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Global Tamil Forum calls for strong resolution on Lanka
The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) has called for a strong resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.Issuing a statement, the GTF said that for the Tamil people who have suffered enormously during the war, and indeed for the victims of human rights violations from all communities who are denied accountability and justice in Sri Lanka, the UNHRC has consistently provided much needed hope.
The role played by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is crucial in this regard. GTF expresses its sincere appreciation to Michelle Bachelet for her exemplary service as the High Commissioner till last month and welcomes the new High Commissioner Volker Turk in this important role.
It is clear from the High Commissioner’s report that the unprecedented economic crisis in Sri Lanka has its roots firmly in its long history of unaccountable governance associated with the ethnic conflict and war. The report argues that ‘deepening militarisation and lack of transparency and accountability in governance have embedded impunity for serious human rights violations and created an environment for corruption and the abuse of power.’ For the first time related to Sri Lanka, the UN review recommends ‘investigation of economic crimes that impact on human rights and the tracing and recovery of stolen assets.’
The High Commissioner’s report also recognises the opportunity provided by the economic crisis, to charter a new path spurred by broad-based demand by all communities for deeper reforms and accountability. And the report recommends ‘a more fundamental constitutional reform through broad-based consultative process to strengthen democratic checks and balances and devolution of political authority, which is integral to reconciliation and the full enjoyment of human rights by all members of its population.’
However, the report is highly critical of the hard-line approach taken by the Ranil Wickremesinghe government – including continued usage of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to detain student leaders and to continue to detain long-term Tamil and Muslim prisoners, despite years of promises to repeal, and rescinding on the recent commitment to a de facto moratorium on its use. And the report calls to immediately end the reliance on draconian security laws to crack down on peaceful protests, reverse the drift towards militarisation and to show renewed commitment to deliver on security sector reform and ending impunity.
The OHCHR report notes that in 2022, Defence was allocated 373.1 billion rupees (then US$1.86 billion), which accounted for 15 percent of total government expenditure, and this was more than double that allocated for Health. Such high defence expenditure in a country under major financial crisis and that too for defence activities disproportionately concentrated in the North-East where their actions only prevent return to normalcy, defies logic.
GTF would like to emphasise that the genesis (from 2009) and the continuing driver of the UNHRC process have been about addressing accountability for war time atrocities committed during the war and promoting reconciliation among all communities. It is in this aspect the High Commissioner’s report is more scathing. The Easter Bombing (2019) is now part of a long list of emblematic cases where truth seeking has been intentionally made impossible.
The OHCHR report unambiguously states, ‘The Sri Lankan state, through successive governments, has consistently failed to pursue an effective Transitional Justice process to hold perpetrators to account and to uphold victims’ rights to truth, justice, and reparation. Rather, they have created political obstacles to accountability and actively promoted and incorporated some military officials credibly implicated in war crimes in the highest levels of government.’
The report identifies that even the tokenistic initiatives from the government, such as the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), has lost the confidence and trust of the relatives of victims, following a series of problematic appointments to the Chairperson and Commissioners. In effect, the OMP has not been able to trace a single disappeared person or clarified the fate of the disappeared in meaningful ways and it is focussed on expeditiously closing the files and issuing families with ‘Certificates of Absence’.
The High Commissioner’s report calls Sri Lanka to ‘re-launch a comprehensive, victim-centred strategy on Transitional Justice and accountability, to establish credible truth seeking mechanism and ad hoc special court’. This statement is unambiguous in that as per the view of the OHCHR, after 13 years of solemn promises and commitments to its citizens and to the international community, the accountability project within Sri Lanka has reached the dead end.
In reality, Sri Lanka went through many distinct phases in its dealing with war related accountability issues – outright denials initially; followed by half-hearted actions and perceived cooperation through internal investigations and co-sponsorships of UNHRC resolutions; and finally playing for time hoping that the issue will disappear. But it is to the credit of the international community, the core group of countries, the NGOs and the United Nations system that their focus never wavered. In fact, there has been progressive ramping of up of initiatives – Secretary General’s Panel of Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka (2011); Secretary-General’s Internal Review Panel on United Nations Action in Sri Lanka (2012); OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (2015) and the OHCHR Accountability Project as per the Resolution 46/1, Paragraph 6 (2021).
The High Commissioner’s report states that the OHCHR Accountability Project is fully staffed and operational since May and is focussed on four tracks – “Collecting, consolidating, analysing and preserving information and evidence”; “Developing possible strategies for further accountability processes”; “Advocating for victims and survivors” and “Supporting relevant judicial and other proceedings”. It is pleasing to note that the OHCHR has received requests from national authorities for information and evidence related to eight individuals, as well as a number of alleged violations, and we strongly support High Commissioner’s call for ‘renewing the mandate and reinforcing the capacity of OHCHR for its specialised accountability project’.
It is important to note that that the time has arrived to explore further options for advancing accountability in Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner’s report refers to communications submitted in October and November 2021 to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court requesting that the Prosecutor exercise jurisdiction over alleged crimes occurred partially on the territory of States Parties (to the Rome Statute).
The report calls on ‘states to cooperate in accountability efforts, including available avenues of extraterritorial and universal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes under international law’ and ‘to explore further measures including targeted sanctions, restrictive measures and travel bans in relation to those who are credibly implicated in serious crimes.’
It is in this context the international community needs to view the announcement by the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabri that the Ranil Wickremesinghe government would not agree to any external mechanism and looking for internal truth seeking arrangements within the framework of Sri Lankan constitution. After 13 years of dithering and deceiving, and co-sponsoring resolutions (30/1, 34/1) which called for establishing hybrid court with international participation, that too by a government when Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Prime Minister, Sri Lanka now wants to go back to square one and start all over again. The absurdity of this proposition will not be lost on any keen observer of Sri Lanka.
We also thank India for comments during the Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka: Indian delegation notes with concern the lack of measurable progress by Government of Sri Lanka on their commitments of a political solution to the ethnic issue — through full implementation of the 13th Amendment of the Constitution, delegation of powers to Provincial Councils and holding of Provincial Council elections at the earliest. The HRC process should facilitate devolution of political authority to the North and East provinces building up on the 13th Amendment and finding a lasting political solution to ensure non-recurrence of the violent past.
GTF is of the view that Sri Lanka is at crossroads. The nascent transformation Sri Lanka presently undergoing is significant and there is a developing environment where an unaccountable government will be under increased scrutiny. In addition to wartime accountability, legal, financial, and other governance accountabilities are also under intense focus. Unfortunately, many of the recent actions by the Ranil Wickremasinghe government are not conducive to promote this healthy development. Irrespective of that, this emerging trend needs to be conscientiously promoted by the international community, which is possible only by adopting a well-targeted UNHRC resolution. The new resolution needs to build on the key aspects of the March 2021 UNHRC resolution (A/HRC/RES/46/1) and mirror the comprehensive set of recommendations listed in the High Commissioner’s reports of February and September 2022. GTF is of the view that the reports mandated in the proposed resolution should be transmitted to all relevant United Nations Bodies and the Secretary-General for appropriate action.
The GTF also fully endorsed the request by Human Rights Watch and 3 other NGOs calling the HRC to adopt a Resolution that: Strengthens the mandate for monitoring and reporting, by establishing an expert mechanism to monitor and report (both to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly) on the current rights situation in Sri Lanka and make concrete recommendations to ensure the protection and realization of rights. It is also the responsibility of the Member States including the Core Group of Sri Lanka to adequately fund the increased scope and capacity of the Sri Lanka Accountability Project throughout the new period envisaged in the Resolution.
… alleges Kanchana’s Electricity Act exploited to facilitate ‘deal’ with India
The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has alleged that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake entered into seven MoUs/Agreements with India without consulting Parliament or the Cabinet of Ministers.
Accusing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is the leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), as well as the National People’s Power (NPP), of undermining Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, the breakaway JVP faction pointed out the signing of seven MoUs/Agreements had coincided with the 54th anniversary of the JVP’s first insurrection.
The top FSP spokesman and their Education Secretary, Pubudu Jayagoda, told a press conference, at their Nugegoda party office, that the JVP had completely betrayed those who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 and 1987-1990 insurrections. Having completely changed its policy towards India, the JVP was now down on its knees before India, Jayagoda said.
The dissident JVPer emphasised that such vital MoUs/Agreements couldn’t be finalised without proper consultations. Declaring that the MoUs/Agreements hadn’t been released yet, Jayagoda said that the FSP, in terms of the Right to Information Act, sought the copies of them as the public couldn’t be deprived of their right to know.
The section, now calling themselves FSP, split from the JVP in early 2012 after major differences among the top leadership over the direction of the party. Anura Kumara Dissanayake succeeded Somawansa Amarasinghe as the JVP leader in Dec. 2014.
Referring to the MoU, in respect of the implementation of HVDC interconnection for import/export of power, Jayagoda said that the NPP took advantage of the new Electricity Act that was enforced by the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government in late June last year to pave the way for a deal with India. The JVP-led NPP that moved court against the then Power Minister Kanchana Wijesekera’s Bill, and voted against the Bill at the second reading, exploited the same to its advantage, Jayagoda charged.
The Sri Lanka Electricity Bill repealed the 1969 Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Act and subsequent laws regarding the electricity industry.
Comparing the MoU, signed in the presence of President Dissanayake and Premier Narendra Modi, Jayagoda said that both Nepal and Bangladesh had been trapped in similar agreements they signed earlier.
Jayagoda alleged that Nepal was in such a pathetic situation even if they could meet electricity requirement through hydro-power generation, the agreement with India compelled them to obtain power from India.
Jayagoda pointed out that the government now boasted of a proposed new120 MW solar power plant at Sampur to be implemented in two stages after having crippled domestic solar power generation capacity. The former JVPer said that the NPP government was bending backwards to appease India and pursuing an agenda inimical to Sri Lanka.
Jayagoda dealt with the MoU on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation. The FSP spokesman said that the Indian-funded project to issue digital NIC would be disastrous as it would enable India to gather information.
Commenting on a MoU that covered the health sector, Jayagoda alleged that the government had agreed to share authority exercised by the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA) with India.
Jayagoda said that the MoU on defence cooperation undermined the country’s vital security interests and jeopardised relations with other countries.
The FSP said that political parties, represented in Parliament, were largely silent and seemed to be reluctant at least to express their views on the betrayal of the country.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated transport utility, has announced the commencement of operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), located at the Port of Colombo, the company said in a statement issued simultaneously in Ahmedabad and Colombo yesterday (07)
Developed under a landmark public–private partnership, CWIT is operated by a consortium comprising India’s largest port operator Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd., leading Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, under a 35-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement.
The CWIT project represents a significant investment of USD 800 million and features a 1,400-metre long quay and 20-metre depth, enabling the terminal to handle approximately 3.2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually. It is the first deep-water terminal in Colombo to be fully automated, designed to enhance cargo handling capabilities, improve vessel turnaround times and elevate the port’s status as a key transshipment hub in South Asia.
Construction began in early 2022 and has since achieved rapid progress. With the installation of cutting-edge infrastructure now nearing completion, CWIT is poised to set new benchmarks in operational efficiency and reliability in regional maritime logistics.
“The commencement of operations at CWIT marks a momentous milestone in regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka,” said Chairman of the Adani Group Gautam Adani. “Not only does this terminal represent the future of trade in the Indian Ocean but its opening is also a proud moment for Sri Lanka, placing it firmly on the global maritime map. The CWIT project will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs locally and unlock immense economic value for the island nation. It also stands as a shining example of the deep-rooted friendship and growing strategic ties between the two neighbours, and of what can be achieved through visionary public–private partnerships. Delivering this world-class facility in record time also reflects the Adani Group’s proven ability to efficiently execute large-scale critical infrastructure projects anywhere in the world.”
“We are proud to see the progress in the development of the West Container Terminal, a project that strengthens Sri Lanka’s position as a regional maritime hub,” said Chairperson, John Keells Group Krishan Balendra. “This project is one of the John Keells Group’s largest investments and is among the most significant private-sector investments in Sri Lanka. Together with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Adani Group, we will elevate Colombo’s status as a leading transshipment hub. We are confident that the project will enhance global trade and connectivity in the region”, he said.
Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Life Limited (SLICLL) has concluded the year 2024 with outstanding financial performance, achieving a remarkable profit before taxation of Rs. 30.7 billion. The text of SLIC statement: “The company recorded a robust Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 26.3 billion, reflecting an impressive 25% growth. Remarkably, as of December 31, 2024, Sri Lanka Insurance Life marked a historic milestone with a New Business volume of Rs. 5.3 billion, recording a 48% growth, the highest in the company’s history.
Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to policyholders, Sri Lanka Insurance Life disbursed Rs. 13.7 billion in maturity settlements and claim payments in 2024, these figures reaffirm the company’s financial strength and dedication to fulfilling its obligations. Further cementing its position as a market leader, SLICLL continued to expand its asset base to an impressive Rs. 237 billion and grew its Life Fund to Rs. 213.2 billion. These achievements were realised amidst organizational transformations and challenging economic conditions. Additionally, the company recorded 319 MDRT qualifiers, the highest ever for SLIC Life.
Highlighting its prudent investment strategies and unwavering commitment to policyholders, Sri Lanka Insurance Life declared the largest Life Insurance bonus in the industry for 2023, amounting to Rs. 11.2 billion. Over the past two decades, the company has consistently delivered industry-leading bonus payouts, with cumulative declarations exceeding Rs. 104 billion. Continuing this legacy, Sri Lanka Insurance Life is set to declare its highest ever bonus for 2024, with official communication to be released in the near future.
Group Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka Insurance, Mr. Chandana L. Aluthgama, stated, “Our exceptional financial performance is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our team, who have navigated challenges with unwavering commitment. Despite economic fluctuations and internal transformations, our strategic focus has reinforced our market leadership. As we step into the future, we remain committed to innovation, customer trust, and industry leadership.”
Chairman of Sri Lanka Insurance, Mr. Nusith Kumaratunga, emphasized, “Sri Lanka Insurance Life has proven its strength and stability, delivering sustainable growth while reinforcing its role in the nation’s economic progress. Our vision extends beyond business success, we aim to contribute to national development by strengthening the economy and reducing dependency of the people on state support.”
Beyond financial success, Sri Lanka Insurance Life continued to earn industry recognition in 2024. The company was named ‘The Most Loved Life Insurance Brand’ by LMD for the seventh consecutive year and was ranked among the ‘Top 100 Most Valuable Brands’ in Sri Lanka by LMD Brand Finance. Additionally, SLIC Life secured top honors at the ‘Best Management Practices Company Awards 2024,’ ranking among the top ten companies and winning the ‘Insurance – Public Sector Company’ category.
Committed to international standards and operational excellence, Sri Lanka Insurance Life maintains ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and ISO 14064-1:2018 certifications. The company also continues its social impact initiatives, including the free Life Insurance cover gifted to parents of newborns on World Children’s Day for the third consecutive year, supported 1100 families in flood affected areas, providing emergency assistance to pilgrims traveling to Anuradhapura for Poson Poya and the awarding of 370 Suba Pathum scholarships to outstanding students in national examinations.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka Insurance Life remains focused on driving innovation, enhancing customer confidence, and making meaningful contributions to society. With a solid foundation and a clear vision, the company is poised to maintain its legacy of excellence and leadership in the insurance industry.
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Sun directly overhead Nainamadama, Sandalankawa, Kundasale, Mahiyanganaya and Kalmunanai at about 12:12 noon today [08]
Showers or thundershowers will occur in Western and North-western provinces and Galle and Matara district in the morning and at most places of the island during the afternoon or night
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