June 20, Colombo (LNW): The Indian Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, has highlighted Sri Lanka’s significance in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) policies during his official visit to the island nation.
Minister Jaishankar was greeted upon arrival by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman.
This marks his inaugural visit to Sri Lanka since being reappointed under Prime Minister Modi’s administration following the recent elections.
Expressing his anticipation for the visit, Minister Jaishankar mentioned that he looks forward to engaging with the Sri Lankan leadership.
His itinerary includes courtesy visits to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
Additionally, Minister Jaishankar and his delegation are set to hold discussions with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): Major General Rohitha Aluwihare has assumed the role of Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, effective immediately.
A distinguished officer from the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major General Aluwihare has a notable track record within the military.
Recently, he chaired a seven-member committee tasked with investigating the unfortunate accident at the ‘Fox Hill Super Cross 2024’ racing event in Diyatalawa this past April.
“The sin of sodomy is so prevalent in this kingdom of Kotte that it almost frightens us to live here. If one of the prominent men of the kingdom is reproached for not being ashamed of such an ugly vice, he replies that they do everything that they see their king doing, for this is their custom.“
Those were the words of a Portuguese messenger from Sri Lanka to their Governor João de Castro during the ruling of King Buwanekabahu the VII (1525 – 1551) [Portuguese Encounters With Sri Lanka And The Maldives Translated Texts From The Age Of The Discoveries – Edited By Chandra R. De Silva]
June 20, Colombo (LNW): In recent times, Sri Lanka has witnessed significant debates concerning the rights and recognition of LGBTQIA+ individuals. The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka’s recent ruling, which was unfavourable to certain clauses aimed at promoting equality based on gender identities and sexual orientations, has further highlighted the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in the country.
The argument develops that promoting gender equality in a manner by which people of all genders should be given equal opportunities for the benefit of rights promotes same-sex marriage, in what they describe as ‘a threat to cultural and traditional values’ of Sri Lanka.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe criticised the court’s decision in Parliament, which led to accusations of contempt of court from various MPs.
This political backlash underscores the contentious nature of LGBTQIA+ rights within the legislative framework of Sri Lanka. Criticising Sri Lanka’s apex court’s ruling on affairs does threaten judicial independence, but the situation has been exacerbated by the reactions of nationalist, racist and homophobic groups, whose inflammatory comments have been widely reported in the media, fuelling further persecution against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The two legislative drafts under scrutiny—the Gender Equality Act and the Empowerment of Women Act—aim to address various forms of discrimination and promote equality. The Empowerment of Women Act seeks to ensure the empowerment of women by eliminating gender-based violence and providing equal opportunities in various spheres of life, as outlined in its objectives and provisions.
However, these acts also implicitly touch upon the broader issues of gender identity and sexual orientation, which remain contentious topics in Sri Lankan society.
The role of the media in shaping public perception cannot be overstated. In Sri Lanka, media coverage of LGBTQIA+ issues often mirrors the societal prejudices and biases that exist.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling and President Wickremesinghe’s criticism, certain media outlets amplified the views of nationalist, racist and homophobic groups, thereby reinforcing negative stereotypes and fostering a hostile environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
This type of reporting not only perpetuates discrimination but also emboldens those who seek to marginalise and harm the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sri Lankan queers never demanded the right-to-marriage
LGBTQIA+ individuals in Sri Lanka face multifaceted challenges, ranging from legal discrimination to social ostracism. The lack of legal recognition and protection means that many are vulnerable to violence, harassment, and limited access to essential services.
The community’s struggle for equality is compounded by cultural and religious norms that often reject non-heteronormative identities. Definitely not all lesbian, gay or bisexual individuals demand a constitutional framework ensuring the so-called same-sex marriage.
Marriage is a broader concept to be argued or discussed upon, as Sri Lanka, with its rich cultural diversity, recognises various types of marriages that reflect its multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. The main types of marriages in Sri Lanka include civil marriages, religious marriages, customary marriages, and foreign marriages. Nowhere do they explicitly exclude a union between two people of the same sex.
Civil marriages in Sri Lanka are governed by the Marriage Registration Ordinance. These marriages are performed by a Registrar of Marriages and are legally binding under Sri Lankan law. Couples from different ethnic and religious backgrounds often opt for civil marriages to ensure their union is recognised legally. The process involves registering the marriage with the appropriate government authority, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Religious marriages are solemnised according to the rites and customs of the couple’s faith. The primary religions in Sri Lanka—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity—each have their own traditions and ceremonies for marriage.
Customary marriages follow the traditional practices of Sri Lanka’s different ethnic groups, particularly among the Tamil and Sinhala communities. These marriages often involve elaborate ceremonies and rituals passed down through generations. Although primarily cultural, they are usually followed by civil registration to ensure the marriage is legally recognised.
Marriages conducted abroad between Sri Lankan nationals or between a Sri Lankan national and a foreigner can be recognised in Sri Lanka. For legal recognition, such marriages must be registered with the Sri Lankan consulate or the Department of Registrar General upon returning to Sri Lanka. This ensures the marriage is acknowledged under Sri Lankan law.
Sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka prohibits sexual acts against the ‘order of nature’ labelling them as acts of ‘gross indecency’ whilst failing to provide adequate definition for either. These clauses fail to provide any recognition of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC), further harbouring their vague nature to be misinterpreted. Meanwhile, section 399 of the Penal Code prohibits ‘cheating by impersonation,’ a clause which has often been misinterpreted to constitute persecution against transgender individuals.
Despite the Attorney General’s Department’s repeated claims before the United Nations of Article 12 of the Constitution recognising the rights of queer individuals, such clauses have often been abused by law enforcement officers to harass, persecute and even prosecute LGBTQIA+ individuals.
As of March 2023, 62 member states of the United Nations still criminalise consensual same-sex relationships in law, with two states criminalising such conduct in practice, as disclosed by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association (ILGA). The Penal Codes of many Asian states were influenced by the once infamous Indian Penal Code formulated by Lord Macaulay in 1860 reflecting Great Britain’s 16th century Buggery Act. The “buggery”, or “sodomy” laws introduced by the British during the colonial era aimed the so called “need to protect British soldiers from being led astray by the toxic and overly erotic oriental culture” of Asia and the Middle East. Any cultural evidence suggesting the dismissal of same-sex relations in a South Asian country like Sri Lanka, therefore, remains highly elusive.
The real struggle of queer individuals in Sri Lanka is not a grapple against the government demanding matrimonial benefits from law, or authorisation of a ‘penis cut-off’, but equal protection under a legislative reform to be recognised as equal citizens without being subjugated to discrimination.
Despite these challenges, there have been efforts by various non-governmental organisations and civil society groups to advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals. These groups walk forward seeking support, raising awareness, and lobbying for legislative changes that would offer greater protection and equality for all, regardless of one’s sexual identity.
Addressing the plight of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Sri Lanka requires a multifaceted approach, in which legislative changes, such as those proposed in the Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women Acts, are crucial first steps.
However, these must be accompanied by broader societal changes, including education and awareness campaigns to combat prejudice and discrimination. The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ruled that the enactment of the ‘Gender Equality’ Bill is inconsistent with Article 12 of the Constitution, but with certain amendments can be passed into law by a simple majority in Parliament. The same Supreme Court last year delivered a special determination that consensual same-sex sexual relations between adults do not violate the Constitution, and any bill proposing decriminalisation, therefore, can be passed into law by Parliament. The Supreme Court ruling, therefore, in my opinion, has been misinterpreted.
Building a more inclusive and accepting environment must include fostering dialogue, challenging harmful stereotypes, and ensuring that media reporting is responsible and fair. Only through such comprehensive efforts can the struggles of LGBTQIA+ individuals be alleviated, paving the way for a more just and equitable society in Sri Lanka.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is considering the creation of a development bank to provide essential funding aimed at enhancing the competitive edge of its industries, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced.
Wickremesinghe assured that the proposed bank would offer loans at low interest rates, facilitating industrial growth.
In the 1960s, Sri Lanka established DFCC Bank, followed by NDB Bank in 1980. After privatisation, these banks evolved into significant commercial entities.
President Wickremesinghe noted that these banks were instrumental in President Premadasa’s success with 200 garment factories, highlighting the necessity of establishing a new development bank.
The President made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the International Industry Expo 2024.
He also mentioned the formation of an economic commission to advance this and other initiatives.
Additionally, plans are in place to launch Enterprise Sri Lanka, an institution aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises across the nation. This framework is designed to benefit all industrialists.
“We aim to progress steadily over the next five to ten years,” Wickremesinghe said, adding that the government plans to explore production opportunities in countries such as Bangladesh and Myanmar.
“We are actively collaborating with India on these projects. I have already discussed this with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will continue discussions with the Indian Foreign Minister tomorrow,” he added.
The cooperation with India will focus on solar and wind energy and the acquisition of green hydrogen. Sri Lanka aims to capitalise on these resources, potentially even in the North Sea.
“The Adani Company has already started its operations in Sri Lanka. Embracing this new direction is crucial,” Wickremesinghe stated.
The President also noted that frequent litigation often benefits lawyers rather than contributing to national development.
“It is crucial to recognise that litigation alone cannot drive national progress. We must adhere to our national policies. I have instructed the Industries Minister to initiate discussions and develop a new programme to boost industrial growth. We plan to present the Economic Transformation Law to Parliament to support these initiatives,” he concluded.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has resumed its donation of eye corneas to Pakistan, a practice that had been paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to an official statement.
Five corneas were sent on a SriLankan Airlines flight to Lahore last night and were received by a team of Pakistani army medical personnel.
These corneas will be used for surgeries at the army hospital in Rawalpindi. Sri Lankan High Commissioner Admiral (Retired) Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne, who coordinated the donation, is also expected to observe the surgeries.
Sri Lanka has a long history of donating eye corneas, having provided over 88,000 to countries worldwide, with more than 36,000 going to Pakistan.
“This marks a new chapter in our noble initiative to strengthen people-to-people connections between our two nations, which have been steadfast friends through challenging times.
The corneas will be implanted in patients in need by Pakistani military eye surgeons. Currently, over 300 patients in hospitals around Lahore are awaiting corneas,” the High Commissioner stated.
The donation effort was organised by Idris Admani, President of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Friendship Association.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): The Prisons Department has issued a stern warning to officers, stating that strict disciplinary actions will be enforced against those engaging in trade union activities.
Prisons Commissioner (Operations/Intelligence) and spokesperson, Gamini B. Dissanayake, stressed that prison officers do not possess the legal right to participate in trade union actions.
He also indicated that legal proceedings would be initiated against any officers involved in such activities.
Commenting on a recent trade union action by certain prison officers, Dissanayake remarked that they received reports that a small faction of officers coerced others into participating.
The Colombo Magistrate has mandated disciplinary action, and a senior officer, therefore, will be appointed to oversee the situation and appropriate steps will be taken, he emphasised.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): The Core Group on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has urged the Sri Lankan government to ensure that its transitional justice mechanisms are independent, inclusive, impartial, and transparent, aligning with the expectations of affected communities.
The statement, delivered at the UNHRC session in Geneva by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador Rita French on behalf of Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highlighted key concerns.
The Core Group expressed gratitude to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk for his recent report addressing accountability for enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka.
The report underscores ongoing impunity for human rights violations, which the Core Group emphasised must be addressed by the Sri Lankan government to alleviate the suffering caused by these disappearances across all communities.
The statement also stressed the importance of any new Sri Lankan legislation, including those related to counter-terrorism and online safety, complying with human rights obligations, particularly in protecting freedom of expression.
The need to maintain judicial independence and the transparency of legal institutions was also highlighted.
The Core Group welcomed the recent release of land from the High Security zone in Jaffna but expressed concern over persistent reports of land disputes in the north and east of Sri Lanka.
Additionally, there were concerns regarding arbitrary arrests, irregular searches, and ill-treatment during police operations.
In conclusion, the Core Group urged the Sri Lankan government to ensure that transitional justice mechanisms meet the highest standards of independence, inclusivity, impartiality, and transparency to meet the needs of the affected communities.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has made a fervent appeal to the central government of India, urging immediate diplomatic intervention to secure the release of Indian fishermen and their impounded boats from Sri Lankan custody, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
In a letter addressed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CM Stalin highlighted the recent incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy’s capture of four Indian fishermen, according to PTI report.
He emphasised that such actions threaten the livelihoods of the fishermen and cause significant anxiety within coastal communities.
Stalin revealed that 15 Indian fishermen and 162 fishing boats remain detained by Sri Lankan authorities.
He requested that the central government engage in negotiations with Sri Lanka to facilitate their swift release.
“This ongoing issue not only affects the economic well-being of the fishermen but also disturbs the peace and stability of our coastal regions. It is imperative that we seek a resolution through diplomatic channels to ensure the safe return of our fishermen and their vessels,” Stalin said.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced his vision to create a better future for the children of Sri Lanka within the next 5 to 10 years.
He underscored his commitment to alleviating the economic crisis within a two-year timeframe, ensuring no child in the country suffers.
These remarks were made during the Presidential Scholarship Award Ceremony held on the 19th at Temple Trees, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
President Wickremesinghe outlined several key initiatives, including the Aswasuma programme, which provides income support, and the Urumaya programme, aimed at securing land rights.
He also highlighted the Presidential Education Scholarship Programme, which guarantees educational opportunities for children.
Starting in 2022 (2023), 6,000 G.C.E. Advanced Level students, 60 from each of the 100 education zones, will receive educational scholarships of LKR 6,000 per month for two years, from March 2024 until they complete their G.C.E. Advanced Level studies.
Additionally, a scholarship programme for students from grade 1 to grade 11 is being implemented across all 10,126 schools in Sri Lanka, as per President Wickremesinghe’s concept.
The number of scholarships allocated to each school depends on its student enrolment, ranging from a minimum of four to a maximum of 22 scholarships per school.
Starting in April 2024, 100,000 students will receive educational scholarships from the President’s Fund, providing Rs. 3,000 per child per month for 12 months.
At the ceremony, 5,108 students received scholarships and awards, symbolically presented by President Wickremesinghe.
He also took the opportunity to meet with scholarship recipients to learn about their backgrounds and achievements.
June 20, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowrs will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, with fairly heavy showers above 75 mm being expected to occur at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its weather forecast today (20).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Eastern and Uva provinces the evening or night.
Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle and from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaitivu.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil can be rough at times. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle and from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaitivu can be fairly rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive in this regard.
