February 03, Colombo (LNW): State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Sisira Jayakody, announced that the Sri Lanka Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation (SLADC) attained its highest profit in years, reaching Rs. 195 million in 2023.
This significant turnaround is attributed to the effective strategies implemented by the new management, marking a notable success for the corporation.
At a press briefing titled ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the President Media Centre (PMC), the State Minister highlighted the achievement, stating, “This profit is the highest since 2017,” underscoring the positive impact of the revitalised operations and financial standing under the new leadership.
In commemoration of the 76th National Independence Day, Sri Lanka has initiated a programme to cultivate one million indigenous herbs across the island.
The programme, jointly launched by the State Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, Department of Ayurveda, and Ministry of Public Administration, aims to enhance domestic production of medicinal herbs, reducing dependency on imports.
Commencing on 2nd February and continuing until 7th April, the first phase of the programme focuses on all Grama Niladhari Divisions, ensuring widespread participation.
By promoting domestic cultivation, the initiative aims to establish indigenous medicine as a viable commercial industry, reduce import costs, and strengthen self-reliance in the healthcare sector.
Government-owned vacant lands are repurposed for this initiative, offering government employees an opportunity to cultivate medicinal plants, potentially earning more than their salaries.
The programme contributes to a robust domestic supply chain and aligns with the success story of the Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation, which transformed from losses to a profit of Rs. 195 million in 2023.
Jayakody emphasised the need to enhance the traditional indigenous medicine system to boost revenue in the tourism industry. Integrating indigenous medical systems into tourism offerings can attract tourists seeking holistic wellness experiences, promoting the country’s rich heritage of medicinal plants, healthy cuisine, and traditional treatments.
The Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation’s innovative “Bodymantra” massage system, rooted in Ayurveda wisdom, exemplifies the potential of indigenous medicine.
This unique therapy distinguishes itself by preventing various ailments, positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in integrative healthcare tourism.
State Minister Jayakody emphasised the economic benefits of attracting tourists seeking Ayurvedic treatments, leading to increased foreign exchange influx and contributing to the country’s economic development.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Defence Ministry has released a special notice outlining a provision for the payment of salaries and allowances to the dependents of tri-forces personnel who were compelled to retire on medical grounds after being disabled in the civil war before 19 May 2009 and subsequently passed away before reaching the age of 55.
As per the notice, the dependents of such tri-forces personnel will receive full salaries and allowances until the deceased individual would have completed 55 years of age.
Additionally, the fixed monthly stipend, previously approved by the Cabinet, will be granted to these beneficiaries.
This includes the salary, pension, and allowances that the individual would have been entitled to upon reaching the age of 55 if alive.
The widow will continue to receive these benefits for her lifetime.
The Cabinet of Ministers endorsed Cabinet Paper No. 23/2527/603/061 on 24 January 2024, addressing the payment of salaries and allowances to the dependents of deceased tri-forces personnel who retired due to medical disability arising from terrorist activities during active service in the pre-19 May 2009 war and died before reaching 55 years of age. President Ranil Wickramasinghe presented the Cabinet paper with the involvement of the Defence Ministry.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Lawyers’ Collective, through an open letter addressed to the Minister of Public Security, expressed their concerns regarding the implementation of the Yukthiya Anti-drug Campaign, urging adherence to the rule of law.
The collective emphasised that the campaign should not be pursued as a personal, passionate initiative outside the bounds of legal frameworks.
In the letter, the Lawyers’ Collective highlighted the importance of conducting the anti-drug campaign in line with established legal principles and cautioned against perceiving laws as obstacles to be disregarded.
They suggested that initiating the campaign earlier during the Minister’s term would have been more appropriate than its commencement in an election year.
The letter underscored several key points of concern, including the Minister’s statements implying a disregard for laws restricting authority, labeling critics as drug dealers and addicts, and targeting lawyers who express dissent.
The Collective expressed dismay over the Minister’s public declarations of ignoring international norms and standards, dismissing them as “foreign and outside influences.”
Furthermore, the letter questioned the Minister’s personal involvement in appointing the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the campaign, emphasising that such appointments fall under the purview of the President and the Constitutional Council.
The Lawyers’ Collective criticised the appointment of Deshabandu Tennekoon as Acting IGP, pointing out the Supreme Court’s findings on Tennekoon’s personal responsibility for acts of torture.
The letter, signed by prominent legal figures, including President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne, Professor Savitri Goonesekere, Upul Jayasuriya, Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne, and others, highlighted the need for the Minister to uphold the responsibilities associated with the office, aligning with the laws and constitution of Sri Lanka.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): In a ceremony held at the President’s Office in the Old Standard Chartered Building on Thursday (01), Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake inaugurated the “Urumaya” National Operations Secretariat.
This newly established body, operating under the President’s Office, aims to address community issues promptly through effective collaboration with relevant institutions.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s commitment to empowering farmers by facilitating land ownership has materialised with the government’s announcement of plans to grant freehold titles to two million families.
This significant initiative is designed to resolve longstanding concerns regarding land rights in rural areas of Sri Lanka.
The government’s proposal to distribute two million freehold land titles to farming families has generated discussions about its potential impact on rural communities and land ownership dynamics.
In alignment with President Wickremesinghe’s vision, this initiative seeks to enhance land security for farmers and foster sustainable agricultural practices.
For individuals seeking assistance with grant deed issues and registration at the “Urumaya” National Operations Secretariat, the public can contact 0114354600-1 or utilise the e-form available at http://tinyurl.com/yb98yhey.
The inauguration event witnessed the presence of notable figures including Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Lands H.M.B.P. Herath, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing W.S. Sathyananda, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Chandra Herath, Director of Social Services of the President’s Office Priyantha Kumara, Land Commissioner General Bandula Jayasinghe, Surveyor General W.S.L.C. Perera, Registrar General Naleen Samantha, and other dignitaries.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was apprehended on Friday (02) night by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in connection with the contentious human immunoglobulin scandal, is scheduled to make a court appearance on today (03).
The arrest took place after Rambukwella arrived at the CID to provide a statement on the matter.
Maligakanda Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrama had directed the former health minister to present himself at the department for this purpose and simultaneously imposed a foreign travel ban.
Minister Rambukwella was arrested after an extensive interrogation that commenced when he arrived at the department at approximately 11:00 am on Friday (02).
It is noteworthy that Keheliya Rambukwella currently holds the position of Minister of Environment.
February 03, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Matale districts, and showers or thundershowers will occur ata few places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m., the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (03).
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning, the statement added.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Pottuvil via Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers may occur at few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Colombo via Galle during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly or easterly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to 40 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota can be moderate at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Head of the State-Owned Enterprises Restructuring Unit Suresh Shah says the public sector can be efficiently operated with a workforce as low as 200,000 through digitization, instead of the workforce of about 1.3 million currently: points out that even without digitization, the public sector workforce can be cut in half and public services run efficiently: Shah was previously the head of the country’s leading Beer manufacturing company, Lion Brewery.
UN Human Rights Office asks the Govt to consider amending the controversial Online Protection Act to ensure it complies with human rights obligations: also urges the Govt to address the concerns of civil society and industry groups.
Defence Ministry says the Ministry will continue to pay the full salaries & allowances of members of the armed forces who were killed or disabled in action prior to May 19, 2009, up to the date of their 55th birthday.
Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department over the substandard Human Immunoglobulin import issue.
Ten senior Attorneys-at-Law take oaths as President’s Counsel at a ceremonial sitting of the Supreme Court before CJ Jayantha Jayasuriya: they are Chamantha Weerakoon, Dr. Asanga Gunawansa, Mohamed Adamaly, Harsha Fernando, Dr. Sivaji Felix, Faisza Markar, Kaushalya Nawaratne, Upul Kumarapperuma, Viran Corea and Eraj de Silva.
Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi says the Wildlife Dept will declare three new wetlands as “wetlands under the Ramsar Convention”: these are the Viduthalaithivu Nature Reserve, Adam’s Bridge National Park and Chundikulam National Park.
CB data shows that the “Import cover” of the official reserves has passed the level of 3 months for the first time in nearly 2 years: reserves have improved with weakened imports as a result of the severe demand destruction and economic contraction policies instituted by the CB & Govt since April’22: during this period, the Govt & CB have also defaulted on external loan repayments estimated at a staggering USD 8,000 mn.
Country’s book publishers, printers, book importers, authors, and academics call upon President Ranil Wickremesinghe to immediately cancel the prohibitive 18% VAT to avert long-term consequences of making books more expensive for the masses.
Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, World Food Programme, National Food Promotion Board and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation collaborate on a project to deliver a “rice lunch” over an 8-month period to 7.5 million school children.
SL ends the first day in a strong position in the SL vs Afghanistan Cricket test match that commenced yesterday at the SSC grounds: AFG 198 all out: Vishwa Fernando 51/4, Asitha Fernando 24/3, Prabath Jayasuriya 67/3: SL 80/0: Dimuth Karunaratne 42, Nishan Madushka 36.
February 02, Colombo (LNW): Environment Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has been apprehended by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), as part of the ongoing high-profile investigation related to the procurement of a consignment of counterfeit human immunoglobulin last year.
The arrest follows an order by Maligakanda Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrema, who, on the previous day, confiscated Minister Rambukwella’s passport and directed him to present himself to the CID on the following day (02) for further inquiries.
The ongoing investigation, marked by its significance, has prompted legal actions against the Environment Minister, who at the time of the questionable procurement had served as the Health Minister, and the authorities are working diligently to unravel the details surrounding the procurement of the alleged fake human immunoglobulin.
February 02, Moscow, Russia (LNW): The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russia proudly presented the rich arts and culture of Sri Lanka at the ‘Art Mir’ exhibition held in Nizhny Novgorod on January 27, 2024, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow said in a statement.
The ‘Art Mir’ Exhibition, a collective showcase of thousands of artworks by contemporary artists, featured various forms of artistic expression, including paintings, graphic arts, and sculptures. Sri Lanka, along with South Korea and Armenia, represented the cultural diversity of foreign countries in a special section of the exhibition.
The Sri Lankan Embassy’s display included traditional batik paintings, musical instruments, and other cultural artifacts, providing a glimpse into the island’s vibrant culture and history.
Each exhibit was accompanied by descriptive plates to enhance the audience’s understanding.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia, Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage, graced the Opening Ceremony on January 26, 2024, as the guest of honour.
The event also saw the presence of Olga Guseva, Minister of International and Interregional Relations of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Mikhail Pelchenkov, Deputy Minister of Culture, Curators of the Exhibition, and Coordinators of the International Zone.
Ambassador Liyanage actively participated in a roundtable discussion on Diplomacy and Art, where participants shared insights into the impact of art and humanitarian cooperation on fostering relationships between people.
The Art Project Through Artist’s Eyes was supported and organised by the coordinators Daria Karacheva, Cultural Advisor of the Russian Association of International Cooperation, Artur Mirzoyan, and Tatyana Dvoryadkina.
The ‘Art Mir’ Exhibition, hosted at the Nizhny Novgorod Fair, will remain open to the public from January 27 to February 4, 2024, offering a continued opportunity for the Russian public to explore and appreciate the cultural richness of Sri Lanka.
The present UN Human Rights Council – UNHRC has been functioning since March 2006, replacing the UN Commission on Human Rights – UNCHR, which had functioned since 1946. Now, the UNHRC is in its 18th cycle. Morocco’s UN Geneva representative, Mr Omar Zniber was elected as the President for the year 2024.
As every year, in 2024 there will be three regular sessions in UNHRC :
(1) 55th -26 February to 05 April (2) 56th -18 June to 12 July (3) 57th -09 September to 09 October.
The forty-seven member countries for 2024 are given below, by region and the year their membership expires:
African States (13) – Algeria (2025), Benin (2024), Burundi (2026), Cameroon(2024), Côte d’Ivoire (2026), Eritrea (2024), Gambia(2024), Ghana (2026), Malawi (2026), Morocco (2025), Somalia (2024), South Africa (2025)and Sudan (2025)
Asia-Pacific States (13) – Bangladesh (2025), China (2026), India (2024), Indonesia (2026), Japan (2026), Kazakhstan (2024), Kuwait (2026), Kyrgyzstan (2025), Malaysia (2024), Maldives (2025), Qatar (2024), United Arab Emirates (2024)and Viet Nam (2025)
Latin American & Caribbean States (8) – Argentina (2024), Brazil (2026), Chile (2025), Costa Rica (2025), Cuba (2026), Dominican Republic (2026), Honduras (2024) and Paraguay (2024)
Western Europe & Other States (7) – Belgium (2025), Finland (2024), France (2026), Germany (2025), Luxembourg (2024), Netherlands (Kingdom of the) (2026) and USA (2024)
Eastern European States (6) – Albania (2026), Bulgaria (2026), Georgia (2025), Lithuania (2024), Montenegro (2024) and Romania(2025)
As 2024 will be an important year for Sri Lanka internally and externally, let me analyse its future in the UNHRC. Operative paragraphs 2, 7 & 9 of the last resolution, of 12 October 2022 (A/HRC/RES/51/1), insist on the following:
2. (The UNHCR) … calls upon Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations made by the Office and to give due consideration to the recommendations made by the special procedures;
7. Notes the persistent lack of independent, impartial and transparent domestic mechanisms, and stresses the importance of ensuring investigations into, and accountability for, grave violations of human rights;
19. Requests the OHCHR to enhance its monitoring and reporting on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka, including on progress in reconciliation and accountability, …………… a comprehensive report that includes further options for advancing accountability at its fifty-seventh session… to be discussed in the context of an interactive dialogue. (Excerpts)
Resolution in the 57th session
Has Sri Lanka implemented any of these? No. Therefore, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – OHCHR, relevant special procedure mandate holders, Sri Lanka Core Group (comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the UK and the USA), many International Organisations, the Elders and activists will conduct the toughest scrutiny and propose a resolution on Sri Lanka in the 57th session.
Well and good. Whoever does this, decisions are in the hands of the UNHRC. There is no doubt that in the UNHRC there are two groups. One is known as pro-human rights and the other is known as pro-human wrongs. For example, countries like China, Cuba, Pakistan, Iran and a few other countries are pro-human wrongs.
Does this mean European countries, US, Canada and Australia are always pro-human rights? With my three decades of experience with UN forums, I cannot agree. Why? Remember the proverb/expression: “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” – (Quid pro quo). Today what is happening in Gaza and Yemen are good examples.
In the present economic and political crisis in Sri Lanka, it is all about “Qui pro quo”. With an unelected President Ranil Wickremasinghe, Sri Lanka is not marching towards the West but towards USA.
US Ambassador
We understand that because of the growing influence of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna – JVP, the US Ambassador Julie Chung is trying to mediate between Ranil and the opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, motivating both of them to win over the JVP in the forthcoming Presidential election. Will it work in the right direction or will it bring another protest by Aragalaya?
In fact, Sajith Premadasa and Ranil are real opportunists. Hope Sajith has not forgotten that, during the talks between Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam – LTTE and his father Premadasa, he was eager to take a photograph with LTTE leaders (photo). Then, he praised the LTTE for their bravery in fighting against the Indian forces. Later, Sajith turned against the LTTE. It’s the same with Ranil.
However, Julie Chung hasn’t considered the fact that in politics anything and everything is possible. What guarantees that the JVP will not join Sajith or even the Rajapaksa royal family?
In December 2013, I wrote an article, “Regime change is not a viable solution.”, I said: “Regime change in Sri Lanka will only pave the way for more excuses from the international community that a new regime needs time and space for its transitional period…….” (Excerpt)
If the USA is going to protect Sri Lanka in the 57th session because of Ranil, then what about the position of countries like China, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan and others who are totally against the USA and have been supporting Sri Lanka since the UNHRC was established? Does this mean that the USA will collaborate with these countries for the sake of Sri Lanka?
During the war, Sri Lanka cheated India and the international community. Can any reasonable person tell the world whether any promises made by then President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the international community and India have been implemented within the last fourteen years?
TNA
It’s the same with President Wickremasinge. The international community knows him well. As Prime Minister from 2015 to 2019, he smartly manipulated the Tamil National Alliance – TNA. With their help, he successfully completed his period. Once again the people in the North and East were cheated.
Also, Ranil cunningly co-sponsored the UNHRC resolution. Eventually, what happened to the resolution co-sponsored by Sri Lanka? When he became President, he criticised the Western governments, asking whether there were any international investigations in the UK or Germany. Why, what for? It would have made sense if he had asked whether there were any international investigations in the US.
As far as the UNHRC is concerned, the USA is playing musical chairs. Whenever there is a Republican President, they withdraw from the UNHRC and then the Democrats re-join. This is their recent history with UNHRC.
Since 2012, the Tamil diaspora has been attending the UNHRC in hundreds. Some of them work with a hidden agenda, and some pretend they alone are to be depended upon. As far as the people with hidden agendas are concerned, they brainwash victims to believe that a permanent badge to enter the UN premises, speak at a side event and make a two-minute intervention in broken English is human rights activism. Will any State consider these people seriously?
As I said before, the backbone of every resolution successfully passed in the UNHRC was the tireless work of the OHCHR, relevant special procedure mandate holders, the Sri Lanka Core Group, many International Human Rights Organisations, the Elders and activists.
Sri Lankan international lobby
Here I must show how smartly Sri Lanka managed their international lobby in the past. The European Union – EU ban on the LTTE, is an example. The then Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mangala Samaraweera said on 4 April 2012:
“……Then, seven countries in the 25-member EU did not agree with the LTTE ban and it became a difficulty to adopt the ban as a unanimous decision. Therefore, I met Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice several times and……got the consent of those seven nations to proscribe the LTTE on 29 May 2006…..” (Excerpt)
Major-General Ulf Henricsson, head of the Monitoring Mission of the Sri Lankan Ceasefire Agreement said the same “at a critical time the decision was made ‘’in the cafés of Brussels’’ and there was massive pressure from the UK and US governments”. (Experts, European Parliament, P-009345-2012, 15/10/2012)
The EU ban on the LTTE as a terrorist group was in May 2006, almost exactly the same period when the UNHRC was established. At the beginning, it was a difficult task for any activist to work on Sri Lanka in the UNHRC and in other forums, especially when India was supportive of Sri Lanka. However, we maintained momentum. But since May 2009 many things have changed gradually.
Ranil’s recent visit abroad and meetings with diaspora Tamils raise doubts whether once again, he is preparing to take the people of the North and East for a ride. Many diaspora members who committed their lives to supporting victims of the ethnic conflict are presently observing the situation. Some unknown diaspora members in Canada and the UK want ‘name and fame’ and ‘hold Ranil’s tail’, promising they will protect Sri Lanka at any cost. They did the same thing from 2015 to 2019.
