By: Isuru Parakrama

December 11, Colombo (LNW): The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that the Cabinet of Ministers has instructed the legal draftsman to amend the Local Government Elections (Special Provisions) Bill to facilitate the holding of the upcoming Local Government elections using the 2024 voters’ list.

The proposed amendments are aimed at ensuring that the young voters, who will be included in the updated register, are able to exercise their right to vote.

Deputy Solicitor General Nirmalan Vigneswaran made this statement on behalf of the Attorney General during the hearing of a Fundamental Rights petition, which sought a court order mandating the use of the 2024 voters’ list for the Local Government elections.

The petition was presented before a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, and Justices Arjuna Obeysekara and Priyantha Fernando.

The Deputy Solicitor General further informed the court that the Cabinet has also instructed amendments to allow the invalidation of previously submitted nominations for the elections, as well as the reopening of the nomination process to ensure fresh candidates are put forward.

During the proceedings, President’s Counsel Ali Sabry, representing the petitioners, requested the court to order the publication of advertisements in all three languages in newspapers, so that the general public could be informed and given an opportunity to intervene in this important case.

The Supreme Court bench granted the request and also instructed the petitioning party to issue notices to the respondents, including the Chairman of the Election Commission, to appear before the court.

The case was adjourned, with the Supreme Court scheduling the next hearing for 29th January 2025.

December 11, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities in Sri Lanka are investigating a sudden outbreak of an unidentified fever in the Jaffna District, raising alarm across the region.

The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health has launched an inquiry to identify the disease and assess its potential links to leptospirosis, commonly known as ‘rat fever’.

Preliminary tests are currently underway to determine the cause of the illness, which has affected several individuals.

Dr. Kumudu Weerakoon, a senior official from the Epidemiology Unit, addressed the growing concern at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau on 11th December.

She reported that many patients in the affected areas have been displaying symptoms such as high fever and respiratory distress.

Health authorities are actively collecting samples from these patients in order to confirm the specific nature of the disease.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through water contaminated by animal urine, remains a major health concern in Sri Lanka.

The country recorded over 9,000 cases of the disease in 2023, leading to nearly 200 fatalities.

Dr. Weerakoon highlighted that the number of leptospirosis cases this year has already surpassed the figures from the same period last year, raising further alarm among public health officials.

The disease primarily affects individuals who work in environments involving exposure to water and mud, such as farmers, miners, and those living in flood-prone areas.

With recent heavy rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Fengal, which has led to the displacement of thousands in Jaffna, the risk of leptospirosis transmission has increased significantly.

Additionally, the iconic Nallur Temple and the A9 main road to Jaffna were both severely impacted by the floods, further complicating the situation.

Dr. Weerakoon outlined the typical symptoms of leptospirosis, which include a high fever, muscle pain, red eyes, vomiting, headaches, body aches, blood in the urine, and reduced urination.

If left untreated, the infection can cause severe damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and brain, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal.

The Ministry of Health is prioritising early detection and treatment to prevent further complications and protect lives. Dr. Weerakoon urged individuals, particularly those engaged in water-related occupations, to seek immediate medical care if they exhibit any symptoms.

The Ministry is also providing free antibiotics to individuals at high risk, such as those in flood-affected regions or involved in occupations like paddy farming and mining.

These antibiotics can be obtained from Public Health Inspectors through the relevant Medical Officer of Health offices.

December 11, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Government has announced an extension of the suspension of the Parate Execution Law, which prevents banks from auctioning collateral for defaulted loans, until March 31, 2025.

The law, which was initially suspended by the previous administration, was due to expire on December 15, 2024.

However, in response to appeals from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Government has decided to extend this relief.

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Cabinet Spokesman, confirmed that the Cabinet of Ministers had approved the extension, following a proposal put forward by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Finance Minister.

The decision is part of ongoing efforts to support businesses affected by the challenging economic environment, particularly those in the SME sector.

Minister Jayatissa highlighted that the Government recognises the vital role that SMEs play in the national economy and is committed to finding sustainable solutions to help these entrepreneurs meet their financial obligations.

The Cabinet’s approval also includes the establishment of a mechanism aimed at facilitating dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, to ensure that a fair and viable approach is adopted.

The Government is exploring the development of an action plan that will enable SME entrepreneurs to repay their loans without the fear of having their assets seized.

This plan is intended to provide a more progressive and mutually beneficial solution, allowing businesses to recover and continue contributing to the economy, while also ensuring that financial institutions are able to recoup their dues.

December 11, Colombo (LNW): The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has submitted over 60 requests for sanctions and visa bans against Sri Lankan public and security officials, alleging their involvement in human rights violations and economic crimes.

These submissions have been made to governments including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and various European Union states, as well as to the United Nations.

The ITJP’s submissions focus on a wide range of abuses, detailing egregious human rights violations by Sri Lankan military, police, intelligence officials, and civil servants, as well as corruption within the country’s governance structures.

These violations, many of which occurred during and after the country’s civil conflict, include extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture, and sexual violence.

Some of these actions are alleged to constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, with a particular emphasis on attacks against civilians.

The ITJP also highlights systemic corruption within Sri Lanka’s public institutions, pointing to mismanagement and the misuse of public funds.

These actions, they argue, have had a significant impact on the country’s economy, contributing to its current financial crisis.

Moreover, the interference with judicial processes has hindered efforts to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable, further entrenching impunity.

Among the high-profile individuals targeted in the ITJP’s filings are prominent Sri Lankan military officials, including Generals Shavendra Silva and Jagath Jayasuriya.

Silva, in particular, was publicly sanctioned by the United States in 2020 under the 7031(c) provision of the Appropriations Act due to his role in human rights abuses.

Both he and Jayasuriya have been linked to war crimes during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s civil war, with ITJP dossiers sent to multiple governments to support their cases.

The ITJP has also pursued legal action in several jurisdictions. In 2017, they filed universal jurisdiction cases for war crimes in Brazil and Chile, targeting Jayasuriya’s involvement in the notorious Joseph Camp military base.

This was followed by further complaints in Australia and the United States, including a Torture Victim Protection Act case against Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019. A criminal complaint was also filed in Singapore in 2022.

The organisation is continuing its work, with investigations into additional universal jurisdiction cases and new legal action planned.

Notably, two cases related to a Tamil paramilitary group, which was aligned with the Sri Lankan military, have led to arrests in the UK and an ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Yasmin Sooka, Executive Director of the ITJP, stressed the importance of continued documentation of these violations and the pursuit of justice.

“In the absence of criminal accountability, it is crucial to continue asserting the truth and ensuring that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable,” she said.

She added that she hopes the new UK government will take action by imposing sanctions on Sri Lankan officials in recognition of their alleged roles in war crimes, marking Human Rights Day (Dec 10) as an opportunity for further accountability.

December 11, Colombo (LNW): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced that legal action has been taken against 50 retail outlets for selling rice at prices above the government-mandated controlled rate.

Asela Bandara, Director of the CAA, confirmed that the operation was part of an ongoing effort to tackle price manipulation and hoarding of essential goods.

He further revealed that inspections would be ramped up starting today to apprehend those involved in overpricing and stockpiling rice.

The raids were conducted under the provisions of the recent Gazette Extraordinary notifications, signed by the Chairman of the CAA, which set out strict regulations on the sale of rice in the country.

Bandara emphasised that the operations were not only aimed at enforcing the price ceiling but also ensuring that shopkeepers comply with new rules that require them to display the correct prices of rice in clear view for consumers.

As part of the crackdown, any shop found to be in violation of the controlled pricing regulations will face severe penalties. Bandara warned that a fine of Rs. 100,000 would be imposed on those caught selling rice above the designated price, sending a clear message to traders that price gouging will not be tolerated.

By: Isuru Parakrama

December 11, Colombo (LNW): More than 100,000 farmers have lodged complaints regarding extensive crop damage caused by the recent floods that have ravaged large parts of Sri Lanka, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board disclosed.

Over 200,000 acres of farmland have been affected by the severe weather, leaving many farmers struggling with substantial losses, according to Board Chairman Pemasiri Jasingharachchi.

In response to the crisis, Jasingharachchi confirmed that damage assessments would begin today (11), with teams deployed to evaluate the extent of the destruction across the affected areas.

These assessments are crucial for determining the compensation to be provided to farmers who have suffered as a result of the floods.

Farmers have been urged to submit their claims within a week from the date they receive their application forms, ensuring that the process runs smoothly and efficiently.

The deadline is designed to facilitate a swift and organised response, helping to address the urgent needs of those whose livelihoods have been jeopardised.

The government has allocated a total of Rs. 1 billion in compensation funds to support the affected farmers. This financial assistance is part of a broader effort to provide relief to those impacted by the extreme weather, which has been blamed for the widespread destruction of crops and agricultural infrastructure.

The floods have disrupted farming activities, particularly in areas that rely on seasonal crops, leaving many without a source of income.

Experts warn that the damage may have long-term consequences for food production in the country, with many farmers facing a prolonged period of recovery.