… demands resignation of Justice Minister, Secretary

Former External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (7) alleged that Prisons intelligence personnel were responsible for causing Monday’s riot in the Negombo Remand Prison.

The Convenor of the opposition grouping, based at former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road Office, asked who had sent the intelligence personel from the Prison headquarters in Colombo to Negombo after authorities had managed to bring the previous day’s incidents under control.

Two inmates were killed and several prison staff wounded on Sunday. Prof. Peiris asked the government to reveal who had ordered the police to open fire on Monday. He emphasised the responsibility on the part of the government to identify who had done so, police or prison staff or both and whether there was a need to shoot.

Commenting on Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara declaration that he accepted responsibility for the prison riots that claimed the lives of 19 inmates and seven prison officers, Prof. Peiris demanded that the minister resign forthwith. The Justice Minister couldn’t side-step the issue by merely accepting responsibility, Prof. Peiris said.

He emphasised that even if Nanayakkara resigned that wouldn’t solve the problem.

Prof. Peiris alleged that the government was not concerned about issues in prisons. It was trying to bring in a constitutional amendment to extend the retirement ages of the superior court judges.

Prof. Peiris also found fault with the government for its failure to appoint a successor for Thushara Upuldeniya, Commissioner General of Prisons, suspended on 9 June, 2025, over alleged release of prisoners taking advantage of general amnesty.

The former Minister said that Justice Ministry Secretary Ayesha Jinasena had refused to implement the Human Rights Commission recommendation to reinstate Upuldeniya. Prof. Peiris said that Jinasena, too, should be held responsible for the incident as her inaction had contributed to the overall deterioration of the setup in prisons. (SF)

Book lovers in Sri Lanka are preparing to write a new chapter in its cultural history with the launch of the country’s first-ever Colombo Literary Festival, an ambitious six-day celebration of books, ideas, history, cinema and creative dialogue that organisers believe will, eventually, stand alongside some of the world’s most respected literary festivals.

From July 24 to 29, the historic Arcade Independence Square will transform into a vibrant meeting place for readers, writers, publishers, scholars and artists as the inaugural festival welcomes 180 authors, academics and literary personalities, 60 panel discussions, 25 new book launches, six masterclasses for writers, children’s programmes, poetry readings, cultural performances and an international film festival, inspired by classic literary works.

Addressing the media at the official launch, at the Arcade, Independence Square, in Colombo, Festival Director Pradeep Samaranayake described literature as one of humanity’s greatest instruments for preserving history, challenging conventions and connecting societies across cultural boundaries.

“Our vision, from the beginning, was to create a literary festival that truly belongs to Sri Lanka. We wanted it to be accessible, affordable and inclusive so that every reader, every aspiring writer, every student, every teacher and every lover of literature feels welcome.”

Unlike many international literary festivals where access can be expensive, organisers have deliberately designed the Colombo Literary Festival to be open to a wider audience while celebrating Sinhala, Tamil and English literature on one common platform.

“We believe these literary traditions deserve to meet each other rather than exist separately. This festival celebrates Sri Lankan literature in all its diversity, while opening our doors to distinguished voices from around the world,” Samaranayake said.

One of the biggest attractions will be the participation of internationally-acclaimed Indian parliamentarian, diplomat and bestselling author Dr. Shashi Tharoor, who will headline the opening ceremony before appearing in two exclusive public discussions during his visit to Sri Lanka.

The festival will also feature internationally recognised writers from India, Bangladesh, Türkiye and several other countries, alongside many of Sri Lanka’s leading novelists, historians, poets, journalists and academics.

Festival Chairman Janaka Inimankada said the inaugural event would be unprecedented in scale.

“We have 180 authors and writers and academics taking part in the festival in all three languages. We have 40 moderators, 60 panel discussions, 25 new book launches, activities for children and six workshops for writers.”

He noted that the festival would also host a unique international film festival, showcasing celebrated literary works adapted for the cinema.

The film programme, to be held at the Goethe-Institut, includes award-winning productions from Germany, France, Bangladesh, India, Türkiye and Sri Lanka, highlighting how literature continues to inspire filmmakers across the globe. Screenings include Transit, The Fourth Wall, Kodai Irul, Lalsalu, Dictionary, Soldadu Unnehe and Orson Welles’ classic adaptation of Franz Kafka’s The Trial.

A key objective of the organisers is to distinguish the Colombo Literary Festival from a conventional book exhibition.

Explaining the concept, Amendra Gunawardana Haputhanthri, Director of Sarasavi Publishers and Sarasavi Bookshop, said visitors would encounter a carefully curated literary experience.

“In a literary festival we only bring books written by authors participating in the panel discussions. That is the biggest difference between a literary festival and an ordinary book fair. Readers will have the opportunity to meet the writers whose books they are purchasing.”

To encourage reading, organisers have announced a 15 percent discount on imported books and a 20 percent discount on locally published titles available during the festival.

However, Haputhanthri expressed concern that taxation continues to make books increasingly expensive.

“As publishers and booksellers, we want as many people as possible to read books.

“Unfortunately, the introduction of VAT has significantly increased book prices. We have continuously appealed to the Government because our objective is to make reading affordable.”

Responding to questions from The Island, Samaranayake confirmed that discussions with the Government, regarding VAT relief, remain ongoing.

“We have approached the authorities and our concerns have even been raised in Parliament. We are still awaiting a response.”

He also observed that technological change has transformed reading patterns worldwide.

“Higher education has increasingly shifted towards digital resources and e-books, but readers continue to purchase general literature. Reading habits are changing globally, and publishers must adapt accordingly.”

Haputhanthri stressed that literature remains one of society’s strongest unifying forces.

“The most beautiful thing about this festival is that it brings together Sri Lanka’s diversity. Literature provides a common platform where people of every race, religion and language can meet, exchange ideas and celebrate creativity.”

Festival Curator Anoma Rajakaruna said the programme had been designed to appeal to every generation.

“There are 25 new book launches and programmes for children, youth and adults in all three languages. We also have a special session marking the 50th anniversary of Martin Wickramasinghe’s passing.”

She invited the media to make full use of the festival’s extensive line-up of authors.

“If you wish to interview any of the visiting writers, or participating authors, please let us know in advance. We will be happy to arrange meetings and facilitate interviews.”

The festival will also feature discussions on history, politics, archaeology, science, translation, journalism, architecture, cinema, Buddhism, women’s writing, publishing, South Asian affairs and environmental storytelling, reflecting the broad intellectual landscape of contemporary literature.

Ticket prices have been kept affordable, with daily admission costing Rs. 250 and a six-day pass priced at Rs. 1,200. Students will enjoy free access to panel discussions, while masterclasses will cost Rs. 1,000. The special sessions, featuring Dr. Shashi Tharoor, will be separately ticketed at Rs. 3,500 because of anticipated demand.

Looking beyond the inaugural edition, Samaranayake said organisers envision the festival becoming a permanent fixture on Sri Lanka’s cultural calendar.

“Our aspiration extends beyond organising a successful first festival. We want the Colombo Literary Festival to become an annual event that attracts international literary talent, supports Sri Lanka’s publishing industry and strengthens Colombo’s reputation as a regional cultural destination.”

He said the organisers also plan year-round outreach programmes in partnership with the Colombo Municipal Council and the Colombo Public Library, taking books, storytelling, writing workshops and author visits to underprivileged children across the country.

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover the transformative power of books. If this festival inspires even one child to dream bigger, think more deeply or discover a voice they never knew they had, then we have achieved something truly meaningful.”

Organisers expect between 45,000 and 50,000 visitors during the six-day event, making it one of the largest literary gatherings ever staged in Sri Lanka.

By Ifham Nizam

A capacity-building programme for 30 officials from the National Audit Office (NAO) of Sri Lanka was held at the International Centre for Information Systems and Audit (iCISA), Noida, India from 22 June to 03 July 2026.

The text of the Indian HC statement: ” The programme was conducted at iCISA, a premier institution established in March 2002 and recognized as a Global Training Facility of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) Working Group on IT Audit. The institute has played a significant role in strengthening audit capacities worldwide, having trained professionals from more than 150 countries through standardized, contemporary, and practice-oriented training methodologies.

The two-week programme focused on Information Technology Audit, covering a range of subjects such as Audit of Information Systems (IS), IT governance frameworks, Data Privacy, Protection of Information Assets, Cyber security, use of OCR tech on fraud detection in contracts, overview of Public Procurement Ecosystem & procurement process in India. In addition, the programme included separate sessions on audit of Government e-Marketplace (GeM), sector-specific procurement audits relating to Railways and Defence, use of data analytics and emerging technologies, among others.

This is the second edition of capacity-building module for officials of National Audit Office (NAO) of Sri Lanka. The first such programme was conducted for 35 NAO officials at iCISA, Noida, from 08 to 19 December 2025.

The programme was organized under the enhanced capacity building framework announced by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi during his State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. Accordingly, 1000 customized slots are offered annually for Sri Lankan professionals and civil servants over and above all existing schemes such as ITEC.”