News
Govt. in overdrive to amend anti-terror laws, fearing loss of GSP+

JO/SLPP accused of foiling previous bid to amend PTA
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The government has briefed the EU on action taken to address the latter’s concerns about a range of matters, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The EU has, in a recently adopted resolution, expressed its serious concerns over the PTA and related human rights issues in Sri Lanka.
The EU has emphasised that the GSP+ status is linked to the implementation by Sri Lanka of 27 international conventions.
Sri Lanka was faced with the prospect of losing the GSP+ concessions, the EU mission in Colombo told The Island in response to a query.
“The GSP+ monitoring process is conducted on a regular basis by the European Commission and the European External Action Service,” the mission said.
SJB Spokesperson Mujibur Rahman recalled how the then Joint Opposition (now the SLPP) had sabotaged previous government’s efforts to address EU’s concerns. The SLPP should be ashamed of its response to the recent EU warning, MP Rahman said, alleging that the Foreign Ministry declaration that the government was revisiting the provisions of the PTA was nothing but a joke.
Rahman urged the government to examine the work done by the previous administration in that regard. “When we sought to amend the PTA taking into consideration concerns expressed by the EU and several members of the international community, our efforts were sabotaged,” MP Rahman said, pointing out that the Rajapaksa government simply dismissed stepped up international calls to amend the PTA following the successful conclusion of the war in 2009.
Attorney-at-law Sudarshana Gunawardena, who had served as the spokesperson for Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe during the previous administration yesterday told The Island that the JO found fault with the then government’s efforts to amend the PTA. Referring to a series of talks they had with the participation of various stakeholders, including senior representatives of the Attorney General’s Department, civil society activist Gunawardena alleged the JO/SLPP played politics with the issue.
Obviously, the government fearing punitive EU measures in the wake of adoption of a resolution in respect of Sri Lanka, recently declared its intention to appoint two committees to review the PTA and submit reports within three months, lawyer Gunawardena said.
He said there wouldn’t have been a need for an EU resolution if the previous government was not deprived of an opportunity to enact the PTA.
The JO/SLPP justified the blocking of amendments in the wake of 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, one-time Director General of the Information Department said. Gunawardena ridiculed the declaration that the government was ready to study what the Foreign Ministry called international best practices. “When the previous government stressed the need for us to adopt and amend anti-terrorism laws in line with laws in place in other countries, we were accused of betraying the country.”
Both MP Rahman and lawyer Gunawardena alleged that the government took up the PTA in parliament recently because the possibility of losing GSP plus amidst rapidly deteriorating financial situation frightened the incumbent administration
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry yesterday issued the following statement regarding ongoing deliberations with the EU: “The Government of Sri Lanka has apprised the European Union (EU) of progress in specific areas of reconciliation, as part of its regular engagement and dialogue with the organization. Accordingly, the Foreign Ministry on 25 June, informed the EU of action underway to revisit provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No 48 of 1979, with the study of existing legislation, past practice, and international best practices.
The EU was informed of the decision made by the Cabinet of Ministers on 21 June to appoint a Cabinet Sub-committee and an Officials Committee to assist the Cabinet Sub-Committee, to review the PTA, and to submit a report to the Cabinet within three months. Toward this end, the Officials Committee was appointed on 24 June, with senior representation from the Ministries of Justice, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Public Security; and the Attorney General’s Department, the Legal Draftsman’s Department, the Sri Lanka Police, and the Office of Chief of National Intelligence.
The EU was further informed of the granting of pardon by the President, exercising his powers in terms of Article 34 of the Constitution, to sixteen (16) former LTTE cadres convicted and serving sentence under the PTA, on 24 June. The organization was also appraised of the process that has been set in motion to release detainees who have been in judicial custody for a prolonged period, under the PTA.
With reference to progress in ongoing reconciliation mechanisms, the Government has informed the EU of the release of SL Rs 79 million to the Office of Reparations in June to settle 1,230 processed claims for reparation. An additional SL Rs 80 million was released on 29 June to settle a further 1,451 processed claims, out of a total 3,389 processed claims.
The Government of Sri Lanka maintains a regular, cordial and multifaceted dialogue with the EU. This includes the constructive cooperation existing between Sri Lanka and the European Commission on the review of the country’s EU GSP+ compliance with the 27 core International Conventions.
In this regard, the Third Cycle of Review of Sri Lanka in the GSP+ Monitoring Process for 2020-2021 is ongoing. As part of this process, the Foreign Ministry has provided to the European Commission through diplomatic channels, the comprehensive Response of the Government of Sri Lanka to the List of Follow-up Questions on the current GSP+ monitoring cycle, in adherence to the agreed timeline. The Response was compiled by the Foreign Ministry in consultation with 26 line ministries / state ministries / agencies and commissions. A GSP+ Monitoring Mission for the Third Cycle is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on mutually convenient dates in September/ October 2021.
As per the regular engagement between Sri Lanka and the EU, plans are underway to convene the Working Group on Governance, Democracy, Human Rights and Rule of Law on mutually agreed dates in the fourth quarter of this year. The Foreign Ministry looks forward to convening, in consultation with the EU, the 24th session of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission in the first quarter of 2022, to review all aspects of bilateral cooperation.
The Government of Sri Lanka will continue its close and cordial dialogue with the EU with regard to commitments, while demonstrating the country’s substantial progress in areas of reconciliation and development.
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage have met senior representatives of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Sri Lanka, the Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka (SEASL) and trade unions, and reassured them of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the EU GSP+ would continue to remain beneficial to the country. Meetings with the relevant Chambers of Commerce are scheduled, with a view to updating them on the Government’s engagement with the EU.”
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital

Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
News
Battle for control of CMC rages; SJB draws fire for alleged bid to appoint defeated candidates

Flaws in law blamed for chaos
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is in turmoil over naming of members to the Colombo Municipal (CMC) where it won 29 slots – 14 elected and 15 on the list at the recently concluded Local Government elections.
Political sources said that resistance was growing within the party over moves to accommodate defeated candidates as well as those listed at the expense of successful candidates. Among the defeated is SJB’s mayoral candidate Dr. Ruvaiz Haniffa.
Sources said that in terms of the Local Government Election Act there was no restriction in the number of defeated candidates that could be accommodated at the expense of those who were elected. As 25% of the members of a particular council has to be women, more successful members had to be dropped, sources said, pointing out that none of the female candidates were among the 14 SJBers elected at ward level.
The National People’s Party (NPP) won the CMC by securing 48 seats, including six from the list. Political sources said that in spite of both NPP and SJB declaring that they could a secure majority in the 117-member CMC. NPP polled 81,814 votes (48 seats), SJB polled 58,375 votes (29 seats), UNP polled 26,297 votes (13 seats), SLPP polled 9,341 votes (05 seats), SLMC polled 8,630 votes (04 seats) Independent Group 03 polled 5,934 votes (03 seats), Independent Group 05 polled 4,659 votes (02 seats)
United Peace Alliance polled 4,473 votes (02 seats), Sarvajana Balaya polled 3,911 votes (02 seats), Independent Group polled 3,640 votes (02 seats), People’s Alliance polled 2,754 votes (01 seat), National Freedom Front polled 2,398 votes (01 seat), United Republican Front polled 2,157 votes (01 seat), Independent Group 01 polled 1,909 votes (01 seat), Independent Group 02 polled 1,791 votes (01 seat), Democratic National Alliance polled 1,370 votes (01 seat) and National People’s Party polled 950 votes (01 seat).
Political sources said that the Local Government Election Act had caused much turmoil with many of those who had been elected by the people deprived of an opportunity to serve their respective local government body. Sources alleged that the system in place at Local Government was far worse than appointing defeated candidates to Parliament through the National List. In terms of the Parliamentary Election Act, an elected member could be replaced only by the candidate who polled the next highest number of votes at the election from the same district, sources said, pointing out Local Government winners at ward level were axed to accommodate both defeated as well as those on respective lists of political parties.
Sources said that once the appointment of all CMC members was finalised the number of elected people axed by political parties could be known. Sources said that perhaps political parties and election monitoring groups should inquire into the shortcomings in the Local Government Election Act.
by Shamindra Ferdinando
News
Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2025 celebrated

Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) recently organised commemorative events across Sri Lanka, together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), volunteers and local communities World Red Cross Red and Crescent Day
At the national level, the SLRCS in Colombo hosted a special ceremony to appreciate outstanding volunteers from each of the 25 district-level branches, honouring their commitment to humanitarianism. The event celebrated their courage, selflessness and unwavering service especially during disasters and emergencies, reflecting the true spirit of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its founding principle, Humanity. Concurrently, all 25 branches of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society commemorated the day by engaging youth across the country through Red Cross Junior Circles in schools, organising essay and art competitions that encouraged creative expression on humanitarian themes and inspired their active participation in humanitarian service.
Around the world, the World Red Cross Red and Crescent Day is commemorated annually, on May 8, uniting millions in honouring the birth and legacy of Henry Dunant, the visionary humanitarian and the founder of the Red Cross Movement. This year’s theme, ‘On the Side of Humanity’, is closely linked to Humanity, the overarching principle that motivates the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
K. Balakrishnan, President of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and pride in the organisation’s volunteers said: “Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. On this World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers whose commitment and tireless efforts make them the first responders, stepping forward when others hesitate. Their selfless dedication exemplifies the true spirit of humanitarian service.”
Dr. Mahesh Gunasekara, Director General of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, added:
“The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) proudly stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka, offering unwavering support in times of disaster, conflict, crisis, and other emergencies. As the global community marks International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, SLRCS reflects on a year of steadfast humanitarian efforts across the country.
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