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Geneva session: India reiterates call for full implementation of 13 A
India has reiterated its long standing demand for Sri Lanka to fully implement the 13th Amendment to its Constitution. Sri Lanka enacted the 13th Amendment in terms of the Indo-Lanka accord, under pressure from New Delhi, and signed it in 1987. The declaration was made at the commencement of the 60th session of Geneva HRC on Monday (08). Sri Lanka refrained from fully implementing land and police powers contained in the 13th Amendment.
The following is the text of the statement by Ms. Anupama Singh, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva: “As a close friend of Sri Lanka and an immediate neighbour with deep-rooted ties to it, India has remained steadfast in its support of the relief, rehabilitation, resettlement, and reconstruction process in Sri Lanka since 2009.
India and Sri Lanka share deep historical, cultural and civilizational ties. Today, these bonds have evolved into a strong, multi-dimensional partnership. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions).
India extended vital financial and technical support to ensure Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long term stability after the unprecedented economic crisis in 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025 and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka’s State Visit to India, in December 2024, are significant milestones in our bilateral relations.
India’s approach has always been to support the aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice, dignity and peace within the overall unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. In this regard, India has consistently called for the full and effective implementation of the Sri Lankan Constitution, early conduct of Provincial Council elections, and meaningful devolution of powers.
India believes that meaningful devolution and genuine reconciliation, through an inclusive approach, would contribute to nation-building and a durable peace. Progress in these areas will not only benefit all communities in Sri Lanka but also reinforce the strong foundation of friendship and trust between our two nations.”
News
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 08.06.2026 to establish the Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority for identification and
execution of a formal and long – lasting remedy to secure the central hills including the upper hydro catchment areas enabling them to sustain amidst extreme weather conditions
due to natural calamities and human activities as well as to be used for the sustainable development of the country.
Accordingly, a concept paper has been prepared including
institutional structure, activities, powers, active subject area as well as administrative and coordination mechanism for the proposed authority by an expert technical committee appointed by the Secretary to the President.
Based on the said concept paper, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill including legal provisions required for the establishment of Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority.
News
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
With the objective of securing the traditional livelihood and the eco system of the indigenous community, it has been recognized the necessity of introducing a formal regulation methodology to secure their engagement in livelihood activities by being more sensitive to the existing laws.
Thereby, the Fauna and Flora (regularizing) regulations under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Authority 469) have been prepared so that nominated activities within the prescribed area to a member of the indigenous community
who has been registered for securing the rights acquired from law or custom or usage or traditional stance to execute an act within a certain state land that is fundamental to the survival of the indigenous community permission can be granted
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the said regulations in the government gazette notification and thereby submit to the Parliament for its concurrence.
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M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to appoint M. M. D. J. Senarathne, who is the senior most officer in Grade I of Sri Lanka Scientific Service se
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