pta
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Nine terror suspects detained in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan police have arrested nine individuals, including two Maldivians, and an ex-LTTE cadre, over a foiled terror plot targeting tourists at the Arugambay surfing resort. The suspects, including six others accused of gathering intelligence and video footage of the area, are suspected to be linked to an international network. Two additional suspects—a Maldivian and…

prison mahara
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Severe congestion reported in Sri Lanka’s prisons

According to the latest reports from the Department of Prisons, the capacity of prisons in Sri Lanka has exceeded by approximately 300%. The reports reveal that the capacity of remand prisons has surged by 400%. Sri Lanka has 18 remand prisons, with severe overcrowding reported in Magazine Prison, Colombo Remand Prison, and Welikada Prison. Additionally,…

Rohingya refugees in Sri Lanka
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Detention of Rohingya Refugees at Mullaithivu Air Force Camp Sparks Controversy

The newly declared detention center at the Mullaithivu Air Force camp has reportedly been used to detain 103 Rohingya refugees rescued recently. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijeyapala stated that an investigation is underway to verify if these individuals are genuine refugees, as there are allegations of connections with human traffickers. The Sri Lanka Human Rights…

chains
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“Prisoners Are Humans Too,” Magistrate Warns Prison Officials

Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara issued a stern warning to prison officials, emphasizing, “Prisoners are humans too,” after witnessing 40 detainees shackled together with a single chain and brought into the courtroom. The Magistrate criticized the inhumane treatment and instructed prison officers to refrain from treating prisoners like animals. The incident occurred during the judicial…

education
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Government Allocates Rs. 6,000 Grant to Support Schoolchildren Affected by Economic Crisis

By Chethana Gomis

The government has disbursed a Rs. 6,000 allowance for children of Aswesuma welfare beneficiaries to aid their education. The funds were released through the Treasury to Aswesuma bank accounts last Friday. This initiative aims to mitigate the adverse effects of the economic crisis on children’s education, as revealed by the Department of Census and Statistics…

Mahara prison
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Mahara Prison Deaths Case Officially Closed

Writ petition may proceed

The case related to the deaths of 11 inmates during the Mahara Prison riot in November 2020 has been officially closed. The Attorney General confirmed today (17) before the Welisara Magistrate’s Court that there were no changes to the earlier decision to terminate legal proceedings. Magistrate Thusitha Dhammika Uduwawidana ruled that the case cannot proceed…

mahara

Writ Petition Filed by Wife of Mahara Prison Victim Heard Before Court of Appeal

A writ petition filed by M.G. Lasanthi, the wife of one of the 11 inmates killed in the Mahara Prison incident, was taken up before the Court of Appeal today. During the hearing, the Additional Solicitor General, representing the Attorney General, stated before the Court of Appeal that the Mahara incident was a riot, making…

plantation workers of Sri Lanka
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Women’s Workforce Participation surges in India

In recent years, South Asia has experienced notable shifts in female labour force participation (FLFP), with significant variations across countries. India, for instance, has seen a remarkable increase in women’s workforce participation, rising from 22% to 40.3% over six years. This growth has been driven by policies promoting diversity and inclusion, alongside economic developments that…

debt restructuring
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Sri Lanka Advances Debt Restructuring

New Bonds to Replace Defaulted Sovereign Notes

Sri Lanka is advancing its debt restructuring process by issuing new bonds to replace $12.55 billion of defaulted sovereign bonds. This marks a critical step in addressing its $43 billion foreign debt crisis. As announced by the Ministry of Finance, bondholders can swap their holdings for new securities until December 12, 2024. President Anura Kumara…

E-8 visa crisis
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E-8 Visa Controversy Sparks Human Trafficking Concerns and Threatens Sri Lankan Jobs in South Korea

Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLFEB) has raised strong objections to the E-8 visa system, introduced for seasonal employment in South Korea, alleging irregularities and significant risks to Sri Lankan workers. SLFEB Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe disclosed that the E-8 visa agreement was unlawfully signed by a former minister without Cabinet…