SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has briefed Deputy PM of the UK, David Lammy, on the dangers posed by the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) and the Online Safety Act.

They met at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, in Colombo, on Tuesday (17). Discussions focused on democratic governance, trade expansion, and bilateral humanitarian cooperation.

The British delegation included High Commissioner for Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick.

Head of the Deputy Prime Minister’s International Unit David Meyer, Special Advisor Ms. Fiona Meagher, and First Secretary (Political) Tom Soper,

According to a statement issued by the Opposition Leader’s Office, Premadasa has cautioned against what he called draconian applications of the law, specifically warning against broad definitions of terrorism that could criminalize political dissent and trade union activities. Premadasa reiterated that the judiciary, not the executive, must drive legal interpretations. Regarding online safety, while acknowledging the need to protect children, he stressed that regulations must align with UK standards and international norms without infringing on civil liberties.

The Opposition Leader welcomed the UK’s leadership as the President of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and its global Anti-Kleptocracy Campaign. The SJBer highlighted the critical need for transparent institutions, noting that strengthening accountability mechanisms is central to rebuilding public trust and ensuring sustainable economic recovery in Sri Lanka.

Premadasa conveyed sincere appreciation for the UK’s “Sovereign Solidarity” following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025. He thanked the UK government for increasing its humanitarian aid package to £1 million (approx. $1.32 million) in December 2025. This funding, channelled through the Red Cross, UNOPS, and local partners, has provided: Emergency shelter and repairs for damaged homes; Clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent disease; and essential medicines and food supplies for the 1.8 million people affected.

Premadasa also proposed enhanced cooperation in protecting Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population and addressing the growing human–elephant conflict. He emphasised the need for sustainable conservation strategies, scientific land-use planning, community protection measures, and international technical support to safeguard biodiversity while ensuring the safety and livelihoods of rural communities affected by human–elephant interactions.

The Pathfinder Foundation has established the Entsuji Room, a Japan-themed space at its headquarters at Riverpoint, Peliyagoda, as the first step toward setting up a Japan Studies Centre.

The Entsuji Room will house an important collection of books on Japan, donated under the READ JAPAN Project, administered by the Tokyo Foundation and financed by the Nippon Foundation, under the leadership of Yohei Sasakawa.

The collection was formally presented by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, at a ceremony held yesterday (18) at Pathfinder Headquarters, at Riverpoint, and received by Milinda Moragoda, Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation.

The establishment of the Entsuji Room marks a significant step in strengthening intellectual and cultural engagement between Sri Lanka and Japan.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday (17) signed a letter of intent to join a growing global initiative of 35 countries that are part of the Global Charter for Children’s Care Reform, marking a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable children, the British High Commision (BHC), in Colombo, said.

Saroja Paulraj, Minister for Women and Child Affairs, signed the letter during a visit to Colombo by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who launched the Global Charter in early 2025. The Charter seeks to strengthen families, prevent unnecessary separation, ensure safe family-based care, and end the use of institutions for children’s care worldwide.

Deputy Prime Minister Lammy met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss economic cooperation, reconciliation, and humanitarian priorities, including the UK’s ongoing support to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. He also met with Tamil political leaders and civil society. The UK remains committed to supporting meaningful reconciliation, transitional justice and a peaceful future for all Sri Lankans.

The UK provided £1 million in urgent humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, delivered through trusted partners on the ground. This funding supported life-saving interventions and early recovery, including emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation and essential relief items for affected families.

The BHC statement quoted the Deputy Prime Minister as having said: The UK is working with countries across the world to spearhead the urgent and united action that is needed to fundamentally improve children’s care and transform the lives of vulnerable children.

Today Sri Lanka has taken meaningful steps towards that shared goal – joining us on our mission to ensure every child has the chance to grow up in a safe and supportive family environment. This is a cause I care deeply about and I was proud to be here in Colombo today to progress this vital agenda with Minister Paulraj.

Preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families, ensuring the provision of safe, family-based care and ending the use of institutions the world over have the power to change lives, restore hope and give our next generations the opportunity to thrive.”