News
Gen (retd) Dias asks candidates to disclose their positions on ‘Geneva threat’
By Shamindra Ferdinando
General (retd) Jagath Dias has appealed to presidential contestants to explain how they intended to meet the growing threat posed by the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council pushing Sri Lanka to punish the war winning military personnel on the basis of unsubstantiated war crimes allegations.
Presidential election is scheduled to be held on Sept. 21. Thirty-eight contestants representing 23 political parties and 17 independent candidates are in the fray.
Referring to the latest Geneva report, which spells out ‘transformational changes’ required to achieve accountability and reconciliation, General Dias emphasised the responsibility on the part of the government and presidential candidates to meet the daunting challenge.
Having served the Army for over 35 years, Dias retired in late Dec 2015, two months after Sri Lanka co-sponsored 30/1 accountability resolution that brought the country under the purview of Geneva. Dias commanded the 57 Infantry Division tasked with bringing Kilinochchi under government control. Dias retired as the Chief of Staff of the Army.
The Combined armed forces brought the war to a successful conclusion in May 2009.
Political parties in the fray couldn’t remain silent against the backdrop of the latest Geneva warning that whoever won the presidential election should adhere with the Geneva process, the Gajaba Regiment veteran said.
The retired Gen. was speaking at a seminar organised by the Yuthukama civil society group at the Colombo Public Library recently. Ven. Madagama Dhammananda Nayaka Thera of Asgiriya Chapter, Siyam Maha Nikaya chaired the meeting.
In his brief speech, General Dias pointed out that Geneva, having accused Sri Lanka of failing to prosecute and punish whom it called perpetrators of war crimes, had urged the international community to pursue complementary strategies to support accountability in Sri Lanka, including appropriate use of extraterritorial and universal jurisdiction, targeted sanctions against credibly alleged perpetrators and other available measures, consistent with international law.
Gen. Dias questioned the right of the executive and legislature to submit the serving and retired top brass to foreign judicial mechanisms. Dias said he was one of those who have been unfairly held responsible for war crimes, and all other like-minded retired and serving officers felt disappointed with the way successive governments had addressed the ‘accountability issues’.
Yuthukama leader and parliamentarian Gevindu Cumaratunga, in his opening remarks emphasized the need to educate the electorate in the run-up to the presidential poll as political parties offered to implement the 13th Amendment fully whereas some indicated their readiness to go even beyond.
Declaring that Sri Lanka was at a crossroads, the dissident SLPP lawmaker questioned the role played by parliament responsible for enactment of laws that undermined the country. How could parliament bring in laws that targeted the war winning military responsible for saving the country from terrorism that threatened to divide Sri Lanka on ethnic lines, MP Gumaratunga asked.
Gen Dias underscored the danger of interested parties linking the Geneva process with the agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to pressure the government in power to follow the Western agenda.
Pointing out that retired officers and men had been divided on political party lines, Gen. Dias said that he represented the interests of all those who fought for the motherland. “The sacrifices made by officers and men cannot be forgotten under any circumstances as politicians seek advantage through devious ways,” Gen. Dias said, urging the electorate to be mindful of the utterly irresponsible political party system.Prof. Tudor Weerasinghe and Jaffna-based civil society activist Arun Siddharthan, too, addressed the gathering.
News
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka holds a bilateral meeting with Minister for Education and Skills Development of Bhutan
On the sidelines of the inaugural Global Conscious Food Systems Summit 2026, being held in Bhutan from 31 August to 4 September 2026, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, held a productive bilateral meeting with Yeezang De Thapa, Minister for Education and Skills Development of Bhutan, on 03 September 2026.
The discussions focused on further strengthening and expanding Sri Lanka-Bhutan cooperation in the education sector, with particular emphasis on developing mutually beneficial initiatives through enhanced Government-to-Government engagement.
Both sides underscored the importance of deepening institutional cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration in education, higher education and vocational training, with a view to creating greater opportunities for students, educators and academic institutions of both countries.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to initiate discussions towards the finalization and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the fields of education and vocational training. It was also agreed that the implementation of the MoU could be facilitated through the establishment of a Joint Working Group, headed at the Secretary level, with meetings to be convened annually to review progress, identify new areas of cooperation, and facilitate the effective implementation of agreed activities.
The major areas of cooperation discussed included enhancing collaboration among universities and academic institutions, promoting academic and faculty exchanges, joint research and university programmes, strengthening training and capacity-building opportunities for educators and teachers, and sharing expertise and best practices in the education and vocational training sectors.
The two sides also discussed strengthening child protection and safeguarding mechanisms, promoting ethical values among students, and addressing violence against children while ensuring their safety, protection, well-being and access to quality education.
Opportunities for Bhutanese students to pursue undergraduate studies at universities in Sri Lanka were also discussed, with particular emphasis on Dentistry, Medicine (MBBS), and allied health disciplines such as Physiotherapy. The discussions further covered opportunities for postgraduate studies in medical and health sciences at Sri Lankan universities, as well as enhanced collaboration among universities and other academic institutions of the two countries.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for Sri Lanka and Bhutan to advance cooperation in education and vocational training and explore new avenues for long-term collaboration for the mutual benefit of students, educators and academic institutions of both countries.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya had an audience with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Tashichhodzong in Thimphu on September 02, during her official visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The cordial discussion focused on Bhutan’s future development priorities and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
His Majesty expressed Bhutan’s interest in drawing on Sri Lanka’s experiences and expertise in areas relevant to its development plans. The discussion also focused on promoting investment between the two countries, including the possibility of establishing an investment zone in Bhutan.
The two sides also exchanged views on demographic challenges facing Bhutan, including the increasing migration of young people and its impact on the country’s population and future workforce.
The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and sharing experiences and best practices in support of the sustainable development of both countries.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Namal Rajapaksa had been summoned by CIABOC to provide a statement in connection with investigations into the controversial Airbus deal. He was subsequently arrested by CIABOC after recording his statement for over 5 hours.
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka holds a bilateral meeting with Minister for Education and Skills Development of Bhutan
Prime Minister Meets His Majesty the King of Bhutan
Kusal Mendis, Binura Fernando ruled out of T20I series in England
SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa arrested by CIABOC
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