March 04, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Water and Estate Infrastructure Development, Jeevan Thondaman, inaugurated the ‘Ramayanam Chitrakavyam’ exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Arts (NGMA) in New Delhi.

The event was graced by Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, as the Guest of Honour.

Minister Thondaman underscored the deep cultural significance of the Ramayana in both Sri Lanka and India, emphasising its role in fostering understanding and strengthening bilateral ties.

He highlighted the potential for cultural tourism between the two countries, particularly through the Ramayana trail and Buddhist pilgrim circuit, noting various sites in his constituency associated with the epic.

State Minister Meenakashi Lekhi emphasized the universal wisdom and moral guidance offered by the Ramayana, connecting civilisations across time and geography.

She acknowledged Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage intertwined with the epic, citing landmarks like Ashok Vatika (Sita Eliya).

Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General of NGMA, described the exhibition as a celebration of the enduring legacy of the Ramayana, showcasing the creativity of Indian artists across different genres.

The event highlighted the profound historical and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and India, symbolising the shared heritage and interactions that have shaped both nations over centuries.

March 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka on Sunday (03) saw hundreds of Sri Lankan fishermen hailing from Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Mannar districts staging a protest against their Indian counterparts, and accusing them of illegal fishing within Sri Lankan waters by sailing to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in their trawlers.

Expressing agitation over recurrent incidents of alleged illegal fishing by Indian fishermen, the Sri Lankan fishermen called upon authorities to intervene and prevent further incursions into their territorial waters.

They warned of escalating protests if the situation persisted unchecked.

In recent months, fisher organisations have organised various demonstrations, including protests outside the Indian consulate in Jaffna, underscoring the contentious nature of the issue in bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka.

Tensions over fishing rights have led to confrontations, with Sri Lankan Navy personnel reportedly firing at Indian fishermen and confiscating their boats in instances of alleged incursions into Sri Lankan waters, particularly in the Palk Strait—a key fishing area shared by both nations.

Incidents of Sri Lankan authorities arresting Indian fishermen for trespassing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Sri Lankan waters have been periodic.

This month alone, over 40 Indian fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lanka Navy.

In 2023, Sri Lanka’s Navy detained 240 Indian fishermen and 35 trawlers for alleged poaching activities within Sri Lankan waters, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing fishing disputes between the two countries.

March 04, Colombo (LNW): In response to recent concerns regarding leaked term papers across various provinces, education officials are actively addressing the situation.

Sirisoma Lokuwithana, Secretary of the Western Province Ministry of Education, has scheduled discussions with the State Printing Corporation for today to address the issue.

Chamara Bamunu Arachchi, Secretary of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Education Department, has confirmed the initiation of a formal investigation into the leakage of the Grade 10 English Second Paper.

Following the discovery of the leaked paper, necessary revisions have been made, and a rescheduled exam is planned for next Wednesday.

The Central Provincial Education Director has proactively directed Regional Directors to investigate any potential leaks of final examination papers.

As of now, no confirmed instances of leaked papers have been reported in the Central Province, and examinations will proceed as scheduled tomorrow (04).

March 04, Colombo (LNW): During the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed profound concern regarding Sri Lanka’s proposed legislative actions, cautioning against potential infringements on fundamental rights and freedoms.

Türk highlighted the introduction of several new laws, including the Online Safety Act, Anti-Terrorism Bill, Electronic Media Broadcasting Authority Bill, and NGO Supervision and Registration Bill.

He warned that these laws, if enacted, could grant extensive powers to the executive and security forces, leading to severe restrictions on freedoms of assembly, association, and expression.

Additionally, Türk underscored the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, noting a surge in poverty levels to an estimated 27.9% and a significant decline in household incomes.

Despite government efforts, social protection remains strained, with a considerable portion of the budget allocated to debt servicing.

Addressing human rights violations dating back to the end of the civil war 15 years ago, Türk pointed out unresolved disappearances, land disputes, and unfulfilled promises of devolution by Provincial Councils and Local Government bodies.

Furthermore, Türk expressed concerns about the delayed justice for victims of the Easter Sunday bombings, despite the introduction of draft legislation for a Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation.

Reports of surveillance, harassment, and arrests of civil society representatives and journalists persist, indicating a worrisome environment for accountability and truth-seeking.

Highlighting reports of abductions, unlawful detention, and torture, including sexual violence, Türk stressed the urgent need for comprehensive security sector reforms.

Despite these challenges, Türk reiterated the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and economic crisis for genuine reconciliation and sustainable peace.

Türk urged the Sri Lankan government to reconsider regressive laws and authoritarian approaches, emphasising the necessity for credible accountability measures to investigate and prosecute human rights violations and economic crimes.

He also called on member states to support these efforts, including through universal jurisdiction and targeted measures against alleged perpetrators.

Read Full Statement: https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2024/03/high-commissioner-presents-updates-human-rights-colombia-guatemala

March 04, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has announced a reduction in the number of subjects for the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examination to seven, with the remaining three focusing on industry and environmental knowledge.

This adjustment aims to ensure that no student fails the O/L or Advanced Level (A/L) examinations.

Additionally, steps are being taken to provide professional training in subjects aligned with students’ preferences and skills.

Among the 337,000 A/L students this year, 50,000 will receive training in English, IT, and guidance at 300 centres nationwide starting from March 5th.

March 04, Colombo (LNW): A notable meeting occurred yesterday (03) afternoon between His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohras, and President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s official residence on Paget Road.

The Dawoodi Bohra community, spanning approximately one million members worldwide across countries such as India, Pakistan, USA, UK, Canada, Sri Lanka, and Australia, convened for this occasion.

Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb engaged in a warm and cordial discussion with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, expressing gratitude for the President’s efforts in strengthening Sri Lanka’s economy.

During their dialogue, Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb highlighted the upcoming Bohra Conference slated for this year near the Bambalapitiya Bohra Mosque.

As a gesture of goodwill, a book documenting various programmes and religious services conducted by the Bohra community over the past four years was presented to the President.

The event was attended by a delegation comprising leaders of the Dawoodi Bohras, lending significance to the occasion.

March 04, Colombo (LNW): An Extraordinary Gazette has been released, designating all activities related to electricity supply and the distribution of petroleum products and fuel as essential services.

The Gazette, issued on Sunday (03), was authorised by Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, under the direction of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The declaration affirms that these specified services are deemed Essential Public Services, recognising their indispensable role in sustaining community life.

It encompasses services offered by Public Corporations, Government Departments, Local Authorities, Co-operative Societies, or any affiliated entities engaged in these vital services, ensuring they remain uninterrupted for the welfare of the populace.