News

General election: GTF discourages voters from backing major parties…

Published

6 years ago

2020/08/1

…warns of authoritarian rule

The UK headquartered Global Tamil Forum (GTF), which has been working closely with Tamil National Alliance (TNA), has urged the Tamils to vote for those only contesting the northern and eastern regions. In addition to the TNA, the Thamizhi Makkal Tesiya Kootani or the Tamil People’’s National Alliance led by former Northern Province CM C.V. Wigneswaran are in the fray in the former war zones.

The GTF, in a statement issued yesterday said: “First and foremost, ensure that people appreciate the significance of this election and the power of their vote – every vote matters. Second, no vote should be wasted on the multitude of independent groups and those representing countrywide parties, as these could only dilute the strength of the Tamil representation for future political engagements. Overly unrealistic agenda and an inward-looking insular political strategy is not the most suited in the present circumstances. The question for the Tamil voters is among the parties that represent Tamil national interest, which party and candidates are the best suited to navigate Tamil politics through the turbulent times ahead.”

The GTF urged all citizens of Sri Lanka, including those from Tamil and Muslim communities, to view the election with long-term perspective and exercise their franchise prudently and responsibly. Otherwise, the price of apathy could be too high.

The GTF alleged the election was being held amidst authoritarian presidential rule through decrees and task forces, key civilian functions entrusted to serving and retired military officers (some of whom credibly implicated in serious human rights violations), an atmosphere of intimidation and fear leading to media self-censorship and silencing of civil society activists, and insecurity among the minority communities.

The GTF said: “It is in this atmosphere that Rajapaksas are seeking 2/3rd majority to change the constitution, in particular, to abolish the 19th Amendment. It is not difficult to contemplate where this will lead to – executive power without checks and balances, marginalisation of Parliament and Judiciary, and key institutions made irrelevant. In such a quasi-democracy, rule of law and human rights will become expendable, and impunity will reign. The argument that a strong leader with unconstrained power is a must for development and prosperity is phony and self-serving.”

The GTF statement: “The last two attempts at constitution making (1972 and 1978), where the political parties that drove the process had 2/3rd majority, were disastrous, and their effects are still crippling the country. Democratic fundamentals and the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious character of the state were severely compromised to satisfy the power greed of the rulers. There is no indication that politics or statesmanship will be any different this time. In fact, if history is a guide, the outcome could be worse than what was achieved during the last two attempts. It is crucial, therefore, that all citizens should unite in denying the present rulers unfettered freedom for constitution making, rather ensure that only a widely consulted and compromised charter will be possible.

“While a functioning democracy with checks and balances are important for all citizens, it is so paramount for the minority communities. When the fangs of the majoritarian state unfairly target minority communities, even the theoretical possibility of legal recourse can be significant. So, it is vital that Tamil, Muslim and Christian communities study their electoral options and act wisely.

“Eleven years after the end of war, re-evaluating political circumstances and electoral possibilities is a must for the Tamil community. Gaining a respectable and secure status in the country is still a dream and there are many disappointments to contend with – no tangible outcomes on constitutional and accountability fronts, lack of momentum in returning to normalcy for the war-affected, and lingering concerns about protecting identity of the Tamil majority North-East. However, it is also undeniable that during the last five years there was notable relief for the Tamil people due to de-escalation of the military stranglehold in the North-East and people enjoyed some normalcy and freedom which included the right to memorialize the war-dead. How much of these could be lost due to the electoral outcomes is one important question to consider.

“The Tamil political leadership during the last decade has earned some positive marks on the national politics of the country – its role in the 2018 constitutional crisis being one notable example. A far-sighted political approach has somewhat weakened the apprehensions and animosities existed between the Tamil and other communities. Further, the Tamil nationalistic politics in Sri Lanka is viewed in the major capitals of the world as a far more progressive one than what it used to be. These fundamental building blocks are crucial for future political settlements, and need to be further strengthened, not weakened, as Tamil struggle moves on.

“Tamils in Sri Lanka is a significantly weakened community today – the population is relatively small with reduced electoral strength, and its educational and economic performances are among the worst in the country. Meeting political aspirations, though overwhelmingly the dominant issue for Tamils, is one of many objectives for the rest of the country. While the Tamil community should never take its eyes off from achieving political outcomes, it is no longer tenable that it be approached in a sequential manner, i.e. – ‘political resolution first, economic development later’. It is crucial that the Tamil political leadership become more cognizant of this reality and take necessary initiatives in this direction.

“The Sri Lankan political leadership’s intransigence in accommodating the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil community, made the Tamils look to the international community and India, with hope and expectation. While this is an integral part of the Tamil political struggle and need to be strengthened and leveraged to the maximum, this cannot substitute an effective political and civil society engagement with all communities in the country. This, too, needs to be a factor when Tamils consider their political choices.

“The Tamil community faces monumental challenges today. The Rajapaksas-led political ‘movement’ does not have many parallels in Sri Lanka’s history. It relies entirely on Sinhala-Buddhist vote and highly insensitive to the concerns and aspirations of the minority communities. No commitment to accountability and reconciliation (withdrew from co-sponsorship of UNHRC resolution), increased militarisation of civil functions (military officers for every village in the North-East), and the appointment of all-Sinhala task force to ‘preserve the historical heritage of Sri Lanka’ in the multi-ethnic Eastern Province are a few examples. More ominous is the possibility of losing some of the fundamental reforms such as power devolution under 13th Amendment and the parity status for Tamil language. A major economic contraction Sri Lanka is expected to undergo could lead to intensifying authoritarianism and militarisation, and in all likelihood the minority communities will be used as scapegoats for the wrong doings of the powerful.

“The period ahead will test the capability of the Tamil political leadership. Forming effective partnerships with the elected representatives from all minority communities and with those from the majority community with progressive views could be critical, so is fostering effective engagement strategies with the international community and India. If Rajapaksas are denied 2/3rd majority, such coalitions would be particularly powerful in preventing the constitution being amended on their own right. Perhaps the better strategy for the Tamil community could be protecting its hard-won gains, while exploring opportunities for furthering its community interests.

” Despite the fundamental weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s democracy, the country is often viewed favourably by the international community because it unfailingly conducts elections which are viewed largely as free and fair. In such circumstances, voting is fundamental and in fact the most powerful tool available to effect political, social and economic transformations in the country. The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) appeals to every citizen of Sri Lanka, and the Tamil people in particular, to cast their precious votes and cast it wisely, keeping the long-term interest of the country and their political, economic and democratic rights in mind.”

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News

Plans to open underutilised state land for new investment opportunities

Published

7 hours ago

2026/06/17

Priyan

A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Circular Revision Committee appointed to review and update circulars issued under the State Lands Ordinance and the Land Development Ordinance was held on Tuesday (16) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat. The Committee has been mandated to recommend to the Cabinet the cancellation of out-dated circulars, the issuance of new circulars, and the revision of existing circulars to ensure alignment with current requirements.

The Committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, D.P. Wickramasinghe. Its other members include the Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Constitutional and Statutory Affairs Division), Legal Adviser to the Presidential Secretariat, an Additional Solicitor General from the Attorney General’s Department, the Additional Secretary (Lands) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Additional Director General of the National Budget Department, the Western Province Land Commissioner, the Divisional Secretary of Nuwaragampalatha East, the Deputy Chief Valuer of the Valuation Department and the Director (Lands) of the Mahaweli Authority.

The Commissioner General of Lands serves as the Convener of the Committee.

The Committee’s responsibilities include establishing a reliable, uniform and regularised system of land taxation within the existing legal framework, ensuring state revenue optimisation without prejudice to lessees. This includes reviewing annual lease rentals charged on long-term leases and grants, aligning related circulars with current requirements, and amending or formulating new provisions and directives where necessary.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the proposals submitted by the expert committee in relation to the revision of these circulars.

The President emphasised that a new, time-appropriate policy should be formulated to address the underutilisation of State lands and to ensure their more efficient use.

Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation Aravinda Senarath, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Legal Adviser to the President, Senior Attorney-at-Law J.M. Wijebandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation D.P. Wickramasinghe, Additional Solicitor General of the Attorney General’s Department, President’s Counsel Ravindra Pathiranage, Commissioner General of Lands Chandana Ranaweraarachchi, Director General (Institutional Affairs), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development J.G.L.S. Jayawardena, Additional Director General (National Budget Department) D.A. Asantha Gunasekara, and Commissioner of Lands (Leasing Division) P.K.C. Nilani Mahindaganamage, together with members of the Committee, were also present.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation also attended the meeting.

(PMD)

Business

National Export Development Plan (2026–2030) presented to the President

Published

7 hours ago

2026/06/17

Priyan

Marking an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s economic development, the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for the period 2026–2030 was presented to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday morning (16) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The 2026–2030 National Export Development Plan (NEDP) is a key national programme formulated in line with the Government’s policy direction under the 2025 Budget. It aims to strengthen the country’s export sector and achieve export-led sustainable economic growth.

The strategic plan has been developed under the guidance of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the leadership of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), with technical assistance provided through the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Policy-Based Lending (PBL) programme. It is the result of an extensive consultative process carried out in close collaboration with key government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.

The proposal submitted by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to recognise the “Sri Lanka National Export Development Plan 2026–2030” as the official strategic framework for export development and promotion in Sri Lanka was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 4 May 2026. The Plan reflects a broad consensus among government institutions, private sector experts, and international development partners.

In line with the national vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, the Plan has been formulated to enhance Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and achieve an export revenue target of USD 36 billion by 2030.

The core vision of the Plan is to transform Sri Lanka into a competitive logistics and knowledge-based export hub serving regional and global markets. The strategy is based on two key interconnected pillars: “horizontals” and “verticals”, which together provide the foundation for strengthening export competitiveness, diversification, and sustainable growth.

The horizontal enablers, which support the growth and expansion of all priority sectors, include logistics and integrated hub operations, trade facilitation, trade finance and reforms in the business and investment environment, trade promotion and market linkages, quality management, standards, environmental, social and governance (ESG) capacity development, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Plan also identifies eight priority export sectors to enhance export diversification and value addition, and to position Sri Lanka more competitively in global markets. These include automotive components, mineral-based industries, rubber-based industries, maritime industries (including boat and shipbuilding), spices and concentrates, digital products and services, electrical and electronic equipment, and processed food and beverages.

The preparation of the Plan involved contributions from over 300 stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and international development partners. Broad consensus was achieved through consultations held from October to December 2025 and workshops conducted in January 2026.

The Government expects that, with implementation supported by strong governance and monitoring framework, the Plan will elevate local products to international standards and ensure long-term economic stability and growth. It is further anticipated that the National Export Development Plan will serve as a key driver of Sri Lanka’s economic progress in the years ahead.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Russell Aponso, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe were also present at the event.

[PMD]

News

Complaint of custodial deaths and torture submitted to UN

Published

10 hours ago

2026/06/17

Sahan Weerasooriya

Senaka and Aisha

The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has complained to the UN regarding custodial deaths.

Executive Director of the Committee, Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera told The Island that they had submitted written submissions to the visiting UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) on Monday (15). “We are confident that they’ll take up the issues at hand with the government and take tangible measures to improve the conditions in prisons and detention facilities,” Perera said.

The SPT is here from 15 to 24 June. The visiting delegation consists of Aisha Shujune Muhammad, Head of Delegation (Maldives), Jakub Julian Czepek (Poland), Nika Kvaratskhelia (Georgia), Anica Tomsic (Croatia) and two human rights officers from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Claiming that there had been 184 prison deaths in 2024, the Committee asserted that though there was a drop in the number of cases, the deaths caused by underlying health complications and systemic issues weren’t available at the moment.

According to a copy of the submissions made to the SPT, received by The Island, there had been seven custodial deaths this year alone, reported from various parts of the country.

The Committee took a very critical position, while Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath assured the visiting delegation that the government didn’t tolerate torture at all.

The Ministry statement Monday night quoted Herath as having described the government response as zero tolerance policy.

The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners also dealt with several other contentious issues, including special treatment granted to those with political connections and privileged backgrounds. Perera alleged that in spite of a change of government, in 2024 September, the much anticipated improvements failed to materialise and the continuing custodial deaths highlighted the crisis in the prisons and detention facilities.

According to the Committee, the situation was so bad and further deteriorating in overcrowded prisons, the national overcrowding rate has reached an unsustainable 286.6%, with some facilities, like the Vavuniya Remand Prison, exceeding capacity by 300%.

A significant portion of this population (65.4%) consists of persons not convicted awaiting trial, the Committee said, urging the SPT to look into the pathetic situation.

The Committee also complained of torture and ill-treatment at some detention facilities. There had been cases of lawyers, visiting detention centres at Welisara and Boossa, been subjected to degrading and humiliating searches, including forced removal of clothing.

The Committee also brought to the SPT’s notice how the Supreme Court, on 14 December, 2023, held the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Thennakoon, personally responsible for torture. The failure on the part of prison authorities to grant inmates a fair hearing during internal investigations, too, has been raised by the Committee.

Among the other issues that had been raised were enforced disappearances, health and medical conditions, food, water and sanitation, corporal punishments and the operation of detention facilities within military bases.

Referring to the enforced disappearance of Gonapinuwala Kapila Kumara de Silva on 27 March, 2024, the Committee alleged that the Attorney General failed to take action against the perpetrators, believed to be members of the Special Task Force (STF)

The Committee alleged that in spite of them submitting formal complaints and an urgent letter to the Attorney General demanding prosecution under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances Act, No. 5 of 2018, the AG took no meaningful action.

Consequently, CPRP filed a Writ of Mandamus petition in the Court of Appeal (CA/WRIT/185/26) against the Attorney General and other officials, seeking judicial intervention to compel investigation and prosecution. The case remains pending

by Shamindra Ferdinando