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Govt urged to abolish terror law

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Petition campaign calls for the immediate repeal of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act

The Sri Lankan Church has joined human rights groups calling for the abolition of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as the government faces pressure to prove its sincerity in addressing past rights violations.

Rights groups claim the government has used the draconian law to harass minorities, journalists, activists and critical voices.

Thirty-two rights groups and 70 activists have organized an island-wide petition campaign calling for the immediate repeal of the PTA.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has voiced opposition to the PTA and signed the petition calling for the immediate repeal of the act on Feb. 17.

Amnesty International condemned the PTA and said that despite assurances to amend the problematic legislation, proposed amendments have fallen far short of safeguarding rights protected by international human rights law and the constitution of Sri Lanka.

“Forty-three years since it was first passed as a temporary measure, the draconian law continues to be used by the government of Sri Lanka to target and harass minorities, activists, journalists and critical voices,” Amnesty International said in a Feb. 17 statement.

The act, which was introduced as a temporary measure in 1979, allows for arrests without a warrant for unspecified, unlawful activities and permits detention for up to 18 months without a court appearance.

A Catholic priest who signed the petition said many minority rights activists were arrested under the PTA.

“Ruki Fernando and Oblate Father Praveen Mahesan, director of the Center for Peace and Reconciliation, were detained on anti-terrorism charges on March 2014 in Kilinochchi,” said the priest who wished to remain anonymous.

Fernando is a human rights activist and consultant to the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Conference of Major Religious Superiors.

The priest said activists are traveling across the country to gather signatures for the petition demanding the complete abolition of the act, which has been gazetted and amended by the government.

A resident of Karawetti, Jaffna, was arrested in Colombo in 2010 on charges of raising money for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam during the last days of the civil war. He was arrested under the PTA and was released after 12 years of failing to prove the charges against him. The court ordered his release on Feb. 15.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has informed the government that the PTA should be repealed. The commission said the period of detention of a person under the PTA is completely unconstitutional and that no person can be punished on the basis of an ongoing investigation.

“The proposed amendments to the PTA fail to address any of the shortcomings that enable grave human rights violations,” civil society organizations said in a statement on Feb. 7.

“We call upon the government to release all persons on bail, except those that would not qualify under the Bail Act, and halt prosecutions where the confession is the primary or only evidence.

“The proposed amendments do not adhere to human rights standards enshrined in international conventions, such as the international covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which the government of Sri Lanka has ratified and hence has an obligation to respect and protect.” (UCAN)



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Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)

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On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (15th) are Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon.

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 14 April 2026, valid for 15 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern
provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.


Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on
the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake,  issuing a New Year message, extend his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.

During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.

We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.

Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.

In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.

As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!

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