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Pakistan: RSF and Freedom Network launch programme to support Afghan journalists in exile

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Pakistan: RSF and Freedom Network launch programme to support Afghan journalists in exile

Freedom Network, a partner of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in Pakistan, has launched the “Advocacy Hub for Afghan Journalists” initiative to support Afghan journalists in exile in that country.

“The “Advocacy Hub for Afghan journalists” project aims to support Afghan journalists who had to flee to Pakistan to save their lives after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in 2021. They have had to put an abrupt end to their journalistic careers and are now faced with a very difficult daily life. It is essential to support them and find lasting solutions to give them new prospects, particularly in their professional lives. We would like to thank RSF and the EU-funded ProtectDefenders mechanism for providing the resources and technical support needed to undertake this project.”

Iqbal Khattak, Executive Director of Freedom Network.
RSF representative in Pakistan

 
Freedom Network, RSF’s partner in Pakistan, launched on 6 December in the capital Islamabad a pilot initiative lasting several months, entitled “Advocacy Hub for Afghan Journalists”, which will benefit nearly 100 Afghan journalists in exile. Led by Iqbal Khattak, Executive Director of Freedom Network, the project is supported by RSF through the ProtectDefenders programme funded by the European Union. The programme includes lobbying Pakistani policy and decision-makers to ensure the safety of journalists in exile and to enable them to work in their host country, capacity-building workshops for Pakistani media and colleagues, and legal assistance.

Some sixty Afghan journalists in exile participated in the project presentation meeting, attended by an RSF team, at the National Press Club in Islamabad on 6 December. Several professional organisations also took part in this founding event: the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), the Women Journalists Association of Pakistan (WJAP), civil society activists and Pakistani journalists also took part in the launch.

“We live in a climate of tension and anxiety,” said Freshta Azizi, a former journalist with the Afghan state broadcaster RTA TV. “We need help to live without this anxiety, which has a very negative impact on the health of each and every one of us.” She and her colleagues shared their administrative and financial difficulties. The media professionals also spoke of the slow registration process with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The agency’s spokesman, who was present at the meeting, was able to clarify the mechanics of the process.

Around 200 Afghan journalists are currently refugees in Pakistan. Faced with an uncertain future and administrative problems, they have to deal with a lack of resources and police harassment in Pakistan. Since 1 November, they have also been threatened with deportation by the Pakistani authorities, although the statement by interim Prime Minister Anwar Kakar on 17 December suggests that the high risks run by journalists if they are sent back to Afghanistan will be taken into account. 

Today’s (Dec 24) weather: Showery condition to continue

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Today’s (Dec 24) weather: Showery condition to continue

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and Eastern provinces and a few showers will occur in North-central province, with showers or thundershowers being expected at a few places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kalutara and Galle districts after 2.00 p.m, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (24).

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times in eastern slopes of the central hills, the statement added.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

The 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 or thundershowers will occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (40-50) kmph in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar can be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

People’s Economic Forum 2023 concluded with a promise for a better tomorrow

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People’s Economic Forum 2023 concluded with a promise for a better tomorrow

The annual conference, PEOPLE’S ECONOMIC FORUM, organized by SANASA International (PVT) Ltd, unfolded successfully on November 23rd at the SANASA Campus in Kegalle. The event drew a notable assembly, comprising representatives from the public, private, and the cooperative sector. The theme of this year was “Building resilience towards sustainable growth”.

Dr. P A Kiriwandeniya, the founder of the Sanasa Movement, delivered the inaugural address on the title “What the risks as a community? What is sustainable growth? And What can communities do to ensure they are moving towards a sustainable future?”. Elaborating on the practical experiences he had gathered over a 5 decade long journey with people, having notable achievements resulting from the active participation of individuals, he delivered a very strong message that the people should be proactive and take leadership to build the tomorrow they aspire. Professor Ven. Vijithapura Wimalarathna Thero, the Vice Chancellor of SANASA Higher Education Institute highlighted the importance of cooperative enterprises when carving our path for sustainable growth. He stated that in a capitalist reading, the society consists of rational individuals who strive to get maximum happiness for him/herself. The focus is on individuals. For marxists it’s the class, not an individual. For cooperatives the unit of analysis is the collective. Also in a market economy there are state enterprises, private enterprises and cooperative enterprises. Over the years Sri Lanka has witnessed the state acquiring all the profitable private and cooperative enterprises and making them loss making enterprises. He said state should delink themselves from profit making and enable the private and cooperative sector to do that. The state should create an enabling environment for these sectors to do their business while ensuring that those who get left behind are taken care of.

Professor M T M Mahees, from Colombo University, shared his thoughts on “ What kind of a society can ensure that we move forward sustainably as a community, what are the risks, what can we do to minimize that?. He emphasized the importance of analyzing and fostering the social patterns that bind a society. For a society to progress it is important to respect ecological democracy and experiential learning as opposed to pure class room or theoretical learning. Professor M T M Mahees stressed on the importance of having a collective social consciousness for the nation, where the uncertainties and aspirations of youth, women, small income holders are equally understood and empathized with. He concluded that women should get involved in governance more and women should be recognized and provided with support as it will strengthen the society at large.

Speaking on “Nature and resilience, what is at risk? What should be our path for Growth?” Mr. Mahendra Jagath, Deputy Director – Disaster Management Centre appreciated the space created by SANASA to have a cross sectoral dialogue on resilience. Discussing on the numerous challenges faced by the country he said that Sri Lanka is prone to disaster and with the fragile economy and able human resource migrating and indigenous coping knowledge is depleting while new technologies are also not adopted well we as a nation are positioned in a very vulnerable situation . He proposed that we adopt nature based solutions and humanitarian development approach if we plan for a long term sustainable growth.

Speaking on the Role of the State to build more inclusive resilient and sustainable nation Mr. Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi (Convener – March 12 Movement) asked the audience to think if we have a state? Weather we we differentiate state and governance? He stated that people often see state through the government. People have been changing government again and again but these governments have not been able to create a state that has a economic policy for the country. That is why we have to organize this kind of forums and talk about a peoples economy. Every succeeding government has failed to bring stability to economy. That is because neither the peoples representatives who are elected to the parliament, nor people understand the role of the state and the legislature. So if we want to build an economy and a country that is sustainable, both the political leadership and citizens who elect them need to understand the role of the government in building a resilient state. Mr hettiarachhci stated that there is a great responsibility by the people to ensure that we send to the parliament capable people who represent public interest and to make policies and laws and take decisions on the public funds.

The 2023 conference was attended by a significant number of young scholars who are studying rural development, poverty alleviation and regional planning and the event generated a discussion on future actions and way forward. In concluding the event, Dr. P.A.Kiriwandeniya invited participants to be more involved, and engaged to disseminate the ideas deliberated. The future of the nation is in the hands of its people and we must ensure that we engage to build it, without letting the nation delivered to us by the politicians and the market.

All in all the 3rd PEOPLES ECONOMIC FORUM 2023 ended with a hope for more positive tomorrow.

Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sport assures to promote Buddhist Tourism and two-way Tourism exchanges

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Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sport assures to promote Buddhist Tourism and two-way Tourism exchanges

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP C.A. Chaminda I. Colonne paid a courtesy call on Minister of Tourism and Sport, Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of Thailand on 19th December 2023.

Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol warmly welcomed Ambassador Chaminda Colonne, and Ambassador congratulated the newly appointed Minister.

Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol assured her fullest support and cooperation for strengthening Thai-Sri Lanka relations in the field of Tourism, especially to enhance Buddhist Religious Tourism, and two-way Tourism exchanges.

Ambassador also requested Ministry of Tourism and Sport of Thailand to encourage Thai investors to invest in the hospitality and tourism sectors in Sri Lanka.

Ambassador further highlighted that the Government of Sri Lanka has recently waived off the visa fee for Thai Nationalities in order to promote Sri Lanka as a destination for Thai tourists.

The invitation extended by the Ambassador Chaminda Colonne to Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol to visit Sri Lanka at a convenient time in the near future, was warmly accepted.

Head of Chancery, A.W.S. Samanmali and the First Secretary (Commercial), Vireshika Bandara accompanied the Ambassador for the discussion.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
22 December 2023

SL High Commissioner-designate Presents Credentials to the President of Pakistan

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SL High Commissioner-designate Presents Credentials to the President of Pakistan

The newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne (Rtd.) presented credentials to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi at a formal ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr (Presidency) in Islamabad on Tuesday, 19 December 2023.

The credential ceremony included a guard of honour followed by the presentation of credentials and a cordial discussion with the President of Pakistan. High Commissioner Wijegunaratne conveyed warm greeting from the President of Sri Lanka and highlighted the strong relationship between the two nations in the areas of trade, culture, defence and people to people.

The President of Pakistan extended his best wishes to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the people of Sri Lanka and wished that Sri Lanka will overcome economic challenges soon.  He thanked the Sri Lanka government for providing more than 35,000 Eye corneas to Pakistani people. Further, the President of Pakistan underlined the need for enhancing and strengthening cultural linkages between the two countries, besides exchanging visits at the political and cultural levels.  The President acknowledged that Sri Lanka was the first country that entered into a Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan and highlighted the need for increasing the volume of bilateral trade for the mutual benefit of two countries. The High Commissioner extended his gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the support extended to the Government of Sri Lanka at various levels.

The High Commissioner, Admiral Ravindra began his career in the Sri Lanka Navy in the year 1980 and was promoted to the rank of Admiral/ Chief of Defense Staff (Tri-Forces Commander).  He has 40 years active service in Sri Lanka Armed Forces.  He completed his BSc (Hon) (War Studies) in Karachi University and MPhil (Defense and Strategic Studies), Madras University.  He has also specialized in Anti-Submarine Warfare and served as the First Secretary/Defense Adviser of the Sri Lanka High Commission, New Delhi from 2001-2005.  Before appointing as the High Commissioner, he served as the Managing Director of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Chairman of Trinco Petroleum Terminals (Pvt) Ltd.  The High Commissioner is a past student of Royal College, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka.

During his tenure in the Forces, he was awarded several medals from Sri Lanka and Nishan-e-Imtiyaz Medal from Pakistan.

The High Commissioner was accompanied to the credentials ceremony by his family, Minister of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pakistan Christy Ruban and Minister Counsellor (Defence) Brigadier Kaminda Silva.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Islamabad.

21 December 2023

RSF urges for the release of Zarig.mn news site chief editor

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RSF urges for the release of Zarig.mn news site chief editor

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on Mongolian authorities to release journalist Unurtsetseg Naran. Kept in pre-trial detention since early December, she has been charged with spreading false information after she posted comments critical of the judiciary on social media. Her news outlet, Zarig.mn, has also been blocked for two days.

Unurtsetseg Naran, journalist and editor-in-chief of news website Zarig.mn, was arrested on 4 December and sent into pre-trial detention for a month in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, after she failed to appear before law enforcement authorities to testify in case filed against her, in relation to her critical comments on the judiciary system.

A few weeks earlier, on 13 October, the General Judiciary Council, which role is to maintain the independence of Mongolian judiciary, had requested the opening of an investigation against her, after she posted comments on social media criticising the activities of the courts and a prosecutor. The Council charged her with “spreading false information” under the Criminal Code. On 19 December, the Songinokhairkhan district criminal court for the fourth time upheld the decision to keep journalist Unurtsetseg Naran in pre-trial detention for a month while she is being investigated.

“This case comes as a surprise, as Mongolia has demonstrated clear efforts to commit to the principles of freedom and media pluralism in the past three decades. Depriving a reporter from her freedom, on the pretext of fighting against disinformation, simply because she criticised the judicial system on her social media channels, is clearly abusive. We urge authorities to end proceedings against Unurtsetseg Naran and call for her immediate release.”

Cédric Alviani
RSF Asia-Pacific Bureau Director

Two days before Naran Unurtsetseg’s arrest, Zarig.mn’s website had been blocked by the Mongolia’s Communications Regulatory Commission as per Prosecutor’s permission and Police’s decision. The media’s online platform was then added to the illegal domains. Access to the news site was restored after two days, following protests from the journalistic community.

In the past, Naran Unurtstetseg exposed corruption and money-laundering practices of high-ranking Mongolian officials. She notably exposed fraud to the Development Bank in 2022 and diversion of the State Educational Loan Funds in May 2023. Unurtsetseg in the past four years faced 16 defamation charges initiated by politicians mentioned in her reporting. While she won most of the cases, Unurtsetseg still faces a fine of around 750 euros, which equates to two months’ salary for the majority of journalists in the country.

Mongolia, moved up two places in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index and currently ranks 88th out of 180 countries. A liberal democracy since the early 1990s, Mongolia has shown steady interest in promoting the right to information, as well as media pluralism and independence.

In March 2023, RSF commended the presidential veto – backed by the State Great Khural (the Mongolian Parliament) – of a bill on social media posing a potential threat to journalism and the public’s right to information.

REPORTERS SANS FRONTIÈRES / REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS (RSF)

Celebrating Life! Hameedia marks 75 years of fashion heritage

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Celebrating Life! Hameedia marks 75 years of fashion heritage

22nd December, 2023, Colombo:  Hameedia, Sri Lanka’s leading menswear brand synonymous with style and quality, marks its 75th anniversary with the unveiling of a special collection under the theme “Celebrating Life,” tailored for the festive season.

The seasonal collection encompasses a comprehensive array of menswear solutions designed to elevate the modern man’s fashion game. From ready-made to made-to-measure, bespoke, and total accessories, Hameedia offers a diverse selection. The product range spans formal, ceremonial, smart casual, casual, linen, suits, shirts, blazers, trousers, and an exclusive range of bespoke leather products, including shoes, belts, and accessories, perfectly complementing the clothing collection.

Hameedia’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its menswear solutions, ranging from suits for little boys as young as one year old to outfits for senior citizens in their twilight years. The brand has garnered significant recognition in the wedding market, where the groom and his entourage can adorn themselves in the most fashionable premium menswear available. Not limiting its offerings to menswear, Hameedia also presents a curated collection of women’s clothing items and girls’ wear.

Fouzul Hameed, Managing Director of Hameedia and Certified Menswear Image Consultant (USA), shared his thoughts on this momentous occasion, stating, “As we celebrate 75 years of Hameedia, we are not just marking a milestone; we are celebrating the essence of life and style. The ‘Celebrating Life’ collection is a tribute to the enduring legacy of our brand and the timeless moments our customers have shared with us.”

Crafted using the world’s most esteemed fabric brands such as Albini, Thomas Mason, Loro Piana, DORMEUIL, Ermenegildo Zegna, VBC, and Tessitura Monti, Hameedia’s creations boast over 300 types of fabrics from Italy, Europe, and Asian countries for suiting and shirting.

Customers can explore and shop the latest collection at all Hameedia showrooms, Envoy Mansion and online via www.hameedia.com, with convenient island-wide delivery. To add to the festive spirit, exciting seasonal offers on credit cards, debit cards and bundle offers are also available this celebratory season.

Established in 1949, Hameedia is Sri Lanka’s leading menswear brand, offering a wide range of menswear solutions and accessories. With a commitment to style, quality, and customer satisfaction, Hameedia has become a trendsetter in the Sri Lankan retail fashion industry. The brand’s collection includes renowned menswear brands such as Envoy London, Le Bond, Signature, Roseavelt, Van Heusen, Louis Philippe, Park Avenue, Raymond, and Adidas.

WHO reports 52% surge in global Covid-19 cases over past four weeks

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WHO reports 52% surge in global Covid-19 cases over past four weeks

Colombo (LNW): The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a 52 per cent increase in new COVID-19 cases over the past four weeks, with over 850,000 new cases recorded during this period.

Despite this surge, new deaths decreased by 8 per cent, with over 3,000 fatalities reported.

Globally, since the onset of COVID-19, there have been over 772 million confirmed cases and nearly seven million deaths as of December 17.

The WHO highlighted over 118,000 new COVID-19 hospitalisations and more than 1,600 new intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, marking a 23 per cent and 51 per cent increase, respectively, on a global scale.

As of December 18, 2023, the JN.1 sub-lineage of the BA.2.86 Omicron variant has been designated a separate variant of interest (VOI) due to its rapid increase in prevalence.

Despite its low global public health risk, the WHO suggests that JN.1 could contribute to the burden of respiratory infections, particularly with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

The WHO continues to monitor the evidence and risk associated with JN.1 and emphasises that current vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death from this variant.

Additionally, the WHO notes the circulation of other respiratory diseases such as influenza, RSV, and common childhood pneumonia.

The organisation advises individuals to adopt preventive measures, including wearing masks, maintaining a safe distance, practicing respiratory etiquette, regular hand hygiene, and getting tested for COVID-19 or influenza if symptomatic or exposed.

‘Yukthiya’ results in the arrest of 1,676 more drug suspects

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‘Yukthiya’ results in the arrest of 1,676 more drug suspects

Colombo (LNW): In the ongoing special island-wide operation ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) targeting narcotics, Sri Lankan security forces conducted a 24-hour mission concluding at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday (23), resulting in the arrest of numerous suspects.

The Ministry of Public Security reported a total of 1,676 suspects apprehended during this period.

Financial asset investigations have been initiated for 45 suspects, with 112 individuals referred for rehabilitation. Detention orders were secured against 119 suspects.

The drugs seized in the special island-wide operations include:

  • 692g of heroin
  • 393g of methamphetamine (‘Ice’)
  • 42.1kg of Cannabis
  • 20,615 narcotic pills
  • 235,680 Cannabis plants
  • 534g of Hash
  • 11kg of ‘Mawa’

Since the initiation of special raids under the ‘Yukthiya’ operation on December 17, security forces personnel have made over 11,500 arrests and confiscated substantial amounts of narcotics.

Simultaneously, the Illegal Assets and Properties Investigation Division of the police have seized assets worth millions of rupees belonging to notorious criminal figures and drug traffickers.

50,000 metric tons of keeri samba rice import irregularity exposed

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50,000 metric tons of keeri samba rice import irregularity exposed

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka trade ministry’s irregular measures to import 50,000 metric tons of keeri samba rice in lieu of the festive season without following proper procedure allowing10 selected importers to carry out the task in their own way, commodity exporters complained.

The Ministry has selected those importers from a list of companies engaged in rice importation indicated in a SMS received by the relevant officers without proper evaluation of their eligibility, they said.

It has been revealed that the trade ministry has not followed any registration procedure for the selection of these importers and it has not considered previous experience in importing rice and the quantity of rice that they are going to import.

Azeez Brothers, Benson Traders, RTS Foods Ltd, ENSEN Trading Ltd, VD Holdings, Nandana Enterprise, Gnanam Imports.Pulses Processing Ltd, Barik Enterprise and PM Mohomed Ali Ltd were the importers named in the SMS.

SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, said the Cabinet has reportedly granted approval for the import despite the upcoming Maha season harvest, with estimates pointing to a yield of over 2 million metric tons of rice, which is 80% of the country’s annual requirement.

He also questioned why a decision to import rice for the festive season is taking place so late in the day, as it takes over two weeks for imports to reach Sri Lanka, and asked if there is already a ship carrying rice consignments anchored in the outer harbour.

“This is madness, this is almost like the sugar scam. Red raw rice is over Rs. 180 a kg, which is difficult for the poor man to afford. Keeri Samba is sold at over Rs. 300 a kg, so what is the logic behind importing Samba?

Why is that order being placed now? Farmers incur a cost of about Rs. 90 to produce a kg of rice. When you make room for imports that has a cascading impact on prices, so how does the Government hope to protect and promote local agriculture,” De Silva asked.

He added the move to allow imports will benefit racketeers, and the Government may also look to reduce prices in the wake of an election year. De Silva added such a measure will compromise local agriculture output and confidence, in a year production costs are billed to rice with the increase in VAT.

“We call on the Government not to allow this. There must be a better plan to support local agriculture if we want it to become one of our key sectors.

Local onion farmers are struggling because of bad policy and decisions surrounding imports, and the lack of storage facilities and support that were disrupted by this Government when it came into power under President Rajapaksa,” he stated.

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