News
PHU: UNHRC resolution could be tied to aid for Sri Lanka
… country’s unitary status may be in jeopardy
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila, MP, has warned that the forthcoming resolution at the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) could be tied to financial assistance as the incumbent government struggled to cope up with the developing political-economic-social crisis. The UNHCR consists of 47 countries, divided into five groups.
Asserting that a heavy defeat was inevitable at the vote expected to take place before Oct 07, Attorney-at-Law Gammanpila told the media yesterday (19) that Western powers would exert pressure on Sri Lanka on the basis of the outcome. The lawmaker declared that the UNHRC could transform the resolution as a weapon and the bankrupt country could be placed in an extremely uncomfortable situation.
The Sri Lanka Core Group, led by the UK, has proposed that Sri Lankan leaders and officials guilty of economic crimes face travel bans, freezing of assets and other legal action.
Lawmaker Gammanpila asserted that the resolution against Sri Lanka could receive 24 or more votes. The PHU leader compared the growing threat faced by Sri Lanka with the crisis experienced by Indonesia in 1997 that ultimately forced Jakarta to allow an independent state in East Timor. The MP urged Western powers not to undermine Sri Lanka’s unitary status at a time the country was experiencing economic fallout.
MP Gammanpila said that the rebel SLPP group publicly warned the country of the impending danger from the powers that be to deliberately weaken the economy to create an environment conducive for the separatist project and also to privatize profit-making state enterprises.
Blaming former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government for allowing the deterioration of the national economy, MP Gammanpila said that the incumbent government lacked a proper plan to overcome the daunting Geneva challenge.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC, recently declared that not only individuals but entire fighting divisions had been ‘blacklisted’, he pointed out and urged the government to set the record straight in Geneva and also at the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. Declaring that the country is in a crossroads, the former minister said that the latest Geneva resolution could pave the way for unprecedented manipulation of Sri Lanka.
Referring to a statement issued by the UK based Global Tamil Forum (GTF), lawmaker Gammanpila alleged that the government seemed to be very weak in its defence. “They are on the offensive. They feel, Sri Lanka, in economic difficulties can be manipulated to accept a remedy that’ll further undermine the political and economic independence,” MP Gammanpila said.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
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 table below 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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