Ajith Parakum In a significant and progressive step, the Sri Lankan government has issued a formal apology for its controversial “cremations only” policy enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy, which mandated the cremation of all COVID-19 victims, including those from the Muslim community, disregarded both religious beliefs and scientific advice, causing widespread distress. The…
On July 24, 2024, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka issued a significant interim order regarding the contentious appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as Inspector General of Police (IGP). This decision came after a series of petitions challenged the constitutionality and appropriateness of his appointment by the President. The cases were initiated by eight organizations and…
Australia’s former Prime Minister Scott Morrison emphasized three key elements—priorities, plans, and partnerships—that have enabled Sri Lanka’s recent successes and will shape its future during his address at the Human Capital Summit. The event, held at Temple Trees and inaugurated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, drew around 600 participants and featured over 60 global and local…
The latest report released by the Ministry of Finance reveals that the total unpaid debt and instalments amount to USD 8.6 billion over the past 24 months, following the government’s decision to temporarily suspend foreign debt payments. According to the Ministry of Finance, since the temporary suspension of foreign debt and instalment payments on April…
July 19, 2024 – In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ruled in favour of Madhavi Buddhika Rajaguru, a nurse at Kurunegala General Hospital, who accused Consultant Surgeon Ashoka Wijemanne of assault. The court awarded Rajaguru compensation for the violation of her fundamental rights under Article 11 of the Constitution, which…
During a recent legal proceeding, former President Maithripala Sirisena faced serious allegations related to the accumulation of significant wealth during his time in office. Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, representing the petitioners in 11 Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions associated with the Easter Sunday attack, presented these accusations in the Supreme Court. The wealth report indicated that Sirisena…
Commissioner General of Prisons, Tushara Upuldeniya, has raised alarms over the severe overcrowding in Sri Lankan prisons, revealing that the current inmate population is approximately double the designed capacity. As of July 15, 2024, Sri Lankan prisons house 30,607 inmates, the majority of them drug offenders. This critical situation has led to significant challenges, including…
Human Rights Watch Sri Lankan authorities continue to use the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to target perceived opponents and minority communities without credible evidence to support the allegations despite repeated pledges to end the practice, Human Rights Watch said today. While some victims have suffered years of arbitrary detention and torture, others are persecuted even after…
Star Garments, a subsidiary of Charles Komar & Sons, has secured a $15 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to establish a new garment factory in Togo, marking their first venture into Africa. This factory, to be built in the Plateforme Industrielle d’Adétikopé near Lomé, will adhere to Leadership in Energy and Environmental…
Sri Lanka is embarking on a strategic initiative to map all its tree species as a precursor to joining global carbon credit markets. This comprehensive project, announced by Senior Presidential Advisor on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, aims to quantify the island’s carbon sequestration capacity, with a focus on both forested areas and mangrove ecosystems. The…
