May 26, Colombo (LNW): In anticipation of the forthcoming elections, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will commence its Constituency Conferences today (26).
The inaugural conference for the Kalawewa constituency is scheduled to take place at the Talawa Bus Station.
SLPP spokesperson Sanjeewa Edirimanne announced that the district meetings will be organised by district leaders S. M. Chandrasena and S. M. Ranjith.
Edirimanne further stated that the first phase of the Constituency Conference initiative will encompass 50 conferences.
May 26, Colombo (LNW): The Parliament Committee on Public Finances (COPF) has once again postponed its inquiry into the contentious VFS Global deal concerning the new visa issuance process, citing the unavailability of key government officials, Committee Chairman, MP (Dr.) Harsha de Silva disclosed.
Silva had previously criticised officials from the Ministry of Public Security and the Department of Immigration and Emigration for failing to attend a scheduled inquiry on 14 May regarding the controversial new visa-on-arrival scheme.
He added that the rescheduled inquiry will take place on June 04, 2024.
#COPF meeting on #VFSfiasco postponed again due to Govt officials' unavailability on May 28th. New date: June 4th. We've uncovered many details & will release everything after the final meeting. COPF is committed to exposing the truth behind the controversial GBS/IVS tender.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe asserts there are plans underway to establish a dedicated commission to enforce legal measures aimed at empowering women, in a move to safeguarding women’s rights: assures the passing of the Gender Equality Bill before the end of June, and expressed hope for unanimous support from the MPs.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Constituency Conference is set to commence today, aiming the upcoming elections: Kalawewa Constituency Conference will be held today at Talawa Bus station today: SLPP Sanjeewa Edirimanne says the organisation of district meetings will be chaired by district leaders S.M. Chandrasena and S.M. Ranjith: adds under first phase of the Constituency Conference, 50 conferences will be held.
NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake responds to the SJB’s claim that a JVP member has joined the SJB: refutes the claim, clarifying that the person in question is not a JVP member but an SLFP candidate who submitted nominations for the local government election for the Bendiwewa Division of the Polonnaruwa Municipal Council, known as Hitihamilage Saman Kumara: accuses the SJB of hoodwinking the people by any means necessary.
The Customs Department warns the public of a job offering scam for job seekers in the Department: Dept Spokesman Sivali Arukgoda says they have received many complaints in this regard: adds this scheme is being executed targeting exam candidates of the state sector: asserts there is no such way of joining the customs and that only those who obtain high marks in the competitive exam will be recruited.
Sources say that the draft bill proposing the decriminalisation of consensual same-sex conduct between adults thereby safeguarding the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Sri Lanka is set to meet Parliament scrutiny in the first week of June: The bill was presented by SLPP MP Premnath Dolawatte.
The Meteorology Department warns that the Deep Depression over East central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a Cyclonic storm and located near 18.8°N and 89.5°E at 05.30 p.m. of 25th May: Named “Remal”, the storm is very likely to move northwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by 26th May morning: adds thereafter, it would move northwards and cross Bangladesh and adjoining west Bengal coasts by 26th May midnight.
The National Building Research Organisation issues a potential landslide warning for seven districts: The Padukka, Seethawaka DSD and surrounding areas in the Colombo District, the Attanagalla DSD and surrounding areas in the Gampaha District, the Dodangoda, Walallawita, Agalawatta, Palindanuwara, Horana, Ingiriya, Bulathsinhala and Mathugama DSD and surrounding areas in the Kalutara District, Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Yatinuwara, Ududumbara, Pasbage Korale, Kandy Four Gravets or Gangawata Korale DSD and surrounding areas in the Kandy District, Aranayake, Kegalle, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, Deraniyagala, Yatiyanthota, Bulathkohupitiya, Warakapola, Mawanella and Galigamuwa DSD and surrounding areas in the Kegalle District, along with along with the Kotmale, Ambagamuwa DSD and surrounding areas in the Nuwara Eliya District have been issued possible landslide warnings: The Nivithigala, Pelmadulla, Opanayake, Kahawatta, Kiriella, Ratnapura, Ayagama, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, Kuruwita, Balangoda, Elapatha, Imbulpe DSDs and the surrounding areas of the Ratnapura District have been alerted to possible landslides.
The Disaster Mgt Centre (DMC) says spill gates at several reservoirs have been opened due to the adverse weather and the high rainfall in the catchment areas: adds six spill gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir in the Kurunegala district have been opened for four feet: notes four spill gates of the Thabbowa Wewa have been opened, and two spill gates of the Kala Wewa, one spill gate of the Kukule Ganga Reservoir, and three spill gates of the Polgolla Dam have also been opened: urges those living in low-lying areas to be vigilant over possible floods with the continuous rain during the next few days.
The CIABOC officers arrest the Judge of the Udathalawinna Quazi Court on the allegation of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs. 4,500 to issue the divorce certificate of the judgement issued by the Quazi Court: The judge was arrested based on a complaint by a female resident of Rajawella, and is to be produced before the Teldeniya Magistrate’s Court.
The SLC vehemently refutes the allegations levelled by MP Hesha Withanage concerning the SLC President, the Tournament Director of the LPL, and other SLC officials being involved in a match-fixing scandal related to the LPL: clarifies that SLC’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of cricket led to the engagement of ICC ACU officials in the process, and it was these ICC ACU officials who informed the Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports suspicious activities involving one of the owners of the Dambulla team: adds the event led to the arrest made by local police authorities: stands firm in its ‘dedication to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency’ in cricket.
May 26, Colombo (LNW): The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) issued a potential landslide warning for seven districts.
Accordingly, the following areas have been issued possible landslide warnings:
The Padukka, Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) and surrounding areas in the Colombo District,
The Attanagalla DSD and surrounding areas in the Gampaha District,
The Dodangoda, Walallawita, Agalawatta, Palindanuwara, Horana, Ingiriya, Bulathsinhala and Mathugama DSD and surrounding areas in the Kalutara District,
Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Yatinuwara, Ududumbara, Pasbage Korale, Kandy Four Gravets or Gangawata Korale DSD and surrounding areas in the Kandy District,
The Aranayake, Kegalle, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, Deraniyagala, Yatiyanthota, Bulathkohupitiya, Warakapola, Mawanella and Galigamuwa DSD and surrounding areas in the Kegalle District,
The Kotmale, Ambagamuwa DSD and surrounding areas in the Nuwara Eliya District
The Nivithigala, Pelmadulla, Opanayake, Kahawatta, Kiriella, Ratnapura, Ayagama, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, Kuruwita, Balangoda, Elapatha, Imbulpe DSDs and the surrounding areas of the Ratnapura District.
May 26, Colombo (LNW): The spill gates belonging to several reservoirs have been opened due to the ongoing inclement weather conditions and the high rainfall in the catchment areas, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said in a statement.
Accordingly, six spill gates of the Deduru Oya Reservoir in the Kurunegala District have been opened for four feet.
The DMC added that four spill gates of the Thabbowa Wewa, two spill gates of the Kala Wewa, one spill gate of the Kukule Ganga Reservoir, and three spill gates of the Polgolla Dam have also been opened.
The DMC urged those living in low-lying areas of the aforementioned areas to remain vigilant over possible floods with the ongoing rainfall during the next few days.
May 26, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted that there are plans underway to establish a dedicated commission to enforce legal measures aimed at empowering women, in a move to safeguarding women’s rights.
The President made this remark during the inaugurating ceremony of the “Centre of Excellence for Women’s Healthcare” at the Kilinochchi District General Hospital yesterday (25) morning, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The President assured the passing of the Gender Equality Bill before the end of June, and expressed hope for unanimous support from the MPs.
Full Statement:
“The inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health Services signifies a significant milestone in serving the women of our nation. We have implemented various special measures to empower women, reaffirming our commitment to their well-being.
In our country, there has been a notable absence of laws safeguarding women’s rights beyond the basic provisions outlined in the Constitution. To address this gap, we have introduced two new drafts to Parliament aimed at enhancing women’s rights.
The Women’s Empowerment Act proposes essential provisions to legally empower women, including the establishment of a dedicated commission for their implementation. Furthermore, we aim to pass the gender equality draft by the end of June, currently undergoing review by the courts before submission to Parliament, with anticipation for unanimous support.
Our commitment to protecting women’s rights extends to enacting laws against violence and ensuring equal opportunities for women in workplace promotions and transfers. We anticipate the formal legalisation of women’s rights and pledge to operate within this framework.
Additionally, we prioritise the safety of women within their homes. These proposed women’s rights bills are readily accessible on our website, and we encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with them.
Furthermore, we plan to launch a specialised educational programme to raise awareness about women’s rights and empower them accordingly.”
May 26, Colombo (LNW):Due to the South West Monsoon condition, the prevailing showery and windy conditions are expected to continue, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (26).
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Southern provinces.
Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Nuwara-Eliya district.
Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in Western and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.
Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and North-central provinces.
A few showers may occur in Eastern province.
Strong winds of about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, Western, Southern and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas extending from Mannar to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may occur at few places in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be south-westerly in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (40-50) kmph and wind speed may increase up to (60-70) kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Kankasanturai to Pottuvil via Mannar, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. Wind speed will be (30-40) kmph and can be increased up to (50-60) kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas extending from Kankasanturai to Pottuvil via Mannar, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota will be very rough at times and Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into these sea areas, until further notice. The other sea areas around the island will be rough at times, therefore, naval and fishing communities in this sea area are requested to be vigilant in this regard. The swell waves (about 2.5–3.0 m) height (this is not for land area) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Pottuvil via Mannar, Kalpitiya, Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
The Deep Depression over East central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a Cyclonic storm and located near 18.8°N and 89.5°E at 05.30 p.m. of 25th May. The Cyclonic storm has named “Remal” (PRONOUNCED AS “Re-Mal”). It is very likely to move northwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by 26th May morning. Thereafter, it would move northwards and cross Bangladesh and adjoining west Bengal coasts by 26th May midnight.
Very strong winds (60-70) kmph, accompanied with heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely over the sea areas around the country and over the South-eastern Arabian Sea areas and Bay of Bengal.
Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas marked by RED colour on the map above until further notice.
Expected path of the cyclone (Source: RSMC India)
Actions Required:
Those who are out at aforementioned sea regions are advised to return to coasts or moved safer areas immediately.
Fishing and naval community are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
May 25, World (LNW): Conservative MP of the British Parliament Craig Mackinlay received a rare standing ovation from fellow members of Parliament, as he returned to the chambers for the first time since having his hands and feet amputated due to a life-threatening sepsis episode, foreign media reports.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle allowed the applause, calling Mackinlay an inspiration, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who praised his resilience.
Mackinlay humourously apologised for breaking Commons rules with the applause and expressed his desire to be known as the “bionic MP.”
He used his question at Prime Minister’s Questions to call for better recognition of sepsis signs and improved prosthetic provisions for amputees.
Despite political differences, Opposition and Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer and other MPs praised Mackinlay’s courage.
After a severe illness in September, Mackinlay was given just a 5 per cent chance of survival and spent 16 days in a coma.
On his return, he met with Sir Lindsay Hoyle and received support from colleagues and family.
Mackinlay acknowledged the challenges of navigating Parliament with his prosthetics and praised the support from parliamentary authorities.
He further thanked the NHS staff and family for their support during his recovery and humourously mentioned the surgeons who amputated his limbs.
Addressing Prime Minister Sunak, Mackinlay emphasised the need for early sepsis recognition and better prosthetics provision.
Sunak assured that the government is working to raise sepsis awareness and improve NHS responses. Opposition leaders also welcomed Mackinlay back, calling him an inspiration.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised his courage, and Mackinlay expressed his intention to stand in the next general election.
Sepsis is a critical and potentially fatal medical condition that arises when the body’s immune system mounts an excessive response to an infection, resulting in extensive inflammation. This hyperactive immune reaction can inflict severe damage on the body’s tissues and organs, which may lead to their dysfunction or failure. Without timely and effective intervention, sepsis can escalate to septic shock, a severe state marked by a precipitous decline in blood pressure that can be life-threatening. Early indicators of sepsis often include fever, tachycardia (increased heart rate), tachypnoea (rapid breathing), and altered mental status, such as confusion. Immediate and comprehensive medical treatment is essential to control the underlying infection and provide critical support to the compromised organs, thereby improving the chances of recovery and survival.
Critics responsive to world politics point out that Mackinlay’s courage sets a precedent for all political leaders worldwide, regardless of the wing – left or right – in which they serve or represent.
May 25, Colombo (LNW): As Sri Lanka marked 15 years since the end of its civil war, the ongoing impunity and lack of justice for wartime atrocities should be met with scrutiny, emphasised the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), in a statement issued Thursday (23).
The ICJ urged authorities to ensure real justice for victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
A UN report highlighted the impunity for enforced disappearances and the systematic denial of victims’ rights. The final phase of the war saw serious violations by all parties, yet no independent investigations have been conducted, the ICJ pointed out.
Despite the war’s end, harassment, land seizures, and misuse of anti-terror laws persist, the statement added.
“The final phase of the armed conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was replete with serious international humanitarian law and gross human rights violations constituting crimes under international law by all parties. So far, the authorities have failed to conduct independent, impartial investigations into these crimes with a view to ensuring accountability,” the statement read.
It further noted that government accountability mechanisms remain ineffective, emphasising that memorial events for war victims faced heavy surveillance and intimidation.
The ICJ calls on Sri Lanka to uphold its human rights obligations and stop harassing victims and defenders.
Full Statement:
As Sri Lanka marked 15 years since the end of a decades-long armed conflict on 18 May 2024, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) deplored the near total impunity that has prevailed, and lack of victim-centred justice and accountability for war time atrocities. The ICJ calls on the responsible authorities to reverse course and take measures that will provide real access to justice for the conflict’s numerous victims and survivors and bring those responsible for crimes under international law to account.
The bleak picture is reinforced by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in a report released on 17 May 2024, titled Accountability for Enforced Disappearances in Sri Lanka. The report notes the near total impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of widespread enforced disappearances over four decades and a systematic failure to account for the fate and whereabouts of victims.
“As made clear by the OHCHR report, the families of the disappeared have been forced to wait indefinitely to learn the truth about their loved ones and systematically denied their rights to the truth, justice and reparations. These families are entitled to answers and to see the perpetrators of heinous crimes committed against their loved ones brought to justice”, said Melissa Upreti, Director of the ICJ’s Asia-Pacific Programme.
The final phase of the armed conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was replete with serious international humanitarian law and gross human rights violations constituting crimes under international law by all parties. So far, the authorities have failed to conduct independent, impartial investigations into these crimes with a view to ensuring accountability.
While the armed conflict may have come to an end, in the North and East many families of the disappeared, former LTTE combatants, journalists, and human rights defenders have continued to face harassment, intimidation and surveillance in an atmosphere of heavy militarisation.
There have also been arbitrary seizures of land and Hindu religious shrines by some Buddhist clergy with the support of the military and other government authorities. The Prevention of Terrorism Act continues to be deployed in violation of the rule of law.
Government established accountability mechanisms such as the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) and the Office for Reparations have been ineffective and dismissed by victims and their representatives. Similarly, a draft Bill proposing the establishment of a Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation which was gazetted earlier this year lacked transparency and was not adequately consultative, gender-responsive or victim-centered.
“The high-handedness of law enforcement authorities aimed at preventing freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly of those who have suffered greatly due to war time atrocities is in violation of Sri Lanka’s international legal obligations and fundamental rights guaranteed by the Sri Lankan Constitution,” said Melissa Upreti.
The ICJ calls upon Sri Lanka to respect, promote and fulfil its international human rights law obligations by taking genuine steps to advance accountability and justice and putting an end to the harassment and intimidation of victims and human rights defenders.
