By: Staff Writer

March 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s foreign relations have faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly concerning human rights issues and international scrutiny. The country’s engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva has been a focal point of its diplomatic struggles, as various nations and international bodies have raised concerns about past conflicts, accountability, and reconciliation efforts.

A primary issue in Sri Lanka’s foreign relations is the continued pressure from Western nations and human rights organizations regarding alleged war crimes and human rights violations during the final stages of the civil war in 2009. The UNHRC has passed several resolutions calling for accountability, justice for victims, and implementation of reconciliation measures. While successive Sri Lankan governments have engaged with the UNHRC, their responses have varied, ranging from cooperation to outright rejection of international involvement.

In Geneva, Sri Lanka has often found itself defending its sovereignty against allegations of insufficient progress in addressing wartime atrocities. The government has emphasized its commitment to a domestic mechanism for reconciliation, arguing that international intervention undermines national sovereignty. However, critics argue that the lack of tangible progress and delays in justice mechanisms have led to continued scrutiny and diplomatic strain.

The government has sought support from key allies, including China, Russia, and several South Asian nations, to counterbalance pressure from Western nations. These allies have often defended Sri Lanka’s stance in the UNHRC, advocating for a non-intrusive approach that allows the country to handle its internal matters independently. However, this geopolitical balancing act has also affected Sri Lanka’s economic and trade relations, as Western nations have linked human rights concerns with trade agreements and foreign aid.

Economic challenges have further complicated Sri Lanka’s diplomatic engagements. The country has been reliant on international financial assistance, and strained relations with Western financial institutions could impact much-needed economic recovery efforts. The European Union, for example, has reviewed its trade preferences for Sri Lanka based on human rights concerns, adding another layer of complexity to foreign relations.

Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka has also made attempts to improve its international standing. The government has periodically engaged in dialogue with the UN and international partners to demonstrate willingness to address human rights concerns. Domestic efforts, such as setting up truth and reconciliation mechanisms, have been proposed, though implementation has been slow and met with skepticism.

As Sri Lanka continues to navigate its diplomatic landscape, its participation in the Geneva UN Human Rights Conference remains a crucial aspect of its foreign policy. The outcome of these engagements will influence not only its global reputation but also its economic prospects and regional alliances. Moving forward, balancing national interests with international expectations will be key to stabilizing Sri Lanka’s foreign relations.

March 30, Colombo (LNW): Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Colombo and Gampaha districts, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in a warning statement today (30).

The public is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, and wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.

March 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has taken a significant step in the fisheries sector with the dispatch of its first-ever export consignment of locally manufactured canned fish.

The landmark event took place at the Ocean Food factory premises in Madurankuliya, where the inaugural shipment was officially flagged off.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources, and Ocean Resources Development, Ratna Gamage, who hailed the achievement as a milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to expand its seafood exports.

This initial batch is destined for the United Arab Emirates, marking the country’s entry into the global canned fish market.

According to the Government Information Department, this export initiative reflects the growing capacity of Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry to meet international standards.

Officials expressed optimism that this breakthrough would pave the way for further exports to other international markets, bolstering the nation’s economy and creating new opportunities for local producers.

March 30, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has announced that the marking of answer scripts for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O/L) examination will commence on April 01.

This extensive process is set to take place across 1,066 designated evaluation centres and will involve the participation of approximately 16,000 teachers.

The first phase of the assessment will run from April 01 to 10, ensuring a systematic and efficient grading process.

The O/L examinations for this year were conducted from March 17 to 27, with thousands of students sitting for the crucial assessments.

In a related development, the Department of Examinations has confirmed that the results of the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination will be published before April 20.

March 30, Colombo (LNW): The government has taken steps to expand its elderly allowance scheme, increasing the number of recipients to one million eligible individuals.

This move aims to provide greater financial support to senior citizens facing economic hardship.

Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, Wasantha Piyatissa, confirmed that discussions are already underway to implement the expansion.

The decision is expected to address growing concerns about the financial struggles of the elderly population, particularly in the face of rising living costs.

March 30, Colombo (LNW): The Israeli Embassy has issued an urgent warning about an elaborate scam targeting individuals working in Israel on refugee visas, with fraudsters falsely promising legal visa conversions in exchange for money.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, has stressed that such transactions cannot take place without the official involvement of the Israeli Embassy.

He urged workers to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

According to reports, the scammers have been demanding payments as high as Rs. 1.5 million from certain individuals, with some victims already having paid significant sums as advance payments.

The operation appears to be preying on the vulnerabilities of those seeking legal residency, exploiting their aspirations for financial gain.

The Embassy has strongly advised the public against making any payments to unauthorised individuals or groups claiming to facilitate visa conversions.

Authorities have also encouraged victims or those aware of such fraudulent activities to report them immediately, warning that legal action will be taken against those responsible for the deception.

March 30, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has disclosed that it has received a total of 180 complaints related to the forthcoming Local Government election, highlighting concerns over electoral conduct and adherence to regulations.

According to an official statement, these complaints were lodged between 20 and 28 March, with the majority concerning breaches of election laws.

Of the reported cases, 179 involve violations of electoral regulations, while one incident has been classified as an act of violence.

The Commission further noted that efforts have been made to swiftly address these grievances, with 133 complaints already resolved.

Meanwhile, authorities are actively working on the remaining 47 cases to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

The Commission has urged all political parties, candidates, and the public to adhere strictly to electoral laws and report any further irregularities.

March 30, Colombo (LNW): A man arrested on suspicion of assisting suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon in evading authorities has been granted bail by the court.

The suspect was released on a surety bond of Rs. 1 million following legal proceedings earlier yesterday (29).

Meanwhile, a police constable, who was also taken into custody for allegedly aiding Tennakoon’s concealment, is set to be produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court.

Investigators are continuing their inquiries into the network that facilitated the former police chief’s disappearance.

Tennakoon had been on the run for nearly 20 days after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with a shooting incident near the W15 Hotel in Weligama’s Pelena area on December 31, 2023.

He ultimately surrendered to the court on March 19 and was subsequently remanded in custody until April 03. He is currently being held at Dumbara Prison in Kandy.

The case has drawn widespread public and legal scrutiny, as Tennakoon is among eight police officers for whom the Matara Magistrate’s Court had previously issued arrest warrants.

The group, including former officers of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), is facing allegations linked to the violent incident in Weligama.