Trump is expected to be sentenced on July 11 but Trumps lawyers are also expected to appeal the decision.

Trump slammed the judge as ‘corrupt’ and claimed he was a ‘very innocent man’ after the jury delivered the verdict.

The trial should have been held in a different location where there were more Republicans instead of the New York, where he did not win, he said.

However many Trump businesses had been based for years in New York.

Reporters in the courtroom said the jury was widely expected to go home for the day for further deliberations and those present were ‘stunned’ by the verdict that came at the end of the day.

Trump is the first ex US president to be convicted.

He will still be the Republican candidate for president.

Trump’s fund-raising website crashed in what the Republican activists said was a rush by his supporters to donate.

Trump is also facing trials for inciting a ‘riot’ in Washington. (Colombo/May31/2024)

A person of Sri Lankan descent or “whose citizenship of sri Lanka has ceased under sections 19, 20 or 21 of the Citizenship Act” as well as a foreign spouse would be eligible to apply after six months of marriage under the new regulations.

However, if the marriage is dissolved before 5 years, the PR status would automatically cease.

A person of Sri Lanka descent is someone whose parents, grand parents or great grand parents were born in or are still citizens of the island.

A fee of 1,000 dollars would be charged. Children would also be allowed PR status at 400 dollars.

In Sr Lanka regulations issued by gazette (subsidiary legislation) by most laws, usually have to be presented to parliament before they are implemented by the agency concerned.

Ex-Sri Lankans earlier had to apply for dual citizenship, which was not allowed by some countries.

Download Permanant Residence 2383-17-sri-lanka-permanent-residence-visa-regulations-EN.

However permanent resident status is provided by many countries.

Sri Lanka’s PR status allows persons to work, run businesses, buy or inherit property.

There are large numbers of Sri Lankans who have obtained citizenship in foreign countries who have not applied for dual citizenship.

Sri Lanka also does not have a naturalization path unlike Western nations which leads to them exiting whatever assets they have in this country and investing it in the new countries.

A controversy has also arisen at the moment with legislators losing their parliamentary seats due to being foreign citizens. (Colombo/May29/2024)

“After almost a century, we have implemented numerous reforms in the field of law. Over the past two years, we have enacted approximately 75 new laws. This is a significant achievement, considering that some parliaments work for even 4 or 5 years without passing this amount of laws,” Wickremesinghe said during the opening of the new Court Complex in Theldeniya on Wednesday (15).

The original Magistrate’s Court in Theldeniya was submerged under the Victoria Reservoir. The new court complex, a three-storey building, accommodates the Magistrate and District Courts along with other essential facilities.

“A government’s purpose is to work, and MPs should attend Parliament to fulfil their legislative duties. We have worked to introduce a new legal system by adopting these laws in Parliament.”

This new legal system will foster a new political culture in the country, Wickremesinghe said.

“We have also paid special attention to addressing delays in the legal process. For justice to be realized, the law must be executed in a timely manner. Efficient hearings will encourage more cases to be filed, ensuring that justice is served promptly.”

The rule of law should be reaffirmed in the country, Wickremesinghe said. “If people take the law into their own hands and destroy property, there is no law. The stability of a country depends on the rule of law. A country gains recognition only when justice is done; otherwise, there will be no development, and investment cannot be expected.”

Sri Lanka has agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to implement several laws to support an economic transformation, the president said. “Sri Lanka has previously been accused of violating IMF agreements, but now, with these agreements enforced by law, such violations are no longer possible.”

“Moving forward is imperative. Failure to comply will jeopardize the support we expect from the IMF. These laws are expected to be introduced after our June meeting with the IMF.”

The government has also presented three more draft bills that are scheduled for cabinet approval next Monday.

“Subsequent laws will follow after establishing the foundational framework of the economic transformation law. These actions are being undertaken in accordance with agreements reached with the IMF and countries that have provided loans. Discussions with private creditors are also progressing positively.” (Colombo/May15/2024)

A delegation consisting of 15 Sri Lanka Supreme Court registry officials completed the training program from 9-13 May at the Supreme Court of India, it said.

“During the programme, the delegates were introduced to the technological and digital transformation of the Supreme Court of India including e-Courts project, Library, Court processes such as filing, listing, scrutiny, scanning and record keeping,” the High Commission said.

“The Senior Registrars from the Registry explained to the delegates nuances of the same and demonstrated the systems with enhanced transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.”

The High Commission said under the guidance of the Indian Chief Justice, Training Cell of the Supreme Court supported the initiative, promoting knowledge sharing and fostering collaboration with International Judicial entities.

Legal experts say India has a strong legal establishment it has leapt in using digital technology in court cases.

Foreign relations analysts say increasing Chinese influence in Sri Lanka has forced India to take a different approach in the bilateral relations with Colombo after the end of a 26-year war in 2009.

Former Sri Lankan diplomats say India’s harsh foreign policy stance in the past has forced the country to slide towards China.

India is increasingly concerned over rising Chinese projects and influence along with people-to-people connectivity in Sri Lanka.

India, one of the fastest growing nations in the world has repeatedly raised concerns over Chinese research ships being allowed to dock in Sri Lanka and possible military activities. The Sri Lankan has barred all foreign research vessels after Indian complaints, Colombo’s foreign ministry officials say.

Both Sri Lanka and India in February this year discussed on the modalities of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) and National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) to conduct Capacity Building Programmes for senior and mid-level civil servants of Sri Lanka by NCGG.

India also has offered a number of scholarships every year to Sri Lankan students who wish to pursue their studies in India from the recent past. (Colombo/May 15, 2024)

“These changes to the Act contain several proposals that are detrimental to media freedom. One is the that you have to pay a fine to get your license back. Also the commission can interpret and decide what is not in the public’s interest,” Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said in parliament.

Premadasa said the opposition was against this, and would take legal action to challenge it.

“This will create a dangerous situation, where power will be concentrated among a few people who will be able to decide on the granting of the media license,” SJB MP S M Marikkar said.

“I know sometimes there is extortion to get the media license. When you grant greater power, there would be an increase in the opportunity for extortion.”

Leader of the House Minister Susil Premajayantha said he will inquire into the claim with Sri Lanka’s Telecom Regulatory Commission. (Colombo/May15/2024)

The COPF expressed deep displeasure after officials of the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Ministry of Public Security failed to turn up at a meeting, the statement said.

After agreeing to be present meeting last week, suddenly informing last evening that they will not turn up for the meeting was disrespecting the parliamentary committee, COPF Chief Harsha de Silva had said.

De Silva today made a statement in parliament. Officials had said they cannot come because some files are missing from a move in 2016.

“This is violation of the privileges of the parliament,” de Silva said. “This is unacceptable. Sometimes people get sick and cannot come. But not a single person came.

IVS-GBS and VFS Global was given a deal to issue online visas to tourists which led to a 51 dollar visa going up to 100.77 with 18.50 fee and another 7 dollar hidden fee as well as a hike in the underlying fee to 75 dollars.

The firm stood to make 841 million dollars over the next 12-year contract period based on the original fees, according to projections revealed in parliament.

The deal was awarded without a tender.

The VFS Global deal hit the country just as the country was committed to reduce corruption under International Monetary Fund reform program, opposition legislators pointed out.

Related Sri Lanka VFS Global visa deal despite IMF anti-corruption requirements: opposition

High costs and the user-unfriendly website led to protests from the tourism sector. It was alleged that VFS Global was collecting a lot of information from tourists including social media handles of tourists.

A 50 dollar visa was then promised with opposition legislators alleging that VFS Global was now collecting 10 dollars leading to a loss of revenue to the government which is taxing its citizens heavily after money printing led to an external default as well as other fees.

However the website remains complex and difficult to use, unlike an earlier website operated by state-run Mobitel for the immigration department for one dollar each.

The firm is also collecting fees from ‘free’ visas approved by the cabinet of ministers.

The firm is still collecting 18.50 dollars and more fees from other visas according to its website.

Mobitel which developed the user friendly earlier website which charged 1 dollar had turned up the COPF meeting. (Colombo/May14/2024)

“The Legal Draftsmen has prepared the formal draft bill, including the revisions suggested by the Attorney General, which will be published in the government gazette notification.”

It will subsequently be presented to the Parliament for its concurrence.

The bill will establish an economic commission, investment zones and international trade office, Gunawardena said earlier.

“The bill contains structural, quantitative, and qualitative changes to support future economic development,” Minister Gunawardena has said.

The bill is part of a series of drafted laws that are to reform Sri Lanka’s legal framework, to meet the requirements for the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility program. (Colombo/May14/2024)

Related stories
Sri Lanka making new economic laws to embed structural reforms
Sri Lanka economic transformation bill to establish commission, investment zones

“The user base across all social networks has surged from 60 million to 74 million. There is an imperative for a National Cyber Security Act. Plans are underway to draft pertinent legislation by May 2024,” Herath told reporters at the Presidential Media Centre.

“Collaborative efforts involving 29 government agencies, alongside Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SL CERT), have been undertaken to strengthen cyber security.”

The minister said that the cabinet has endorsed the National Digital Strategy 2030, which focused on infrastructure, connectivity, access, skills, literacy, industries, jobs, and establishing a connected digital government.

“Emphasis is placed on cyber security, data security, privacy, digital financial services, and the digitization of small and medium-sized businesses.”

On Friday a bill to amend the Telecommunications Regulatory Act will be submitted to parliament, Herath said.

“Previously, regulations concerning undersea cables were non-existent. Now, legislation addressing this matter has become feasible.”

Sri Lanka also passed the Online Safety Act No. 9 of 2024 which seeks to regulate online discourse. The controversial bill on which many provisions were struck down by the Supreme Court as violating the constitution was passed in February with amendments. (Colombo/May9/2024)

“We are already drafting a new law, which will deal with the environment and climate change.”

“How we can adapt to climate change, how we can combat climate change, is certainly a matter of importance for all of us. You know what it has been like in the last few days, walking around in the city. And this is just a sign of things to come.

Wickremesinghe was speaking at the inaugural session of the Sri Lanka Climate Summit, hosted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, on the theme “Climate Action for our Nation and the Planet.”

The summit aims to assess potential disruptions to critical sectors of the economy and deliberate on policy reforms necessary for transitioning towards a low-emission, climate-resilient economic framework.

“We can’t carry on with this economic model, which certainly hasn’t worked. We have to transform ourselves into an export-oriented economy and a highly competitive economy. For this purpose, the government will be introducing legislation in parliament, which will ensure that all government policies focus on the transformation to a highly competitive export-oriented economy. In fact, the bill will most probably be gazetted next week.

“One of the items in the bill is to ensure that we achieve net-zero by 2050.”

“So in making our policies, which are going to affect all of you, not merely a transformation of an economy into export orientation, but into an economy that is based on achieving net-zero. So that’s how we are going to work this out.”

Wickremesinghe said that some countries have different laws, but Sri Lanka would bring one law which will handle both environment and climate change.

“It retains the Central Environment Authority but will also bring in the Climate Change Centre. In the process of drafting, I’ve asked the officials, in doing so, let us as far as possible, follow the Climate Change Act of the UK, which I think is a good one and it puts the burden on the government and the minister to act on the advice of the Climate Change Committee and to table the regulations in Parliament.”

“We have to have a green economy. So green financing, and the whole aspect, the commercial and economic aspects become important. That’s where the Chamber of Commerce has an important role to play. We will promote the green economy. We will give priority to promoting a green economy. We might as well be the first in the region to do so. We are small enough to do that. And, our development, I hope, all of you will focus on seeing how we can succeed in becoming a green economy.

“Part of this will depend on how we structure our new financial instruments. One reason for following the Climate Change Act of the UK is that it has been well accepted by the financial circle. So we will ensure that our green financing, the different options available, are certainly based on the same practices as the UK. The rest is how do we get these instruments together? What do we do?

“Well, that’s why I think the Chamber of Commerce, the Stock Exchange, our investment ministry all should come together. So that’s one area that will have to be developed once we announce the details of our policy on climate change. I would want it to cover every sector of the economy.

“We might as well start from the beginning. We need not be looking at different sectors and sequencing it. We are small enough, and where we are, we can start on all sectors together.” (Colombo/May8/2024)

President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed High Court Judge Wijerathne as the Director General of the CIABOC last month under the new act.

Wijerathne has functioned in the same role before, but this new appointment is under the new Act which was passed in the parliament in September last year.

“TISL’s petition contends that Mr. Wijeratne’s appointment violates provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, lacks procedural integrity and transparency,” the TISL said in a statement.

“TISL requests the Supreme Court to nullify the appointment or alternatively direct the authorities to remove Mr. Wijeratne and appoint a new DG in accordance with the law.”

The petition further argues that he does not meet all statutory requirements and criteria for the DG role.

The respondents in the petition include the Attorney General, Members of the Constitutional Council, Secretary General of the Constitutional Council, Chairman, Commissioners, and DG of CIABOC, as well as candidates shortlisted for the DG position.

The TISL noted that the case has been filed in the public interest, to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution.

It urged the Supreme Court to issue an interim order preventing Wijeratne from acting as DG pending the hearing and final decision of the petition.

“Highlighting the broader implications of the case, TISL notes the potential economic and reputational consequences of allowing procedural irregularities to persist unchecked,” the TISL said.

“The petition emphasizes that “the failure to streamline and rectify the missteps would have adverse ripple effects on the credibility of the fight against corruption, the economy, and international reputation unless immediate action is taken forthwith”.

“In addition to seeking legal redress, TISL calls upon the Constitutional Council and the CIABOC to establish clear and transparent guidelines for future appointments to the DG position, ensuring accountability and integrity in the process.”

The new Anti-Corruption Act is one of the commitments President Wickremesinghe’s government made to the International Monetary Fund in return to its $3 billion loan.

The new Act has empowered CIABOC, granting it more authority to effectively investigate and prosecute cases of bribery and corruption.

The new Act was passed in the parliament last year after IMF strongly recommended for measures to reduce corruption.

The anti-graft body in the past has investigated into the allegations of bribery and corruptions, but has failed to live up to the expectation because most complaints did not see prosecutions.

The new Anti-Corruption Act has aimed at enhancing transparency in governance and public confidence in the government, while establishing an independent commission to detect and investigate allegations of bribery, corruption and offenses related to the declaration of assets and liabilities.

However, TISL said the appointment was “arbitrary and procedurally improper.”

– The petition seeks a declaration from the Court nullifying the appointment and an interim order restraining Mr. Wijeratne from his DG duties until the hearing’s conclusion.

It also sought petition to the Constitutional Council to make public the procedure followed, the minutes of the meeting and the justification given in relation to this selection. (Colombo/April 2/2024)

Sri Lanka has witnessed local vendors of selling food items at an exorbitant price to foreigners, who later posted the plight they went through in their own social media.

“We have received numerous complaints regarding tourist harassment in our country,” Gamage told reporters this week at a media briefing.

“Complaints range from overcharging for food to inflated prices for train tickets to tourist spots, and even instances of sexual harassment against a tourist promoting Sri Lanka.”

“We are implementing measures to combat these activities. We cannot afford to let the reputation of our country suffer due to the actions of a few individuals who make mistakes.”

She said higher prices of railway tickets are often facilitated by corrupt officials and the government is now in the process of strengthening online ticket via online.

“Similarly, due to the illegal sale of alcohol, our country is losing huge revenue of tax,” she said.

“As a Buddhist country, it is essential to close liquor shops on Poya Days as a mark of respect for Buddhism. However, even on such sacred days, alcohol continues to be sold illegally within our borders. Some officials tasked with preventing such activities have succumbed to bribery.”

“These corrupt actions by a minority hinder the enforcement of law and order in our nation. That is why I have proposed the establishment of a dedicated committee to combat and monitor such fraudulent and corrupt practices.” (Colombo/May 1/2024)

The World Bank-funded ambitious project is expected to reach 2.4 million households under four categories including people under extreme poverty.

The government has started the disbursement after initial due diligence of applicants. However, there had been complaints over recipients who are receiving the benefits after submitting false information.

The Finance Ministry said the Welfare Benefits Board has implemented a special program to enforce the law against people who receive Aswesuma benefits after giving false information.

The Welfare Benefits Board has issued a circular to all district secretaries and divisional secretaries to find on false information, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

“The District Secretary or the Additional Welfare Benefits Commissioner has been authorized to deploy a team of officers and conduct investigations in case of information about providing false information,” the Finance Ministry said.

“If it is discovered that benefits have been obtained based on false information, the concerned beneficiary will be removed from the list if he has not received the benefits already and the benefits will be stopped if he is currently receiving them, and the measures will be taken to recover them.”

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government was compelled to increase the number of beneficiaries after ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) supporters resisted to a decision to close down previous poverty alleviation programme titled Samurdhi.

Political analysts have said Samurdhi has been misused by SLPP leadership for electoral gains. However, there has been no proper investigation over such claims so far.

Wickremesinghe agreed to continue provide Aswesuma for all Samurdhi beneficiaries after protest and resistance.

Wickremesinghe is backed by SLPP-led coalition in the parliament. (Colombo/April 30/2024)

“The Cabinet approved amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code to prohibit corporal punishment in all spheres,” Wickremesinghe said on X.

This “Paves the way for legal protections to ensure that no child in Sri Lanka suffers physical or mental violence, aligning with our commitment to safeguard the rights and well-being of every child.”

Sri Lanka allows corporal punishment under section 341 of the Penal Code which makes exceptions for a schoolmaster while section 82 of the Penal Code makes exceptions for an ‘act done in good faith for the benefit of a child or person of unsound mind, by or by consent of guardian.’

However, this has long been considered as a violation of human rights with article 19 of the United Nations Conventions of the Rights of the Child, prohibiting all forms of violence towards children. (Colombo/Apr30/2024)

Justice has to be dispensed by court after a fair trial and the minister’s remarks are against the constitutional rights of the public, BASL said in a statement.

According to media reports, the Minister asserted, ‘Eliminating criminals from the country is not a sin. Don’t be afraid to use the weapon in your hand for the right thing, and we stand by you.’

“The Minister’s statement perpetuates a dangerous misconception that justice, sentencing, and punishment lie beyond the purview of the judiciary and can be administered arbitrarily, without adherence to due process,” BASL said.

Full statement issued by BASL:

Resolution passed by Bar Council calling for the Minister of Public Security to retract recent statement: and requesting his excellency the President to reassign the portfolio of Public Security

At its council meeting held on April 27th, 2024, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka denounced the recent statement issued by the Minister responsible for Public Security at the Katukurunda STF training camp’s passing out parade, which garnered widespread attention across various media platforms.

According to media reports, the Minister asserted, ‘Eliminating criminals from the country is not a sin. Don’t be afraid to use the weapon in your hand for the right thing, and we stand by you.’

The BASL expresses grave concern over the aforementioned statement, deeming it in direct contradiction to the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution and the established procedures governing the criminal justice system. The dispensation of justice, including the imposition of penalties upon wrongdoers, is exclusively within the jurisdiction of the courts as mandated by the Constitution. Such actions must adhere strictly to due process, including thorough investigations and fair trials conducted in accordance with the law.

Given the alarming increase in extrajudicial killings, custodia aths, and incidents of torture perpetrated by law enforcement in recent times, the Minister’s statement perpetuates a dangerous misconception that justice, sentencing, and punishment lie beyond the purview of the judiciary and can be administered arbitrarily, without adherence to due process.

The recurring pattern of irresponsible, arbitrary, and misleading remarks by the Minister underscores the urgent need for corrective action. As a custodian of public security, the Minister is duty-bound to serve the interests of the populace. However, the repeated dissemination of such misguided messages not only undermines public trust but also misguides law enforcement personnel.

Therefore, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka emphatically calls for the immediate retraction of the Minister’s statement. The BASL calls upon His Excellency the President to forthwith remove Minister Tiran Alles from the portfolio of Public Security as he, by his repeated statements encouraging impunity and callous disregard for the rule of law, demonstrates that he is no longer suitable to hold that office. Furthermore, the BASL reaffirms the sacrosanct principle that the authority to mete out punishment must remain vested solely in the courts, operating within the bounds of established legal procedures.

Additionally, the BASL reiterates the fundamental right of every individual accused of an offense to undergo a fair and diligent investigation and to receive a fair trial, as guaranteed by the law and international conventions adhered to by any civilized legal system.

“…it is the responsibility of the buying parties to find out whether the vehicles have been imported through proper methods,” the Minister was quoted as saying in a statement by Finance Ministry.

MThe vehicles had illegally imported into Sri Lanka from 2015-2022 through illegal methods and have been seized by the Fraud and Corruption Investigation Commission, it said.

“These vehicles are to be confiscated from the people who are currently using them.” (Colombo/April 24/2024)

“The FR application has been filed in the public interest, with the aim of seeking accountability for the misuse of public resources and the violation of fundamental rights of citizens,” TISL said in a statement.

The cabinet of ministers, incumbent and former health sector officials, former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, companies involved in the supply of Human-IG, treasury secretary, auditor general, Customs, Police, CIABOC and the attorney general are among the 66 respondents named in the petition.

The petition requested Court to declare that “the purported decision of the Cabinet of Ministers and the health authorities to procure medical supplies from Isolez Biotech Pharma AG (Pvt) Ltd, Livealth BioPharma (Pvt) Ltd, Yaden International (Pvt) Ltd, Nandani Medical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Divine Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Gulfic Biosciences Limited, Novachem Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and Slim Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd is wrongful, illegal, unlawful, null and void, and of no force or avail in law.”

“TISL, in its latest FR Application, requests the Court to direct the Auditor General to conduct a special inquiry into the decision to procure medical supplies from medical suppliers to whom Waivers of Registration had been issued, and compute the cost incurred by procuring medical supplies through them.

“In addition, it requests the Court to direct the Attorney General (AG) to commence prosecution of persons identified to have obtained financial or other benefits through the procurement of medical supplies through the use of Waivers of Registration.

“It further requests the Court to direct the AG to recover the costs incurred to the State or the public, and seek compensation from the relevant parties mentioned in the Petition.” (Colombo/Apr18/2024)

TISL statement:

TISL Files FR Petition Over Human Immunoglobulin and Other Controversial Medical Supplies

• The Court’s intervention sought to:
– Declare that importing Human-IG and several other drugs without competitive bids is wrongful and illegal
– Review the issuance of Waivers of Registration
– Direct a special inquiry by the Auditor General
– Direct prosecution
– Direct recovery of costs and payment of compensation to the State or citizens

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed a Fundamental Rights Application (SCFR/ 99/2024) at the Supreme Court on April 16th, highlighting the serious ramifications on the health sector and the general public from the recent controversial procurement of medical supplies including human immunoglobulin (Human-IG).

The Cabinet of Ministers, the incumbent and former higher officials in the health sector, former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, the companies involved in the controversial supplies of Human-IG, Treasury Secretary, Auditor General, Director General of Customs, Inspector General of Police, Members and Director General of CIABOC and the Attorney General are among the 66 Respondents named in the Petition.

The FR application has been filed in the public interest, with the aim of seeking accountability for the misuse of public resources and the violation of fundamental rights of citizens.

The Petition requests the Court to declare that the purported decision of the Cabinet of Ministers and the health authorities to procure medical supplies from Isolez Biotech Pharma AG (Pvt) Ltd, Livealth BioPharma (Pvt) Ltd, Yaden International (Pvt) Ltd, Nandani Medical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Divine Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Gulfic Biosciences Limited, Novachem Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and Slim Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd is wrongful, illegal, unlawful, null and void, and of no force or avail in law.

Arguing that the actions or inactions of the Respondents amount to an infringement of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, the Petitioners seek the intervention of the Court to review the issuance of Waivers of Registration in procuring medical supplies, and direct the Respondents to comply with the procedural safeguards imposed by law, regulations and rules to ensure transparency in procurement.

“It is evident that the alleged ‘emergency’ which prevailed in the healthcare sector was largely owing to mismanagement, giving rise to concerns as to whether such gross mismanagement is indicative of the machinations of individuals holding office in inter alia the Ministry of Health, who orchestrated the said emergency for ulterior motives,” the Petition states.

This Petition is filed in addition to TISL’s ongoing Petition (SCFR/65/2023), which was filed in February 2023, in view of the glaring malpractices and disregard for compliance with law when importing pharmaceuticals under the Indian Credit Line.

TISL, in its latest FR Application, requests the Court to direct the Auditor General to conduct a special inquiry into the decision to procure medical supplies from medical suppliers to whom Waivers of Registration had been issued, and compute the cost incurred by procuring medical supplies through them.

In addition, it requests the Court to direct the Attorney General (AG) to commence prosecution of persons identified to have obtained financial or other benefits through the procurement of medical supplies through the use of Waivers of Registration. It further requests the Court to direct the AG to recover the costs incurred to the State or the public, and seek compensation from the relevant parties mentioned in the Petition.

“These numbers already receive information from the public regarding various environmental damages such as mining for minerals, illegal mining along riverbanks, environmental damage caused by illegal factories and noise pollution,” the Police said in a statement after a discussion with the CEA.

The public were encouraged to report various environment harming issues including noise pollution, vehicles that emit excessive smoke or honk horns excessively, and the disposal of inorganic and organic waste and/or burning trash.

The CEA and the Police reached an agreement to carry out future raids and awareness campaigns related to environmental protection. (Colombo/Apr18/2024)

The panel called a Gender Focal Point should be headed by an Additional Secretary or a deputy to the head of the institution or higher, the bill says.

The Gender Equality Council staffed by the Inspector General of Police or his representative and secretaries to the ministers of justice, education, youth affairs and women will also be created

The Gender Focal Point would have to prepare a plan of activities on gender-equality and report directly to the council, while being responsible for promoting gender balance in decision making processes and implementing programs based on gender equality.

The proposed Gender Equality bill

Currently, Sri Lanka’s Employment of Women, Young Person and Children Act contains provisions such as section 2A(2)(g) which prohibits women from working at night for more than ten days. (Colombo/Apr18/2024)

“They are being trained to take aim while riding, Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka Tennakoon said in comments broadcast over Sri Lanka’s Sirasa TV.

A team of 100 officers from the police Special Task Force (STF) is being trained in the STF training camp in Katukurunda, Tennakoon said.

20 special teams from the Police Special Task Force (STF) are being trained to pursue and arrest members of organized criminal gangs in the western and southern areas, Sri Lanka Police said in a statement.

අපරාධ කල්ලි සාමාජිකයන් හඹා ගොස් අත්අඩංගුවට ගැනීමට විශේෂ පොලිස් කණ්ඩායම් 20ක්https://t.co/0JVVB3AgNE#srilankapolice #policemedia #Police pic.twitter.com/FF635tLp6y

— Sri Lanka Police (@SL_PoliceMedia) March 20, 2024

The Police said it will take every action to arrest organized criminal gangs and requested the public to come forward with pertinent information. (Colombo/April17/2024)

The island nation’s police under Tennakoon have focused on eradicating drug menace through a special operation despite local and international criticism over human rights abuses.

Sri Lanka has recognized the drug menace as one of the key threats and Tennakoon-led police have backed drastic measures in the special anti-drug operation titled “Yukthiya” (justice) to nab the drug distributors across the country.

Since the operation was launched in mid-December, the police have arrested tens of thousands of 0 people mostly with drugs including heroin, cannabis, synthetic drugs, and cocaine, police data show.

The UN Human Rights Commission early this year said it was “very concerned that authorities in Sri Lanka” were “adopting a heavily security-based response to the country’s drugs problem, instead of public health policies grounded in human rights”.

However, Tennakoon said the operation will be strengthened further after the traditional new year celebrated on April 14.

“This year is a decisive one. We will create a nation where people can live without fear of crimes and drugs,” the police chief told media on Sunday when he visited the police officials during the traditional new year.

“The operation to eradicate crimes and drugs has become a huge success. So, more steps are to be taken in the future. I will make the aggressive nature of fight against underworld after the Sinhala new year,” he said.

“Police is a very strong institution. We are using only a few resources to fight against the crimes and drugs. If required, I will double or triple the strength and will terminate some divisions in the police which are less productive and efficient. I will divert those officers and resources to fight against drugs and crimes.”

The UN has urged the Sri Lankan government to review the “Yukthiya” operation, and to implement human rights based approaches, notably the right to health, in addressing the issues of illicit drugs in society.

The UN statement came after people were reported to have been subjected to a number of violations during and after these operations, including unauthorised searches, arbitrary arrests and detention, ill-treatment, torture, and strip searches in public.

Police comes under the Ministry of Public Security and the Tiran Alles, the minister in charge has rejected calls to stop Yukthiya operations.

Tennakoon has said the operation has reduced the supply for drugs and increased the prices by multiple folds. (Colombo/April 17/2024)