News
Lord Naseby supports vote in the absence of consensus on Core Group’s resolution
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Lord Naseby yesterday (9) said that in spite of the Core Group’s resolution being further watered down, the possibility of the government of Sri Lanka accepting it was unlikely.
The Island raised the issue at hand with Lord Naseby, who unconditionally threw his weight behind Sri Lanka’s efforts to counter unsubstantiated war crimes accusations.
Q: Having made invaluable representations to UNHRC on behalf of Sri Lanka, at the current session too, what would you think is advantageous to Sri Lanka (a) to go with the Core Group resolution or (b) seek a vote whatever the consequences?
A: It appears as far as I can see the Core Group resolution is slowly being amended and may yet be amended further before March 22 so I cannot give a definitive Yes or No now however it seems unlikely it will be acceptable to Sri Lanka. If this turns out to be the case then I personally would support a vote.
(Q) Many Sri Lankans believe successive governments conveniently failed to exploit Oct 2017 disclosure made by you in the House of Lords.
Do you believe your disclosures, statements as well as statements made by US Defence Advisor Lt. Col. Smith in June 2011 and Wikileaks revelations could have been used in a much better way by GoSL?
(A) I think the previous Government missed a trick in not exploiting all the evidence that clearly refuted the allegations in the Darusman & OISL reports. I think the present Government faces so many challenges e.g. pandemic, financial challenges plus Geneva plus a devious UK who never supplied the Gash dispatches to the UNHRC plus a constant barrage from the Diaspora all in a short time frame that I do not criticise them. In fact the actions to revitalise the Missing Person Commission & the Reparations Commission are both really positive.
(Q) Are you disappointed with the way Sri Lanka’s defence continued to be handled?
(A) Remember my role is to try to help the people of Sri Lanka.
Well informed sources said that the government was under heavy pressure to accept the Core Group’s resolution with India being asked by the government to back Sri Lanka whereas the TNA insisted on New Delhi’s support.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
Belgian prince loses bid for benefits on top of £300k royal allowance
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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