Sri Lanka will seek approval of Buddhist monks for new constitution says cabinet spokesperson

A new constitution will not take away the primary status given to Buddhism said Sri Lanka’s cabinet spokesperson, adding that the government would seek approval of the island's senior Buddhist clergy, the Mahanayake Thera. Mr Gayantha Karunathilaka said that both the president and prime minister would meet the Mahayanake Theras to explain the situation with the draft constitution. Mr Karunathilaka said, “certain opposition forces are trying to get political mileage by trying to show a non-existing monster. However the new Constitution would be one that would be approved by the Mahanayake...

Vandal attack on Mannar Catholic shrine

A vandal attack on a popular Catholic shrine has upset locals of a Mannar village. A roadside shrine to Saint Michael Sammanasu (Angel) in Tharavan Kottai, Ezhuthoor was found with its protective glass shattered and the icon of the saint smashed on Sunday morning. The pedestal had also been covered in graffiti. Locals informed their priest who filed a complaint with Mannar police. Several members of the Mannar Catholic diocese are involved in civil society activities in the district, often facing surveillance and threats from state intelligence units.

Batticaloa residents protest against corrupt local officials

Batticaloa residents protested against the current District Secretary on Monday, with locals calling for her transfer following accusations of corruption.

Keppapulavu day 132: protestors take land struggle to District Secretariat

Keppapulavu villagers who have been protesting for the last 4 months for the release of their land took their protest to the Mullaitivu District Secretariat on Monday. The protest coincided with a Mullaitivu development committee meeting at the DS, attended by the Chief Minister of the Northern Province as well as ministers and other members of the Northern Province and parliamentary representatives.

Sampur remembers Tamil civilians killed in 1990 Sri Lankan military offensives

Events were held in Sampur to remember Tamil civilians killed by Sri Lankan military offensives in and around Sampur in the nineties. Students, politicians, locals and civil society gathered at the Sampur Mahavidyalayam on Sunday and paid tribute to the 53 Tamil civilians killed by the Sri Lankan army, from 7th July 1990 until 1995. A memorial was also held at a monument for the victims in Sampur. In memory of the innocent people massacred on 07.07.1990

Mid year report - Sri Lanka foreign debt US$ 25.6 bn

Sri Lanka's outstanding foreign debt by the end of April 2017 was US$ 25.61 billion, the mid-year Fiscal Report concluded. This years figure is 23.1 billion dollars higher than the same time last year, LBO reported. The country is currently looking to receive its third tranche of its loan from the International Monetary Fund. Last month a report from the World Bank warned that "slower than expected" progress on reforms was putting economic growth and stability at risk.

Sri Lankan president promises rice subsidies if prices rise further

The president of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, on Monday promised voters in his hometown of Polonnaruwa he would ensure rice was provided at a concessionary rate if there was any further increase in rice. Mr Sirisena stressed he would not let people starve, Colombo Page reported. Last week the government announced it would be importing rice from Pakistan after droughts affected paddy production. The Sri Lankan government has also commenced government level talks on the possibility of purchasing rice from Thailand.

Buddhist monks threaten to launch protests if Tamils are granted more autonomy

Sri Lanka's Buddhist monks have threatened to launch protests in the street if Tamils are granted more autonomy, the AFP reported on Monday. "Monks are going from district to district to educate their followers about the dangers of the proposed constitution," the news wire quoted the monk, Maagalkande Sudaththa as saying at a press meet in Colombo. Accusing most MPs of being "uneducated", Mr Sudaththa said, "about 70 per cent of MP's are asleep in parliament when important issues are discussed." See more here . Last week senior Buddhist clergy unanimously rejected the government's proposed...

UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism arrives in Sri Lanka

The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter terrorism, Ben Emmerson arrived in Sri Lanka today to embark on an official five day visit of the island. Mr Emmerson plans to obtain first-hand information on steps taken regarding counter-terrorism and assess how they affect the promotion and protection of human rights. “I will seek to provide assistance in the discussion of the country’s counter-terrorism policy and legal framework, as well as in the preparation and drafting of relevant legislative acts, with a view to ensuring that measures taken by the Government are in compliance...

Protests in Jaffna after police kill unarmed Tamil man

Protests have erupted in Jaffna, after an unarmed Tamil man was shot dead by Sri Lankan police yesterday.

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