The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in August, reiterated her call for an international investigation on Sri Lanka’s alleged humanitarian law violations. Responding to questions on the BBC’s World Have Your Say radio programme, Pillay outlined the need to have an international investigation into what happened during the last days of the war and to ensure that the rights of the victims to the truth and the right of victims for reparation is ensured. Commenting on her upcoming visit to Sri Lanka, Pillay said that she wanted to...
Indian and Sri Lankan officials held talks in Colombo about trade, investment and economic cooperation. "Recognising that India is Sri Lanka's leading trade partner and that bilateral trade between the two countries has now reached $5 billion, it was agreed that the potential which remains to expand bilateral trade further to the tune of $10 billion would be exploited in the next 3 years," said a statement issued by the government today. Read more here .
The trial of the murdered British tourist Kuram Shaikh has been transferred to Colombo after the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) told the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s court that the suspects allegedly threatening witnesses. The suspects include the Chairman of the Tangalle Prageshiya Sabha, who was previously released on bail.
Thousands of Buddhist monks are planning to hold a demonstration against the 13th Amendment. The National Movement for the Abolition of Provincial Councils (NMAPC) will be held on the 2nd of July and will call for the abolition of the 13th Amendment of the constitution. One of the officials of the organisations, Vappa Thera, said that some elements were trying to split the country using the 13th Amendment. Read more here .
The Sri Lankan government has released the former head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s women political wing, Thamilini, after undergoing a one year rehabilitation programme, reported the Asian Tribune. Thamilini was held in the main prison and then transferred to a rehabilitation centre to participate in a programme that helped 're-integrate' her into society. She then received vocational training at the camp which involved a course in bridal dressing.
Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth has defended the decision to go ahead with CHOGM in Sri Lanka, citing the Commonwealth's decision to 'help' and 'make a practical difference'. Responding to an article by Gideon Rachman in the Financial Times, criticising the Commonwealth for accepting Sri Lanka's hospitality, Sharma said that the Commonwealth is active in "advancing Commonwealth values" in Sri Lanka. Sharma also described the LLRC as "a homegrown roadmap for achieving a multi-ethnic nation at peace with itself." See here for response on the Financial Times .
A member of the North-Western Provincial Council, Ananda Sarath Kumara , was arrested after forcing a school teacher to kneel for disciplining his daughter. The teacher of Nawagattegama Isuru School in Puttalam was made to kneel after she asked Kumara’s daughter to lengthen the hem of her school uniform. The deputy principal withdrew a statement given to the police, after suspected intimidation. Kumara was released on bail and warned by the magistrate against intimidating witnesses.
The United States Ambassador Michele J Sison inspected a new laboratory complex built for the Sri Lanka Ministry of Justice Government Analysts Department, earlier this month. The laboratory facilities were built after the U.S Department of Justice entered into a $2.1 million Forensic Assistance Program to help technically enhance the Sri Lankan criminal justice system. The Program was designed to ensure that people in Sri Lanka had greater access to justice by enhancing legitimate prosecution of criminals.
Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Tanzania to commence a 5 day visit to Tanzania and Seychelles. Rajapaksa’s arrival in Tanzania marks the first ever visit by a Sri Lankan president to the two nations. Rajapaksa’s media unit has described the visit as part of his vision of further strengthening South-South cooperation. Bilateral discussions have been organised with the Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, to help strengthen the economic, trade and tourism relations between the two countries. Rajapaksa's vast array of ministerial accompaniments to Tanzania included Minister of External...
Tamil Guardian went to catch up with Tamileelam's UK football players joined by players from Germany and France who arrived on Tuesday. Their teammates from Canada, Italy and Switzerland are expected later this week. The team welcomes many new faces this year, including a number of professional footballers that have played in the German and Italian football leagues.