By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move, the Colombo High Court has issued a three-month freeze on two bank accounts linked to former State Minister Anupa Pasqual.

This decision was made following a formal request from the Bribery Commission, reflecting ongoing investigations into potential corruption.

The order, which falls under Section 53(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, underscores the government’s commitment to combatting corruption within public office.

By freezing these accounts, the Bribery Commission aims to secure evidence and prevent any potential dissipation of funds related to the investigation.

This legal action is part of a broader effort to uphold transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.

The Bribery Commission is actively pursuing various cases, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of anti-corruption measures and the importance of maintaining public trust in governmental institutions.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond Pasqual, as it sends a clear message regarding the seriousness of corruption-related offences in Sri Lanka.

The court’s decision serves to reinforce the legal framework established to protect the integrity of public officials and to ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.

As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on the effectiveness of the Bribery Commission and the judiciary in addressing corruption within the nation’s political framework.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future actions against similar misconduct in the public sector.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, World (LNW): A staggering one in eight girls and women worldwide—over 370 million—have experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, according to a recent report by UNICEF.

This figure rises to 650 million, or one in five, when considering non-physical forms of sexual violence such as online abuse and harassment.

The comprehensive report, which UNICEF describes as the first global survey of its kind, highlights the severe and widespread nature of childhood sexual violence.

The study also reveals that boys and men are not immune, with an estimated 240 to 310 million having suffered sexual assault during their youth, approximately one in 11 globally.

UNICEF’s findings underscore the immense scale of this human rights crisis, which has been difficult to quantify due to stigma, challenges in measuring the issue, and inadequate data collection.

The report sheds light on the urgent need for global action to combat sexual violence, calling for stronger legal frameworks, better education for children on how to recognise and report abuse, and improved prevention strategies.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest concentration of victims, with 79 million girls and women affected, accounting for 22 per cent of the region’s female population.

Other regions also show alarmingly high rates, including 75 million girls and women in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, and 73 million in Central and Southern Asia.

In Europe and North America, 68 million girls and women, or 14 per cent, are survivors of sexual violence, whilst Latin America and the Caribbean report 45 million victims, or 18 per cent of the population.

Northern Africa and Western Asia see 29 million affected, or 15 per cent, whilst Oceania has the highest percentage at 34 per cent, despite a lower overall population of 6 million victims.

The report further identifies higher risks for children in “fragile settings”—regions with weak governance, peacekeeping forces, or significant refugee populations—where the likelihood of sexual violence rises to one in four.

UNICEF’s research comes ahead of the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, to be held in Colombia next month, aiming to galvanise international efforts to address this pervasive and devastating issue.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have intensified efforts to address the ongoing issue of Indian trawlers fishing in Sri Lankan waters, a problem that has fuelled tensions between the two neighbouring nations.

As of 2024, the Sri Lanka Navy has seized 59 Indian trawlers and detained 434 Indian fishermen for illegal fishing, handing them over for legal proceedings.

In a recent operation, the Navy arrested 21 Indian fishermen and confiscated four trawlers near Delft Island.

The Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft and Coast Guard vessels to intercept the illegal activity, reflecting the continued resolve to prevent unauthorised fishing within Sri Lanka’s maritime boundaries.

The trawlers and the fishermen have been taken to the Kankesanthurai Harbour, where they will be handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal action.

The Navy’s ongoing patrols aim to protect the livelihoods of local fishermen, who have long suffered the consequences of overfishing and depletion of resources due to these incursions.

The escalating situation is not merely a legal or diplomatic issue, but one deeply rooted in the inability of both Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to fully grasp the challenges faced by fishing communities.

Without addressing the economic pressures and traditional fishing rights on both sides, tensions are likely to persist, creating further strain on bilateral relations.

The Sri Lankan Navy remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard the country’s maritime resources whilst calling for greater cooperation between the two nations to find a lasting resolution.

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The National Freedom Front (NFF), led by former MP Wimal Weerawansa, has declared its decision to abstain from contesting in the forthcoming General Elections, either as part of an alliance or independently.

This significant announcement marks a shift in the party’s political strategy ahead of the polls.

In a formal statement, Weerawansa expressed deep reservations about the trajectory of certain opposition forces, accusing them of promoting what he described as an “imperial agenda” that threatens the nation’s sovereignty.

He specifically noted that these forces seem intent on positioning President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as a figure akin to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a comparison he suggested reflects external influences hostile to Sri Lanka’s interests.

Weerawansa stressed that the NFF will not partake in any efforts that could exacerbate the country’s vulnerabilities or deepen its current political crises.

According to him, to engage in such activities would be to further undermine the country’s stability, a situation he is unwilling to support.

Weerawansa, whose political moves are notoriously known to have been inspired by racially-motivated, xenophobic and queer-phobic tactics escalating separatism, may have made this decision in what certain analysts describe as a hidden objective towards power yet unclear to the public’s view.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): In honour of the Sri Lanka Army’s 75th anniversary, a significant number of personnel have been elevated to higher ranks.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, approved the promotions based on recommendations from the Ministry of Defence and Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army.

A total of 139 officers and 1,273 other ranks across both the Regular and Volunteer Forces have been promoted as part of this anniversary milestone.

Amongst the officers, 131 lieutenants were elevated to the rank of captain, including Quarter Masters, whilst eight second lieutenants were promoted to lieutenants.

In the other ranks, promotions were equally noteworthy. A total of 99 Warrant Officers II were advanced to Warrant Officer I, while 185 Staff Sergeants moved up to Warrant Officer II.

Further promotions included 380 Sergeants to Staff Sergeant, 346 Corporals to Sergeant, 111 Lance Corporals to Corporal, and 152 Privates to Lance Corporal.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The Postal Department has addressed recent reports regarding stamps featuring Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Minister Vijitha Herath, clarifying that these stamps were issued as personalised souvenirs in celebration of the 150th World Postal Day.

The department emphasised that these stamps, presented to the Prime Minister and Minister Herath as chief guests, are not official postage stamps.

In its statement, the Postal Department highlighted that these personalised stamps, whilst falling under the commemorative category, are intended purely as keepsakes. They are not valid for mailing purposes and do not form part of the country’s official postal services.

The department further clarified that this gesture of creating personalised stamps as mementos is a long-standing tradition for special occasions.

Additionally, the Postal Department pointed out that such personalised stamps can be created by any individual using their preferred images, underscoring that they remain distinct from official stamps issued for postal use.

To mark the 150th World Postal Day, two official stamps were also launched, based on designs from the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

These stamps, issued for use by all UPU member nations, symbolise international cooperation in postal services and will be available for mailing purposes across Sri Lanka.

Early reports suggested the nature and intent behind these stamps were of political motive, alleging that the Department is systematically being politcised aiming the upcoming elections.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The Vatican’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Most Reverend Dr. Brian Udaigwe, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (09), offering warm congratulations on the President’s recent electoral victory.

The meeting also brought heartfelt greetings from Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City, who extended his best wishes for Sri Lanka’s prosperity under its new leadership.

Ambassador Udaigwe expressed optimism for Sri Lanka’s future, commending President Dissanayake’s leadership and commitment to advancing the nation’s welfare.

The Vatican envoy noted that the President’s initiatives are in line with the aspirations of the people, and he voiced confidence that the country is poised for positive developments in the coming months.

Dr. Udaigwe assured the Vatican’s willingness to offer support in achieving the President’s vision for Sri Lanka.

During their conversation, the Vatican Ambassador also praised President Dissanayake’s efforts to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into the devastating Easter Sunday bombings, which remain a matter of national significance.

Ambassador Udaigwe emphasised the Vatican’s readiness to cooperate fully in these investigations, offering support to help bring justice to the victims and provide healing to their families.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and the Vatican, with both leaders expressing a commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at improving the nation’s social and economic landscape.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): Justice Murdhu Fernando was officially sworn in as the Acting Chief Justice of Sri Lanka today (10), during a ceremony presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

This appointment marks a significant moment in the country’s judicial history, as Justice Fernando becomes only the second woman ever to hold the position of Chief Justice, following Shirani Bandaranayake, who first achieved this distinction in 2011.

Fernando’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka’s judiciary, as the legal system faces numerous challenges, particularly in handling key constitutional matters, upholding the rule of law, and addressing ongoing cases related to national reforms.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Election Commission has released the schedule for postal voting in the upcoming 2024 General Election.

The designated dates for marking postal votes at District Secretariats and election offices are set for October 20, November 1, and November 4.

For those unable to cast their postal vote on these dates, alternative voting days have been arranged for 7 and 8 November, ensuring that all eligible voters can exercise their right.

In preparation for the election, the certification of postal voter lists will take place on October 16, with the finalised lists being dispatched to postal offices on October 23. The delivery of official ballot papers to post offices is scheduled for October 26.

Additionally, the Election Commission has earmarked October 27, October 31, and November 3 as special distribution days for official polling cards, while November 7 will mark the final day for distributing ballot papers.

These logistical arrangements reflect the Election Commission’s efforts to facilitate smooth and efficient postal voting across the country, ensuring that the process aligns with the election timeline and allows all voters ample opportunity to participate.

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By: Isuru Parakrama

October 10, Colombo (LNW): The deadline for submitting postal voting applications for the 2024 General Election will close at midnight today (10).

The Election Commission has urged all public sector employees, except those exempted from election duties, to submit their applications before the deadline.

It was highlighted that failure to apply or submitting incorrect forms will not excuse officials from performing their election responsibilities.

In addition to postal voting applications, the deadline for independent groups to place their deposits for the upcoming election will end at 12 p.m. noon today.

According to the Election Commission, this rule applies to all independent groups contesting the election, with the exception of recognised political parties.

As of 9 October, a total of 293 independent groups have already placed deposits to participate in the 2024 General Election. The Digamadulla Electoral District recorded the highest number of independent groups, with 42 entries.

The Election Commission has also confirmed that nomination papers can be submitted to District Secretariats across the country until 12 noon tomorrow (11 October).

Following the submission, there will be a 90-minute window for filing any objections to nominations, according to the Commission.

With key deadlines for the General Election fast approaching, the Election Commission is focused on ensuring a smooth and transparent process.