July 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has joined a broad coalition of countries spanning multiple regions in voicing serious concern over punitive measures taken against Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur tasked with monitoring human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a letter addressed to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, the group collectively criticised what they described as unilateral sanctions and coordinated smear campaigns—particularly via social media—targeting Albanese and other independent experts operating under the UN’s Special Procedures framework.

The letter, co-signed by a diverse alliance including Brazil, China, South Africa, Spain, Namibia, Iceland, and Sri Lanka, as well as several members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), denounced what it called “unjust and discrediting attacks” aimed at silencing those who bring attention to violations of international law.

The signatories expressed deep alarm over what they characterised as a broader trend of politically motivated intimidation directed at UN-mandated experts. These actions, they warned, pose a serious threat to the integrity and effectiveness of the global human rights system.

Referring to previous statements issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the letter underscored concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of online abuse directed at independent UN officials and human rights bodies. The co-signatories firmly rejected such tactics, asserting that they erode public trust in UN institutions and impede efforts to hold violators accountable.

The statement further highlighted the need to uphold the independence and impartiality of UN mandate holders, warning that punitive responses to their work risk undermining the very credibility of the Human Rights Council itself.

In support of their position, the signatories invoked the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which grants protections to officials acting in their UN capacities. They also urged member states to engage in good faith with the Special Procedures system, as stipulated by General Assembly resolution 60/251.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): In an effort to enhance public accessibility and streamline communication, a new telephone line has been introduced for citizens seeking information or assistance from the President’s Fund.

The announcement was made by the Department of Government Information earlier this week.

The newly established contact number, 011-4354250, is now operational and is intended to serve as a direct point of communication for those wishing to inquire about the Fund’s services, application procedures, or eligibility criteria.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has firmly refuted claims that core subjects such as History and Aesthetics have been removed from the national curriculum, calling for an end to the deliberate spread of misinformation and the politicisation of children’s education.

Speaking at a special awareness programme held at the Western Provincial Council Auditorium today (17), Dr Amarasuriya addressed education officials from across the Western Province. The event aimed to clarify key aspects of the newly introduced educational reforms and to dispel widely circulated misconceptions.

The Prime Minister, who also oversees the portfolios of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training, stated that the reforms were not only misunderstood but in some cases deliberately misrepresented for political purposes.

She stressed that rather than eliminating essential subjects, the reforms have placed greater emphasis on a holistic education model in which History, Aesthetics, and Vocational Studies are compulsory components.

“These reforms are the outcome of careful consultation with educationists and specialists in the field,” she said. “Our goal is to cultivate students who are not just academically equipped but are also grounded in values, culture, and creativity. History and Aesthetics play a central role in that vision.”

Dr Amarasuriya criticised certain factions for manipulating the reforms to provoke public outrage. “We have seen some parties intentionally misleading the public for political leverage. While political discourse is a part of any democracy, dragging the education of children into political battles is not just irresponsible—it’s unethical,” she said.

She went on to highlight the structured approach taken in developing the reforms, which aim to create a more adaptable and forward-thinking student body. The new curriculum encourages interdisciplinary learning and the development of practical and emotional intelligence, alongside traditional academic achievement.

In urging public cooperation, the Prime Minister called on educators, administrators, and citizens alike to engage with the reforms in good faith and to actively communicate the facts. “If you understand the new education framework, take the responsibility to share the truth. Counter the rumours with facts—this is about the future of our children,” she added.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and several members of his immediate family are at the centre of a significant legal case involving allegations of amassing wealth through unlawful means.

The High Court in Colombo has formally charged the former Health Minister, along with his spouse, three daughters, and a son-in-law, with illicit acquisition of assets totalling tens of millions of rupees.

The indictments, laid out across 43 separate counts, were presented by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) before High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne. The charges pertain to serious violations linked to Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption and money laundering laws.

Following the hearing, each of the accused was granted bail, consisting of a cash component of Rs. 50,000 and two sureties valued at Rs. 1 million apiece. In addition, the Court issued a strict overseas travel prohibition on all six individuals and ordered them to surrender their passports immediately to the judicial authorities.

The allegations centre on claims that Rambukwella and his family members illicitly acquired assets valued at more than Rs. 97 million. This figure, officials suggest, reflects a pattern of financial misconduct and possible misuse of public office, extending beyond the minister’s tenure in health-related portfolios.