News
HRC Chief asks whether Speaker’s claim of external intervention is an issue of national importance
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya yesterday (03) said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena’s recent disclosure of external intervention in Aragalaya could be inquired into only if he received a complaint about it.
The retired Supreme Court Justice said so when The Island asked him whether the Commission would take into consideration Speaker Abeywardena’s confirmation of external interventions in the public protest campaign that forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa out of office in July 2022. Dehideniya said that they were confronted with the question whether HRC could furnish recommendations in respect of such external interventions. He stressed that the HRC examined violations committed by the government.
The HRC held a media briefing at the Sri Lanka Foundation to explain the work carried out by the institution. In addition to justice Dehideniya, Commissioners, Attorney-at-Law Nimal Punchihewa (Investigations), Prof. Thaiyamuthu Thanaraj (Education and Training), Prof. Fathima Haniffa (Research) and Dr. Gehan Gunatilleke (Foreign Relations) briefed the media as regards their respective sections.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed the new HRC in early July last year.
Attorney-at-Law Nimal Punchihewa explained the investigations undertaken into incidents that occurred on May 09/10, 2022. Punchihewa, who previously served as the Chairman of the Elections Commission, said that he was also inquiring into the failure on the part of the police and the military to pre-empt organized attacks across the country.
The Island sought an explanation from Justice Dehideniya against the backdrop of Punchihewa’s account of the inquiries already under way. Declaring that investigations have been completed to a large extent, Punchihewa said that the process would take some more time as there were some individual cases. HRC launched investigations into Aragalaya during the previous HRC headed by former judge Rohini Marasinghe.
Having explained how HRC dealt with violations, Justice Dehideniya said that they could intervene without a complaint if the issue was of national importance, an issue with social responsibility or an issue that would decide life or death of a person/s. Justice Dehideniya asked whether the issue raised here was serious enough to warrant HRC’s intervention on its own.
The Island reiterated that the issue raised was of national interest as the Speaker said so in Parliament. Justice Dehideniya asked how could HRC intervened when the Speaker said his life was in danger when members of Parliament could freely expressed their opinion under parliamentary privileges.
Justice Dehideniya explained the HRC couldn’t do anything about Parliament discarding its recommendations pertaining to a Bill. The HRC Chairman said so in response to The Island query what could he do when Parliament ignored recommendations made in respect of the controversial Online Safety Bill. Once enacted even the Supreme Court couldn’t intervene, Justice Dehideniya said, pointing out that a case filed in the Supreme Court in this regard was dismissed.
Justice Dehideniya said that though they couldn’t intervene following the enactment of the Online Safety Act, the HRC informed Speaker Abeywardene that Supreme Court recommendations, pertaining to that particular Bill, were not included.
Towards the tail end of the briefing, Dr. Gehan Gunatilleke said that some of their recommendations were accommodated. Justice Dehideniya and Dr. Gunatilleke explained the difference in their mandate in dealing with the government and other parties.
In respect of HRC recommendations issued pertaining to a complaint that had been investigated, the parties to the dispute could be summoned and tangible action taken to ensure the implementation, Justice Dehideniya said. In case of disagreement regarding the implementation of recommendations, the HRC could bring the matter to the attention of the President, Justice Dehideniya added.
Justice Dehideniya assured that the HRC would stand by the media though it was their responsibility to operate within the law, thereby prevent government interventions.
News
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka holds a bilateral meeting with Minister for Education and Skills Development of Bhutan
On the sidelines of the inaugural Global Conscious Food Systems Summit 2026, being held in Bhutan from 31 August to 4 September 2026, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, held a productive bilateral meeting with Yeezang De Thapa, Minister for Education and Skills Development of Bhutan, on 03 September 2026.
The discussions focused on further strengthening and expanding Sri Lanka-Bhutan cooperation in the education sector, with particular emphasis on developing mutually beneficial initiatives through enhanced Government-to-Government engagement.
Both sides underscored the importance of deepening institutional cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration in education, higher education and vocational training, with a view to creating greater opportunities for students, educators and academic institutions of both countries.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to initiate discussions towards the finalization and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the fields of education and vocational training. It was also agreed that the implementation of the MoU could be facilitated through the establishment of a Joint Working Group, headed at the Secretary level, with meetings to be convened annually to review progress, identify new areas of cooperation, and facilitate the effective implementation of agreed activities.
The major areas of cooperation discussed included enhancing collaboration among universities and academic institutions, promoting academic and faculty exchanges, joint research and university programmes, strengthening training and capacity-building opportunities for educators and teachers, and sharing expertise and best practices in the education and vocational training sectors.
The two sides also discussed strengthening child protection and safeguarding mechanisms, promoting ethical values among students, and addressing violence against children while ensuring their safety, protection, well-being and access to quality education.
Opportunities for Bhutanese students to pursue undergraduate studies at universities in Sri Lanka were also discussed, with particular emphasis on Dentistry, Medicine (MBBS), and allied health disciplines such as Physiotherapy. The discussions further covered opportunities for postgraduate studies in medical and health sciences at Sri Lankan universities, as well as enhanced collaboration among universities and other academic institutions of the two countries.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for Sri Lanka and Bhutan to advance cooperation in education and vocational training and explore new avenues for long-term collaboration for the mutual benefit of students, educators and academic institutions of both countries.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya had an audience with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Tashichhodzong in Thimphu on September 02, during her official visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The cordial discussion focused on Bhutan’s future development priorities and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
His Majesty expressed Bhutan’s interest in drawing on Sri Lanka’s experiences and expertise in areas relevant to its development plans. The discussion also focused on promoting investment between the two countries, including the possibility of establishing an investment zone in Bhutan.
The two sides also exchanged views on demographic challenges facing Bhutan, including the increasing migration of young people and its impact on the country’s population and future workforce.
The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and sharing experiences and best practices in support of the sustainable development of both countries.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Namal Rajapaksa had been summoned by CIABOC to provide a statement in connection with investigations into the controversial Airbus deal. He was subsequently arrested by CIABOC after recording his statement for over 5 hours.
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka holds a bilateral meeting with Minister for Education and Skills Development of Bhutan
Prime Minister Meets His Majesty the King of Bhutan
Kusal Mendis, Binura Fernando ruled out of T20I series in England
SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa arrested by CIABOC
Devapathiraja clinch U15 Division I title with 33-run win over Royal
Mandhana’s record ton powers India into semi-finals
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Features6 days ago“Wrap Me Up in My Blazer”— A Gentlemanly Bradby Reminiscence
-
Features5 days agoWhen Sri Lankan stories find their own voice
-
Features6 days agoJVP/NPP government as seen from outside by Lionel Bopage now domiciled in Australia
-
News5 days agoBASL takes exception to Justice Ganepola being denied a place in SC
-
Editorial7 days agoGovt. trying to dupe UN Rapporteur?
-
Features6 days agoProf. Savitri Goonesekere: What has she done?
-
News2 days agoDenied of promotion to SC despite vacancies, justice Gurusinghe retires
-
Latest News2 days agoGrade 5 scholarship exam results released