Colombo (LNW): A proposal is set to be tabled in Parliament today (17) seeking the establishment of a Select Committee to probe allegations made against Sri Lankan authorities and certain politicians in British Channel 4’s programme concerning the 2019 Easter Sunday genocide.
The proposal aims to establish a committee that will examine the validity of claims suggesting ties or conspiracies between the accused officials, politicians, and the terrorists responsible for the suicide bombings, according to the Parliamentary Order Paper.
The committee is also expected to assess the progress of investigations to date and report its findings to Parliament, and to deliver its report within two months from its inaugural meeting.
This motion has been backed by several Ruling Party MPs, including Major Pradeep Undugoda, Sanjeeva Edirimanna, Madhura Withanage, Jayantha Ketagoda, D. B. Herath, and Karunadasa Kodithuwakku.
Additionally, a bill proposing the creation of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation will be introduced in Parliament today.
The parliamentary session is scheduled to begin at 09:30 am under the patronage of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.
Colombo (LNW): The AIA Annual Company Conference 2023 was a glamorous evening dedicated to celebrating and rewarding the achievements of its employees.
Marking a significant date in the company’s calendar, the event was a tribute to the dedication of employees whose efforts contributed to AIA’s success.
At the conference, eight CEO’s Special Awards and 132 Leadership Essential Awards were presented to exceptional employees. In addition, the Most Talented Child award was given to the most accomplished child among the staff’s offspring. Those who achieved the MDRT accolade in 2022 were also acknowledged.
Presentations were made by AIA’s CEO, Chathuri Munaweera, Chief Agency Officer, Chanaka Liyanage, and Director of Partnership Distribution, Senaka Rajapakse. They highlighted the company’s performance over the year and praised individual and team accomplishments.
AGM HR, Chalini Guneratne, and Associate Director of Agency Distribution, Dimuthu Piyasena, hosted the event, which was enriched by musical performances from AIA’s very own employees.
Entertainment was also provided by Adithya Weliwatte, Ravi Royster, Chandana’s dance group and the Naadro Drummers, bringing a musical touch to the proceedings.
Director of HR, Thushari Perera, commented, “It was truly a moment of immense pride to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our employees. After three long years, we had the privilege of coming together, not just as a company, but as a family to honor the dedication and hard work that has driven our success. Seeing employees from all corners of our island come together to revel in their accomplishments warms my heart. Our Annual Company Conference is not just an event; it’s a testament to the spirit of unity, determination, and excellence that defines AIA. Congratulations to all the winners – you are the embodiment of our shared values and the driving force behind our continued success.”
Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has urged the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to provide a revised electricity tariff proposal by 18th October, due to discrepancies in the CEB’s assumptions.
The PUCSL highlighted deviations in the CEB’s forecasted demand data for September and October 2023 compared to actual figures, according to reports.
The CEB’s predictions on hydro storage for October and November 2023 also differed from current figures, with inflow for early October exceeding estimates.
Additionally, while the CEB’s submissions in May and September 2023 showed differing forecasts for coal dispatch, the PUCSL found the impact of coal dispatch reduction inconsistent with recent data, particularly given a drop in coal price between the two submissions.
In a letter addressed to the CEB’s General Manager, the Director General of PUCSL highlighted that while the CEB had projected a demand of 44.70 GWh/day for September 2023 and an average of 42.88 GWh/day for October-December 2023, the actual demand was 41.01 GWh/day for September and 41.30 GWh/day for October.
Regarding hydro-power, the CEB’s predictions for starting hydro storage levels for October and November 2023 were 503 GWh and 635 GWh respectively, but current hydro storage stands at 668 GWh, with an inflow of 314 GWh from 1st to 12th October, significantly surpassing the estimates, the letter disclosed.
The CEB’s coal dispatch forecasts for October-December 2023 showed disparities between their May and September 2023 submissions, and exhibits a more significant reduction in demand in comparison to the coal dispatch decline, it added, emphasising that with coal prices dropping from 68.6 LKR/kg in May to 52.6 LKR/kg in September, the coal dispatch reduction does not align with the updated data.
Colombo (LNW): The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) intends to publish guidelines on safeguarding human rights defenders and will consult further to finalise them, the Commission said in a statement dated Oct 16, 2023.
At a meeting on 10th October, civil society representatives discussed their concerns with the HRCSL, including threats to democratic spaces, harassment of human rights workers, economic and social rights, and challenges for disabled persons, especially regarding transport.
They urged for a more transparent commission, keen to collaborate with its thematic subcommittees.
Chaired by Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, the HRCSL highlighted plans to reinstate thematic sub-committee systems with input from civil society experts.
The HRCSL encouraged continued partnership with civil society to bolster human rights in Sri Lanka.
Colombo (LNW): The Intertropical Convergence Zone (where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge) is affecting the island’s weather, and due to its influence, the current rainy conditions of the island are expected to be enhanced, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (17).
Showers or thundershowers will occur over most parts of the island after 2.00 p.m., and heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces, the statement added.
Showers may occur in coastal areas of Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Mannar and Jaffna districts during the morning too.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island, particularly during evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly or variable in direction and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.
State of Sea: The sea areas around the island will be slight.
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe told a packed audience in Beijing China to invest in Sri Lanka.
He was speaking at the investment seminar organised by the Board of Investment in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Embassy in China.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry PC, Transport Minister Banduala Gunawardana , Governor Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe, Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) DInesh Weerakkody and Sagala Rathnayake Advisor to President participated in the discussion.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir undertook an official visit to Sri Lanka from 08 – 12 October 2023.
During the visit, the Malaysian Foreign Minister held official discussions with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 09 October 2023 on a wide range of matters of mutual interest in the areas of political, trade & investment, defence and tourism to reaffirm the commitment to further consolidate and enhance the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. During the discussion, a special focus was given on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries to bolster trade and economic cooperation and on Sri Lanka’s application to join the Regional Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement.
Both Foreign Ministers took part in the ’’CEO Business Forum’’ organized by the Sri Lanka – Malaysia Business Council under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 09 October 2023 at the Shangri- La Hotel, Colombo where both Foreign Ministers addressed the gathering highlighting the key areas to enhance bilateral trade and the investment opportunities.
The Malaysian Foreign Minister also called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during his stay in Colombo.
Following the bilateral visit, the Malaysian Foreign Minister also took part in the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which was held in Colombo on 11 October 2023.
The full implementation of the 13th amendment continues to be a controversial issue. The amendment is subject to opposition from both the south and the north east of the country. There are certain serious deficiencies with the current 13th Amendment model that need to be addressed in any future constitution. The 13th Amendment in the form it was enacted, has never been fully implemented, as many powers, especially land and police powers are yet to be devolved.
The political arena in Sri Lanka is, once again, abuzz with demands both for and against the full implementation of the 13th Amendment, even 45 years after its enactment. The nationalists in the south still argue that such devolution is too much and would lead to division of the country, whilst those in the northeast argue that there is not enough devolution. There is also the possibility that many politicians and their organizations have taken up this issue at this point in time due to the possible electoral vulnerabilities they are facing.
Last February, some sections of the Buddhist Sanga/clergy demonstrated against the full implementation of the 13th Amendment. However, locally, internationally and on several occasions in joint statements with India, the government has recognised the necessity for meaningful power sharing as a way of achieving reconciliation among the peoples of Sri Lanka. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which advocates for a federal solution, wants the full implementation of the 13th Amendment, including land and police powers.
President Ranil Wickremasinghe did speak once about fully implementing the 13th Amendment. However, in the next breath changed his mind stating that he is committed to implementing the 13th amendment but without police powers, and that the Parliament needs to discuss its implications. His devoted supporters appear to go along with whatever position he takes. These pronouncements end up as mere political opportunism.
Last July, President Wickremasinghe called an all-party meeting and asserted that Sri Lanka should retain “its provincial councils with powers adequately devolved as provided for in the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, or abolish the PC system entirely” [Ref: EconomyNext July 27, 2023, https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-must-either-implement-13a-or-abolish-provincial-councils-president-126875/]. Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) attended the all-party meeting, while a number of south-based political parties, including the National People’s Power (NPP) boycotted it. Yet again, decentralisation of land and police powers has become the Achilles heel of devolution of power in Sri Lanka.
The excuse given by the NPP, which represents a broad coalition of groups led by the JVP, for boycotting the meeting was that it was just a sham as the government has not ensured consensus within its own ranks over the issues relating to the 13th Amendment. According to the NPP, the President is utilizing this exercise to win Tamil votes to secure victory at the next presidential election. This happened even as some of the leaders of the JVP have expressed their vehement opposition to the 13th Amendment[Ref: https://www.adaderana.lk/news/88542/JVP-is-against-13th-amendment-handunnetti]. According to them, even the NPP does not accept the 13th Amendment.
However, both the JVP and NPP have a question to answer. If they accept that there are specific issues the non-majoritarian communities face due to their ethno-linguistic and religious backgrounds, and if they think the 13th Amendment does not address those issues, then it is their duty and responsibility to present the policy positions that they would be adopting to address those issues. Asking the non-majoritarian communities to wait to address their issues under a future JVP or NPP regime is meaningless; rather it would be much better to secure their support by advocating the policy positions with regard to the national question.
Another Truth Commission?
Once again, the Government of Sri Lanka has proposed a commission, this time under the title ‘National Unity and Reconciliation Commission’. Going by the past experiences of numerous commissions convened since 2005 on this subject, it is no wonder that many, including the victims’ families, have expressed grave reservations about this proposal.
Not a single commission appointed in the past has been effective in delivering truth, justice or reparation to the people who have suffered. The regime has not come out with any clarification as to how this time they would ensure the safety and a conducive environment for the commission to function effectively.
Structural issues
In the absence of clear structural arrangements at the provincial level, differences exist from province to province in how devolved powers are exercised. The Ministry of Home Affairs is the direct authority of Divisional Secretaries. They are also under the administrative supervision of District Secretaries. The Divisional Secretaries have no direct link with the Provincial Councils. Thus, they have to play a dual role, serving sometimes conflicting interests of the central government and Provincial Councils, making operations of a Provincial Council ineffective. This anomaly needs to be fixed.
As per the Supreme Court’s determination, if land power is a reserved subject and cannot be devolved, and police powers should not be devolved as it would compromise national security, then there is no way such a system could address the issues of the economic and law enforcement facing the non-majoritarian communities. Are we headed for another militant uprising of nationalities demanding their basic rights and freedoms based on their right to self-determination?
Colombo (LNW): The ‘Friends of Free Palestine’ movement in Sri Lanka today (16) staged a protest in front of the United Nations Office demanding freedom for Palestine from Israel’s state-sponsored terrorism.
The protest was organised in objection to US-backed Israel’s war fury unleashed across the country of Palestine.
Activists and other concerned individuals urged the global community to accept free Palestine.
It was noteworthy that women of the Sri Lankan Muslim community also joined hands and endorsed this protest.
Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General today (16) told the Appeal Court that Pastor Jerome Fernando, a self-crowned prophet who is under scrutiny for an alleged derogatory comment about other religions, cannot be given special treatment under the law.
Representing the Attorney General, Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrama relayed this stance during the hearing of a writ petition by Fernando.
The Pastor is seeking an injunction to prevent his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The case was heard by an Appeals Court panel, which included the President of the Court of Appeal, Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, and Justice Chamath Morais.
Speaking for religious leaders named as respondents in the petition, including Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero, President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena told the court they wouldn’t object to Pastor Jerome’s request if he commits to presenting himself to the CID promptly upon his return to the country, without facing arrest at the airport.
However, he emphasised his clients’ expectation that the law be fully enforced against the Pastor. This stance was firmly opposed by Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrama.
Emphasising the principle of equal application of the law, Wickrama stated that no special provisions can be made for Pastor Jerome Fernando.
On 26th May, Fernando submitted a petition to the court, through his legal representatives, aiming to stave off his arrest.
The respondents listed in this petition include the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the DIG overseeing the CID, the CID director, and the head of the CID’s cybercrimes unit.
In his petition, Pastor Jerome labelled the CID’s attempts to apprehend him as illegal, asserting that the police have failed to provide any substantive evidence to the court indicating his remarks disrupt religious harmony in the nation.
