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Book release to commemorate late Bishop Joseph Rayappu

Published

3 years ago

2023/04/2

Arrangements have been made to release a new book under the title ‘Journeying Together For Justice: Bishop Raayappu Joseph An Inspiration For Synodality’ by Roy Fernando SJ to mark the late Bishop Rayappu Joseph’s second death anniversary.

Bishop Joseph was the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mannar from 1992 to 2016. He was known for his outspoken stance on human rights issues, particularly in relation to the civil war in Sri Lanka.

Bishop Rayappu was a strong advocate for the rights of Tamil civilians affected by the conflict, and he spoke out against human rights abuses committed by both the Sri Lankan military and the Tamil Tigers rebel group. He was also critical of the government’s handling of the conflict and its failure to bring about a peaceful resolution.

In addition to his advocacy work, Bishop Rayappu was involved in a number of social and humanitarian initiatives in the Mannar region, including the establishment of institutions and the provision of aid to communities affected by the conflict.

Bishop Joseph retired from his post in 2016, but his legacy as a tireless advocate for justice and human rights in Sri Lanka continues to be remembered and celebrated by many.

The death anniversary was marked on April 1.The book begins with an overview of Bishop’s early years as a priest, and then focuses on his tenure as Bishop of Mannar. During this time, Bishop became increasingly outspoken about the plight of the poor and oppressed in his diocese, and he used his position to denounce government repression and human rights abuses.

The book provides a detailed account of the political context in which Bishop Rayappu lived and worked, explaining the complex web of forces that contributed to the violence and injustice that plagued Sri Lanka. The book also chronicles Bishop’s growing awareness of the need for social justice and his increasing willingness to speak out against those who perpetuated violence and oppression.

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Navy seize an Indian fishing boat poaching in Mannar seas

Published

5 hours ago

2026/02/24

Priyan

During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 22 Feb 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat and apprehended twelve (12) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, in the sea area south of Mannar.

The seized boat and the Indian fishermen were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Dikovita for onward legal proceedings.

News

Families of those sentenced to death for killing MP Atukorale seek AKD’s intervention

Published

10 hours ago

2026/02/24

Sahan Weerasooriya

FSL assures legal backing for them

Families of those sentenced to death by the Three-member Gampaha High Trial-at-Bar, over the killing of SLPP MP Amarakeerthi Atukorale, and his police bodyguard, met a senior official of the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday (23), to seek backing for their move to appeal against the verdict.

Having made representations, they addressed the media, outside the Presidential Secretariat, where they declared their intention to move the higher court against the decision.

The SLPP MP and his security officer were killed by an Aragalaya mob on 09 May, 2022, at Nittambuwa. The same day Aragalaya mobs unleashed violence against the then government MPs across the country, torching dozens of their properties.

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) yesterday said that they would help the families of those sentenced to death to move court against the Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar decision. Responding to The Island queries, FSP spokesman Pubudu Jayagoda said that their representatives had already met the families and necessary work was being done to move the Supreme Court. Twenty three persons were acquitted and four handed six-month prison terms, suspended for five years

Jayagoda said that one of the HC judges differed in the ruling. Asked whether they received backing from any other political party and groups that had been involved in the 2022 protest campaign to defend those who had been found guilty, Jayagoda said such support was lacking.

The JVP/NPP played a significant role in the violent protest campaign that forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down. Pointing out that the Attorney General, too, was appealing against the court decision on the basis that the number of persons sentenced to death should be much higher, Jayagoda said that the Nittambuwa incident couldn’t be examined in isolation without taking into consideration the SLPP goon attack on Galle Face protesters on 09 May, 2022. (SF)

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OPV leaves Baltimore, expected in Colombo in May

Published

10 hours ago

2026/02/24

Sahan Weerasooriya

SLN officers wave to those on the shore as the newly acquired P 628 departs Baltimore, US (pic courtesy SLN)

Offshore Patrol Vessel P 628 of the Sri Lanka Navy departed Baltimore, USA, for Colombo, on 20 February.

The ex-United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC Decisive was officially handed over to the SLN on 02 December, 2025, as the latest addition to the SLN fleet, under the Pennant Number P 628.

Measuring 64 metres in length, this ‘B-Type Reliance Class 210-foot Cutter’ is equipped with advanced technological systems and facilities, capable of conducting extensive surveillance operations spanning up to 6,000 nautical miles per patrol.

The vessel’s voyage to Colombo is historic, possibly marking the longest-ever passage undertaken by a Sri Lanka Navy ship. Covering approximately 14,775 nautical miles, the journey will see the P 628 navigate from Baltimore through the Atlantic Ocean, the Panama Canal (a first for a Sri Lankan naval vessel), the Pacific Ocean, and into the Indian Ocean, via the Straits of Malacca. The ship is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka during the first week of May, 2026.