by Arundathie Abeysinghe Colombo (AsiaNews) – India is trying to secure exploration rights for a cobalt offshore deposit that could fall under Sri Lanka’s jurisdiction. New Delhi is driven by competition with Beijing, but Colombo also wants to extract minerals that are crucial for modern technologies, including for the energy transition. Cobalt is in fact…
Sri Lanka is undergoing a significant debt restructuring process to stabilize its economy and meet fiscal targets set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The restructuring is aimed at achieving a primary budget surplus of 2.3% by 2025. Below is a detailed feature with technical details on Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts. IMF Bailout Program…
On June 26, 2024, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Collective Against Torture (SLCAT), hosted an Expert Forum at Hotel Janaki to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The forum, titled “Ongoing Torture Despite Extensive Anti-Torture Legislation,” brought together prominent figures such as Shani…
In observance of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26, 2024, it is imperative to highlight the urgent need for the effective implementation of anti-torture rules and regulations in Sri Lanka. This necessity is underscored by the recent landmark judgment delivered by the Matara High Court under the Convention Against…
With elections and a change of government in one way or the other imminent, the independent institutions of state vested with authority to monitor, and provide a check and balance to government, are vindicating their existence. The reports of the Auditor General over the years has been a testament to the diligence with which public…
In a significant move to enhance human rights advocacy, Mr. Philip Dissanayake, Executive Director of Right to Life Human Rights Centre, has signed a partnership agreement with the Netherlands Embassy. This collaboration aims to strengthen the capabilities of human rights defenders, ensuring more robust and effective advocacy efforts. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to…
In a significant step towards enhancing maritime safety and coordination, Sri Lanka has launched a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) established with a USD 6 million grant from India. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped to monitor vast ocean territories encompassing not only Sri Lanka but also the Maldives, India, Indonesia, and Australia. The MRCC, inaugurated…
Sri Lanka is poised to sign a significant debt restructuring agreement with a group of creditor nations on Wednesday, a crucial step in stabilizing the country’s finances following a severe economic crisis. President Ranil Wickremesinghe informed his cabinet about the debt restructuring on Monday, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry revealed in a phone interview. The cabinet…
In a landmark judgment under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act, the Matara High Court sentenced three police officers, including the former Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Tissamaharama Police, to seven years of rigorous imprisonment each for their involvement in the abduction and torture of five individuals, including…
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2024— The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $150 million in financing for Sri Lanka to improve the quality and utilization of its primary healthcare services. The newly approved Sri Lanka Primary Healthcare System Enhancing Project will help improve the quality of care and increase the use of primary medical…
