News
UN urges Lanka to conduct probe into 2019 attack
Addressing the forum in Geneva, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada-Al Nashif urged the Sri Lankan authorities to accelerate investigations and prosecutions probing cases of human rights violations, in particular, the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
Al-Nashif noted that investigations should comply with international human rights standards. Her comments follow repeated calls to the Government of Sri Lanka to establish an independent probe into the bombing campaign that left 269 people dead and additional 500 injured.
Although the Government has implemented economic recovery policies, the country continues to be gripped by the aftermath of the deep economic crisis of 2022 and stresses in the global economy, the UN deputy rights chief said.
The legacy of that crisis “has impacted the poor and marginalized communities the most”, Al-Nashif explained, noting that another 2.5 million people had been driven into poverty between 2021 and 2022, while an estimated 37 per cent of households face acute food insecurity.
The Deputy High Commissioner emphasised that such hardship has given rise to tensions and further protests. These have also been sparked by issues of land acquisition in the north and east of the country for the expansion of military installations.
The UN human rights body also heard that delays in holding local government elections combined with the laws that limit people’s right to political participation and protest had also increased tensions.
“Our Office continues to receive cases of misuse of tear gas and water cannons during demonstrations, affecting protestors and media personnel,”. Al-Nashif said.
While recognizing the Government’s proposal for a new truth-seeking mechanism as part of efforts to promote reconciliation across Sri Lanka in the aftermath of a brutal civil war, she emphasised that more needed to be done.
“Fourteen years since the war ended, tens of thousands of victims and their families continue to suffer in agony and grief as they wait for truth, justice, and remedy, said Al-Nashif.
“Truth seeking alone is not sufficient and must be accompanied by clear commitment to accountability.”
Sri Lanka rejected the OHCHR findings, its conclusions and recommendations relating to the two resolutions under which the UN rights office is mandated to investigate and report on the country.
In a statement, Sri Lanka said the report was an “unproductive and unhelpful drain” on resources, which did not reflect the situation on the ground, claiming that OHCHR had ignored the nation’s “democratic resilience”.
The Indonesian Naval Ship, ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’, arrived at the port of Colombo today (22 Jan 26) on a scheduled port call for logistics replenishment and a goodwill mission.
In keeping with time-honored naval tradition the ship was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon arrival.
The 90.71m – long Sigma Corvette FS is commanded by Commander Annugerah Anurullah.
During the stay in Colombo, the crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city limits.
Further, this visit provides an avenue to enhance professional interaction and courtesy engagements among two navies.
The Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on a logistics replenishment visit today (22 Jan 26).
The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.
The 75m – long ship is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Hamad Bin Mohammed Aldarmaki. The port call will facilitate professional interaction and goodwill exchanges between the two navies.
During her stay in Colombo, crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city of Colombo.
News
Mechanism to be established involving university academics and experts for Education Reforms – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government is taking steps to establish a comprehensive mechanism, supported by an appropriate legal framework, to bring together university academics, experts and all relevant parties in order to resolve issues arising during the implementation of education reforms.
The President made these remarks during a discussion with the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) held on Wednesday (21) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, FUTA members emphasized the challenges encountered while trying to implement educational reforms through a framework established by the National Institute of Education, in line with the current laws and regulations.
They further emphasized that while their association acknowledges the need for new education reforms, the urgency of such reforms is greater for students in rural schools than for those in urban schools.
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations further stated that they appreciate the decision taken by the Government, under the leadership of the President, to address the issues arising from education reforms and affirmed their readiness to contribute to this process.
As a continuation of the previous discussion, proposals addressing the challenges faced by academics within the university system, along with possible solutions, were presented to the President. In response, the President emphasized that the Government would take all possible measures to safeguard the university system and strengthen education.
The discussion also covered proposed amendments to the Universities Act.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that, in the aftermath of the recent disaster, the Government has been effectively implementing a nationwide rebuilding programme, addressing economic stability, development and all critical sectors. The President also called upon university academics to actively support these reconstruction efforts.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilaka, as well as representatives of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations, including its President, Prof. P. R. Weerathunga, Vice President M. A. M. Sameem and Secretary Charudaththe Ilangasinghe.
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Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’ arrives in Colombo
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