By: Isuru Parakrama
September 11, World (LNW): Charlie Kirk, the firebrand conservative activist and staunch Donald Trump supporter, was shot dead on Tuesday (10) in what authorities are treating as a targeted assassination. He was 31.
Founder of the influential pro-Trump youth organisation Turning Point USA, Kirk was known as much for his combative style as for his influence amongst American right-wing circles. Whilst the motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, Kirk’s critics and supporters alike agree on one thing: he was a polarising figure whose public statements frequently stoked outrage.
From his early twenties, Kirk became a prominent voice in the so-called culture wars, positioning himself as a defender of Christian values and American conservatism. But that often came at the expense of LGBTQIA+ people, racial minorities, and women, who were frequently the targets of his most inflammatory remarks.
An Unusually Long Record of LGBTQIA+ Hostility
Kirk’s views on LGBTQIA+ rights evolved — or rather devolved — over time. Once seen as a relatively moderate figure within conservative circles, he became increasingly hostile towards the LGBTQIA+ community as his profile grew.
He opposed same-sex marriage, described the LGBTQIA+ movement as an “agenda”, and forcefully criticised gender-affirming care, calling for nationwide bans. Transgender individuals were particular targets of his ire. In campus debates and public appearances, he regularly deadnamed trans people, referred to them using incorrect pronouns, and accused them of trying to “destroy women’s sports” — often citing high-profile cases like that of swimmer Lia Thomas.
In 2024, Kirk went as far as to declare that “God’s perfect law” — referencing Old Testament verses — should guide modern policy on sexual identity. His rhetoric earned condemnation from human rights groups and LGBTQIA+ advocates, who labelled his language “dehumanising” and “dangerous”.
Criticism of Women’s Rights
Kirk’s commentary on women’s issues was no less contentious. A frequent critic of modern feminism, he claimed that women have become “angrier and more bitter” since the advent of birth control and workplace equality. In a widely circulated podcast, he stated that women in their thirties were “no longer at their prime” for dating, and that society’s encouragement of female independence had led to a generation of “miserable, childless career women”.
He blamed the feminist movement for rising mental health issues amongst women and often expressed nostalgia for “traditional family roles” where women stayed home to raise children.
Unsurprisingly, these views alienated many women — even some within his own party — who saw them as regressive and rooted in chauvinism.
Views on Race: “Anti-White” Rhetoric and DEI Backlash
Perhaps most controversial were Kirk’s positions on race. He was a vocal critic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, calling them “anti-white” and questioning whether Black professionals — including airline pilots and doctors — were hired based on merit or racial quotas.
He dismissed systemic racism as a myth, denounced critical race theory as “indoctrination”, and frequently mocked anti-racist movements, including Black Lives Matter, which he described as “malevolent” and “anti-Christian”.
Though he insisted he was simply “telling the truth”, civil rights organisations accused him of stoking racial animosity and giving cover to white nationalist sentiments.
Assassination Sends Shockwaves Through US Right
Kirk was shot whilst attending a Utah Valley University event. Police have yet to release the suspect’s identity or any possible motive, though early statements suggest the attack was premeditated. Political leaders across the spectrum have condemned the killing, with President Donald Trump describing it as a “dark day for America” and demanding a broader plan to crack down on political violence.
Kirk’s death leaves a void in the conservative movement he helped shape — and a legacy defined by outrage, confrontation, and deep cultural division.
For his supporters, he was a warrior for traditional values. For his detractors, a provocateur who legitimised hate under the guise of patriotism.
Either way, Charlie Kirk’s voice is now silent — but the culture wars he helped ignite are far from over.
Photo: The Independent
References:
https://edition.cnn.com/us/live-news/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-09-10-25
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/10/who-is-charlie-kirk-profile
https://www.ft.com/content/bb4d6aca-e359-40ba-8119-9a228155b0e7
https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2019/12/charlie-kirk-debates-political-issues-with-university-students
https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-right-wing-provocateur-gen-z-race-5b57b4178fec39f30f3caad77b93c087
https://www.mediamatters.org/charlie-kirk/charlie-kirk-has-history-violent-and-bigoted-rhetoric-he-was-first-guest-california
https://coloradotimesrecorder.com/2022/04/charlie-kirk-continues-transphobic-tirade-at-cu-boulder/45013/
Charlie Kirk Assassinated at 31: A Legacy Marked by Division and Controversy
Parliament to Debate National Audit Amendment and Urban Development Budget Today
September 11, Colombo (LNW): Parliament is scheduled to reconvene this morning at 9:30 a.m., with key legislative business on the agenda.
The second reading of the National Audit (Amendment) Bill is expected to be taken up during the day’s proceedings.
In addition to the audit legislation, the government is also poised to table a supplementary estimate seeking additional funds for the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing.
Police Apprehend Two Linked to Recent Gun Violence in Western Province
September 11, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have taken two individuals into custody in connection with separate firearm-related incidents that recently shook communities in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.
The arrests, carried out in two coordinated operations, represent the latest in an intensified police crackdown on escalating gun crime and gang-related violence across the region.
In the first operation, officers from the Western Province South Crimes Division arrested a 22-year-old man in Attidiya on the evening of 10 September. He is suspected of playing a key logistical role in a fatal shooting that took place on August 24 in Boralesgamuwa. During that attack, an assailant travelling in a three-wheeler shot and killed a man on Malani Bulathsinhala Mawatha before fleeing the scene.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect arrested in Attidiya may have been the driver of the three-wheeler used during the attack. He is reportedly a resident of Mount Lavinia. Police sources say he was tracked down following a detailed analysis of CCTV footage and mobile phone data, though further evidence is still being gathered to confirm his exact involvement.
The second arrest took place in Ragama, where a 17-year-old youth from Aramangoda, Buthpitiya, was taken into custody by officers from the Police Special Task Force Intelligence Unit. This arrest relates to a shooting incident reported on August 22 in the Seewalipura area of Borella.
According to law enforcement, the teenager is believed to be closely linked to a known figure within the local criminal underworld, who is allegedly involved in both organised crime and narcotics trafficking. His arrest followed a targeted intelligence-led raid and he has since been handed over to the Ragama Police for continued questioning.
Former Presidents Ordered to Relinquish Official Residences Under New Legislation
September 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Parliament has decisively voted to revoke a longstanding law that granted extensive privileges to former presidents, including the right to occupy official state residences.
The Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act, which received parliamentary assent on September 10, mandates that all such benefits be terminated with immediate effect.
This legislative overhaul now compels former heads of state, including Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, to vacate the state-provided residences they have continued to occupy since leaving office.
The move is seen as part of broader efforts to curtail government expenditure and restore public confidence in the equitable use of state resources. According to party sources, Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to return today (11) to his private home, Carlton House, located in Hambantota. Meanwhile, reports suggest that both Sirisena and Kumaratunga are also preparing to hand over their official residences to the authorities, in line with the stipulations of the new law.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has confirmed that it will be issuing formal written notices to any former presidents who fail to comply within the designated time frame. A ministry spokesperson noted that the Act is currently undergoing thorough legal review, and enforcement measures will be taken as deemed necessary.
The Bill, first presented to Parliament by the Minister of Justice and National Integration on August 07, 2025, sought to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986, which had entitled former presidents and their widows to a range of state-funded benefits. These included official residences, personal staff, transport facilities, secretarial allowances, and pensions for surviving spouses.
The new Act, which was passed by an overwhelming majority—151 votes in favour and only one against—effectively annuls all such privileges. It marks a significant step towards re-evaluating the roles and rights of former political leaders in a democratic society.
Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne formally certified the legislation shortly after the vote, bringing it into immediate effect. The public response has been mixed, with some praising the move as fiscally responsible, while others argue it risks diminishing the dignity of former office bearers.
Nevertheless, the government has signalled its intention to implement the law uniformly and without exception, suggesting a new chapter in the relationship between former leaders and the state.
Showery trend makes a comeback: Fairly heavy falls about 50 mm likely (Sep 11)
September 11, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and
North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya
districts.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Northern, Eastern and Uva provinces after 1.00 p.m. Fairly heavy falls about 50 mm are likely at some places.
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 may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Matara via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.
Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times.
The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar may be fairly rough at times.
Sri Lanka Tourism’s Race against Time to Hit 2025 Goals
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is celebrating a symbolic milestone, having welcomed over 1.6 million visitors by the first week of September 2025, a full month ahead of last year. Weekly arrivals reached 37,495, a 28% year-on-year increase, signalling resilience in a sector that has been battered in recent years by economic crises, political instability, and global headwinds.
Yet beneath the upbeat numbers lies a tougher reality: whether Sri Lanka can realistically achieve its most ambitious tourism goals in a decade 3 million arrivals and $5 billion in revenue by end-2025.
Momentum vs. Targets
With nine months gone, Sri Lanka has crossed the halfway mark toward the 3 million arrivals target. But to meet it, the country will need to attract over 1.39 million more tourists in just four months, while generating nearly $2.9 billion about 60% of the revenue goal — within the same period.
The September projection by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) sets arrivals at 185,043, yet industry insiders doubt this will be met. September has historically been a slow month, and many predict the figure will likely hover closer to 100,000, unless peak-season momentum dramatically changes the pace.
Already, month-to-month arrivals have fallen short of SLTDA’s ambitious projections throughout 2025, raising concerns of over-optimism in official targets.
Market Dynamics
India continues to dominate as Sri Lanka’s largest source market, delivering 27.1% of arrivals in early September and 335,766 year-to-date. The UK (154,174), Russia (119,592), Germany (100,070), and China (92,866) follow, reflecting a healthy geographic mix but also highlighting Sri Lanka’s heavy reliance on a few key markets.
This concentration poses risks: India’s outbound travel is sensitive to currency fluctuations, while European arrivals could be impacted by slowing economies and cost-of-living pressures. China’s gradual travel recovery also remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Policy and Promotion Gaps
Industry analysts argue that numbers alone cannot guarantee success. Delayed policy reforms, particularly the long-promised free-visa scheme, have slowed momentum. Equally damaging is the lack of a robust global marketing campaign, leaving Sri Lanka overshadowed by regional competitors like Maldives, Thailand, and Vietnam, all aggressively courting tourists with incentives and branding.
The Verdict
The tourism sector has undoubtedly regained resilience and momentum, with arrivals trending above 2024 levels. But with four months left to achieve 46% of the arrivals target and 60% of the revenue goal, the challenge is steep.
Unless Sri Lanka accelerates reforms, launches targeted international promotions, and improves air connectivity, the 2025 targets may remain more aspirational than achievable. The industry views the next peak season as the make-or-break period for a sector critical to the nation’s foreign exchange lifeline.
Browns Investments PLC Expands Maldives Footprint with $57.5m Deal
Browns Investments PLC, the leisure and investment arm inside the LOLC group has taken another strategic step in its Maldives play, signing a Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) to transfer the assets and business of the 5-star Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives Resort for USD 57.5 million.
The deal, through Browns Ari Resort Ltd., is conditional on regulatory and third-party approvals in the Maldives and marks a notable moment in Browns’ evolving overseas hospitality strategy.
At face value the transaction looks like a divestment, but in strategic terms it reads as portfolio optimisation: Browns entered the Maldivian market in recent years (including earlier joint projects and management tie-ups with global brands) and has built scale operating about 903 room keys with another c.669 keys in the pipeline across its leisure portfolio giving it both operating experience and a marketable asset base.
Selling a high-value resort in the Maldives allows Browns to realise cash value from a marquee asset while retaining the capability to re-deploy capital elsewhere or fund pipeline projects.
The strength underpinning this move is the financial and operational muscle of the LOLC group. In its most recent annual report LOLC reported one of its strongest financial performances to date group profit before tax from continuing operations of about Rs. 52 billion and total assets surpassing Rs. 2 trillion giving the conglomerate the liquidity and balance-sheet heft to support overseas leisure investments, make strategic acquisitions and manage asset rotations.
That financial firepower also explains why Browns can simultaneously grow, partner with international operators and selectively monetise assets.
Expertise is another pillar: Browns Hotels & Resorts (the leisure arm) has been rebranded and built over years inside the LOLC ecosystem, combining local market know-how with international operator relationships (for example earlier collaborations with Barceló to develop Maldivian properties).
That operational track record from Sri Lanka properties to Maldives projects makes Browns an attractive regional player either to run assets or package them for sale to specialist buyers.
What this means for stakeholders: for investors, the USD 57.5m consideration represents capital recycling that can shore up returns or fund other growth verticals (power, plantations, manufacturing) within the Browns/LOLC group.
For Maldives hospitality, the transfer to ASB Hotel Properties Maldives signals continued investor appetite for premium island resorts. For Browns, the transaction is consistent with an active diversification and portfolio-management approach to build, operate, then monetise when strategic or market conditions are favourable.
Completion will hinge on Maldives approvals and customary conditions. If cleared, the deal will be another example of how Sri Lankan conglomerates backed by LOLC’s balance sheet and Browns’ leisure expertise are shaping cross-border hospitality investments in the region.
JVP/NPP Backs Refinery Deal it once blocked: Ranwala Saga Haunts Credibility
Sri Lanka’s Sapugaskanda oil refinery, a project long strangled by political theatrics and union resistance has returned to the national agenda. The irony could not be sharper: the National People’s Power (NPP), powered by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) trade union muscle is now aggressively seeking foreign investors to modernize the very refinery it once fought to keep frozen in time.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has invited global investors to double Sapugaskanda’s outdated 50,000-barrel-per-day processing capacity or build an entirely new plant.
Officials frame the plan as critical to reducing dependence on costly refined imports and bolstering energy security. But the echoes of the past are deafening: successive governments attempted similar deals, only to be derailed by CPC unions led by the JVP that branded such efforts as “selling out the refinery.”
No figure embodies that resistance more than Asoka Ranwala. Once a technician at Sapugaskanda, he rose through union ranks, rallying workers against modernization attempts.
He became the loudest voice in fiery campaigns, leading walkouts and marches, accusing successive governments of betraying national sovereignty. His populist rhetoric not only blocked billions of dollars’ worth of potential investments but also entrenched Sri Lanka’s dependence on imported fuel.
Ranwala’s trajectory from refinery floor to the Speaker’s chair ended in scandal. Appointed Speaker in late 2024, his tenure lasted less than a month.
Under fire for claiming a doctorate from Japan, Ranwala resigned amid accusations of falsifying academic qualifications a first in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary history. He promised to travel to Japan to retrieve proof of his credentials, but to this day, he has failed to substantiate the claim. The “Japan PhD” remains an unproven and embarrassing chapter in Sri Lankan politics.
Today, the same JVP that once weaponized trade unions to paralyze refinery expansion now pitches the identical project to foreign investors under a build–operate–transfer model.
What was once vilified as privatization is rebranded as a “strategic partnership.” The contradiction is glaring: those who shouted the loudest to block the refinery’s progress are now in charge of delivering it.
The cost of this hypocrisy is staggering. For decades, Sapugaskanda has run on obsolete technology, unable to refine most global crude blends.
Sri Lanka has paid billions extra in fuel imports while governments dodged union fury. Now, the the JVP led NPP faces the uncomfortable task of selling the same plan it once buried.
For the people, Sapugaskanda is an economic necessity. For the JVP/ NPP, it is a test of credibility. Can a government that once mobilized street power to sabotage refinery modernization now convince investors it is serious about reform? Or will the ghosts of union politics and the shadow of the Ranwala saga doom another generation of promises to failure?
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Investment Target: Ambitions Outpace Reality
As Sri Lanka navigates its post-crisis recovery, foreign direct investment (FDI) has emerged as a cornerstone of its economic revival strategy. The government, alongside institutions like the Board of Investment (BOI), has set ambitious targets to attract substantial foreign capital. However, a closer examination of the actual figures as of August 2025 reveals discrepancies and raises questions about the feasibility of meeting the stipulated goals.
FDI Targets vs. Reality
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended a minimum FDI target of $1 billion for Sri Lanka in 2025. In response, the BOI has set an even more ambitious goal of $1.8 billion. However, as of late July 2025, the BOI had approved 63 projects with a combined value of $776 million, including $500 million in FDI and $276 million in local investments. This indicates that while the number of approved projects is on track, the actual FDI inflow is significantly below the target.
Major Investment Projects
Several high-profile projects have been approved, signaling potential growth in FDI:
CEAT OHT Lanka: A $171 million investment in the manufacturing and export sector, highlighting confidence in Sri Lanka’s industrial capabilities.
Sinopec Refinery: A $3.7 billion oil refinery project in Hambantota, aimed at reducing Sri Lanka’s reliance on imported oil.
These projects underscore the potential for significant FDI inflows. However, the overall figures suggest that such large-scale investments are not yet widespread.
Discrepancies in Reporting
Government officials, including BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath, have made optimistic statements about surpassing the $1 billion FDI target. However, the actual figures paint a more cautious picture. The BOI’s approval of 63 projects worth $776 million by July 2025 falls short of the ambitious targets set earlier in the year. This gap between projections and reality raises concerns about the accuracy of public statements and the effectiveness of current investment strategies.
While Sri Lanka has made strides in attracting foreign investment, the actual figures as of August 2025 suggest that the country is yet to meet its ambitious FDI targets. The approved projects, though promising, are not sufficient to reach the $1 billion or $1.8 billion goals set by the IMF and the BOI. This disparity calls for a reassessment of strategies to enhance investor confidence and attract the necessary capital to drive economic recovery.
Sri Lanka Secures Backing of 43 Countries at UNHRC
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka has received the support of 43 member states at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, which the Government described as a sign of positive progress in human rights protection. The backing came during the interactive dialogue at the Council’s 60th session, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism announced.
Among the countries that expressed support were Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Philippines, Japan, Laos, Thailand, Vanuatu, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nepal, India, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, China, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Turkey, Belarus, Egypt, Venezuela, Maldives, Cuba, South Sudan, Sudan, the Russian Federation and Burundi.
According to the Ministry, these nations welcomed Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with the Human Rights Council and the recent visit by the High Commissioner as evidence of improved cooperation. They also acknowledged significant legislative reforms and tangible progress underway, while urging the international community to support Sri Lanka’s nationally owned processes.
Several countries raised concerns over diverting resources to an external mechanism for Sri Lanka, warning that such parallel processes risk becoming polarising. They argued that imposing country-specific measures undermines the Human Rights Council’s founding principles of universality, impartiality and non-selectivity.
In their statements, the supporting nations further expressed concern about double standards, politicisation and the instrumentalisation of human rights to interfere in domestic affairs. They called for constructive dialogue and genuine cooperation within the Council to ensure effective protection and promotion of human rights.