May 21, Colombo (LNW): A contempt of court application has been submitted to the Supreme Court against former State Minister Diana Gamage, accusing her of contempt of court due to statements made at a briefing on 9 May this year.
Rehan Jayawickrema, the former Chairman of the Weligama Urban Council, filed this application, alleging that Gamage’s statements were intended to bring the Supreme Court’s authority into disrepute, as stipulated under Section 3(1)(a) of the Contempt of Court, Tribunal, or Institution Act No. 8 of 2024.
In a landmark judgment on 8 May, the Supreme Court ruled that then State Minister Diana Gamage was disqualified from serving as a Member of Parliament as she is not a citizen of Sri Lanka.
The petitioner claimed Gamage depicted herself as a victim of injustice during the briefing in which took participation.
She allegedly stated that the Supreme Court’s decision was an attack on women and a political conspiracy driven by hate and vengeance.
Gamage made these statements with the malicious intent of undermining the Supreme Court’s judgment in the public’s perception, portraying herself as a victim of wrongdoing and the court’s decision as unjust, Jayawickrema asserted.
May 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s State Intelligence Service has initiated an immediate investigation into four Sri Lankan individuals alleged to be ISIS suspects, who were arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) upon their arrival at Ahmedabad Airport, Daily Mirror reported.
Senior defence officials have confirmed that Sri Lanka’s state intelligence has requested further information from their Indian counterparts to verify the background of the suspects and determine any connections to the ISIS network.
Upon receiving this information, Sri Lankan authorities plan to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate actions.
Preliminary reports indicate that the suspects departed Colombo a few days ago, travelled to Chennai, and subsequently proceeded to Ahmedabad.
Security measures at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad were intensified following the arrests, according to Indian media.
The Gujarat ATS apprehended the suspects while they were allegedly awaiting instructions from their handler, who was expected to assign them specific tasks.
Encrypted messages were recovered from their phones, and they were detained before reaching their intended destination, reports added.
They are closely monitoring the situation, the Daily Mirror report added, citing comments from Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon.
The two emphasised their commitment to collaborating with Indian authorities to gather comprehensive information about the suspects and their activities.
The Gujarat ATS has reportedly taken the suspects to an undisclosed location for intensive questioning.
The exact motive and intentions behind their presence at Ahmedabad Airport remain unclear.
May 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka exemplifies a nation at the intersection of climate change and biodiversity loss, activists claim.
Ranked among the top ten most climate-vulnerable countries, Sri Lanka incurs an average of US$313 million in annual disaster losses due to acute climate vulnerability.
The country’s unique biodiversity is also in decline, with 27 per cent of bird species, 66 per cent of amphibians, 56 per cent of mammals, 49 per cent of freshwater fish, and 59 per cent of reptiles under threat.
The iconic elephant population is decreasing, and among flowering plants, 1,385 of 3,154 species are classified as threatened, with 594 endemic to Sri Lanka.
From 2001 to 2023, the country lost 222,000 hectares of tree cover, a 5.6 per cent decrease since 2000.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), wildlife populations have declined by almost 70 per cent since 1970, with wild mammals representing just 4 per cent of the global mammal biomass by 2015.
Despite 60 per cent of global GDP being dependent on natural resources, resource extraction and processing are responsible for over 90 per cent of global biodiversity loss.
The world faces the dual crises of catastrophic nature loss and climate change, severely impacting key planetary boundaries.
In the face of shrinking resources and the economic crisis, a 2018 Finance Needs Assessment by the Biodiversity Financing Initiative (BIOFIN) indicated that Sri Lanka would need approximately Rs. 31 billion (US$ 190 million) between 2018 and 2024, assuming current investment levels are maintained.
The Climate Prosperity Plan, submitted as the country’s long-term low GHG emission strategy, requires US$ 26 billion or US$ 6.5 billion per year for successful climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Against this backdrop, the 2024 International Day for Biological Diversity calls for urgent action with the theme “Be Part of the Plan.”
The current state of affairs demands bold, imaginative, and ambitious solutions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and to mobilise resources for countries like Sri Lanka to meet their biodiversity targets.
Initiatives such as BIOFIN, a UNDP-managed global collaborative partnership, aim to bridge the financing gap by mobilising innovative financing for biodiversity investments.
The National Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme, one of BIOFIN’s 16 financial solutions for Sri Lanka, has successfully mobilised over Rs. 500 million for sustainable tourism.
Additionally, UNDP’s Nature Pledge commits to accelerated and upscaled support for over 140 countries to achieve their targets under the Global Biodiversity Framework.
BIOFIN also supported the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) in initiating the Sustainable Finance Roadmap to promote sustainable financing among commercial banks.
May 21, Colombo (LNW): Two significant bills aimed at bolstering the country’s economy will be introduced in Parliament tomorrow (22), announced Acting Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe.
The “Economic Transformation Bill” and the “Public Financial Management Bill” are designed to enhance the management of public finances, thereby providing a safeguard against future economic downturns.
Speaking at a briefing, Semasinghe emphasised that the legislation originates from the vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, rather than being proposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The new legislation will focus on preserving economic stability and ensuring optimal levels of public financial management to prevent future economic crises, he noted.
The “Public Financial Management Bill” will specifically aim to enhance accountability in managing public finances, aligning with the IMF programme’s requirements, the Minister further explained.
These bills contain numerous technical elements aimed at bolstering confidence in the economy and maintaining the trajectory of the new economic direction implemented thus far.
The Economic Transformation Bill is particularly crucial for the country’s economic growth.
Despite experiencing economic contraction in the second and third quarters of 2023, a notable growth rate of 4.5 per cent was achieved in the fourth quarter.
The bill also addresses essential reforms for international trade, trade agreements, and climate change mitigation efforts.
The legislation outlines the establishment of a new Economic Commission in Sri Lanka, aimed at attracting investments to enhance competitiveness, fostering a conducive environment for investors, expanding international trade, establishing the National Productivity Commission, and developing export-related institutions.
Recently, Parliament endorsed decisions regarding economic transformation. In 2022, the public debt ratio stood at 128 per cent, a figure projected to decrease to less than 95 per cent by 2032.
Similarly, the fiscal requirement, which was 34.6 per cent of the gross domestic product in 2022, aims to be lowered to below 13 per cent by 2032.
Effective debt servicing is paramount, with efforts focused on establishing Sri Lanka as a debt-sustainable nation capable of meeting its obligations.
The goal is to reduce the debt payment ratio from 9.4 per cent in 2022 to below 4.5 per cent by 2027.
The proposed bill will outline specific national goals and actions to address economic challenges, providing a roadmap for sustainable economic growth, debt management, and economic governance.
May 21, Colombo (LNW): In response to the onset of the rainy season, the government has directed relevant officials to take immediate measures to mitigate the risk of dengue in Colombo.
Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, has recommended the development of a special awareness programme aimed at educating schoolchildren and parents.
This initiative will be implemented by the Ministry of Education during ‘Dengue Prevention Week,’ scheduled from May 26 to June 1.
Ratnayaka also instructed authorities to focus on reducing the risk of dengue around public institutions, religious sites, and new construction areas.
He emphasised the necessity for relevant departments to enforce regulations against those failing to comply with these preventive measures.
These directives were issued during a progress review meeting held on Monday (20), at the Presidential Secretariat.
The meeting, chaired by State Minister for Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, included Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, and Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva.
The meeting aimed to review the implementation and progress of decisions taken in a previous session.
Discussions focused extensively on the measures previously implemented to control the spread of dengue and their effectiveness, particularly within the health medical officer divisions in the Western Province, where a rise in dengue cases has been noted.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, commended Ratnayaka for his leadership and guidance in the dengue control efforts and assured the Ministry of Health’s full support for the programme.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): During the 10th World Water Summit, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Indonesian President Joko Widodo reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
The discussions covered a wide range of regional and international issues, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
President Wickremesinghe opened the meeting by highlighting the historical ties between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, which date back to their joint participation in the 1956 Bandung Conference.
He expressed appreciation for President Widodo’s leadership in regional, international, and bilateral matters, noting the importance of such summits in fostering global cooperation.
A major topic of discussion was the critical issue of water management. President Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of the World Water Summit and expressed Sri Lanka’s willingness to participate in the Global Blended Financial Alliance, an initiative aimed at addressing common financial challenges faced by countries in managing water resources.
He commended Indonesia for establishing a Secretariat for the Alliance, recognising its significance for Sri Lanka.
President Widodo, in his remarks, focused on economic cooperation between the two countries.
He stressed the need to finalise the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) by the first quarter of 2025 to enhance economic ties.
Additionally, he highlighted Indonesia’s interest in entering the Sri Lankan vaccine market through Indonesian pharmaceutical companies and called for the lifting of import restrictions on Indonesian palm oil and related products.
The Indonesian President also showcased Indonesia’s advancements in renewable energy, specifically the country’s largest floating solar power project.
He emphasised the importance of hydro diplomacy and political leadership in achieving sustainable water management and development goals.
Furthermore, he welcomed Sri Lanka’s leadership in the Indian Ocean Rim Association and its aspirations to become a sectoral dialogue partner.
President Wickremesinghe reiterated the importance of completing the PTA by early 2025, noting Sri Lanka’s existing free trade agreements with India and Singapore, and ongoing negotiations with Thailand, Bangladesh, and Malaysia.
He emphasised the potential benefits of joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), suggesting that Sri Lanka’s inclusion could encourage other South Asian countries to follow suit.
He also mentioned the ongoing removal of import restrictions and assured that Sri Lankan health authorities would address the entry of Indonesian pharmaceuticals into the market.
The discussion also touched upon regional security and economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
President Wickremesinghe supported ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific outlook and stressed the need for closer bilateral and regional cooperation regarding Indian Ocean affairs.
He proposed more frequent meetings between heads of government and a specific bilateral agreement with Indonesia to enhance commercial collaboration in the region.
President Widodo thanked Sri Lanka for co-sponsoring the Global Blended Financial Alliance, emphasising its role in achieving sustainable development goals.
He called for continued collaboration between relevant ministries from both countries to support this initiative.
Looking ahead, President Widodo mentioned the upcoming presidential transition in Indonesia and expressed hope that the new administration would continue to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, President Wickremesinghe expressed his eagerness to work with Indonesia’s new leadership and extended a personal invitation to President Widodo to visit Sri Lanka after his term ends in October.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and addressing shared global challenges through continued cooperation.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, concluded a five-day visit to Sri Lanka on Monday (20), where she engaged with officials and various societal stakeholders to discuss pressing human rights issues.
Reflecting on her visit, Callamard stated:
“This visit has offered a deeper understanding of the numerous challenges Sri Lanka faces 15 years after the civil war that has deeply affected and divided the nation. I am immensely grateful to those who shared their pain, perspectives, and aspirations with us.
“Amnesty International is committed to supporting genuine efforts to tackle long-standing impunity, address past and present violations, and end discrimination and the suppression of fundamental freedoms.
“We extend our gratitude to President Wickremesinghe for facilitating a constructive dialogue on Sri Lanka’s human rights challenges. As the host of our South Asia Regional Office, Sri Lanka is crucial to our mission, and we value the government’s ongoing support.
“New legislation, such as the Online Security Act and proposed NGO law, raises serious concerns about threats to Sri Lanka’s active civil society. Additionally, the crackdown on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including arbitrary arrests under the ICCPR Act, is alarming.
These actions often occur without formal charges or evidence, leaving many in a state of uncertainty. This must be rectified.
“This year marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, 15 years since the end of the protracted internal conflict that resulted in countless injuries, deaths, displacements, and enforced disappearances.
The failure to address these issues extends beyond successive governments to all leaders, including elected officials, opposition leaders, the religious establishment, and the national media, who have not upheld the fight against impunity.
“The upcoming elections will have a profound impact on Sri Lanka’s future and its human rights landscape.
Political leaders must implement trust-building measures to bridge divisions, foster inter-ethnic solidarity, and promote meaningful healing.
Addressing past wrongs and creating an environment conducive to redress is essential, particularly as the government considers establishing a new Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“A lack of political will and complacency in delivering justice hinder reconciliation, fuel grievances, and contribute to instability. There should be no tolerance for complacency.
“We urge the international community to collaborate with national authorities to ensure truth and justice for all war victims and ongoing human rights violations, laying the groundwork for a freer and fairer Sri Lanka.”
Following a meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on 16 May, the Amnesty International delegation visited Mullaitivu to meet families of the forcibly disappeared during the war.
Callamard participated in the 18 May commemoration at Mullivaikkal, marking the 15th anniversary of the end of the war and the suffering endured by the Tamil community.
She then returned to Colombo to meet with representatives of the Malaiyaha Tamil community, human rights defenders, protestors, civil society organisations, members of the international community, and government officials.
Throughout the visit, the delegation addressed key issues including the lack of accountability for grave human rights violations by both sides during the conflict, repression of peaceful assembly, and discrimination against groups such as the Malaiyaha Tamil community, the Muslim community, and LGBTI individuals.
They also highlighted threats to civil society, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful protest, the use of anti-terror laws like the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to suppress dissent, harassment, intimidation, surveillance, and obstacles to press freedom, particularly in the northern regions.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): Low-lying regions within the Attanagalu Oya river basin and the Kuda Ganga sub-basin of the Kalu river are at risk of experiencing flooding, the Irrigation Department said in an ‘Amber’ warning.
These warnings will remain in effect until 9 pm tomorrow (22).
Recent heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas of the Kuda Ganga sub-basin of the Kalu River has prompted concerns.
Analysis of current rainfall and river water levels at hydrological stations along the Kalu Ganga indicates a potential for minor flooding in the low-lying areas of the Kuda Ganga and Maguru Ganga valleys.
This affects the Bulathsinhala, Madurawala, and Palinda Nuwara district secretariat divisions.
There is a significant risk that roads traversing the flood plains of Kuda Ganga and Magura Ganga may become inundated.
Additionally, substantial rainfall has been recorded across the catchment areas of the Attanagalu Oya river basin.
Based on the analysis of rainfall and river water levels at hydrological stations in Attanagalu Oya, flooding is anticipated in the low-lying areas of Attanagalu Oya and Uruwal Oya valleys.
This affects the Diwulapitiya, Mirigama, Attanagalla, Mahara, Gampaha, Minuwangoda, Ja-Ela, Katana, and Wattala district secretariat divisions over the next 48 hours.
Consequently, certain roads in these low-lying areas may also face inundation.
Residents and motorists in these regions are urged to exercise caution.
Disaster management authorities are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate potential impacts.
May 21, Colombo (LNW): The Southwest monsoon conditions are gradually establishing over the island; hence, the prevailing showery and windy conditions will continue, the Department of Meteorology warned in its weather forecast today (21).
Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
Heavy showers above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.
Several spells of showers will also occur in the Northern and North-central provinces.
Strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over the island.
General 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 at times in the sea areas extending from Mannar to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle,heavy showers are likely at some places. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly in the sea areas extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota and wind speed will be (40-50) kmp. Wind speed may increase up to (60-70) kmph at times these sea areas. Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (25-35) kmph and can be increased up to 50 kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota will be very rough at times and other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough at times. The swell waves (about 2.5 m – 3.0 m) height (This is not for land area) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota. Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive in this regard.Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
May 20, Colombo (LNW): The infamous ‘contaminated blood’ scandal in the United Kingdom has reportedly reached a closure, following decades of silence knowingly exposing victims to unacceptable risks.
The probe went on for five years, accusing the National Health Service (NHS) of letting patients catch HIV and hepatitis, and after a three-decade silence, the long-awaited report confirmed the figures and the authorities’ attempts of covering up the scenario.
Over 30,000 people were infected from 1970 to 1991 by contaminated blood products and transfusions, with 3,000 confirmed deaths being followed.
“The Infected Blood Inquiry said victims had been failed “not once but repeatedly” by doctors, the NHS, government, and others responsible for their safety,” The Guardian reported.
The Infected Blood Inquiry criticised the failure to prioritise patient safety and highlighted “unacceptable risks,” including importing unsafe blood products and delayed heat-treatment of blood. Inquiry Chief Sir Brian Langstaff condemned the cover-up and institutional defensiveness, noting it destroyed lives and finances.
The British Government finally acknowledges the need for compensation, with interim payments already being made, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to publicly apologise.
But what does it mean for Sri Lanka? Should we consider a reader’s regular on the story and subsequently move on to the next page of our newspaper, or does it unearth a doorway into a more sinister realm in which we, as a whole, are unconsciously subjugated to live, regardless of the pleasures we enjoy along the way?
Sri Lanka remains acclaimed for eradicating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, maintaining the virus’ transmission below one per cent, having a clean record of successful blood transfusion and most recently, controlling Covid.
However, reaching beyond the point of health, there are quite a concerning number of unanswered questions regarding Sri Lanka which, without doubt, attracted the international community’s attention.
Scandal, as harsh as it sounds, has a deeper meaning to it than meets the eye. Whilst scandalous events take place all the time in all corners of the world, there are regimes in operation resorting to cover-up of state-sponsored scandals, and sometimes acknowledgement of their mistakes.
The recent example is set by the UK, finally acknowledging that the government let people die willingly.
But have we yet published a single report that acknowledges the mistakes of our past?
Sri Lanka faced enough bloodbaths throughout the course of time, and appointed commissions, committees and sub-committees on countless occasions to probe the soaring number of casualties in each scenario.
With the 71’ Riots, the 83’ Black July, the 88-89’ Terror, war-crime allegations, the assassination of journalists, the Easter Sunday Massacre, and the most recent Human Immunoglobulin Scandal, the list goes on and analysts and theorists on and off Social Media will probably tell you to ‘blame it on the system, not the leaders.’
Sri Lanka is currently at the plight of an economic crisis and desiring an election heat for a change. Notwithstanding the above, every political figure will pledge before you that they will build this country for future generations to enjoy.
The ‘76-Year Curse,’ as quoted by certain political streams in Sri Lanka, has not only been overlooked, but also constituted short getaways from scandalous events for the regimes that administrated the country throughout the seven-decade period. The so-called committees – rational, independent and apolitical as they claim – make recommendations, so astonishingly within a very short period of time, to establish closure for events that teared down the nation.
But do we have public opinion and a strong collective movement to fight for justice until it is met?
Recently, the Human Rights Office of the United Nations urged the Government of Sri Lanka to publicly apologise for the enforced disappearances that are perceived to have been committed by state security forces and para-military groups backed by the state. Sri Lanka, in its usual tune, denied the allegations, having zero flexibility to such terms and whitewashing the crisis by wooing the 15th commemoration of war victory.
Decades have passed by, and there are still unanswered questions lacking the backing of a strong peoples’ movement for answers to be found upon. Such movement should be executed in a democratic manner.
This, I believe, is the question we should ask from ourselves. Do we have a relentless peoples’ movement to create public opinion? Should we restrain ourselves to the state’s version of the story? A scandal involving the elimination of a human life should be battled against by a strong peoples’ movement, until the last moment, rather than waiting for some committee to administer quick recommendations.
This, I believe, is the lesson to be learned from the ‘contaminated blood’ scandal in the UK. Because contradictory to the theorists’ view of ‘blaming it on the system,’ they fought until the very last moment.
This raises the last question which also freezes the writing of this article, leaving it in a cliffhanger. Did ‘Aragalaya’ actually win?
