News
SLMC condemns all forms of violence
Unreservedly condemning all forms of violence and terror committed by both parties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem has asked how a world committed to a rule-based order could allow deliberate dispossession, detention and dehumanisation of the Palestinian people.
In a statement titled, Encouragement of Hatred in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Must Cease, the SLMC Leader states:
The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) unreservedly condemns all forms of violence and terror committed by both parties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Continuing loss of innocent lives, and unimaginable misery inflicted on the civil population in the Gaza strip, denial of access and right of worship at holy sites in this ancient cradle of civilisation are developments that shock all mankind.
Deliberate dispossession, detention and dehumanisation of the Palestinian people is a blatantly brutal blot on the collective conscience of the world that is committed to conduct international relations in a rule-based order as envisaged in the United Nations Charter.
While condemning all acts of terror at the root of which remain continued provocations of unprecedented intensity in recent months, we urge all parties to exercise restraint and begin negotiating in good faith with a view to realising a sustainable and pragmatic solution of two states existing side by side within pre-1967 borders, in peace and prosperity.
The New Middle East that is unilaterally sought to be achieved by current Israeli leaders who have embraced forcible annexation as state policy will only further exacerbate this century-old conflict. As long as breath remains in the human breast the people of Palestine will continue their struggle and longing for their right to breathe the air of freedom and right of worship.
We appeal to all parties in the Middle East and Arab World to be wary of the intentions of those who seek to use the façade of diplomacy to offer dubious rewards to further subjugate a population under occupation.
Hatred only begets hatred. And hatred doesn’t cease by hatred. All encouragement of hatred from all quarters, either by supporting one faction against another or one party against another in the theatre of conflict, should stop forthwith.
The double standards manifest in the policies and positions of North America and Europe vis a vis the Palestinian people, which also characterise much of the official stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, of Sri Lanka’s immediate neighbour aspiring to be the leader of the Global South, leave much to be desired. Responsible powers, whether global, regional, or leading as they prefer to call themselves, should act in a mature, prudent, and balanced manner, without prodding the occupier towards more hatred, but by exercising their responsibility delicately to help the parties move towards enduring peace with justice.
Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Sindurala arrived at the port of Visakhapatnam in India on 17 September 2026, to participate in the bilateral naval exercise ‘SLINEX – 2026’.
The Indian Navy formally welcomed the SLN vessel upon its arrival, adhering to naval traditions.
The joint exercise will take place on 20 and 21 September in the seas off the east coast of India. On 18 September, the Commanding Officer SLNS Sindurala, Captain Sunanda Appuhamy, held official discussions with Commander Suraj Aiyappa, Commanding Officer Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kavaratti, aboard both vessels.
The annual exercise aims to enhance cooperation, interoperability, and professional exchange between the two navies. During the exercise, crew members from SLNS Sindurala will also participate in several professional and cultural exchanges organized by the Indian Navy.
Advisory for strong winds and rough seas for Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal deep sea areas
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 05.00 p.m. 18 September 2026, valid for the next 24 hours.
PLEASE BE AWARE!
The atmospheric disturbance to the North of the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, is likely to develop into a low pressure area within the next 24 hours.
Due to its influence, wind speed over the Bay of Bengal sea areas will increase during the next few days starting from
tomorrow (19th).
The wind speed in the sea areas marked under the “Advisory” category on the map below will increase to 55-65 kmph at times and those sea areas will be rough or very rough at times.
Navel and fishing communities engaging the activities over this sea area are advised to be vigilant and be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the department of Meteorology in this regards.
Text and Pic by Priyan de Silva
Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) Ranga Dissanayake has questioned whether some promises contained in the National People’s Power (NPP) manifesto, A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life, could be fulfilled even if the government wanted to implement them.
Dissanayake raised the issue during a discussion following the release of the third biannual report on manifesto monitoring by the March 12 Movement, at the BMICH, on Wednesday.
He questioned whether the report had taken into account legal and institutional constraints affecting the implementation of certain pledges.
Citing the proposal to establish Anti-Corruption Investigation Offices in each district, Dissanayake said such offices could be established only with the agreement of CIABOC and that amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act would be necessary.
He also referred to the pledge to abolish the Executive Presidency, noting that successive governments had made similar commitments since 1994. He questioned whether there had been adequate consideration of where the powers vested in the Executive President would be transferred if the system were abolished.
On the proposal to establish a Public Prosecutor, Dissanayake questioned whether the Government intended to maintain the office alongside the Attorney General, who currently performs prosecution-related functions.
Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) Manjula Gajanayake said Dissanayake’s remarks should be regarded as his personal views and not as Government policy.
Monitoring and Evaluation Consultants M. Thilakarajah and D.D. Mataharaarachchi presented the third-phase findings, covering January to June 2026.
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SLNS Sindurala arrives in Visakhapatnam for SLINEX 2026
Advisory for strong winds and rough seas for Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal
Showers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya Districts
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