January 26, Colombo (LNW): In a groundbreaking move, the Cabinet has approved amendments to the Penal Code, addressing a critical gap in the legal framework by criminalizing the rape of male children. Until this approval, male rape was not explicitly recognized as a criminal offense, leaving victims without proper avenues for justice.
The decision to introduce these amendments stems from the acknowledgment of the need for legal provisions to address the sexual assault of male children, aligning with the ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s legal framework related to sexual offenses.
The draft bill, having received clearance from the Attorney General, is set to be published and submitted to Parliament for approval. The proposed amendments not only aim to rectify existing shortcomings in the laws pertaining to the constitutional rape of females but also signal a commitment to inclusivity and protection for all victims of sexual violence, regardless of gender.
This decision reflects a significant step towards ensuring justice, protection, and legal recourse for male child victims of rape, fostering a more comprehensive and equitable legal system in Sri Lanka.
January 26, Colombo (LNW): Deindara Magistrate’s Court has granted permission to question the suspect under detention orders. The 54-year-old suspect is under investigation for his alleged involvement in the shooting incident that occurred near the Beliatta exit of the Southern Expressway on January 22nd.
Following the interrogation of the suspect, the Hakmana police have successfully seized crucial evidence related to the crime. This includes a motorcycle believed to have been used during the shooting and a van utilized by the suspects to escape from the crime scene. Additionally, the jeep used by the suspects to arrive at the location has been taken into police custody in Galle.
The shooting incident, executed with two T56 firearms, resulted in the tragic deaths of five individuals, including Saman Perera, the leader of the Ape Janabala Party. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are actively pursuing leads to bring those responsible to justice.
January 26, Colombo (LNW):The prevailing dry weather condition in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces is expected to change from tomorrow onwards.
Mainly fair weather will prevail over the island.
There is a possibility of ground frost at some places in Nuwara-Eliya district during the early hours of the morning.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Western and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.
High Commission of India, Colombo is inviting applications for around 200 fully-funded scholarships for Sri Lankan nationals, across various levels. These scholarships are being offered for studies in prestigious Indian Institutes and Universities across subject domains but not including Medical/Paramedical, Fashion Design and Law courses. The scholarships offered exclusively for Sri Lankan nationals are for 2024-2025 academic session.
2. The schemes under which these scholarships have been offered are:
a) Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme: This scheme covers Under Graduate/Post Graduate & PhD courses in various domains such as Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, Commerce, Humanities and Arts, among others.
b) Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme: Masters Degrees courses with preference to Engineering, Science and Agriculture.
c) Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme: Under Graduate courses in specifically in the field of Information Technology, leading to a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology.
3. Each of the above schemes covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the course, monthly sustenance allowance, and annual grant for books and stationary. In addition, air fare to the nearest destination in India and an annual grant for educational tours to various parts of the country, apart from several other auxiliary benefits are also offered. Selected candidates would also be provided hostel facility inside the respective campus.
4. Government of India selects meritorious Sri Lankan nationals for award of these coveted scholarships. Selection of candidates is done in consultation with Ministry of Education, Government of Sri Lanka. Necessary details will be available on the website of Ministry of Education at www.mohe.gov.lk. Interested applicants and their parents are advised to approach the High Commission of India, Colombo ([email protected]) or Ministry of Education, Government of Sri Lanka to learn more about eligibility criteria and selection procedure.
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The remains of the late State Minister Sanath Nishantha will be brought to Jayaratne Floral House at 5.30 pm today (25) to allow the public an opportunity to pay their final respects, announced Chief Organiser of the Ruling Party, MP Prasanna Ranatunga.
Subsequently, on the following day (26) at 10.30 am, the body will be conveyed to the residence of the deceased Minister in Puttalam.
The final rites are scheduled to take place on Sunday (28) in the Arachchikattu area, Ruling Party MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage said.
Tragedy unfolded when a freight container truck collided with the vehicle of Nishantha earlier this morning, claiming the lives of the State Minister and a Police Constable from his security detail.
The Minister’s driver, who suffered severe injuries from the accident, was hostpialised, and the driver of the freight container truck was arrested by the Police.
January 25, Colombo (LNW): The government of the United States expressed its concerns on the Online Safety Bill, which passed in Parliament yesterday (24) with a majority vote.
In a statement on Thursday (25), US Ambassador Julie Chung conveyed the United States government’s apprehension regarding bill, warning that such legislation could pose a threat to democratic values.
The bill, which received criticism from free speech advocates, opposition lawmakers, and major internet and social media companies, raised concerns over its potential impact on freedom of expression, innovation, and privacy.
The legislation was approved without incorporating significant input from crucial stakeholders, including civil society and technology companies, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung wrote on her X handle.
The United States remains concerned about the potential impact of Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill, which passed yesterday without incorporating important input from key stakeholders, including civil society and tech companies who say that this legislation threatens freedom of…
She underscored the viewpoint that such legislation could pose a threat to democratic values and potentially hinder investment and the growth of Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
Furthermore, Ambassador Chung asserted that vague and overly restrictive legislation could have detrimental effects on economic development, emphasising the importance of prioritising transparency in the legislative process.
The United States urged Sri Lanka to ensure that any enacted legislation does not suppress the voices of its citizens.
January 25, Colombo (LNW): In response to the untimely passing of State Minister Sanath Nishantha due to a fatal accident earlier today (25), Jagath Priyankara, affiliated with the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna, has been designated to fill the resulting vacancy, sources said.
Consequently, the government is set to experience a reduction in its parliamentary representation, as Priyankara serves as the district leader of the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna, a political party led by Wimal Weerawansa, whose members currently sit in the Opposition along with other MPs from their party.
January 25, London, UK (LNW): High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama held a crucial meeting on 23 January 2024, with the Speaker of the UK Parliament, Lord McFall of Alcluith.
The primary agenda of the discussions was to enhance and chart the future trajectory of relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including contemporary international relations, the ongoing reconciliation process in Sri Lanka, and the prospects for strengthening bilateral relations.
High Commissioner Bogollagama took the opportunity to brief Speaker Lord McFall on Sri Lanka’s constitutional reforms, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s evolving political landscape.
Acknowledging the deep historical ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, both dignitaries expressed their commitment to furthering parliamentary connections.
They underscored the significance of constructive dialogue in addressing mutual challenges and building enduring diplomatic bonds.
In sharing his priorities for enhancing relations during his tenure, Bogollagama emphasised the importance of bilateral engagement on matters concerning Sri Lanka.
The aim is to facilitate a greater understanding of domestic issues and promote collaborative efforts between the two nations.
This diplomatic meeting is part of the ongoing efforts by the Sri Lanka High Commission to foster robust relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom across various spheres.
The exchange of ideas and perspectives between the High Commissioner and the UK Parliament Speaker reflects a commitment to deeper understanding and cooperation in the Sri Lanka-UK relationship.
January 25, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the imperative for a sustainable economic solution, emphasising the pivotal role of export-oriented strategies in overcoming financial challenges, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
Addressing the 30th Annual General Meeting of the Lanka Confectionary Manufacturers’ Association (LCMA) on January 24 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, the Sri Lankan President specifically advocated for an increase in exports.
He identified the confectionery industry, with a focus on chocolates, as a sector with substantial potential for international recognition.
Expressing confidence in Sri Lanka’s capability to become a prominent player in the global confectionery industry, the President encouraged local confectioners to broaden their horizons and explore opportunities in international markets.
Drawing attention to the successful global presence of Sri Lankan teas and cinnamon, Wickremesinghe posed the question of when Sri Lanka could achieve similar recognition for chocolates.
He urged the confectionery industry to actively explore and capitalise on the export market for chocolates.
President Wickremesinghe further motivated the confectionery sector to consider intercropping with cocoa, highlighting potential areas for expansion in state plantations such as Matale, Kandy, Mawathagama, and Dodangaslanda.
Additionally, he disclosed plans for collaboration with smallholders and ongoing discussions with the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast to secure access to cocoa resources.
In addressing economic challenges, President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the ongoing negotiations for an additional 20 years to address the economic crisis. He outlined broader initiatives, including the possibility of leasing state-owned plantations to Sri Lankan companies or those with foreign shareholders for the development of the food industry, including confectionery.
The lands encompass those owned by the Chilaw and Kurunegala Plantation in addition to Elkaduwa with JEDB and SPC. The President also revealed plans for modernising agriculture, enhancing competitiveness through the National Productivity Commission, and upgrading trade agreements with India and Thailand.
Emphasising the need to position Sri Lankan chocolates as a world-class product, comparable to the renowned reputation of the country’s tea and cinnamon, Wickremesinghe’s encouragement aimed to inspire the confectionery industry to pursue global recognition and market presence.
Reflecting on the industry’s history, the President commended its pioneers and highlighted the growth and resilience of the vibrant confectionery sector.
He expressed optimism about the potential for Sri Lankan chocolates to attain global recognition and urged confectioners to explore new markets and actively engage in export activities.
Wickremesinghe acknowledged the limitations for expansion within the country and encouraged looking beyond borders, citing the success of the Kandos factory in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, in 1978.
January 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are set to expand economic cooperation by leveraging the long-standing and close bilateral partnership between the two countries, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody emphasised.
The High Commissioner conveyed this message during a meeting with Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Mahbubul Alam in Dhaka on 21 January.
The High Commissioner highlighted that there is considerable potential to export Sri Lankan products, including spices, value-added tea, coconut-based items, healthcare products and construction materials to Bangladeshi markets.
Moreover, he requested the assistance and cooperation from the FBCCI to attract Bangladeshi investors to invest in the promising investment opportunities available for them in Sri Lanka, particularly in the sectors of Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Logistics Services in Ports and Shipping and Tourism.
FBCCI President Alam acknowledged the positive contribution made by Sri Lankan investments to the Bangladeshi economy and praised the presence of Sri Lankan professionals in influential positions within the corporate sector of Bangladesh.
He also expressed optimism about more Sri Lankan investors benefiting from the Bangladesh government’s plan to establish 100 special economic zones.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner and the FBCCI President also discussed the importance of exploring new initiatives to enhance cooperation in the field of the Blue Economy through mutually beneficial partnerships.
Both parties affirmed their commitment in fostering stronger economic ties and identifying new avenues for collaboration by enhancing more connectivity and people to people contacts between the two nations.
Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers had cleared a proposal to start talks on a preferential trade agreement with Bangladesh as bilateral exchanges with the two nations were at a low level despite being party to a number of regional agreements.
Both countries had agreed to start a free trade accord to strengthen economic relationships.Sri Lanka’s Trade Minister had submitted the proposal to started talks with Bangladesh on a preferential trade agreement with a shortlist of items.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were parties to the SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA), South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
The two countries were also parties of Global System of Trade Preference (GSTP), Asia – Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). However, trade movements between the two states lie at a minimum level despite the agreements.
