It is reported that Member of Parliament Sarathi Dushmantha Mitrapala has been appointed as the acting Secretary General of Sri Lanka Freedom Party.
This decision was taken when the Sri Lankan National Party Central Committee met yesterday afternoon (11) under the chairmanship of party leader Maithripala Sirisena.
Sri Lanka’s law enforcement authorities have issued a public notice on Monday, seeking the community’s support in capturing a Police Constable allegedly linked to the failed escape attempt of the notorious criminal figure, Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, also known as ‘Harak Kata,’ from the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
As part of their efforts, the Sri Lanka Police have released a photograph of the implicated Constable and are urging citizens to reach out to the Police Media Division (PMD) at 071 859 1774 or 071 859 4929 with any pertinent information.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, September 10, when ‘Harak Kata,’ the leader of an organized criminal gang, made a bold attempt to break free while being held by the CID. According to CID reports, the escape effort was aided by a specific Police Constable who subsequently fled the scene.
During his interrogation, ‘Harak Kata’ reportedly tainted the tea of the eight CID officers questioning him with poison, with the assistance of the implicated Police Constable. Subsequently, ‘Harak Kata’ requested to use the restroom and was accompanied by the Constable and another Sub-Inspector from the Police Special Task Force (STF), responsible for his security.
Although ‘Harak Kata’ had his handcuffs removed at that point, he cunningly acted as if he was still restrained when exiting the restroom. He then attempted to seize the firearm of the STF officer, leading to a scuffle. The altercation prompted other officers to swiftly respond to the scene, where they managed to detain ‘Harak Kata’ while the absconding Police Constable made his escape.
Police authorities have confirmed that active investigations are underway to locate and apprehend the fugitive Constable.
Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
A few showers may occur in Hambantota district.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Batticaloa, Ampara districts during the evening or night.
Fairly strong winds about (40-45) kmph can be expected at times in western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central, and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
India Today: Gita Gopinath, the first Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, on Sunday said India’s contribution to global GDP is around 15 per cent. In an exclusive interview with India Today’s News Director Rahul Kanwal, the economist also said India will become the third-largest economy by 2027-28, based on current projections.
Calling India an “engine of global growth”, Gopinath, however, added that there is a lot more work that needs to be done.
“The more important thing is to maintain a high growth momentum for many more years in just the next four or five years. And that will require structural reforms. India is a large country, so in per capita terms, that will still be a small number even if we’re the third largest economy. So India needs to keep pushing on that front to keep the growth momentum going much more,” said the economist.
She added that the expected growth rate of the country for the current fiscal year is over six per cent. According to the economist, the two factors which are driving the growth are public investment and resilient consumption spending.
Gopinath stressed the need to attract private investment to increase the levels of per capita income and to get to continued high levels of growth. In order to enable an environment for private investment, it is imperative that the investment in public infrastructure continues, she added.
The economist said only four Indian states — Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Delhi — get a large chunk of foreign direct investment and added, “A lot has to be done at the level of state governments.”
Other areas that need improvement, according to Gita Gopinath, include increasing the ease of conducting business, education and female labour force participation.
An area that India stands out when compared to other countries is digital infrastructure, said Gita Gopinath.
“I think India is really at the forefront in this area. It has already seen the benefits, not just in innovation but also on the fiscal front, in terms of much more efficient spending, the ability to collect revenues, formalising the economy,” she told India Today. She added that other countries are paying attention to what India is doing when it comes to digital infrastructure.
ON CHINA’S ECONOMY
When asked about the worries regarding China’s economy, Gita Gopinath said the country’s economy has slowed down but it has the resources to turn things around. “It still can do much more in terms of fiscal policy and in terms of monetary policy, and they are taking actions in that dimension. But these are things that can’t necessarily be turned around overnight,” she told India Today.
The economist added that China could still meet the target of 5 per cent growth that the government set. “But in the medium term, we have China’s growth projected at around 3.4 per cent. It’s not like we’re expecting to see a very deep downturn or a sharp recession, but just slowing growth,” added Gopinath.
ON INDIA’S G20 PRESIDENCY
Gita Gopinath also spoke on India’s G20 presidency and said it was a “huge deal” that a leaders declaration was adopted unanimously.
“Nobody expected that there would be a leader’s declaration. The fact that there was one is a huge deal. It tells you that even though countries can have different opinions about the way the world is headed, they can actually come together and have a declaration that I think is huge,” she added.
She also applauded the work done during India’s presidency on crypto regulation, debt issues and multilateral development bank financing.
Gopinath said it was a “landmark” that a debt restructuring was done for Zambia and said it was a “big deal” that all the private creditors agreed on a set for the African country.
REGULATION OF CRYPTO ASSETS
One of the main focus points during the G20 Summit was around the formation of globally enforceable regulations for crypto assets. Speaking on what decisions were taken during the Summit, Gita Gopinath said, “One of the big achievements of India’s G20 presidency was to bring together when it comes to crypto assets not just the regulatory aspect but also the macro financial consequences.
For the first time, they brought together the ‘Financial Stability Board’, who does regulation, and the IMF, who does macro financial stability.”
She said there was a clear consensus that crypto assets like Bitcoin cannot become legal currency as it would affect monetary sovereignty.
“The guidelines are to make sure that you have the issuers of such crypto assets licenced and registered,” she added. The economist added that every country at the Summit agreed on broad principles on regulating crypto assets despite knowing that there would be “country-specific circumstances”.
Speaking on the mechanism of the regulations, she said, “You’re going to be regulated in one way if it’s clear that you are effectively a speculative investment class. If you are being used for payments, then you’re going to be regulated as other payment systems are regulated.
It’s going to take some time to build up the specific details of it. But much more transparency, much more light is being shed on it and not the anything goes kind of environment.”
Source: India Today
Colombo (LNW): More than 900 cargo containers (965) are stalled at the Sri Lanka Customs and are lying either inside the Port terminals or at the Customs Examination Yards due to pending finalisation of Customs probes, regulations on temporary suspension of imports and pending lawsuits, disclosed the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means.
The current procedure for customs appeals is protracted and often results in delays, and this leads to a significant inconvenience for importers and exporters who are in need of prompt solution, a report by the Committee on Ways and Means noted.
It added that investigations and resolutions of customs-related appeals must be expedited.
The Parliamentary Committee further recommended that a Unified National Single Window be introduced, thereby allowing the streamlining of processes for the interconnection of all pertinent state entities.
Having such a portal being opened, redundant tasks will be eradicated and rapid cargo clearance will be ensured, the Committee went on, adding that entities like the Sri Lanka Customs, Inland Revenue Department, Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka, major airports, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and other relevant institutions could benefit immensely by integrating with this proposed system.
Colombo (LNW): Nada Al-Nashif, the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights addressing the 54th session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva said accountability is central to secure Sri Lanka’s present and future.
While it remains the obligation of the Sri Lankan authorities to acknowledge past violations and undertake credible accountability measures, this Council and the Member States can play an important and complementary role in advancing accountability, she pointed out.
Al-Nashif further noted that her Office remains committed to supporting the Government and the people of Sri Lanka in advancing reconciliation, and accountability as well as the full enjoyment of human rights.
Full Statement:
Interactive Dialogue on OHCHR report on Sri Lanka
Distinguished President,
Your Excellencies,
Colleagues and friends,
Pursuant to its resolution 51/1 of October 2022, the Council has been presented with the written update of High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka.
One year after the remarkable protest movement demanding deep political and democratic reforms, the transformation that was hoped for to address long-standing challenges has still not materialised. The country continues to deal with the aftermath of the deep economic crisis of 2022 and the current stresses in the global economy. Delays in holding local government elections and in reconstituting Provincial Councils under the 13th amendment have limited people’s right to political participation and the free expression of voters.
While the economic crisis has significantly affected the enjoyment of rights of large segments of the population in Sri Lanka, it has impacted the poor and the marginalized communities the most. As the country’s poverty rate has doubled from 13% in 2021 to 25% in 2022, another 2.5 million people have been driven into poverty and an estimated 37% of households face acute food insecurity.
A s the Government implements its economic recovery policies, it should be guided by its obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to protect the most vulnerable. The international community, including international financial institutions, should keep supporting Sri Lanka in its recovery, in line with obligations around international cooperation and assistance, by providing the fiscal space needed while pressing for genuine progress in governance, transparency and accountability.
The economic hardship, the tensions around economic and structural reform policies and the delay of local elections continue to give rise to protests. Land acquisition in the north and east for expansion of military installations, Buddhist heritage conservation at Hindu or Muslim sites, and forestry protection have also escalated tensions.
Our Office continues to receive cases of misuse of tear gas and water cannons during demonstrations, affecting protestors and media personnel. Initiatives by victims to memorialise their loved ones have also been obstructed. These measures restricting the right to protest will only generate more tension in the country as they prevent people from expressing their grievances and engaging in critical debate. It is imperative that the Government ensures an environment that respects free expression, peaceful assembly, and democratic space as the basis for reconciliation and social cohesion.
The report provides an analysis of concerns with some forthcoming legislation, in particular the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill that will replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the new law to regulate media broadcasting. It urges a moratorium on the use of the PTA in the meantime, and for the review of long-standing PTA cases to be expedited.
Fourteen years since the war ended, tens of thousands of victims and their families continue to suffer in agony and grief as they await truth, justice , and remedy. The report recognizes the initiatives the Government has initiated to advance reconciliation, including its proposal for a new truth-seeking mechanism. However, it also stresses that urgent confidence building steps are needed to create an environment in which a genuine reconciliation and transitional justice processes could succeed.
These include meaningful and transparent consultations with victims and civil society on the current truth-seeking proposal and includes an end to all forms of harassment and unlawful and arbitrary surveillance against human rights defenders and victims’ groups, as well as support for initiatives to acknowledge and memorialize the experience of victims.
Truth-seeking alone will not be sufficient and must be accompanied by a clear commitment to accountability, including through an independent ad hoc special court.
The report recommends that the Government to a ccelerate investigations and prosecutions in emblematic cases of human rights violations, as well as the Easter Sunday bombings, in compliance with international human rights standards.The High Commissioner has repeatedly recommended the Government of Sri Lanka to establish a follow-up, independent and transparent investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks with international assistance and the full participation of victims and their representatives.
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
While noting the Government’s rejection of resolutions 46/1 and 51/1, the report updates on the work of the accountability project established by our Office to collect, consolidate, analyze, and preserve relevant information and evidence and provide support to relevant judicial and other proceedings, including those in Member States, with competent jurisdiction. The project is receiving a steady increase in requests from competent State authorities, including in relation to 10 named individuals to date.
The project has made significant progress in developing a repository of information and evidence and based on identified gaps and priorities for further investigation . It is also actively engaging with civil society, including victims’ representatives.
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Accountability is central to secure Sri Lanka’s present and future. While it remains the obligation of the Sri Lankan authorities to acknowledge past violations and undertake credible accountability measures, this Council and the Member States can play an important and complementary role in advancing accountability.
My Office remains committed to supporting the Government and the people of Sri Lanka in advancing reconciliation, and accountability as well as the full enjoyment of human rights.
On 08 September 2023, High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena presented credentials to Kitack Lim, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as Sri Lanka’s first Permanent Representative to the IMO.
Sri Lanka’s accreditation to IMO comes at a time when the country is due to assume chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in October this year. Being in the centre of one of the most vital shipping lanes, Sri Lanka is positioned to be a major maritime hub in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka’s geographic location and its access to regional markets add immensely to its economic and commercial interests and the country remains committed to safe, secure Indian ocean and sustainable use of its maritime resources.
Established in 1948, IMO, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom, is the United Nations specialised agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. IMO currently has 175 Member States and three Associate Members. Sri Lanka obtained membership of IMO in 1972.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
11 September 2023
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in coordination with Lulu Hypermarket, organized a week-long Sri Lanka Produce and Food Mart, from 07-13 September 2023, titled “Sri Lanka Fest”, with a view to promote trade, tourism and culture of Sri Lanka, as well as to augment the image of the country, amongst the nationals of Bahrain and foreign expatriates, residing in Bahrain. The event is expected to attract over 2000 visitors and shoppers, including nationals of Sri Lanka domiciled in Bahrain.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Bahrain H.M.G.R.R.K. Wijeratne Mendis inaugurated the colourful event on 07 September 2023, along with Undersecretary for Consular & Administrative Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Dr. Mohamed Ali Bahzad, Acting. Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Mohamed Atef Al Khaja, Chief Executive Officer of Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Nibras Mohammed Talib and Lulu Group Regional Director Mohamed Kaleem. The Ambassadors of China, Nepal, the Philippines to Bahrain, and the members of the Diplomatic Community in Bahrain graced the opening ceremony.
This year’s event displayed and marketed number of new products and goods such as cinnamon, seafood including tuna, kingfish and prawns, pepper, authentic spices, various kinds of biscuits, and confectionary products. A variety of healthy organic coconut products such as coconut cream, coconut milk, and cold-pressed coconut oil were available for attractive prices. Ceylon Tea and tea-based herbal infusions with turmeric, chamomile and other herbs from well-known plantations around Sri Lanka, were also promoted.
Other attractions at the Sri Lanka Fest included the stalls set up by Sri Lankan-origin entrepreneurs displaying Kithul jaggery, confectionary items, spices, palmyra products, handicrafts, handloom, batik products as well as various eco-friendly products. The Ceylon Tea stall organized by Dilmah provided the visitors a unique opportunity for tea tasting, while attractive Sri Lanka Tourism packages were offered by Akbar Holidays. Large television screens displayed videos on touristic attractions of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Tea, export products of Sri Lanka, and the many investment opportunities such as Colombo Port City project.
Using the event as a platform, the Sri Lanka Embassy with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment organized a stall to promote foreign employment and encourage skills recognition through NVQ certification. The aim of the Embassy’s initiative is to collect data and information regarding skills and qualifications of Sri Lankan migrant workers and expatriates in Bahrain, enabling them to register for the “Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)” which is being organized by the Embassy.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, the dance performance was showcased by members of the Sri Lanka Club Dancing Group and “Thiranga Kala – Bahrain”, which drew wide applause and appreciation from the audience. The cultural performances were also showcased on 08 and 09 September 2023.
Adding flavour to the event, Chef Udaya Kumara from Bahrain-based Sri Lankan Restaurant “Zaynah” demonstrated the preparation of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
The “Sri Lankan Fest” is part of a series of events organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka under the Economic Diplomacy initiative in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and other relevant Sri Lankan authorities to promote trade, tourism, culture and investment in Bahrain.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Manama
11 September 2023
Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan media giant and business magnet Dilith Jayaweera announced that he official entered politics by being appointed as the leader of a political party named ‘Mawbima Janatha Party’.
Being appointed as the leader of a registered political party in the Election Commission, Jayaweera will contest elections under ‘Aeroplane’ symbol.
Colombo (LNW): General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) movement Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a case filed in 2014 accusing him of trespassing and obstructing a briefing held at a hotel in Colombo.
The Thera was among seven suspects who pleaded guilty in connection with a case related to the obstruction of a briefing held at Nippon Hotel Colombo in 2014, and the verdict was produced by the Fort Magistrate Court this (11) afternoon, according to reports.
The Theara along with other defendants were ordered by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage to pay a compensation of Rs. 300,000 to the complainant and severely warned to not repeat such offences again.
In 2014, BBS Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero and other suspects were accused of trespassing into Nippon Hotel in Colombo, obstructing a press briefing called in by Jathika Bala Sena (JBS) leader Watareka Vijitha Thera and threatening the attendees.