state repression against the JVP and most of the leaders went into hiding.
This entire period was a difficult time to dissent. Mrs Gunasekera faced all these challenges with courage, strength and determination. Until then, their house was open to all those comrades who sought their advice when they were facing the violent repression of the state. During this time comrade Prins filed hundreds of habeas corpus applications for those who had been made to disappear by the state security forces and their para-militaries.
Many attorneys including Mr Kanchana Abeypala, who was a close relation of Prins were assassinated by the regime’s hit squads. Ultimately, as many of us had to, the Gunasekera family was forced into exile in order to save their lives. They sought refuge in the United Kingdom. Prins and Mrs Gunasekera provided a safe environment for their three daughters to build their lives.
We salute the life Mrs Gunasekera. A life spent as a courageous and determined woman in supporting her husband in his commitment to human rights and justice. We also take this occasion to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Gunasekera family, their relatives and friends. Our thoughts are with the Gunasekera family at this difficult time.
I apologise for this late response. The delay was due to the power cuts and internet being down due to the severe thunderstorms we had in Victoria.
John Keells Holdings PLC and Teejay Lanka PLC who ranked first in previous Transparency in Corporate Reporting assessments are joined this year by Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC, Dialog Axiata PLC, and Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC who have all achieved the full score for transparency in corporate reporting, while 27 companies are considered ‘Significantly Transparent’ in corporate reporting as per the latest TRAC assessment by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL).
TISL has been conducting the Transparency in Corporate Reporting (TRAC) Assessment since 2020 and has continued to do so annually. For the first time this year, there is a five-way tie for first place in corporate reporting among the top 125 public limited companies in Sri Lanka (based on market capitalisation on the Colombo Stock Exchange as of July 5th, 2023).
The TRAC 2023 Report, unveiled today (February 15, 2024), reveals that companies evaluated this year have achieved an average score of 5.85 out of 10. This marks a slight overall improvement compared to the previous year’s assessment, reflecting advancements in corporate transparency and reporting practices.
The TRAC Report 2023 assessed companies on their corporate disclosure practices in several important areas crucial to fighting and preventing corruption: reporting on anti-corruption programmes, organisational transparency, domestic financial reporting, reporting on gender and non-discrimination policies, country-by-country reporting, and reporting on procurement related to government contracts/tenders. Companies were then scored on a scale of 0-10, (10 being the highest and 0 being the lowest) based on publicly available information and were categorized into six groups as “Fully Transparent, Significantly Transparent, Moderately Transparent, Partially Transparent, Slightly Transparent, and Least Transparent” according to the level of transparency in their corporate disclosures. Companies were also given with the opportunity to provide feedback on their initial scores.
While congratulating the high scorers of the assessment, it is important to note that the TRAC report assesses transparency in corporate disclosures, and does not assess the actual implementation of companies’ anti-corruption policies or programmes. Therefore, a low score does not necessarily mean that a company does not have strong anti-corruption programmes, nor does it indicate any wrongdoing on the part of the company. Conversely, a high score may not always reflect operational and implementational success of anti-corruption programmes, but merely reflects strong disclosure mechanisms pertaining to anti-corruption, organisational transparency, domestic financial reporting, and policies on gender and non-discrimination.
TISL’s expectation is that periodic TRAC assessments will encourage companies to improve standards of integrity and transparency in business. The most important objective of this assessment is to encourage companies to incorporate and strengthen anti-corruption practices and to make this information publicly available.
As much as public sector corruption is a serious problem, so too is private sector corruption, wherein private sector actors can often be silent colluders or enablers of much larger public sector corruption. The newly enacted Anti-Corruption Act of 2023, for the first time in Sri Lanka recognizes bribery in the private sector as a punishable offence. This is further strengthened by the revised Listing Rules of the Colombo Stock Exchange, under which listed companies are required to adopt and maintain whistle-blower policies and anti-bribery and corruption policies and to make disclosures on said policies.
“Assessing corporate transparency through TRAC assessments will not address all grand corruption cases in Sri Lanka, as TISL also conducts research, engages in litigation and conducts other programmes and initiatives such as trainings on Anti-Bribery and Corruption for the private sector, to raise further awareness to address the issue of corruption. Nevertheless, corporate transparency is one step that companies can take to reduce the risk of corruption within their organisations” said Nadishani Perera, Executive Director, TISL. She continued to state that “Companies must commit to abide by the new regulatory standards, whilst also self-regulating to maintain higher standards than the minimum requirements. As such, periodic reviewing of corporate disclosures serves as a strong motivator for companies to regularly review their policies and improve their disclosures.”
Israel’s Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. Miri Regev has called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe. According to the PMD, the meeting delved into crucial matters concerning the safe return of Israeli hostages, with President Wickremesinghe affirming Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to advocating for their safety.
Two more members of the SLFP have crossed over to the main opposition, SJB party led by MP Sajith Premadasa. According to the SJB, former SLFP provincial council members Gamini Thilakasiri and Gamini Silva met MP Premadasa today and expressed their support for the SJB.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he will support abolishing the executive presidency. Rajapaksa said he realized that this was also the demand of the people.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has secured detentions orders against criminal gang member Piyum Hasthika alias “Piyuma”, who was repatriated to Sri Lanka from Dubai, UAE. “Piyuma” is reportedly the main accomplice of the notorious underworld figure and drug trafficker Salindu Malshika Gunaratne alias “Kudu Salindu,” who is also currently in the custody of the CID.
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Excise Department to exchange information related to investigations and prosecutions of money laundering, terrorist financing and other related crimes.
The National Physical Planning Department has designated 11 temples of significant archaeological, historical, and sacred importance as Sacred Sites in the Government Gazette: the total count of sanctuaries recognized as sacred places of worship in Sri Lanka has now risen to 142.
Sri Lanka Police are seeking public assistance to arrest three suspects wanted over the mass shooting in Beliatta in which five people, including the leader of “Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya” (Our Power of People Party or OPPP) Saman Perera, were killed. The mass shooting took place on January 23 near the Beliatta interchange of the Southern Expressway.
Sri Lanka, in the spotlight ahead of upcoming elections, is facing external influence, notably from China, amid perceived instability, according to former President Maithripala Sirisena. Added that Sri Lanka has become entangled in great power politics between Washington and Beijing.
Sri Lanka’s annual economic growth is expected to remain positive in 2024 and gradually reach its potential over the medium term, the Central Bank said in its latest monetary policy report.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the dates for the 5th edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024. Thereby, Sri Lanka’s much-awaited T20 franchise cricket tournament is scheduled to be held from July 01 – 21 this year.
February 17, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of light showers will occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur ata few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in eastern slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western, Uvaand Easternprovinces and in Hambantota and Kandy districts.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): In a significant diplomatic ceremony, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, presented his credentials to Cuban President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermúdez on February 13, 2024. The ceremony took place at the Palacio de la Revolución in Havana.
The state ceremonial presentation, held at the Palacio de la Revolución, included a warm reception for Ambassador Ulugetenne by the Cuban Chief of Protocol, accompanied by a guard of honour and a ceremonial welcome by the Presidential Guard. Following these formalities, Ambassador Ulugetenne officially presented his credentials to President Diaz-Canel.
During a brief conversation that ensued, President Diaz-Canel warmly welcomed the new Ambassador and extended his good wishes for a successful tenure. The Cuban President emphasized the importance of fostering healthy economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Cuba. Ambassador Ulugetenne conveyed the greetings and felicitations of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and expressed President Wickremesinghe’s eagerness to host his Cuban counterparts in Sri Lanka. President Diaz-Canel positively responded, recalling his previous meeting with President Wickremesinghe during the G77 summit.
Acknowledging Cuba’s support in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ambassador Ulugetenne assured President Diaz-Canel of his commitment to enhancing the existing relationship between the two countries. He pledged to work towards elevating bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy, agriculture, sports, and healthcare for the mutual benefit of Sri Lanka and Cuba.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, addressing the Maharagama Regional Coordination Committee, has instructed officials not to wait for decentralized funds for routine tasks and emphasized the need for immediate, proactive measures. Expressing deep concern about the prevailing drug situation in the country, he underscored the urgency of officials’ duties for the long-term welfare of the people.
During the committee meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted the active implementation of decisions to combat the drug menace, with daily oversight by the Inspector General of Police and the Minister leading the eradication campaign. Gunawardena called for swift action by municipal authorities, police, and divisional secretaries against any illegal activities masquerading as legitimate work.
Emphasizing the importance of the Grama Niladhari officers and municipalities in supporting police operations, Gunawardena urged officials to act immediately upon receiving information, without waiting for formal complaints. He also addressed broader development goals, stressing comprehensive implementation across municipal and provincial departments.
The Prime Minister encouraged municipal councils to take responsibility for projects, noting that certain tasks, such as fixing a broken post, should not require waiting for decentralized funds. The meeting concluded with a collaborative commitment to addressing immediate challenges and ensuring the future welfare of the public.
As a symbolic gesture of support, Gunawardena presented a stock of masks to Venerable Nikapota Chandrajothi Thera. The event saw the participation of key figures, including former Western Provincial Chief Minister Isura Devapriya, former Western Provincial Council members, and government officials.
February 16, 2024 (LNW): The Sri Lanka National Archives (SLNA) has invited public comments on the proposed “Framework for National Archives and Records Management Legislation.” This initiative aims to modernize and strengthen the management, preservation, and accessibility of vital archives and records within Sri Lanka.
Dr. Nadeera Rupasinghe, the Director General of SLNA, emphasized the importance of engaging researchers, archivists, records managers, historians, and concerned citizens in the feedback process. The proposed framework is expected to significantly impact how both public and private sector records are handled, influencing the preservation and accessibility of historical archives for present and future generations.
The drafting of the framework was overseen by a committee appointed by the Secretary of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. Led by Archivist Nigel Nugawela, the committee included key figures such as Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, Piyatissa Ranasinghe, Yamuna Ranawana, and Ravindra Priyantha Lal.
Interested parties can download the framework document from https://bit.ly/slna and submit their responses until midnight on February 29. Responses can be sent by post, emailed to [email protected], or delivered in person to the National Archives head office in Colombo or the branch office in Kandy.
For further information, individuals can contact National Archives Assistant Director Chamila Priyangani at +94 71 444 9586 or Development Officer Lakmini Perera at 070 4340920. This inclusive approach seeks to ensure a comprehensive and informed discussion on the proposed legislative framework for the national archives.
February 16, 2024: In a recent announcement, the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, revealed plans to alleviate traffic congestion on the Kotte, Buthgamuwa Road within the next three months. The declaration was made during the Minister’s special inspection of the narrow bridge situated between Rajagiriya Kotuwegoda and Buthgamuwa, a notorious bottleneck causing daily traffic chaos.
Dr. Gunawardhana highlighted the severe congestion experienced by commuters entering and leaving Colombo during peak morning and evening hours, attributing it to the restricted capacity of the existing bridge. In response to the issue, the Minister directed relevant authorities to expedite the construction of a temporary bridge within the next three months, utilizing resources from the State Development and Construction Corporation, including recycled iron.
This interim measure aims to provide immediate relief to the ongoing traffic issues while plans are underway to either widen the existing bridge or construct a new one at the problematic location. The Minister’s proactive approach underscores the commitment to address the pressing concerns of the public and enhance the overall transportation experience in the region.
February 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Rugby stands as a sports administration characterized by unwavering independence, refusing to yield to political pressures and standing strong in the face of injustice in Asia about a year ago. At present, the Deputy President, who has been appointed to the position of Acting President, has transformed the current situation into a lump of clay, susceptible to being molded by anyone according to their desires.
A member of the executive committee informed us that upon the resignation of the former president, Rizly Illyas, Nalin de Silva, the deputy president, was chosen to assume the role of acting president due to his perceived agreeable demeanor. We have previously mentioned this. However, at present, Nalin, liberated from the role of ‘Acting’ and volunteering to sign as the president ‘, those who opposed Rizly Illyas’ direct decision-making regime, are playing Nalin de Silva like a puppet to show that Illyas rule was an irresponsible group. It seems that the most tragic fact is that the acting president does not understand that he is a puppet of whose hand or tangled threads. In a currently endorsed advertisement by Sri Lanka Rugby, it is asserted that a rugby tournament has received approval not only from Sri Lanka Rugby but also from the Ministry of Sports. In one instance, ‘Rugby’ is erroneously mentioned as ‘Rubgy’. Also,in 2018, a decision was made to discontinue the use of Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) and adopt the name Sri Lanka Rugby. However, the current advertisement still states as SLRFU.
The responsibility does not lie with the tournament organizer, but rather with Sri Lanka Rugby, which granted permission but failed to oversee the campaign. The Ministry of Sports also has a responsibility here, and if they give the approval and permission through Sri Lanka Rugby, if an advertisement with wrong information is circulated, then Sri Lanka Rugby will be held responsible for it. In this context, the Secretary of Sri Lanka Rugby holds a closely tied and responsible position associated with the President of the country. His busy schedule has also provided Nalin de Silva with the opportunity to manage the field with ease as required. We should appreciate individuals who step forward to introduce new tournaments and competition formats, aiming to promote and attract attention, fostering the expansion of the game. But in giving the permission for that and not checking the rugby processes done under its approval after that, is not fulfilling the responsibility assigned on behalf of Sri Lanka rugby. A sports administration with national responsibilities cannot sanction any form of work process and permit it to be executed arbitrarily. Every aspect of its operations must be subject to accountability and oversight, down to the single letter. But now, it appears that Sri Lanka Rugby has transformed into a personal endeavor for an individual who has shed the ‘Acting’ designation, making it a pastime to sign as ‘President’ wherever the opportunity arises.
However, in this context, the other officials of Sri Lanka Rugby are also accountable for not taking appropriate action against such actions. If he is unable to responsibly manage his personal pursuits, he should publicly acknowledge his shortcomings, tender his resignation, and advocate for a new election to ensure the best interests of the country. Stating unawareness is not a satisfactory response, particularly for the Sri Lankan Rugby secretary, who bears a significant responsibility for the security of the President of the country, despite any busy circumstances.
It could be viewed as an irresponsible statement, which is not favorable for the reputation of the president. According to the current situation of Rugby, who is using the elephant as a symbol of the President’s personal politics, the secretary should feel that the elephant is acting uncontrolled. We would like to remind you that if you feel this way and do not take up the mahout’s stick, the Rugby elephant will be playing with the name of the President’s elephant symbol. We commend the decisions made and the programs organized to promote the progress and expansion of the game of rugby. But they should not take place on the unacceptable issues of the administrative structure of Sri Lanka Rugby, lack of responsibility, structural errors, etc. We have based this post on the wrong advertisement that is being spread due to the lack of supervision of Sri Lanka Rugby, to say that Sri Lanka Rugby has become “just a game” without defining it with a scientifically based word like a game.
