Attorney General blocks arrest of Army commander over case of missing journalist

Sri Lanka’s Attorney General has instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) not to arrest an army commander over the case of disappeared journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, reports The Sunday Leader . Army Commander Lieutenant General A. W. J. C. De Silva is himself accused of blocking investigations into the case of the missing journalist, who went missing in 2010. A CID officer told the Sunday Leader that an “informal message” had been sent to their department, stating that any legal action against the commander must be delayed. Sources also said that during high level security meeting it was stated if the commander was arrested “certain factions would capitalize on the situation and instigate the masses”.

Sri Lanka constitution committee consults chief Buddhist monks

The Committee of Public Representations on the Constitution (CPRC) appointed by Prime minster Ranil Wickremsinghe met with a chief Buddhist monk to seek proposals and suggestions for constitutional reforms. The chairman of the CPRC Lal Wikenayake told media that the committee had brief discussions over the need for a new constitution in the country, reports Colombo Page. The Committee members are expected to travel the island seeking submissions for Sri Lanka’s constitutional process.

British warship docks in Colombo as part of 'closer defence relations'

The Royal Navy warship HMS Defender visited Sri Lanka, becoming the first British warship to do so in four years. In a press release on Monday, the British government stated the UK had a “long military history” with Sri Lanka and the visit “ is a welcome signal of the closer defence relations the two countries are developing”. “While in Sri Lanka the Ship’s company will meet with counterparts from the Sri Lankan Navy and also play them at selected sports,” added the UK press release.

UNP considers fielding former Army commander Fonseka

The United National Party, led by the Sri Lankan prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, is considering fielding the former army commander, Sarath Fonseka, at the local government elections later this year. General Fonseka was the army commander during the end of the armed conflict in 2009 where tens of thousands of Tamils were killed, raped and tortured by Sri Lankan state forces. The UNP Central Committee will be holding a meeting on February 2nd regarding the nomination. “We have not yet made a final decision with regard to the invitation,” the UNP General Secretary, Gaya Basnayake was quoted...

Sri Lanka hosts regional Commonwealth human rights seminar for parliamentarians

Sri Lanka will host a three-day Commonwealth regional seminar on Monday to improve the capabilities of parliamentarians to promote and protect human rights in Asia, The seminar is to be held in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) with the focus of ‘Strengthening the role of Parliamentarians in the promotion and protection of human rights,” reports Colombo Page. Sri Lanka’s prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will deliver a keynote address to open the seminar. The Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Karen McKenzie,...

Sri Lankan navy arrest 9 Tamil Nadu fishermen

The Sri Lankan navy arrested at least nine Tamil Nadu fishermen on Sunday for allegedly poaching and detained two fishing trawlers. The arrest comes days after fishermen in Tamil Nadu held a strike, protesting over the Sri Lankan government's refusal to hand back detained fishing boats.

UN Human Rights Chief to visit North

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein will be visiting the Tamil region of the North, during his visit to Sri Lanka on February 6, reported the Sunday Leader . Mr Zeid is expected to speak directly to Tamil victims and families affected by the armed conflict. The Sri Lankan government will be presenting progress made on implementation of the UNHRC resolution co-sponsored by the government last year. A press conference is expected on February 9, the last day of his visit.

Tamil People’s Council calls for recognition of right to self determination

The Tamil People’s Council called for the recognition that “Tamils constitute a distinct people with the inalienable right to self-determination” in a draft set of proposals, calling for a political agreement prior to a constitutional enactment in Sri Lanka.

Buddhist monks shave heads and sign petition to free BBS leader

A signature campaign was launched in Kandy on Saturday calling for the release of recently detained Bodu bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaatte Gnanasara. The aim of the campaign was to collect 2.5 million signatures calling for his release, with organisers expecting a further 100,000 people across the country to shave their heads in protest, reports The Island . Flowers were also offered to the Buddhist Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy as part of the campaign, with member of the Buddhist clergy joining the protest.

Rajapaksa sheds tears as son is remanded

Parents’ love for their children can only be understood by parents. It’s difficult seeing your parents this way. pic.twitter.com/5PnZAHr0Fi — Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) January 30, 2016 Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa shed tears outside a prison in Colombo yesterday, after he visited his son Yoshitha, who was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities under the former leader. Mr Rajapaksa told reporters that the current Sri Lankan government was engaged in a “witch hunt” and condemned them for what he claimed was the targeting of...

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