The chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappdi K Palaniswami, wrote to the Indian premier, Narenda Modi on Friday, expressing his concern about Sri Lanka's new fishing legislation which bans bottom trawling. Describing the legislation, which was adopted on Thursday, as a “harsh step to undermine the diplomatic efforts”, Mr Palaniswami said it was “aimed at preventing our fishermen from exercising their traditional fishing rights in the fishing waters." His letter is the latest in a long series of letters from chief ministers of Tamil Nadu to Delhi on the issue of fishing and the arrests of...
A former deputy chief justice of South Africa, Dikgang Moseneke met with officials from Sri Lanka's Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation this week to share his experiences of constitution making process. Highlighting the fact South Africa's constitution was not based on religion or ethnicity, Mr Moseneke said, "in our system everybody has right to be a Buddhist, be a Muslim, to belong to a Hindu religion or even no religion”. “Unity in diversity, mutual respect and co-existence”as important element for reconciliation," he added, the Sunday Times reported. See more here .
Sri Lanka's Joint Opposition on Thursday threatened to quit the constitution-making process unless the government announces elections, the Daily Mirror reported. "There was no point in participating in the process as long as there was no elections in the country," Prof G L Peiris told the paper. Efforts to amend the constitution faced another set back this week after senior members of the Buddhist clergy said on Tuesday that they unanimously rejected the need for any change or amendment. The TNA however has urged the government to ensure its promise of constitutional change is fulfilled.
The Leader of House, Lakshman Kiriella MP rejected media reports that the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Bill had been taken back, stating that the bill would be debated in the future. The Daily Mirror reported that Mr Kiriella told parliament media reports that the Bill was taken back by the government was not true. The bill has been criticised by the former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as well as senior members of the Buddhist clergy, who said the bill should be postponed in order to give parliamentarians more time to study it...
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said his government would protect Sri Lankan soldiers and the “freedom earned for the country” by the military, in a speech at Temple Trees on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka’s president assured the Buddhist Maha Sangha that it will be consulted on the draft constitution. A meeting between the Maha Sangha led by Maha Nayaka Thero was held at the President’s House in Kandy today, reports Adaderanal.lk. The Buddhist monks also presented a list of proposal pertaining to the constitution to Mr Sirisena. The meeting comes after several Buddhist institutions in Sri Lanka rejected the need for a new constitution.
The Sri Lankan navy on Thursday arrested eight fishermen from Tamil Nadu, The Hindu reported. The men, who were reportedly detained around the Neduntheevu area, have been taken to the Kankesanthurai naval base. See more here . The Sri Lankan navy have repeatedly arrested Tamil Nadu fishermen, and frequently impounded their boats, despite the arrests being strongly criticised by political parties in the southern Indian state, and talks taking place between the two countries in an attempt to resolve the issue.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Ben Emmerson is to make an official visit to Sri Lanka on July 10 - 14, where he is expected to meet with detainees suspected or convicted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. 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...
The Tamil National Alliance on Thursday urged the senior members of the Buddhist clergy to reconsider their decision to unanimously reject any constitutional change in Sri Lanka. "when all political parties represented in the legislature had contributed towards the drafting of a new Constitution, the main Buddhist Sects affirming that there was no need for such a framework was both shocking and ridiculous," Ceylon Today quoted the TNA spokesperson and MP, M A Sumanthiran as saying. The Buddhist clergy announced their decision following a special meeting earlier this week held in Kandy where...
The newly appointed Sri Lankan Army Commander has refuted war crimes allegations but said that the tri-forces would face up to any investigation in order to clear their name. “I don’t know whether those accusing the army officers and soldiers have first-hand information about their allegations; whether they were there at that time or not, but if there are any investigations we will certainly support it to clear the name and reputation of the army,” the Daily Mirror quotes Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake as saying. When questioned about the Army’s failure to investigate allegations of attacks on...