September 08, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has firmly opposed any external initiatives to investigate alleged human rights violations linked to the country’s long-standing conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), reaffirming its stance in favour of a home-grown approach to justice and reconciliation.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, addressing the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva today (08), stated that the current administration would not accept foreign-led inquiries or mechanisms. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Sri Lankan government, he underlined the country’s sovereignty and its commitment to pursuing accountability through domestic channels only.

Minister Herath was responding to a report tabled earlier in the day by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, which scrutinised Sri Lanka’s progress on human rights issues. The report renewed calls for an international judicial process and urged the establishment of an independent body to examine alleged war-time atrocities and violations of international humanitarian law.

In his address, Minister Herath called on the international community to recognise the steps already taken by the present administration, led by the National People’s Power (NPP), to foster peace, inclusivity, and long-term national development. He also appealed to the Human Rights Council to grant Sri Lanka more time to deliver on its pledges, particularly those concerning accountability and institutional reform.

Since taking office, the NPP-led government has introduced measures aimed at promoting reconciliation and safeguarding civil liberties, according to the Minister. However, he emphasised that the path to meaningful reform must be navigated on Sri Lanka’s own terms, free from external imposition.

The High Commissioner’s report, however, took a critical view of the progress made so far. It noted that repeated assurances from successive Sri Lankan governments regarding justice and the rule of law have yet to translate into substantive outcomes. The report urged the current administration to demonstrate genuine political will and deliver tangible results.

Among its key recommendations, the UN report called for a special independent judicial mechanism, constitutional reforms, and the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). It also advocated for the release of individuals detained under the PTA, the return of military-occupied land in the northern and eastern provinces, and comprehensive security sector reform.

The report is the culmination of the High Commissioner’s recent visit to Sri Lanka, during which he held discussions with government officials, civil society representatives, religious leaders, and members of political parties. His findings highlight ongoing concerns about structural barriers to justice, as well as the need for broader legal and institutional changes.

The Human Rights Council session in Geneva, which began today, is expected to continue until October 08, during which time Sri Lanka’s human rights record will remain under close international scrutiny.

September 08, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have confirmed that the devastating bus accident which took place last week along the Ella–Wellawaya main road was caused by driver negligence.

The crash, which occurred on September 04 near the 24th milepost, has claimed the lives of 15 individuals and left 17 others injured.

According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Traffic, Indika Hapugoda, the vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a ravine after the driver lost control on a winding stretch of the mountainous route.

The bus was carrying a group of municipal workers from Tangalle and their family members, who were returning home after a recreational outing.

Speaking at a briefing, DIG Hapugoda confirmed that early investigations point to recklessness behind the wheel as the primary cause of the crash. The bus was reportedly driven by a 25-year-old man, who, based on preliminary evidence, failed to properly navigate the road, leading to the fatal descent into the precipice.

In response to the incident, a dedicated investigation team has been formed under the supervision of senior police officials from the Badulla and Bandarawela divisions. Motor traffic inspectors have already conducted a detailed assessment of the accident site, and further inquiries are currently underway to determine whether additional factors—such as mechanical failure or overloading—may have contributed to the tragedy.

The crash has reignited concerns about road safety in the country, particularly in hilly regions where steep inclines and sharp turns demand experienced and cautious driving. The Ella–Wellawaya route, known for its scenic views, has also been the site of several past accidents, prompting renewed calls for stricter regulation of long-distance passenger transport.

DIG Hapugoda also took the opportunity to highlight the broader picture of road safety in Sri Lanka. Between January 01 and September 04 this year, a staggering 1,757 fatal road accidents have been recorded nationwide, resulting in the loss of 1,870 lives.

September 08, Colombo (LNW): A new scholarship initiative aimed at securing the education of children whose parents have suffered misfortune while employed overseas is set to be launched under the auspices of the President’s Fund in Sri Lanka.

The programme is designed to support children whose parents, while working abroad, have either passed away, sustained permanent disabilities, or remain unaccounted for due to adverse circumstances.

The initiative, guided by the principle of ensuring inclusive access to education for all, will be a collaborative effort involving the President’s Fund, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Employment and Tourism, and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

The programme was outlined during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, where key officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, convened to discuss ways to broaden the Fund’s reach and effectiveness.

Officials stressed that the goal is to remove educational barriers for children impacted by the loss or incapacitation of a parent working abroad—a demographic often overlooked in conventional support structures. With many Sri Lankan families relying heavily on income from foreign employment, unexpected tragedies can leave children vulnerable and at risk of dropping out of school.

Eligibility for the scholarships will be determined solely by the nationality of the affected individual, who must be a Sri Lankan citizen. The financial assistance is expected to cover school-related expenses, helping to maintain stability in the lives of these children during difficult times.

A formal framework outlining the application process and selection criteria is expected to be released shortly, ensuring transparency and consistency in how the aid is distributed.

September 08, Colombo (LNW): Former MP Nimal Lanza has been released on bail following a recent arrest linked to a violent incident that reportedly took place nearly two decades ago.

The decision was handed down by the Negombo High Court, allowing the former lawmaker to remain at liberty while legal proceedings continue.

Lanza was taken into custody on August 29 after he voluntarily appeared before Kochchikade Police. His arrest came in connection with charges stemming from an incident said to have occurred during a protest in 2006.

The Attorney General’s Department has formally filed charges against Lanza, marking a significant development in a case that had remained dormant in the public eye for years. The renewed legal action appears to have been prompted by fresh scrutiny into unresolved complaints related to politically charged events from the mid-2000s.

Following his surrender to the authorities, the former parliamentarian was remanded in custody and held under judicial order until September 12. However, the High Court has now decided to grant bail.

September 08, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Nidahas Sewaka Sangamaya, representing employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), has raised concerns over the lack of response from authorities regarding their ongoing industrial action. Workers have been engaged in a work-to-rule campaign in protest against a contentious government plan to restructure the state-run power utility.

The union initiated the action in response to proposals aimed at splitting the CEB into four independent entities, a move that employees fear could lead to privatisation, job insecurity, and reduced accountability within the sector.

The restructuring plan has sparked considerable unease among workers, who argue that it threatens both the stability of their employment and the reliability of national power services.

Union officials say that, despite several days of limited service operations under the work-to-rule strategy, the government has yet to enter into any meaningful dialogue with CEB staff or their representatives. According to the union, the current phase of industrial action is set to continue until 15 September.

Speaking on behalf of the union, General Secretary Prabath Priyantha noted that the workers are willing to intensify their campaign if authorities fail to engage constructively. He warned that a full-scale strike remains on the table, should the government continue to ignore the concerns of CEB employees.