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‘Muslim govts stood by Sri Lanka at UNHRC’’

In spite of some members of the government attacking Muslims, Islamic governments didn’t abandon Sri Lanka at the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council), a group of Muslim civil society activists said in a statement issued yesterday.
The following is the text of the statement issued by M M. Zuhair PC, former MP, Latheef Farook, Journalist and Author, Mass L Usuf, Attorney-at-Law and Advocacy Columnist and Mansoor Dahlan, Theology Scholar: “We as a country may not be happy about the outcome of the UN Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) resolution adopted on 23rd March 2021. Indeed the government must explain the serious implications of the ‘anti-Sri Lanka resolution’ to all Sri Lankans without attempting to save face on deceptive technicalities. We need to explain how and why the development and economic recovery of the nation will be adversely affected, unless the early warnings are heeded. The government must, as a necessary preliminary step, take the lead in encouraging all ethnic and religious groups to come under the umbrella of a united nation, eschewing all divisive rhetoric.
Neither the contents of the UNHRC resolution nor the detailed report of the High Commissioner that preceded it, has received the coverage they deserve, particularly in the country’s Sinhala media. On the other hand the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the 21/4 Easter Sunday attacks (COI) had however received ‘anti-Muslim coverage’ excessively in sections of the country’s mainstream Sinhala media over a continuous period of two years. This has regrettably created unwarranted new lines of hatred and divisions instead of unitedly overcoming the 21/4 tragedy. We appeal to the Sinhala media to give reasonable coverage to Muslim responses, which only sections amongst them have done.
Primarily the COI report is faulty, ignores geo-politico-strategic implications and in addition Sinhala media coverage on the subject is mostly one sided. What is required today is a fair, balanced and robust public discussion on the UNHRC report and resolution, followed by remedial action on the issues, the UN-HCHR was tasked with on 23/3 by the UNHRC. That will help avoid Sri Lanka’s economy plunging down any further.
We need to make a passing reference to the deceptive technicalities. We have been told that the UNHRC resolution is illegal! But have we not signed UN treaties and covenants over the past several decades including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of 23rd March 1976? Did we not sign the 2009 joint statement with the then UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon agreeing to many matters? Can the Sri Lankan State now argue that we are not bound by the UN treaties and joint statements that we had signed?
If we as a country behave inconsistently, can we blame the promoters of the resolution, arising from the resolution or otherwise, imposing at the minimum individual country level travel bans on Sri Lankans who in any capacity such as minister, parliamentarian, investigator, prosecutor, judge for having violated or aided, abetted or conspired in the violation of Sri Lankan human rights laws, international human rights and humanitarian laws? What prevents those countries from extending the damaging restrictions to the families of the alleged violators, as was done to the family of the present Army Commander though wrongfully? Commercial restrictions too can be later on imposed on Sri Lanka by countries using the resolution as a weapon.
Let us remember that in 2009 Sri Lanka received 29 votes in its favour at the UNHRC but dropped to 15 in 2012, 13 in 2013, 12 in 2014 and 11 in 2021. The trend is very clear. We should change gear! We requested at the highest level, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the OIC comprising 57 Muslim countries for support at the UNHRC. Not one Muslim country did vote against Sri Lanka, though four countries voted for Sri Lanka, notwithstanding utterances by sections in the government violative of the human rights of the Muslims. In 2012/14, Arabic conversant Muslim delegations visited Geneva and successfully canvassed for support for Sri Lanka from Muslim member states in the UNHRC. According to the evidence at the Easter Sunday Commission, at the same time BBS admittedly was in Norway, a prime supporter of several anti-Sri Lankan moves, getting brainwashed in Oslo against the Muslims of Sri Lanka! Muslim bashing need to stop but Easter attackers need to be punished or rehabilitated and not brainwashed.
The simple truth is that there was no need for Sri Lanka to plead with any country if it would honour its constitutional obligations, treat all its citizens particularly the minorities as equal citizens without discrimination and not abuse 21/4 to marginalize the Muslims or any other minority. There is an urgent need, from now onwards for the government to take the public into confidence and encourage free and transparent discussion as the first step.”
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Wijepala claims Pillayan had prior knowledge of Easter Sunday attacks

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament yesterday that Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan, had prior knowledge of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks while he was in custody at the Batticaloa Prison.
“We have evidence to prove that he had prior knowledge of the attacks,” the Minister said.
The ministerial statement was made during an adjournment debate, as the Minister updated Parliament on the progress of investigations into the Easter Sunday bombings.
Wijepala also highlighted a related incident that occurred on 30 November, 2018, in which two police officers were killed in a shooting and stabbing attack. During the investigation into that incident, a former LTTE member, named Ajantha, was arrested after allegedly confessing to the crime.
However, Minister Wijepala said that findings of a CID probe had revealed Ajantha had been falsely implicated. A riding jacket, belonging to him, had been used to frame him, misleading CID officers into believing that the attack had been carried out by a former LTTE member.
Wijepala confirmed that an intelligence officer had been arrested in connection with the case. Further arrests are expected as investigations continue.
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Sri Lanka back to its high poverty levels

Sri Lanka’s estimated poverty (share of the population living on less than $3.65 a day) remains stubbornly high, affecting as much as a quarter of the population in 2024, and twice as high as in 2021. The reversal in poverty reduction gains during the crisis has taken Sri Lanka back to its high poverty levels of the early 2000s, finds a new study by the Centre for Poverty Analysis(CEPA).
The report, launched on Tuesday in Colombo, says: The economy has stabilised remarkably well since weathering its worst economic crisis since Independence, but there are substantial risks of a relapse. The country now needs to continue with macroeconomic stabilisation and implement a range of growth policies, with a new focus on state capacity.
The report, titled ‘Sustaining Transformative Growth in Sri Lanka 2025–2030’, offers a bold roadmap for Sri Lanka to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth over the coming five years. Authored by an Independent Growth Study Group, under the auspices of ODI Global and the CEPA, the report provides critical policy recommendations for navigating the country’s complex economic landscape as it emerges from its worst economic crisis since independence.
Developed by a team of nine leading experts, with extensive experience across public, private, and international sectors, the report highlights the significant progress made in stabilising the Sri Lankan economy, including renewed growth and reduced inflation. However, it stresses that the persistent challenge of high poverty levels requires a focus on economic transformation with structural reforms and targeted sectoral policies to mitigate future risks and unlock the nation’s vast potential.
Dr Ganeshan Wignaraja, Visiting Senior Fellow at ODI Global and Convenor of the Independent Growth Study Group, said: “Sri Lanka has shown remarkable resilience in overcoming recent economic hardship, but the journey towards prosperity requires more than resilience – it demands bold action. This report provides a crucial framework, not just for consolidating the hard-won gains of stabilisation, but for igniting truly transformative growth that uplifts all Sri Lankans. The opportunity is here, and we must act decisively to create a more inclusive and resilient economy.”
The study identifies six key policy areas as crucial for achieving sustainable growth: maintaining macroeconomic stability, integrating into global supply chains, improving factor markets, implementing targeted sectoral policies, reducing poverty and building political consensus. It also highlights key sectors poised for growth, including tourism, the digital economy, niche manufacturing and agriculture, driving the economic transformation of Sri Lanka in the future.
Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne, Executive Director of CEPA and a co-author of the report, emphasised the critical role of trade in this transformation: “Sri Lanka’s historical under-performance in exports is directly linked to a persistent anti-export bias and cumbersome business regulations. Our findings underscore that strategically opening up to global trade and rigorously streamlining business procedures are not just options, but essential accelerators to boost exports, stimulate investment and unleash the full potential of Sri Lankan businesses on the international stage.”
Prof. Dirk Willem te Velde, Director of the International Economic Development Group at ODI Global, said: “In today’s volatile global economy, Sri Lanka’s experience serves as a powerful lesson for recovery from deep economic crisis, setting an example for other emerging economies facing similar challenges. Our study argues how targeted policies for trade and production, innovation and digital economy, and governance can transform the country’s economic landscape and avoid further macro-economic crises. This report is a call to action for all stakeholders – government, business, civil society and citizens alike – to work together towards a shared vision of a prosperous and transformed Sri Lanka.”
The report urges a concerted effort to leverage Sri Lanka’s strategic location and build on existing production capabilities to drive growth and reduce poverty. It emphasises the importance of strategic engagement with global and regional supply chains and the digital economy to boost exports and attract foreign investment.
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Speaker to convert his official residence into knowledge centre for all elected representatives

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has stated that the official residence of the Speaker would be transformed into a knowledge centre providing information to all Members, representing all layers of governance in the country, the Parliament Media Division said yesterday.
He said that this centre was intended to impart essential knowledge to Members of Local Authorities, Provincial Councils, and Parliament on subjects such as international relations, fiscal policy, and governance. The Speaker also revealed that it is proposed to develop this centre into a national and international-level research institution that supports both qualitative and quantitative research.
The Speaker said so during a recent meeting held on Monday (07) at Parliament with a delegation from the European Union, including Dr. Jonathan Murphy, Head of the Inter Pares Global project, implemented by the European Union, and Ingrid Walker, Programme Manager of Inter Pares.
The Secretary General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, and Assistant Secretary General Hansa Abeyratne also attended this meeting.
The delegation of the Inter Pares Global project of the European Union, which focuses on strengthening parliamentary capacity, met with the Speaker on 7th July 2025, the opening day of a four-day programme organised at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
The delegation stated that the primary objectives of the programme are to provide the necessary knowledge to enhance legislative activity, oversight, financial, and administrative functions of the Sri Lankan Parliament and to facilitate experience sharing.
During the meeting, discussions were also held on various other areas of focus. Commenting on parliamentary committees, the Speaker briefed the delegation on the activities carried out by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA). He further explained that, in addition to the current technical assistance, measures have been taken to obtain legal support for these committees.
The Speaker further emphasised that Parliament aimed to take accurate decisions to accelerate the country’s development process while taking strict action against corruption.
Accordingly, the delegation is scheduled to meet with heads of various departments and divisions of Parliament from 7th to 11th July, to engage in the exchange of ideas.
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