Australia, the UK and the US have updated their travel advisories on Sri Lanka following the violence against Muslims which hit Aluthgama last month. Australia called on tourists to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to the “unpredictable security environment” and warned that demonstrations and public gatherings may turn violent or become a target for politically-motivated violence. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommended tourists to avoid demonstrations and highlighted Aluthgama’s proximity to tourist resorts.
Two of Northern Provincial Councillor Ananthi Sasitharan’s family members were beaten and taken to Vaddukoddai police station on Sunday, Tamil Guardian has learnt. Speaking to Tamil Guardian Sasitharan said that the two relatives were waiting outside her office when they were approached by a group of police men in civilian attire. Following an exchange of words, the two were beaten with iron rods and taken to the police station to be arrested. No reason for the arrest was provided reiterated Sasitharan. Sasitharan further added that unknown people were asking questions about her in the...
Journalists who went to report on the preemptive surveying of private Tamil land that was in a land appropriation dispute in court, were threatened by the Sri Lankan navy on Friday. Threats were made to the journalists as they attempted to photograph and document the Sri Lankan navy surveying private Tamil land that the government was in the process of appropriating, reports Uthayan . "This is our region, you cannot take photographs within this," warned navy personnel, whilst taking photographs of the journalists.
The former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, is to re-enter politics, reports asianmirror.lk . Chandrika, with the support of several foreign diplomatic missions in Colombo, has discussed her policy framework with several key cabinet ministers who are dissatisfied with the present administration, reports suggest.
The body of a man was found Saturday morning, near Navali South J.136 by the Kallundai Vairavar temple, reports Uthayan . The body, identified as that of Nagarasa Kugatheepan from Kodikaamam was found with lacerations to the neck. Maanippai police are reportedly carrying out an investigation into the death.
The image of Sinhalese Buddhists has been tarnished by recent anti-Muslim riots said the leader of the opposition UNP party in parliament last week, reports DailyMirror.lk . Commenting on the negative impacts of anti-Muslim riots in Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickramasinghe said, “The good name of Sinhalese Buddhists has been destroyed by such actions of a few. That is why I call this a fire lit, not only against the Muslims but against themselves (Sinhalese Buddhists).”
The Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs, Friday, met his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj in Hydrabad today, to discuss progress by his government on the issues of accountability and reconciliation, reports The Hindu . “There was a fairly detailed presentation by Pro. Peiris about the initiatives they are taking for reconciliation and accountability, “ said the Indian ministry for external affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin. Speaking on whether India supported the UN war crimes investigation into Sri Lanka, Akbaruddin said, “It’s not a country specific issue but a matter of principle...
The head of the Buddhist organisation Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), which has been linked ot recent anti-Muslim riots, will travel to Australia in August, reports Colombo Page . Galagodaathethe Gnanasara Thero, will participate in religious functions in Austrailia. The announcement of the monks visit comes after his visa to the US was suspended and visa application to France was rejected. US revokes Gnanasara visa - BBS (30 June 2014)
The former commander of the Sri Lankan security forces in Jaffna has been reappointed as the governor of the Northern Province, a civilian position, by President Mahinda Rajapkasa. Major General GA Chandrasiri was sworn in for another 5 years by the president at Temple Trees on Friday, reported Ceylon Today . One of the key demands of the TNA upon their election to the Northern Provincial Council last year was the removal of Chandrasiri, complaining of military interference and arguing that the position should be taken up by a civilian governor. NPC faces obstacles - C.V. Wigneswaran (25...
A MP of the ruling coalition Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) said today that fruitful discussions with the opposition party took place today. The Buddhist monk Pathuraliye Rathana Thero, who leads the Buddhist Pivithuru Hetak National Movement of Sri Lanka whilst being a JHU MP, said that discussions were aimed at bringing the country into the right path, reports Colombo Page . The monk met with the leader of the opposition Ranil Wickremasinghe and other UNP MPs.