News
SLMC discusses Israel-Iran conflict, PTA, etc., with UN Resident Coordinator
The Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Rauff Hakeem MP, and Party Secretary, Nizam Kariapper PC, met United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche, at the UN Office, Colombo, recently, for a constructive discussion on pressing international and national issues
The SLMC delegation welcomed the UN’s balanced and neutral perspective on the recent Israeli attacks on Gaza and the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel. They appreciated the UN’s principled stance on humanitarian protection and peacebuilding in the region.
Franche also raised concern over joint U.S.-Israel efforts that appear to politicise the delivery of humanitarian aid to victims of conflict—an issue that the SLMC leaders strongly resonated with, stressing that aid should never become a political tool.
The discussions also turned to critical domestic matters. The SLMC leadership raised deep concerns about the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the Online Safety Act, expressing that these laws are increasingly being used in ways that may undermine civil liberties and democratic freedoms.
MP Hakeem called for a moratorium on the enforcement of both Acts until a transparent process leads to the adoption of more acceptable, rights-compliant alternatives. Franche acknowledged these concerns and reaffirmed the UN’s ongoing engagement on democratic governance and human rights in Sri Lanka.
Importantly, Franche informed the SLMC delegation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk’s visit to Colombo. During this visit, Türk is expected to meet with all political party leaders in Parliament, including representatives of the SLMC, to further engage on matters of human rights and reconciliation.
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to maintain open dialogue and continue collaboration on issues of peace, justice, and legislative reform.
News
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 08.06.2026 to establish the Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority for identification and
execution of a formal and long – lasting remedy to secure the central hills including the upper hydro catchment areas enabling them to sustain amidst extreme weather conditions
due to natural calamities and human activities as well as to be used for the sustainable development of the country.
Accordingly, a concept paper has been prepared including
institutional structure, activities, powers, active subject area as well as administrative and coordination mechanism for the proposed authority by an expert technical committee appointed by the Secretary to the President.
Based on the said concept paper, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill including legal provisions required for the establishment of Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority.
News
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
With the objective of securing the traditional livelihood and the eco system of the indigenous community, it has been recognized the necessity of introducing a formal regulation methodology to secure their engagement in livelihood activities by being more sensitive to the existing laws.
Thereby, the Fauna and Flora (regularizing) regulations under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Authority 469) have been prepared so that nominated activities within the prescribed area to a member of the indigenous community
who has been registered for securing the rights acquired from law or custom or usage or traditional stance to execute an act within a certain state land that is fundamental to the survival of the indigenous community permission can be granted
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the said regulations in the government gazette notification and thereby submit to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Latest News
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to appoint M. M. D. J. Senarathne, who is the senior most officer in Grade I of Sri Lanka Scientific Service se
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India captain
Turkiye, Pakistan agree Saudi Arabia military deployment under Mecca pact
Rumesh Tharanga among nominees announced for World Athlete of the Year 2026
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Latest News7 days agoGold winner Tharanga gets brand-new Honda Vezel from SLAAJ
-
News6 days agoUS-assisted ‘Ice’ detection: NPC to examine IGP’s move to transfer drug-busting team
-
Features7 days agoWhy Sri Lanka needs an Inclusive Civic Nationalism – urgently
-
Editorial5 days agoColombo Port drug bust: The plot thickens
-
News7 days agoCivil society activist accuses govt. of favouring Ven. Gnanasara
-
Midweek Review7 days agoDappula’s Easter Sunday ‘grand conspiracy’ claim demolished
-
Editorial7 days agoWhen crime bosses rise above law and shrines
-
Editorial6 days ago
Drug busting, transfers and trust deficit