Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Magistrate Court has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to obtain DNA samples of the mother of businessman Dinesh Schaffter who died in mysterious circumstances last year, in order to confirm the samples obtained from the deceased during the second post-mortem examination.
The late businessman’s remains were exhumed on May 25, based on a request made to the Court by the Committee of Medical Experts appointed investigate his death. Subsequent to the exhuming of Schaffter’s remains, Police security had been provided around his grave at the Borella Public Cemetery.
On December 15, 2022, Schaffter was found with his hand tied and strangled inside his own car near the Borella Public Cemetery and was pronounced dead after being hospitalised.
His death was speculated to be murder, but the claim still remains inconclusive.
The Homicide and Organised Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is conducting investigations into the death of Schaffter.
Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya ordered the CID to obtain DNA samples of the late businessman’s mother in order to confirm the samples obtained from him during the second post-mortem.
Colombo (LNW): Stand-up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya, who was arrested yesterday (28) over allegedly making a ‘disrespectful remarks’ involving Buddhist philosophy and culture, was remanded till June 07 as ordered by the Fort Magistrate.
Edirisooriya was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) earlier yesterday at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) based on multiple complaints lodged by several concerned individuals.
The stand-up comedian was dragged into hot water after making controversial remarks about Buddhist philosophy and culture at a stand-up comedy show known as ‘Fool’s Pride.’
Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management Chairman Shirantha Peiris says all Sri Lankan hotels are operating with less than 50% of the required staff: explains that during the pandemic, some employees found other means of employment while others went overseas creating a huge vacuum.
National Institute of Education Director General Sunil Nawarathna says the Education Ministry plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence to the school curriculum in 2024 with an emphasis on robotics, machine learning, data mining, computer vision and related technologies.
JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence says the Apparel industry has been experiencing a reduction of around 20% in orders due to a global slowdown for the past 7 months: also says the slowdown may continue for another 5-6 months: notes some retailers are not placing new orders as they already have excessive inventories accumulated during the pandemic period.
Self-styled Prophet Pastor Jerome Fernando issues another apology for his recent remarks about Lord Buddha and other religious figures which stirred controversy in the country: on May 15, President Ranil Wickremesinghe ordered the CID to launch an immediate investigation into the matter.
Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera says the weekly fuel quotas will be increased from midnight on Tuesday (30), as follows: registered taxi 3-wheelers increased to 22L: other 3-wheelers & motor-cycles to 14L: cars and vans to 40L: buses and lorries to 125L.
Fort Magistrate remands stand-up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya, who was arrested over her allegedly disrespectful remarks on Buddhist philosophy and culture, until June 7.
Commissioner General of Examinations says Ordinary Level Exam (2022) will commence today at 3,568 centres islandwide, with 472,553 candidates sitting the exam.
Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya orders CID to obtain DNA samples of the mother of the businessman Dinesh Schaffter who died in mysterious circumstances in order to confirm the samples obtained from the deceased during the 2nd post-mortem examination.
Cricket selectors pick Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne to return for white-ball cricket for the upcoming 3 match ODI series against Afghanistan: Karunaratne also expected to retain his place for the World Cup qualifiers later next month in Zimbabwe.
Top SL sprinter Yupun Abeykoon’s participation at this week’s Wanda Diamond League 2023 in doubt after an injury to his hamstring during the International Meeting Citta’ Di Savona earlier this week: Abeykoon to decide his participation in the June 2 race after a second MRI scan on Monday.
Quite apart from the challenge of guiding Sri Lanka through tempestuous economic and political waters, the government has the additional and unenviable task of combatting a three-headed monster: Dengue, Drugs and Sexual Crimes.
The Government is clearly concerned. The relevant warnings have been issued. Committees have been appointed. The problem seems to be in execution. This has long been one of the biggest issues to plague Sri Lanka. There have been leaders. There have been decision-makers. However, when it comes to putting plans into action things seem to fall apart.
The right people are not in the right places. There is expertise but it is not being mobilised. Incompetent or slothful individuals are given the task of executing. There’s a woeful lack of empathy for the suffering of the masses.
While officials twiddle their thumbs seemingly oblivious to what’s happening and utterly unconcerned by the tragedy that’s unfolding around them, the people continue to be tormented by these three threats. The rising incidence of Dengue is nearing pandemic proportions, drugs and drug-related crime and violence are rampant, and every single day there are reports of sexual violence especially crimes perpetrated against children. The last, let’s not forget, falls under the category of the least reported of crimes. The true story would be of tragic proportions. Unfortunately, it seems to be felt only by the victims and their loved ones and not those who are mandated to prevent it from happening in the first place.
One must ask ‘where is law enforcement?’ ‘Where is the justice system?’ Just the other day, a lawmaker, no less was nabbed trying to smuggle in millions worth of gold bars and electronic devices. A lawmaker, let me repeat!
The overall outcome of this sloth or incompetence or both is a society where the most vulnerable segments are further exposed to wanton violence. Small wonder, then, that professionals want to leave the country. Why should anyone who has half a chance of migrating remain in a country where they and their loved ones are at risk? It’s not the economic issues alone that’s driving this new emigration wave.
Not everyone can leave. Parents are understandably anxious. There are in fact at their wit’s end. What’s the plan, they want to know. Where’s the execution, they want to know.
The laws are in place. The plans are in place. Things are not getting done. And yet, things are not totally hopeless. There’s nothing to stop the President from empathising with those who are suffering and those whose anxieties have reached a critical point. Words will not do it. What’s needed are sound plans executed by professionals. If this is not done right away, the three key monsters at the gate, namely drugs, dengue and sexual abuse, will wreck havoc on one and all. Obviously this will have serious repercussions on the government and the political leadership.
Let me repeat: dengue, drugs and sexual abuse. Three key factors that have a corrosive impact on Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans. The danger is clear. What’s done or not done will determine what Sri Lanka’s future will look like. Right now it doesn’t look at all rosy.
Harsha de Silva, MP, delivered a poignant speech in Parliament three days ago (25) building on the speech by President Ranil Wickeremasinghe at the Nikkei Asia Forum in Tokyo earlier in the day. He called for a change of mindset in the legislature and argued for greater trade integration for debt sustainability.
He started by acknowledging Japan’s significant contributions during the crisis and highlighted several key areas of support. Among them, he mentioned that Japan supplied $46 million worth of diesel to hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services. Additionally, Japan provided $6.5 million of food aid, supplementing the previous $30 million already given. MP Harsha commended Japan’s efforts in assisting women and other micro-entrepreneurs who faced hardships by extending $1.5 million in aid, as well as providing $4.5 million of free fertilizer to aid 250,000 farmers. Furthermore, he acknowledged Japan’s provision of $4 million through the UNDP for agriculture.
Building on the President’s comments at the Nikkei Conference in Tokyo, Japan, regarding trade integration and debt sustainability, MP Harsha emphasized the need for Parliament to move beyond petty politics and gazettes. He called for all Parliament members to unite in determining the future of the country, raising three key points. Firstly, he asserted that trade integration and debt sustainability are strongly correlated, highlighting the importance of greater trade integration for stronger debt sustainability. Secondly, MP Harsha dispelled the myth that severe import restrictions and export encouragement are the solutions, stating that Sri Lanka is currently one of the most closed countries in the region. He stressed the failure that would result from closing borders and implementing high tariffs and duties. Finally, MP Harsha emphasized the significance of trade integration in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), advocating for Sri Lanka to become a partner in producer-driven global production networks by vertically integrating into complex production with investments from established brands. He expressed deep concern over Sri Lanka’s lack of progress in comparison to its neighboring countries, which successfully transitioned from the apparel industry to electronics and biotech sectors. MP Harsha attributed this stagnation to the detrimental consequences of past consumption-driven loans and ill-conceived projects, which ultimately burdened the nation with significant foreign debt.
MP Harsha also highlighted Japan’s critical role as an investment partner in Sri Lanka’s fledgling electronics and electrical components sector. Citing Professor Premachandra Athukorale, he noted that it is Japanese investments that are driving the fledgling mid-sized electrical and electronics component industry, adding that export volumes had reached $500 million according government statistics but could be closer to $1 billion if categorized more appropriately.
Shifting focus to the strained relations between Sri Lanka and Japan, MP Harsha pointed out specific instances that have contributed to this situation. He criticized the government for unilaterally canceling agreements without consulting the Japanese, particularly the $2.2 billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. The government at the time justified its decision by deeming the project costly and unsuitable for metro Colombo. However, he questioned the government’s sudden change in stance, highlighting that the minister responsible for urban development now acknowledges the LRT as the best transport solution for Colombo. This contradiction raises concerns about whether political support or personal interests influenced the government’s decisions.
MP Harsha further expressed disappointment regarding the Eastern Container Terminal, which was intended to be a tripartite agreement between India, Japan, and Sri Lanka. However, the government unilaterally canceled this agreement as well, mirroring the pattern seen with the LRT project. He noted that the President’s current meetings with former and current Prime Ministers of Japan as well as the Nikkei forum to seek investments are undermined by the government’s previous actions, which have strained relations with Japan.
Citing a recent media response by the Japanese Ambassador, MP Harsha highlighted the issue of governance and transparency in economic policies. The Ambassador had expressed concerns about frequent changes in policies that have caused a loss of trust among Japanese businesses. He specifically mentioned the incident involving the Minister of Aviation, who was initially sacked due to corruption allegations but later reinstated to the same position. Such incidents undermine trust and confidence, both among the Japanese business community and on an international scale.
In conclusion, Dr Harsha de Silva expressed his gratitude to the Japanese people for their assistance during the crisis. However, he emphasized that for long-term debt sustainability and economic growth, Sri Lanka needs to prioritize trade integration, break down protectionist barriers, and build trade and investment bridges not only with Japan but also with countries like China, India, the EU, and the US. He emphasized the necessity of a change in mindset and ideology, urging politicians to think beyond marginal changes and embrace a broader perspective for the betterment of Sri Lanka’s future.
Colombo (LNW): The National Fuel Pass QR System allocated fuel quotas will be increased from midnight next Tuesday (30), revealed Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara.
Accordingly, registered taxi three wheelers will receive 22 litres per week, and other three wheelers will receive 14 litres per week.
Adding, motor bikes will receive 14 litres per week, and cars will receive a quota of 40 litres per week.
Increased new fuel quotas will be made available from midnight Tuesday, the Minister added.
Meanwhile, the fuel quota for lorries which had been 75 litres per week has been increased up to 125 litres per week.
The National Fuel Pass QR System allocated fuel quotas will be increased.
Registered Taxi 3 wheelers will receive 22 liters per week, other 3 wheelers 14 liters per week & Motor Bikes 14 liters per week. Cars will receive a quota of 40 liters per week.
Closing the implementation gap between law and practice is important to see the proposed Anti-Corruption Bill becoming a success, the Government and Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), who took part in a roundtable discussion, jointly emphasized.
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) organised the High-Level cross-party discussion with Party Leaders, Party Secretaries and their representatives on the Anti-Corruption Bill at the Parliament premises on Thursday (25) with the intention of eliciting their support for its improvements and timely passage in Parliament. The MPs were briefed on the required improvements to the legislation which can be incorporated in the Committee Stage (Third Reading) of the Bill. The event was conducted with due regard to and respect for the fact that the Bill is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court.
While agreeing that the proposed Bill has many progressive provisions, which are a timely need in the country, MPs of both the Government and Opposition benches highlighted that the real challenge is to make sure that the anti-graft mechanisms proposed in the Bill are able to break the existing corruption chain, so that “business as usual” is not possible thereafter.
Foreign Affairs State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary MP Sagara Kariyawasam and SLPP MP Madura Vithanage attended the discussion representing the Government, while Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa, SJB MPs Eran Wickremaratne, Dr. Harsha de Silva, Mayantha Dissanayake, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader MP Rauff Hakeem, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran, PC, and MPs Dullas Alahapperuma, Chandima Weerakkody and Weerasumana Weerasinghe participated representing the Opposition and other independent groups in Parliament.
TISL Executive Director Nadishani Perera urged the cross-party support to pass the best possible version of the Anti-Corruption law in Parliament, and to create an enabling environment for its full implementation, reminding that it is a call of the people. “Now the responsibility of this Bill is with Parliament and you have a historic opportunity to demonstrate your commitment towards a system change by taking this Bill as an important step to reform the anti-corruption legal framework in Sri Lanka,” she underlined.
Commenting on the new system of the Declarations of Assets and Liabilities (DALs) proposed in the Bill, MPs Chandima Weerakkody and Madura Vithanage pointed out that verifying the information given in DALs is an onerous task that requires a lot of time, coordination and financial investment. TISL Advocacy and Research Manager Janithrika Jayasundara explained that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is allowed to cross-check information in the DALs with other relevant institutions and the electronic system, as suggested in the Bill, should automatically raise red flags on illicit enrichment.
The lack of means to prevent grand collusion in corruption was questioned by Deputy Minister Tharaka Balasuriya. The proposal to establish an Independent Public Prosecutors’ Office was floated by MP Eran Wickramaratne, when TNA MP M. A. Sumanthiran pointed out that the Attorney General’s Office withdrawing indictments filed before the Court for criminal offences has become a problematic practice in recent times.
Responding to the issues raised by the MPs, TISL Deputy Executive Director Sankhitha Gunaratne pointed out that the Anti-Corruption Bill does not address the whole gamut of the issue of corruption, but it would be a good start, as the prevailing Anti-Corruption laws in the country are outdated. She pointed out that more legislation, especially for stolen asset recovery and government procurement, would need to be passed after this Bill.
TISL Advocacy and Research Officer Lasanthika Hettiarachchi apprised the MPs on the new offences coming under the purview of the Bill.
People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi, Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, National Peace Council Executive Director Dr. Jehan Perera and Nishantha Prithiraj of the Sarvodaya Movement attended the meeting representing civil society organizations.
The Sri Lanka Navy on 25th May 2023 held a special meeting at SLNS Gotabaya in Mullaitivu, to make the fishing communities in Mullaitivu aware of prevailing issues in the industry.
The meeting was chaired by Commander Eastern Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara.
In response to a request made by fishing communities in the locality, the awareness programme had been organised and it was participated by personnel from the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Police, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and 28 Presidents of Fishermen’s Cooperative Societies.
During the meeting, the local fishing communities raised their concerns over poaching by foreign fishermen in their waters as well as illegal fishing practices of a handful of local fishermen. In the meantime, the Navy provided a clarification to the fishing communities regarding the collaborative efforts undertaken by the Navy, Coast Guard, and Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to combat those illegal fishing practices.
The Indian Express: India has done more for Sri Lanka than the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Union Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar stressed on Saturday. The Modi government, he underlined, is working on developing an “extended neighbourhood” that involves islands in the Indian Ocean, Gulf countries and nations in South-East Asia.
“What we are also trying to do today is for a bigger, influential and ambitious India. We are trying to expand what should be our neighbourhood. We look at what this extended neighbourhood should be. It could be islands in the Indian Ocean, nations in South-East Asia and Central Asia, or Gulf countries. The relationship with the UAE and Saudi Arabia has undergone an enormous transformation. From what was a traditionally much more constricted view of our neighbourhood, we have undertaken something much more ambitious,” said Jaishankar during a talk on “Modi’s India: A Rising Power” at Anant National University in the city.
Pointing out how the world has become more uncertain, volatile and turbulent, Jaishankar underlined it was time to use the “complex global landscape” for the betterment and growth of India. The pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia conflict has helped to build “resilient and reliable supply chains”, “domestic capacities” and “trusted relationships,” he highlighted. A Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, Jaishankar also spoke about the “linkages” and “perception” India has developed in the last nine years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“If you are the biggest in your neighbourhood, then it is in our interest that our other neighbours have a share in our prosperity, happiness and are linked to us. That will happen if we are generous and have a non-reciprocal way of engagement. Many of our neighbours like Bangladesh or Nepal and Bhutan are today linked with us through roads, railways, and waterways. We have electricity grid connections; there are fuel supplies. In many ways, they benefit from the scale and economy of India,” Jaishankar said while addressing an audience largely composed of students and faculty members from the private university.
“The linkages and perception today of India in the neighbourhood has changed. Nothing illustrated that more dramatically than what happened to Sri Lanka. Last year, when they went through a very deep economic crisis, we stepped forward in a way we ourselves have never done before. What we have done for Sri Lanka is bigger than what the IMF has done for Sri Lanka. If any of you have visited Sri Lanka recently, then you will note the popular perception that has accrued from this action,” he added.
Speaking about India’s relationship with China, the Union minister said, “The challenge from China is complicated. But in the last three years, it has been particularly visible in the border areas. There are clearly responses that are required and those responses have been undertaken by the government and a lot of it is to ensure that no attempt is made to unilaterally change the status quo in the border areas. We will ensure peace and tranquillity. It is the basis of our relationship. If peace is disturbed, it cannot be that the relationship remains unaffected.”
Both India and China, he said, will have to find some “kind of equilibrium” where there is mutual respect, sensitivity and recognition. “Today, if we see that respect, sensitivity and recognition, we can have a better relationship with China. But if we do not, then we have to stand up for our rights. We need to be firm in asserting our positions. That is unfortunately the current situation,” he added.
“Modi’s India is different from its predecessors. It is different in its outlook,” he said while speaking about the decisive mandate and vision the Prime Minister has secured. “Modi’s India is a return to a political dispensation that has a majority in Parliament,” Jaishankar emphasised, pointing out that such a majority did not exist from 1989 to 2014.
