News
Britain express concern over UN report on human rights and accountability in SL
By Sujeeva Nivunhella in London
State Minister for Asia in Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Nigel Adams responded to a series of questions by Labour MPs on the situation in Sri Lanka, in the British Parliament last week.
Replying to a question by Fleur Anderson, MP, he said the UK is very concerned by the recent UN report on human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka.
“As I have said previously, we have made our concerns about the human rights situation clear. The Foreign Secretary has confirmed that the United Kingdom would lead a new resolution on post-conflict reconciliation, accountability and human rights”, the State Minister noted.
He said further said: “The Minister for South Asia, Lord Ahmad, set out our serious concerns about human rights in Sri Lanka in a statement at the UN Human Rights Council on February 25. On February 22, the Foreign Secretary confirmed that the UK would lead a new resolution on post-conflict reconciliation, accountability and human rights.
“We continue to engage with Sri Lanka on these issues and on climate change, trade and the covid-19 response. UK-funded programs in Sri Lanka support, resettlement, police reform and demining”.
Fielding to another question from Sam Tarry, he said: “Our engagement with the military in Sri Lanka is designed to support the development of a modern, effective and human rights-compliant military. Engagement with the police is focused on community police”.
Labour MP for Harrow West, Gareth Thomas, said the UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet produced a particularly devastating report on Sri Lanka. She said the progress on human rights continues to be very poor in Sri Lanka.
Indeed there has been very little progress bringing to justice those responsible for terrible war crimes at the end of the conflict in 2009. UN in general has been good at highlighting just how barbaric the events in 2009 were. There was systematic shelling of areas where Tamil civilians were living and the bombing of hospitals, the MP claimed.
He said there were extra judicial executions of surrendering LTTE cadres. Since 2009, things have not got much better. Human rights abuses have continued. Independent defenders of human rights such as the Judiciary, and other crucial human rights organisations have found their independence gradually stifled by the current government.
“I hope the British Government will play a much bigger role in trying to hold the current government in Sri Lanka to account”, Gareth added.
News
Law will be enforced against all those who acquire assets illegally- State Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe
State Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, while addressing a public gathering held at the Raffles Hotel in Kotte on Tuesday [April 22] said that the law will be enforced against all those who acquire assets illegally.
He said that , if someone joins a municipal council receiving a modest salary and, within two to three years, builds a luxury house and acquires a vehicle, we will question how such wealth was amassed. If a satisfactory explanation cannot be provided, the law will be enforced and the measures will be taken to confiscate any illegally acquired assets.
The opposition frequently levels accusations against us, but we have not engaged in any wrongdoing. We have not misappropriated public funds, used undue influence to secure school admissions for our children, or interfered with law enforcement. We are dedicated to serving the people by upholding an ethical and responsible political culture.
If you wish to develop your community, I respectfully urge you to elect individuals of integrity who will not misuse public funds.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
It has been reported that prison officials and the police have brought the unrest among the 500 plus inmates of the Matara prison which commenced on Tuesday [22] under control by this morning (23)
It has been reported that the inmates had broken out of their wards after which the officials were compelled to fire in the air and use tear gas to bring the situation under control.
The inmates are being temporarily transferred to the Angunkolapelessa prison in groups to enable authorities to repair the the damage caused to the wards and cells within the premises.
The prison officials who were injured during the conflict are receiving treatment at the Matara hospital. 
Latest News
Local government authorities and Municipal Councils are the nursery of corrupt politics. – Prime Minister
The Prime Minister stated that the President has challenged all ministers to transparently and efficiently spend the funds allocated to each ministry through the national budget for the benefit of the people, and that the local governments and municipal councils have historically been the nursery grounds of corrupt politics.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a public gathering held at the Raffles Hotel in Kotte on Tuesday [April 22].
The Prime Minister further stated:
“All 159 of us in Parliament today did not enter through family or financial influence. We are ordinary citizens just like you and individuals who stand among you. Unlike in the past, our members do not behave disruptively in Parliament. When school children visit, there is no need for the Speaker to request their removal that our parliamentary members conduct themselves with dignity, adherence to the law, and political maturity.
This is the kind of Parliament we have always aspired to have. Today, it is you who has made this transformation possible. For a long time, we have not experienced the advantages of an efficient and properly functioning local government. You now have the opportunity to elect representatives who are truly committed to serving you and improving your local institutions.
The event was attended by Arosh Athapaththu, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Municipal Council candidate representing the National People’s Power, along with several other candidates and a large number of local residents.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Law will be enforced against all those who acquire assets illegally- State Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe
Unrest at Matara prison brought under control
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