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UN told how Lanka tackled child soldiers’ issue

Published

6 years ago

2021/02/15

Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Mohan Peiris, PC last Friday explained how Sri Lanka had successfully tackled the child soldiers’ issue. Addressing the Virtual Event, titled “Early Warning to Early Action: Implementing the Vancouver Principles to Prevent and End the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers”, Peiris thanked the Permanent Missions of Canada, Rwanda and Uruguay as well as the UN Department of Peace Operations and the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security for organizing the important event.

The following is the text of the speech by Peiris: “Particularly, today (Feb 12), as we mark the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. I cannot but recall the words of Kofi Annan the former Secretary-General when he said “if there is any lesson that we can draw from the experience of the past decade, it is that the use of child soldiers is far more than a humanitarian concern; that its impact lasts far beyond the actual time of fighting; and that the scope of the problem vastly exceeds the number of children directly involved.” I was further encouraged by the reassertion of this thought when Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau stated ‘the use of child soldiers have no place in our world … by bringing countries together and putting the Vancouver Principles together we can make sure children remain children and build a safer and more just future for all.’

“As you would all know, Sri Lanka experienced the sad phenomenon of child soldiers at the hands of a group of non-state actors that terrorized the country for nearly 30 years. Following the neutralization of this group in 2009, the Government of Sri Lanka undertook the substantial task of rehabilitating these children and reuniting them with their families. I would now like to show a few photos that depict the rehabilitation programme conducted by Sri Lanka for the ex-child soldiers, where we treated these children like our own children and apart from the formal education, they had the opportunity to attend scouting programmes and even some radio programmes at a media institution.

“I must refer to the mandates and early warning chapters in the Vancouver Principles which opens up a wide window of scenarios. We cannot be heard to turn a blind eye to some of the activities of these non-state actors who as we speak are engaged in the very activity which we are seeking to stop. I will briefly show you some photographs which depict the use of child soldiers and are being used to promote the idea of hate and terror. In one picture, as you see children dressed in combat uniforms carrying replicas of rocket launchers, missiles and guns. This is a lovely play! This is not Cinderella or Jack & the Beanstalk or Little Red Riding Hood but promoting hate, little children carrying replicas of bazoocas and all kinds of weapons. In the other, schoolchildren as young as eight years is enacting a drama dressed as suicide soldiers. Here is another one of glorification of child soldiers, in another little skit. These pictures speak a volume.

“We all know the modus operandi of such groups and I do not wish to get into that here. But I think it’s important to highlight that while the actual child soldiers created by this group were physically in Sri Lanka, they were being aided, sponsored and glorified by segments of the diaspora abroad. Unfortunately, we have witnessed children living thousands of miles away from Sri Lanka taking part in ceremonies that glorified child soldiers and to raise funds for this group of non-state actors. The modus-operandi included the use of schools, particularly in foreign countries, ostensibly for the purpose of imparting knowledge on culture and language to diaspora children. Under the fine and laudable cover of teaching the younger generation their culture and values, something far more sinister and scary was being carried out and that is the brainwashing of small children into a state of hate of nationalities they are falsely made to believe were antagonistic to them. We have found that some of these institutions had very close associations with this group of non-state actors and were actually their front organizations and were being used to propagate their illegal activities overseas as well as a source of income. Indeed, in Europe alone there were more than 350 such institutions with nearly 20,000 students.

“Some of the activities of the diaspora are depicted in these photos – innocent looking concerts and plays by little children who are compelled to re-enact the grim and sad story of child soldiers on a mission to kill their brothers and sisters. My dear friends, what are we in the international community doing about it? The answer is very little, but an avalanche of rhetoric and passively allowing the glorification of terror. This has gone on unabated and un-noticed and has led to the systematic radicalization of Tamil youth. It is evident that systematic psychological conditioning of students to become martyrs and terrorists started with this group of non-state actors long before it manifested itself in Islamist madrasas.

“This is extremely unfortunate, and continues even today. It is important that in our efforts to combat this gruesome ordeal we do not forget the sophisticated mechanizations of various non-state actors to further their cause of terror. Our efforts to move forward on these issues must ensure that we do not allow them to use the same procedures that we use to foster and propagate our ideals of humanity at the UN for their own purposes.

“Most often children end up a numerical notation on international podiums, and scant regard is paid as to why children are made to carry arms and under what circumstances they become victims of movements that would do anything to ensure that their agendas are realized. The Vancouver Principles are something that is long overdue for the reason that nothing constructive has been done internationally to put an end to these children’s misery.

“I will end by citing a grim warning from scripture about protecting children when Christ said “if anyone causes one of these little ones to stumble it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come; let woe to the person through whom they come.” The sophistication of our treaties will not suffice unless and until we act true and fast. The Vancouver Declaration will be a stepping stone in the right direction.”

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Sun directly overhead Kokkuvil, Nallur, Kodikamam and Nagar Kovil at about 12.11 noon today (28)

Published

17 hours ago

2026/08/28

Priyan

The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 28th of August to 07th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion.

The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (28) are Kokkuvil, Nallur, Kodikamam and Nagar Kovil about 12.11 noon.

News

Eight politicians in drug kingpin probe

Published

18 hours ago

2026/08/28

Thilina Walpola

Police to arrest and question four former ministers, others over links to Basik

By Norman Palihawadane

Police are investigating alleged links between suspected major drug trafficker Shiran Basik and a number of prominent politicians, with eight of them due to be arrested and questioned as investigators widen their probe into his financial dealings and network of associates, police headquarters, according to a senior police officer.

Among those set to face questioning include a sitting MP, four former ministers, and at least one of them is a female. Police are also investigating allegations that Basik provided large sums of money to politicians during election campaigns and extended other financial and material benefits to political figures.

Investigators are also looking into claims that two politicians were provided with facilities to construct houses and hotels, while efforts are under way to establish the extent of political support and assistance allegedly provided to Basik.

The Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is expected to question the politicians based on information reportedly disclosed by Basik during interrogation. Two electoral organisers are also expected to be taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation, according to police sources.

Meanwhile, statements are being recorded from managers and employees of several businesses allegedly linked to Basik, while investigators continue to examine information and records recovered from his mobile phone.

Basik, 48, was brought back to Sri Lanka on August 14 after being arrested in Dubai and deported. He was taken into custody by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department’s Airport Unit at Bandaranaike International Airport and subsequently handed over to the CCIB for further investigation.

Police initially obtained a 72-hour detention order to question Basik before securing approval to detain him for 90 days.

Basik, a resident of Dehiwala, is facing investigations over alleged large-scale drug trafficking as well as firearms, and unlawful assembly of weapons-related offences. Police are also examining whether he had any involvement in recent prison-related incidents and have said information has emerged linking him to the 2012 Welikada Prison riot.

The investigation has also expanded to Basik’s alleged assets and business interests in Sri Lanka and overseas.

Police have said information uncovered during questioning indicates that Basik had claimed ownership of five hotels along Colombo’s Marine Drive. Investigators have also identified two houses and two mobile phone shops in Boralesgamuwa allegedly linked to him.

A court has ordered a comprehensive examination of bank accounts linked to Basik, with the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to conduct a review of his financial accounts. A separate investigation into his wealth and properties is being conducted by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division.

Investigators are also examining claims that Basik owns properties, including hotels and vehicles, in several European countries, as well as a high-value vehicle in Dubai. These claims remain subject to further investigation.

Basik had left Sri Lanka for Dubai in 2018, where police said he lived a lavish lifestyle while operating businesses. He was arrested by UAE authorities before being deported to Sri Lanka.

During initial questioning, Basik told investigators that Dubai police had stopped and searched him at a shopping mall and examined his mobile phone. He claimed that footage relating to Iranian missile and drone attacks was found on the device and that he was subsequently questioned over alleged links to Iran.

Police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding his arrest and deportation, as well as the information contained in his mobile phone and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

The ongoing probe is being conducted under the supervision of Senior DIG Ranmal Kodituwakku and SSP Kamal Ariyawansa.The allegations against Basik and the politicians named in connection with the investigation have not been established in court, and the investigations remain ongoing.

News

CJ first SC judge to benefit from 22A, if enacted: BASL

Published

18 hours ago

2026/08/28

Thilina Walpola

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has opposed the proposed “Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution”, saying it raises serious concerns over judicial independence and the rights and interests of the public.

In a statement signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Nalin De Silva, the association said it had challenged the constitutionality of the proposed amendment before the Supreme Court.

The BASL noted that the Chief Justice would be the first Supreme Court judge to benefit from the proposed amendment if it becomes law. It also referred to widespread speculation that the amendment was being expedited to facilitate an extension of the incumbent Chief Justice’s tenure, which is due to end on December 1, 2026.

Full text of the statement:

“The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has taken a principled position opposing the Bill titled the “Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution” on the basis that it raises serious concerns regarding the independence of the Judiciary and the rights and interests of the people. Accordingly, the BASL has challenged the constitutionality of the proposed amendment before the Supreme Court.

“It is observed that it will be the Honourable Chief Justice who will be the first Judge of the Supreme Court who will benefit from the 22nd Amendment, if this Bill is enacted into Law.

There is widespread belief that this amendment is being rushed to facilitate the extension of the tenure of the Honourable Chief Justice which would otherwise complete on 1st December 2026. In this backdrop, in the recent past, we have witnessed allegations being made in Parliamentary Proceedings as well as on Social Media concerning the Judiciary including the incumbent Chief Justice.

“During this period, the BASL has also been subjected to unfounded attacks on social media and other platforms.

“The Judiciary, like every other institution exercising public power, must remain subject to legitimate scrutiny and accountability. Judgments, judicial conduct and the administration of justice may properly be subjected to fair, informed and responsible criticism. Where credible concerns or allegations arise regarding any member of the Judiciary, including the Chief Justice, they should be examined objectively and addressed through the appropriate constitutional and parliamentary processes which are in place, with due regard to fairness and due process.

“At the same time, everyone must exercise responsibility when making allegations concerning individual judges, lawyers and others. Personal attacks based upon unsubstantiated allegations can undermine public confidence in the administration of justice and affect the independence and integrity of the judicial process and the system of justice

“Judicial independence is not intended to shield any individual from legitimate scrutiny or accountability. It is a safeguard for the people, ensuring that disputes are determined impartially and that individual rights, the Rule of Law and the constitutional order are protected.

“The BASL therefore calls upon all organs of the State, all parties concerned and the media to respect the role of the Judiciary and the system of administration of justice, while ensuring that any genuine concerns are addressed fairly, responsibly and through the procedures established by the Constitution and the law.”