News
PM: Remaining LTTE detainees to be released and PTA repealed
By Saman Indrajith
Sri Lanka will fulfill the pledges made to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the Parliament on Friday.The PM said that steps were being taken to release the remaining LTTE detainees and the repealing of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) had reached the final stage, he said.
Those were the two main demands made by the UNHRC, he said.President Ranil Wickremesinghe will provide the necessary guidance in releasing LTTE detainees who had been languishing in prison for a long time, Premier Gunawardena said.
“The draft Bill to repeal the PTA has been approved by the Cabinet. It will be presented to the Parliament soon,” he said.
Commenting on the outcome of the recent UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said the country was not isolated internationally.About 20 countries had abstained from voting to honour their countries’ international and domestic policies, he said.
“Their decision at the UNHRC will not affect trade, aid or any other matter concerning Sri Lanka,” he said.
Opposition MP Prof. Peiris said the resolution on Sri Lanka had been adopted because the country had failed to fulfill its pledges made to the international community.Sri Lanka had failed to obtain the support of countries like Qatar, UAE and Asian nations such as Malaysia and Indonesia, Prof. Peiris said.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
Latest News
The Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 03 May 2025, valid for 04 May 2025.
The public re warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota 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 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.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) sources said that plans were afoot to file charges in connection with 15 major fraud and corruption cases in the near future.
The Commission sources said that these cases stem from thorough investigations into complaints that had previously gone unexamined, with recent file reviews prompting the decision to proceed with legal action. The forthcoming charges are based on detailed inquiries that uncovered substantial evidence pointing to serious misconduct.
To date, CIABOC has initiated inquiries into over 300 complaints received during the recent period, reflecting an expanded commitment to tackling corruption at multiple levels of governance.
Commission sources said that several former ministers and political affiliates from past administrations are among those implicated in the ongoing investigations, though specific names have yet to be disclosed.
-
News5 days agoJapan-funded anti-corruption project launched again
-
Sports4 days agoOTRFU Beach Tag Rugby Carnival on 24th May at Port City Colombo
-
News5 days agoSethmi Premadasa youngest Sri Lankan to perform at world-renowned Musikverein in Vienna
-
Business5 days agoNational Savings Bank appoints Ajith Akmeemana,Chief Financial Officer
-
News2 days agoRanil’s Chief Security Officer transferred to KKS
-
Features3 days agoThe Broken Promise of the Lankan Cinema: Asoka & Swarna’s Thrilling-Melodrama – Part IV
-
Features4 days agoTrump tariffs and their effect on world trade and economy with particular
-
News3 days agoRadisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo appoints Marko Janssen as General Manager