While Sri Lanka’s macro-economic situation has improved, the impacts of the economic crisis together with associated austerity measures are affecting the poorest and already marginalized groups the most, said Volker Türk, the current High Commissioner for Human Rights. In his opening comments at the 56th session of the Human Rights Council, the UN Human Rights…
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in an address to the parliament on Tuesday (18) announced a new wealth tax initiative aimed at addressing rental income while ensuring the vast majority of homeowners remain unaffected. Emphasizing the high threshold for the tax, the President reassured citizens that around 90 percent of homes would be exempt. “I…
Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, Mr. M. N. Ranasinghe, stated that the period from 2022 to 2024 will be historically significant for the highest number of law reforms in Sri Lanka. He highlighted that since 2022, 59 legal reforms have been passed in Parliament, with an additional 07 drafts…
Sri Lanka Energy Project (SLEP) has received top honors at the 2024 annual conference for the Society for International Development, the premier U.S. event for international development professionals. The award was given in recognition of the innovative solar-powered electric vehicle battery swapping stations owned and operated by Sri Lanka’s Sling Mobility (Pvt.) Ltd., particularly highlighting…
In the Asian social service sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Sri Lanka have made significant strides by the year 2024, overcoming challenges that were present in 2022. For the year 2024, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam have been categorized as “Doing Okay.” The 2022 index placed Sri Lanka in the…
India, the world’s largest democracy, has a profound influence on its neighbouring countries, including Sri Lanka. The Indian general election, a massive democratic exercise involving over 900 million eligible voters, determines the political direction of the country for the next five years. In the recent election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured a significant victory with…
Two police officers serving at Alawwa Police were arrested on May 4, 2024, by officers from the Group Robbery Investigation Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with a suspected disappearance and unlawful detention that occurred 13 years ago. The arrested officers are Sergeant A.L. Kumara and Constable R.D.S.B. Rajapaksha. Both officers were…
President Ranil Wickremesinghe auspiciously inaugurated his political office in Colombo a short while ago, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Government leaders appear to be considering all options for remaining in office beyond the constitutionally mandated periods of five years for the presidency and parliament. UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara has announced that the government is considering postponing both the presidential and general elections for two years. There has been a considerable amount of…
The general public has been cautioned over the increased spread of infectious diseases across the island due to prevailing inclement weather conditions. Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera warns that there is a greater risk of diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, Typhoid fever and influenza spreading during such periods. Speaking further in this regard, Dr. Perera…
