News
EU takes up 20A, judicial independence, separation of powers and independent institutions
Govt. promises to bring PTA in line with int’l norms
The government has again reiterated its commitment to bringing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in line with international norms and standards. The assurance was given at the 5th Meeting of the European Union – Sri Lanka Working Group on Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights held recently.
The Working Group was co-chaired by Manisha Gunasekera, Director General Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and Ioannis Giogkarakis-Argyropoulos, Head of South Asia Division, European External Action Service.
In a joint statement issued, the Foreign Ministry and the EU stated Sri Lanka, having provided an update on the action in process to review the PTA, reiterated its commitment to bring it in line with international norms and standards within a time bound process. “The EU and Sri Lanka agreed to take stock of progress in this regard by the next meeting of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission in early 2022. The need to uphold international norms and standards of human rights while countering terrorism and violent extremism was also underlined,” the joint communiqué quoted the two delegations as having said.
The EU reiterated its opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances. Welcoming the continued moratorium, the EU encouraged Sri Lanka to take steps towards the formal abolition of capital punishment.
They reaffirmed their commitment to good governance, adherence to the rule of law, and protection of human rights. They discussed common interests pertaining to the protection and promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms, and agreed to continue cooperation on issues of relevance.
The EU and Sri Lanka exchanged experiences in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka appreciated the EU’s contribution to COVAX which supports vaccine equity and benefits developing countries.
The EU stressed the importance of fostering social, economic and political inclusion through justice, reconciliation and accountability. The two sides discussed the 20th Amendment, independence of the judiciary, separation of powers and the ongoing work of independent institutions. The two sides reiterated the importance of the effective functioning of independent institutions.
Sri Lanka briefed the EU on the extensive legal reform programme undertaken by the Ministry of Justice, through consultative processes that brought together officials, sector experts and members of the official and unofficial Bars. The EU encouraged Sri Lanka to consider a broad consultation process in this undertaking.
The EU and Sri Lanka agreed on the importance of engaging civil society and giving it the necessary space to function in all its diversity. The EU expressed its readiness to continue supporting Sri Lanka in these efforts.
The Working Group discussed matters related to minorities and measures to address hate speech. Sri Lanka highlighted the pluralistic composition of the country where the rights of all communities are equally guaranteed by the Constitution.
The delegations discussed cooperation with the Human Rights Council, including treaty bodies, special procedures and universal periodic review. They agreed to work towards enhancing cooperation in multilateral fora, including in the achievement of the SDGs by 2030 in the United Nations framework.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris welcomed the constructive, cordial and regular engagement between Sri Lanka and the EU in a separate meeting with the visiting delegation. The EU mission to Sri Lanka was led by Senior Advisor, Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission Nikolaos Zaimis, and Head of Division for South Asia of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Ioannis Giogkarakis-Argyropoulos. The meeting entailed discussion on EU – Sri Lanka cooperation and Sri Lanka’s engagement with the EU on matters of relevance.
In the discussion, Foreign Minister Peiris appraised the EU delegation, inter alia, on progress in reconciliation, review of Prevention of Terrorism Act, engagement with civil society, SDG 16 initiative, and Sri Lanka’s cooperation in the Human Rights Council.
The Foreign Minister observed that Sri Lanka’s relations with the EU are wide ranging and mutually beneficial, including in the spheres of economic and development cooperation. The EU being Sri Lanka’s second largest export destination (in 2020), the Foreign Minister highlighted the positive contribution of EU GSP plus benefits in upgrading the livelihoods of communities in the country.
The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a successful shipwreck expedition from 10 to 17 Mar 25, focusing on historically significant shipwrecks located in the sea area off the coast of Colombo.
The expedition was carried out to document the current state of numerous shipwrecks lying beneath the waves, off Colombo. The survey included the Coal Wreck, Chief Dragon Car Carrier, MV Astoria, MT Nilgiri, Thermopylae Sierra, MV Pecheur Breton, Taprobane East Wreck, SS Worcestershire, Toilet Barge, SS Perseus and some other unidentified wrecks.
Navy divers explored a series of shipwrecks, including the historically significant SS Worcestershire and SS Perseus, both sunk during World War I. Beyond their historical value, the wrecks of the Chief Dragon Car Carrier and Thermopylae Sierra are now functioning as thriving artificial reefs, providing habitats for a variety of marine species.
A total of 14 diving officers and 15 diving sailors participated in this intensive shipwreck expedition. They used both atmospheric air and nitrox air mix as breathing agents, depending on depth and dive duration. This enhanced safety and efficiency, particularly for deeper and more complex dives.
As part of the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, the Sri Lanka Navy has extended its all-out support to preserve the nation’s maritime heritage, while promoting the island as an appealing tourist destination. These efforts also reflect the Navy’s archaeological value through similar initiatives.
News
Health professionals’ strikes are unacceptable despite the largest salary increase given by a government as at date – President
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the trade union actions by healthcare professionals cannot be justified, considering that the largest salary increase in history granted by a government without any demands or pressure from professional associations has already been implemented.
The President made these remarks during a meeting held on Wednesday (19) at the Presidential Secretariat with the Public Services United Nurses Union (PSUNU).
President Anura Kumara Disanayake highlighted that despite operating within a constrained economic framework, the government has prioritized increasing the basic salaries of public sector employees in this year’s budget. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the public service, attract skilled professionals, and ensure the sustainability of the sector.
The President stated that salaries have been increased under six key categories in the budget. These include a minimum increase of Rs. 15,000 in the basic salary, an increment in overtime and holiday allowances, an 80% increase in salary increments, an upward revision of pension benefits in line with the revised total salary, and an increase in the taxable income threshold.
Officials from the PSUNU expressed their appreciation for the salary increments, highlighting that they have been well received by a significant portion of the public sector workforce. They also brought to the President’s attention the existing challenges within the nursing profession and requested prompt solutions to address these issues.
The meeting was attended by the Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Chief Sanganayaka of Western Province, the Chairman of PSUNU Most Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake along with several officials from the PSUNU.
The Supreme Court yesterday (19) dismissed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s plea for restoration of his security contingent, consisting of military personnel, including commandos. The SC bench comprising Preethi Padman Surasena, Achala Wengappuli and Mahinda Samayawardhana dismissed the petition without taking it up for hearing.
The former President, in a rights petition, challenged the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s decision to reduce his security contingent to 60 personnel. The war-winning President alleged that the reduction had been done without proper evaluation.
The SC took up the case on February 6 and reconvened yesterday to review the petition.
Former Minister and President’s Counsel Ali Sabry appeared for the former President who filed the case on January 24.
Members of the Cabinet were named as respondents.
The former President alleged that his fundamental rights had been violated by depriving him of security provided by the military.
Rajapaksa, who played a key role in ending the country’s nearly three-decade-long war, expressed concerns about ongoing threats to his life, including potential terrorist threats.
The former President requested the Court to determine that his fundamental human rights were violated by the arbitrary reduction of his security contingent.
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