News
NMSJ condemns abuse of PTA
The abuse of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) by the government is becoming a serious cause for concern, Chairman of the National movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Karu Jayasuriya said yesterday issuing a statement.
He has said that the PTA is opposed by everyone who respects democracy and the fundamental rights of the people. The attempts to suppress political and civil society is troubling, he said.The entire Sri Lankan society must together voice their dissent against these acts, Jayasuriya said.
“We have had to once again revisit the issue as the government has taken steps to detain the Convenor of the Inter University Students Federation as well as other civil and political activists for 90 days under the PTA without presenting them before any court of law. This is in no way acceptable to a civilised society that hopes for a better country which respects the rights assured to its citizens by the country’s constitution including the right to dissent. Therefore, the National Movement for a Just Society will continue to unconditionally stand against such acts,” Jayasuriya said.
He added that the country was on the brink of a disaster both politically and economically. Therefore, everyone must make necessary sacrifices to save the country and its people from a tragic fate. To resort to such a collective approach, democratic traditions must be respected above all else, Jayasuriya said.
In addition to this all political forces must respect one’s right to dissent. Humanity must be respected while draconian laws despised by the world must be rejected, the NMSJ head said.
“Therefore continuing to use draconian laws such as the PTA, which is opposed greatly within the country and abroad will not only be a threat to the freedom and rights of the country’s people but also lead to Sri Lanka becoming marginalised and isolated internationally. At a time where international support is imperative to resolve the economic crisis faced by the country, such actions will invariably have serious consequences for our country,” he said.
Jayasuriya added that on behalf of the motherland and future generations, they request the government to immediately stop all acts of suppression against civil and political activists and to not justify the use of draconian laws such as the PTA.
“We urge the government to extend the hand of friendship to all parties instead of repression and threats, and to thereafter implement a common program within a set time period while casting aside all divides,” he said.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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