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Civil society: Comparison of Tamil activist’s advocacy with LTTE claims unwarranted, mischievous and chilling

Published

4 years ago

2022/02/7

An influential section of the civil society has criticised the Foreign Ministry over a statement it issued as regards representations made recently by human rights lawyer Ambika Satkunanathan at the hearing of the European Parliament’s sub-committee on human rights.

Forty seven organizations and 161 individuals in a statement issued over the weekend frowned on what they called an attempt by the Foreign Ministry to draw an analogy between the independent advocacy of a Tamil activist and researcher with the claims of the LTTE as unwarranted, mischievous and chilling.

Satkunanathan told The Island that the headline ‘Human rights: FM challenges Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust over its representations to Geneva’ given to the Foreign Ministry statement carried in the Feb 5 edition of The Island is erroneous. She said that her statement to the European Parliament’s sub-committee on human rights had nothing to do with the Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust. The lawyer said that she did not represent the Trust or speak on its behalf. “NTT is not engaged in HR advocacy work and is a grant making foundation. The MFA is not challenging NTT but me in my personal capacity.”

The following is the text of the statement issued by the civil society in support of Ambika Satkunanathan: ” We are deeply concerned by the response of the Foreign Ministry, dated 4th February, 2022, to the statement made by human rights lawyer and advocate, former Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, and Chairperson of the Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust, Ambika Satkunanathan, at the hearing of the European Parliament’s sub-committee on human rights, on the 27th of January, 2022. In her submission, Ms. Satkunanathan made a critical assessment of the human rights situation in Sri Lanka and its international and national obligations to its citizens, and provided recommendations to European Union member states.

Rather than engage substantively with the issues raised, the Sri Lankan Government instead chose to cast aspersions on an individual with an unimpeachable record of principled research, advocacy and public service for the improvement of human rights in Sri Lanka. The attempt by the Foreign Ministry to draw an analogy between the independent advocacy of a Tamil activist and researcher with the claims of the LTTE is unwarranted, mischievous and chilling. The insinuation that pointing out the differential impact of government policies, state institutions and their practices on Tamil and Muslim communities is in some way ‘stoking hatred among communities’ and harmful to ‘social harmony’ is also deeply troubling. Given how the PTA and ICCPR Act have been used in Sri Lanka in the recent past by the State to target critical individuals and members of minority communities, this characterization is ominous.

Retaining or losing GSP+ trade privileges is entirely based on the European Union’s assessment of the conduct of the Sri Lankan Government with respect to labour rights, human rights, environmental protection and good governance. The suggestion that it is human rights advocacy that jeopardizes GSP+ trade privileges which are crucial for the Sri Lankan economy is highly disingenuous.

We consider the targeting of outspoken members of civil society by a government institution using dangerous insinuations to be a form of intimidation aimed at stifling dissent and freedom of expression. Statements such as this by the Foreign Ministry, we believe, aim to constrain civil society engagement as an independent interlocutor with the international community on democracy and rights issues, standing up for the rights and protection of affected communities and individuals.

Like Ms. Satkunanathan, many in civil society have been raising concerns regarding the operational environment for civil society organizations and activists, and the threat of a repressive new law. We note with deep concern the continuing incidents of harassment of victim-survivors, human rights activists, media workers and civil society organisations by state actors. Creating an enabling environment for civil society will require more than mere assertions that civil society is treated as a partner, and the shifting of the NGO Secretariat to a new Ministry. We remain willing to engage with the government in an honest, principled and constructive dialogue on this, and the other substantive issues raised by Ms. Satkunanathan, which we share and stand-by.

However, the targeting of civil society activists in this manner by the Foreign Ministry does not inspire confidence or trust. We condemn this statement of the Foreign Ministry, and stand in solidarity with Ms. Ambika Satkunanathan and all other civil society activists engaged in the processes of promoting and protecting human rights, democracy and genuine reconciliation in Sri Lanka.”

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Be mindful of the accuracy of information before sharing it on social media – PM

Published

42 mins ago

2026/03/16

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the weakening of public trust in information disseminated through the media is extremely dangerous for a society, and emphasized that people must be mindful of the truthfulness of information before sharing it on social media.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the “Sandeshaya” Media Awards Ceremony held on 14 March at the Kularathne Hall of Ananda College, Colombo. The event was organized with the aim of providing Sri Lankan school students with an opportunity to actively contribute to the national media discourse while promoting ethics, responsibility, and critical thinking.

During the “Sandeshaya” Awards Ceremony , lifetime awards granted only once in a lifetime were presented to distinguished veterans in the media field, while media awards were also presented to talented students in the school category. The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister.

Expressing her views further, the Prime Minister stated:

“We live in an era where information technology and the media are changing rapidly. Along with these changes, many opportunities have emerged, but we are also confronted with numerous challenges.

We must prepare our younger generation to live in a society and a world transformed by information technology and the media.

When we observe the changes taking place in the media today, we can say that the media and information have become democratized. In the past, access to knowledge and information was largely limited to privileged or powerful groups. The authority to communicate information and decide what should be disseminated was held by a small group. However, with the advancement of technology, this has changed dramatically. As a result of this revolutionary transformation, information, data, and knowledge have now become accessible to everyone. In that sense, it is a positive development.

At the same time, we are no longer merely media viewers or consumers. As citizens, we can also become media creators. Citizens now have significant space to engage with the media and share information. While this is positive in one sense, it also carries certain dangers. There are serious questions, issues, and challenges regarding responsibility and credibility in the dissemination of information. Today, information flows so rapidly that it is sometimes difficult to determine what is true. Making decisions has become increasingly challenging. Not only in our country but globally, there have been many instances where societies have been set ablaze due to misinformation or deliberately distorted information. We have witnessed numerous occasions where people’s lives have been destroyed as a result.

Sometimes, without even realizing it, we get trapped on the internet. We share various things through our social media platforms, both necessary and unnecessary. However, what we often forget is that a large amount of personal information accumulates on the internet through these actions. Once incorrect information becomes widespread in this way, it becomes extremely difficult to erase.

The spread of false information weakens public trust in the information provided by the media, and this is extremely dangerous for a society. For the sustainability of a society, it is essential to maintain trust among citizens and trust in the institutions that influence people’s lives. Only through the trust we can safeguard the sustainability, continuity, and security of a society.

However, what has happened today due to the spread of misinformation? We no longer have confidence in our leaders. We do not even trust elders. There is doubt about whether the news we receive can be trusted. When credibility weakens within a society, it can push that society into crisis.

Therefore, it is extremely important to cultivate a culture that strengthens trust in leadership, promotes confidence in elders, and enhances awareness about reliable sources of information. In this context, those entering the field of media carry a significant responsibility.

Just like the senior professionals we honored today, you too may one day enter this field. However, there is a vast difference between the era in which they entered the profession and the era you will enter. You will carry a unique responsibility to strengthen the credibility of the media and to stand firmly behind the information you present.

You must be able to stand by the information you provide. You must reflect on whether the information you share is true and who might be affected by it. Ensuring the credibility of the information you disseminate is also your responsibility.

Similarly, as users of any form of media, we all bear a responsibility to verify the reliability of the information we receive and to be aware of how to distinguish between truth and falsehood. That is why digital literacy and media literacy are essential. It is also for this reason that we believe such subjects and concepts must be incorporated into education reforms so that our student generation can learn them.’

The Prime Minister further stated that citizens have a responsibility to be mindful of the truthfulness of information before sharing content found on the internet and social media with others.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Anil Jasinghe, Principal of Ananda College D.M.L.P. Dissanayake, journalists, principals, teachers, and students.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar, Anuradhapura and Vavuniya districts

Published

55 mins ago

2026/03/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 15 March 2026, valid for 16 March 2026.

The public is warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at
some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar, Anuradhapura and Vavuniya districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

News

Fuel rationing begins: Police deployed as queues return

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/16

Thilina Walpola

Long queues of vehicles once again lined roads near filling stations across the country yesterday as authorities reintroduced the QR-based fuel quota system, prompting the deployment of police officers to manage traffic and maintain order.

The measure comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East and global oil supply disruptions which officials say have triggered panic buying and fuel hoarding despite assurances that the country is not facing an immediate shortage of fuel.

DIG in charge of Traffic and Road Safety Range DPGJ Senadeera said police officers had been deployed to major filling stations to regulate traffic and prevent congestion caused by large crowds gathering to obtain fuel.

Speaking to the media, Senadeera said the queues were largely the result of panic.

“The public need not panic. Once the QR code system is in place, each category of vehicle will receive the required amount of fuel,” he said.

According to the DIG, traffic congestion near fuel stations was mainly caused by motorists attempting to stockpile fuel.

“Many people who require only a small quantity of fuel are attempting to obtain larger amounts due to fear and uncertainty. This behaviour has created long queues and congestion,” he said.

“If people remain calm and obtain only the amount of fuel they require, these problems will not arise. The system has been introduced precisely to prevent long queues and ensure efficient distribution,” Senadeera added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy announced that the QR code system for fuel sales came into effect at 6 am yesterday (15), making it mandatory for motorists to present a valid QR code to obtain fuel.

Authorities said the measure had been introduced in response to abnormal increases in demand for fuel and concerns over disruptions to global supply chains caused by the ongoing military situation in the Middle East.

A public notice issued by the ministry stated that the petroleum supply chain had been adversely affected by the Middle East conflict, while local demand had risen sharply in recent days, placing pressure on the country’s fuel reserves.

Officials also noted that certain groups had been purchasing excessive quantities of fuel illegally, prompting the government to introduce the QR code mechanism to curb hoarding and ensure fair distribution.

Under the system, each vehicle category will be entitled to a fixed weekly fuel quota.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the allocations are as follows: Buses – 60 litres, Motor lorries – 200 litres, Vans – 40 litres, Three-wheelers – 15 litres, Motor cars – 15 litres, Motorcycles – 5 litres, Land vehicles – 25 litres, Special purpose vehicles – 40 litres and Quadricycles – 5 litres.

Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Mayura Neththikumarage, insisted that the introduction of the QR code system did not indicate a fuel shortage.

“There is no issue with fuel availability. The system was introduced after we observed people collecting fuel in large quantities and queues forming over the past three to four days,” he said.

Neththikumarage said the primary objective of the QR code system was to ensure that the public could obtain fuel without having to wait in long queues.

Fuel distribution under the new system commenced at 6.00 a.m. yesterday, with priority initially given to motorists who had previously registered and obtained QR codes.

Those who had earlier registered for the system can continue to use their existing QR codes, provided the vehicle ownership and registered mobile number remain unchanged.

Motorists who have not yet registered can obtain a QR code through the official website fuelpass.gov.lk, while those whose vehicle ownership or mobile numbers have changed are required to re-register their details.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy said a separate fuel distribution mechanism would be implemented for vehicles engaged in essential services and production activities.

Private passenger transport buses will receive fuel through depots operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board, the ministry added.

Amid the situation, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa appealed to the public to use fuel responsibly and avoid unnecessary travel.

“As a government, we request the public to think not only about their own families but also about the country. Manage fuel consumption carefully and avoid unnecessary travel during this period,” the minister said at an event held in Moratuwa.

He stressed that rationed fuel consumption was essential to ensure that available stocks could be sustained while global uncertainties continue.

Authorities reiterated that the QR code system had been introduced as a precautionary measure to manage fuel distribution effectively and prevent panic-driven shortages.

Police meanwhile urged motorists to cooperate with traffic officers stationed near filling stations and refrain from forming unnecessary queues, warning that panic buying would only worsen congestion and inconvenience the public.

by Norman Palihawadane