News
South Asia’s new initiative to combat climate challenges and crime
South Asia stands as one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change, threatening its peace, security, and sustainable development prospects.
In a statement released yesterday, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlighted the considerable challenges the region faces concerning health, the rule of law, and human security amid emerging global threats.
With over 1.6 billion people—more than 20% of the global population—South Asia has a youthful demographic, with individuals under 24 making up over 40%. While the region has made commendable strides in development goals and navigating conflicts, it continues to contend with instabilities influenced by global dynamics.
In light of these challenges, the UNODC has launched its new Regional Programme for South Asia (RPSA) for 2024-2028—a five-year strategic framework aimed at enhancing justice, health, peace, and the rule of law across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Last week, senior representatives from these nations convened at the UN House in New Delhi to formally launch the initiative. The framework delineates the UNODC’s programmatic focus, which includes five sub-programmes: addressing the world drug problem, countering organized crime, combating corruption and economic crime, preventing terrorism, and enhancing criminal justice.
At the launch, Bo Mathiasen, UNODC Deputy Director of Operations, along with other officials, called for collective efforts to tackle emerging challenges. UNODC Regional Representative Marco Teixeira and Deputy Representative Suruchi Pant outlined key areas of cooperation under the new RPSA, emphasizing the importance of unified action against shared threats.
Mathiasen reiterated the need for collaboration in addressing security challenges, a sentiment echoed by UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp, who emphasized the pivotal role of the Regional Programme in fostering cooperation among South Asian nations.
Developed through extensive consultations and assessments, the RPSA aims to reinforce the rule of law, bolster regional cooperation, and protect vulnerable communities from the threats posed by drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism. The initiative aligns with the UNODC’s corporate strategy and the broader UN approach to promote sustainable development in the region.
The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
Three prison guards attached to the Welikada Prison have been arrested by Borella Police following the death of an inmate on Monday (04).
‘Bar Association must reveal its stand’
Civil society group ‘Free Lawyers’ has requested Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena to probe whether political pressure was brought on a Magistrate, or a High Court Judge, in respect of an ongoing high profile case.
Speaking to The Island on behalf of ‘Free Lawyers,’ Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon said that they felt the urgent need to seek the CJ’s intervention, following the May Day declaration by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that the verdict of a case that was heard on 30 April would be given on 25 May. Tennakoon said that addressing the NPP’s main May Day rally at Maharagama, the President asked the people to be ready to celebrate that verdict. The President couldn’t have said so if he hadn’t been aware of the impending verdict, Tennakoon said, while emphasising the responsibility on the part of the Bar Association to state its position on the issue.
‘Free Lawyers’ recently captured pubic attention following its exposure of the theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury.
Responding to a query, Tennakoon said that on behalf of ‘Free Lawyers,’ Maithri Gunaratne, PC, on Monday, 4 April, wrote to both CJ Surasena and President of the Bar Association Rajeev Amarasuriya.
Alleging that President Dissanayake’s declaration caused immense harm to the independence of the judiciary and raised controversy over the judgement that would be given on 25 May, ‘Free Lawyers’ organisation also asked the CJ to inquire into whether the entire judicial process was under political pressure.
Tennakoon said that they expect the Bar Association to reveal its position on President Dissanayake’s statement. Tennakoon pointed out that during the May Day address, President Dissanayake made reference to 15 cases that were to be taken up during this month, whereas Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister, as well as Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake, mentioned nearly 10 names of politicians, both sitting and former lawmakers, to be summoned beginning, May.
Tennakoon said that the NPP appeared to have used May Day to counter growing accusations over the Colombo port container controversy, coal scam, Rs 13.2 bn NDB fraud and theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury and USD 625,000 from the Sri Lanka Postal Service.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Officially Appointed
Three prison guards arrested following the death of an inmate
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