March 18, Colombo (LNW): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, questioning the Union Government’s apparent lack of assertiveness in pressuring the Sri Lankan government to restore traditional fishing rights for Indian fishermen in the Palk Straits, contrasting it with the vigorous defense of business interests involving Gautam Adani.

Stalin’s remarks were prompted by Prime Minister Modi’s recent statements attributing the plight of Tamil Nadu fishermen to the ‘sins’ of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

He demanded clarity on the steps taken by the Union Government over the past decade to address the issue, as reported by the Deccan Herald.

“The Prime Minister, who proclaims himself as a ‘vishwa guru’ (world teacher), remains silent when questioned about his government’s actions to prevent atrocities against Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lanka,” Stalin asserted in a strongly-worded statement.

The Chief Minister’s response followed Modi’s comments during a public address in Kanyakumari, a BJP stronghold, on March 15, where he indirectly linked the challenges faced by Tamil Nadu fishermen to the historical cession of Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974, which occurred during the tenure of the DMK and Congress.

Stalin underscored the fact that Katchatheevu was handed over to Sri Lanka despite opposition from the then DMK-led state government headed by M. Karunanidhi, dismissing the notion that a state government could unilaterally transfer territory to another nation.

He further pressed the Union Government, particularly the BJP-led administration, to outline efforts made in the past decade to reclaim Katchatheevu and to safeguard Tamil Nadu fishermen from imprisonment by Sri Lanka.

Stalin pointedly questioned the absence of official condemnation from the Indian government regarding the seizure and nationalisation of Indian fishing boats by Sri Lanka, highlighting the lack of substantive action on critical issues affecting Tamil Nadu fishermen.

“The unanswered questions and the silence of the Prime Minister, who presents himself as a ‘vishwa guru,’ raise serious concerns,” Stalin concluded.

1. The deadline for the Presidential Scholarship Programme 2024/25 extended to April 01: The initiative, guided by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, supports students facing economic challenges in pursuing education: Zonal education directors have shared details with schools and encouraged parents to submit applications: The programme aims to assist 100,000 students with a budget of Rs. 3600 million.
   
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says politicians who follow the traditional promise-based politics cannot be relied upon, and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is the only party that detached itself from such politics and proved that work can be done in its capacity as the Opposition: asserts the SJB dismissed traditional politics and implemented the tremendously successful ‘Sakwala’ initiative as a preface to what it can achieve as a government.
   
3. NPP MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya addresses the London women’s convention, asserting that a small elite group in Sri Lanka has long controlled the country’s affairs and will resist change: urges the Sri Lankan community to recognise their collective strength and work together to end this era of control, emphasising the need for unified action to bring about change.
   
4. CID arrests two Deputy Controllers of Immigration & Emigration for allegedly providing passports to underworld figures with false information: One suspect, a current Deputy Controller, to appear before Vavuniya Magistrate’s Court; the other, a former Deputy Controller, faces proceedings at Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. Investigations found that fake passports were issued using fabricated details: One suspect arrested while undergoing treatment at Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital; another suspect, now a Deputy Director at the Pensions Department, is accused of fraudulent activity.
   
5. A recent survey by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) reveals a decline in public trust in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary institutions and political parties: Trust in parliament stands at 22%, and political parties at 19%: The Army and Courts are the most trusted institutions, while the police receive comparatively lower trust.
   
6. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, who is under scrutiny with facing a no-confidence motion, plans to disclose details about the ‘Aragalaya’ incident and what he described as ‘pressure from politicians’ to violate the constitution by assuming the presidency: ready to make a special statement in Parliament after the vote, as he cannot participate in the debate under standing orders.
   
7. Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne says private buses will be available for election campaigns without stickers or posters: adds candidates or parties renting the buses must maintain them: Concerns raised about damages from past campaigns; appeal made for repairs by Central Bank Governor.
   
8. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticises Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not pressuring Sri Lanka to restore traditional fishing rights for Indian fishermen in the Palk Straits while protecting Gautam Adani’s business interests: Stalin’s remarks came after Modi suggested that DMK’s “sins” were causing fishermen’s suffering: questions Modi’s actions in the last decade and demanded answers on retrieving Katchatheevu island: further criticises the lack of action against Sri Lanka’s seizure of Indian boats and called out Modi’s silence on the matter.
   
9. Mourners gather at Ottawa’s Infinity Convention Centre to bid farewell to the Sri Lankan family tragically slain in a mass killing: The somber service, attended by over a hundred people, paid respects to the six victims, including four children.
   
10. The Colombo Chief Magistrate Court orders two team managers of the Legend Cricket League to stay in the country for one month following match-fixing allegations: The court’s decision comes in response to complaints from former cricketers participating in the tournament, with travel restrictions imposed on the accused managers Yoni Patel and P. Akash.

March 18, Colombo (LNW): A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has disclosed a concerning decline in public trust in parliamentary institutions and political parties in Sri Lanka.

The survey, titled ‘Survey on Democracy and Reconciliation in Sri Lanka,’ encompassed 1,350 participants across 25 districts in January.

According to the findings, public trust in parliament stands at a mere 22 per cent, while trust in political parties has plummeted to 19 per cent.

This decline in trust reflects shifting attitudes toward democratic institutions and an emerging preference for authoritarianism among some segments of the population.

The survey identified the Army and Courts as the most trusted institutions in the country, with the police receiving relatively lower levels of trust compared to these entities.

However, despite the Army and Courts maintaining high levels of public trust, trust in legislative bodies and political parties has experienced a significant downturn over the past decade.

In 2011, 63 per cent of Sri Lankans expressed trust in parliament, a figure that has now dwindled to 22 per cent in 2024. Similarly, trust in political parties has declined from 56 per cent in 2011 to a mere 19 per cent in 2024.

The survey also noted a noteworthy increase in the preference for authoritarian rule, with approximately one in ten Sri Lankans expressing support for authoritarian governance.

This trend has seen a significant uptick since 2018, coinciding with political upheavals during the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government.

Despite the majority of Sri Lankans still favoring democratic governance, the survey underscores a concerning sentiment suggesting that some individuals view a dictatorial government as preferable under certain circumstances.

The CPA, a leading policy think-tank headquartered in Colombo, emphasised the need for addressing these trends and fostering greater trust in democratic institutions to uphold the principles of democracy and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

March 18, Canada (LNW): A somber gathering took place on Sunday as mourners, numbering more than a hundred, converged at the Infinity Convention Centre to bid farewell to the Sri Lankan family tragically slain in one of Ottawa’s most devastating mass killings.

During the multi-faith service, attendees paid their respects to the six victims, including four children, whose lives were cut short on March 6 within a townhouse in Ottawa’s Barrhaven suburb.

Addressing the grieving assembly, Ajahn Viradhammo, a monk, implored those mourning worldwide to find solace in supporting each other rather than succumbing to despair or anger.

“While we in the Ottawa area grapple with this tragedy, its reverberations are felt across the globe,” he remarked. “In these moments of darkness, let us draw strength from the compassion and wisdom inherent in our faith. We gather united by our shared humanity and our steadfast commitment to compassion.”

Among the victims were 35-year-old Darshani Ekanayake and her four children, aged between two months and seven years, as well as a close family friend.

Ekanayake’s husband and the father of the children, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, remains hospitalised with injuries to his hands and face.

Wickramasinghe, visibly distraught, was seen praying at the ceremony, surrounded by grieving relatives. Funeral organisers noted his request for privacy to mourn his family’s loss while expressing gratitude for the overwhelming public support received.

The ceremony, marked by poignant moments, featured five coffins at the forefront, including three smaller ones for the children and two larger ones.

The heartfelt service included Buddhist rituals and reflections from clergy of diverse faiths, offering prayers for strength to the surviving relatives.

Dignitaries from various levels of government echoed calls for unity, emphasising the need to support the grieving families through their trying times.

“We must continue to embrace these two families,” remarked Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “They face many difficult days and challenges ahead.”

The Wickramasinghe family, recent immigrants to Canada from Sri Lanka, included a child born in the country.

Police swiftly arrested a 19-year-old Sri Lankan man, Febrio De-Zoysa, on the evening of the attack, charging him with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

De-Zoysa, an international student who had been residing with the family, remains in protective custody as the investigation unfolds.

March 18, Colombo (LNW): Private buses will be made available for election campaigns to any political party, Gemunu Wijerathne, Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), announced.

However, he emphasised that pasting stickers or posters on the buses will not be permitted.

Wijerathne told the media that these buses will be offered for hire, and the candidate or political party renting the bus for their election campaigning will be held accountable for its maintenance and upkeep.

Highlighting the potential damage caused by affixing stickers and posters on the bus body, the Union Chief explained that such actions could harm the paint and metal of the vehicles.

He noted that private buses have been hired for election campaigns in the past, but concerns remain regarding damages incurred during these periods, particularly during the Aragalaya period.

Wijerathne expressed that many buses have yet to be repaired following the damages sustained during previous election campaigns. Although some owners have undertaken repairs, several buses remain in need of attention, stored in garages.

As a result, Wijerathne appealed to the Central Bank Governor to address this issue promptly and implement appropriate measures to facilitate the repair of these buses, ensuring their swift return to service.

March 18, Colombo (LNW): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two Deputy Controllers of Immigration & Emigration, including a former Deputy Controller, for their alleged involvement in providing passports to underworld figures based on false information.

According to police reports, the suspects arrested, one of whom is a current Deputy Controller, are accused of facilitating passports for underworld figures Nuresh Supun Dayaratne, known as “Heenatiyana Mahesh,” and Shan Arosh Liyanage, alias “Mathugama Shan,” using fraudulent means.

One of the arrested individuals is scheduled to appear before the Vavuniya Magistrate’s Court, while the other will face proceedings at the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court.

The arrests were made following an investigation supervised by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Rohan Premaratne, who heads the CID.

Investigations revealed that the Deputy Controller of the Immigration Department allegedly provided Nuresh Supun Dayaratne with a fake passport under the name “Manikkuge Dinesh Silva,” along with fabricated passport and national identity card (NIC) numbers.

The arrest of the Deputy Controller occurred while he was undergoing treatment at the Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital.

Additionally, it was discovered that a former Deputy Controller of the Immigration Department had reportedly issued a fake passport to the organised crime figure Shan Arosha Liyanage, using the pseudonym “Dodangoda Liyanage Rajesh Kumara Jayasinghe.”

The suspected former Deputy Controller, who currently serves as a Deputy Director at the Pensions Department, faces allegations in connection with this fraudulent activity, as per CID statements.

March 18, Colombo (LNW): The President’s Media Division has announced an extension of the application deadline for the “Presidential Scholarship Programme 2024/25” until April 01.

Under the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake, this initiative by the President’s Fund aims to support students facing economic challenges in pursuing their education.

Responding to numerous requests, the extension provides more time for eligible students to submit their applications for consideration.

Zonal education directors have disseminated information about the programme to principals, divisional secretaries, and Grama Niladhari Officers, encouraging parents to inquire and submit application forms through school principals.

Furthermore, according to directives from the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, scholarships will be allocated to each school based on student numbers, with the Regional Director of Education determining the distribution within their regions.

School principals are instructed to form selection committees to choose scholarship recipients from April 1, 2024, based on allocated scholarships.

Following the selection process, details of eligible recipients will be submitted to the President’s Fund by the Ministry of Education for scholarship distribution over the next 12 months, starting April 2024.

The programme aims to support 100,000 students from Grade 01 to Grade 11 across Sri Lanka’s 10,126 schools, with an allocated budget of Rs. 3600 million from the President’s Fund.

Selected recipients are required to open joint bank accounts at designated branches of Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, or National Savings Bank, with initial deposits facilitated by the respective banks.

For further information, individuals are encouraged to visit the official Facebook page of the President’s Fund at www.facebook.com/president.fund.