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New Geneva challenge: Chagie calls for united stand

Published

5 years ago

2021/04/7

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Retired Maj. Gen. Chagie Gallage says the country should take a united stand at the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) or face the consequences.

The battle-tested Gajaba regiment veteran said that there shouldn’t be a difference of opinion whatsoever as regards Sri Lanka’s defence in the face of a new investigative mechanism approved at the recently concluded 46th sessions.

“We are on the Geneva agenda. Let us be realistic about the threat and take tangible measures without further delay to set the record straight. We may not get another chance to present our case,” Gallage said. The outspoken officer underscored the need to revisit the accountability issue with an open mind.

Responding to another query, the celebrated infantry officer emphasized that Sri Lanka’s withdrawal from an accountability resolution co-sponsored by the previous administration in Oct 2015, six years after the triumph over terrorism, was irrelevant.

Two years before his retirement in August 2018, Australia refused to issue a visa to Gallage based on unsubstantiated war crimes allegations directed at the Army.

Referring to statements attributed to SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris and Samagi Jana Balavegaya lawmaker Dr. Harsha de Silva recently in The Island, Gallage welcomed the government and the main Opposition taking a common stand on Lord Naseby’s disclosure based on wartime dispatches from the British High Commission, Colombo. Sri Lanka should collectively ask for examination of all available information pertaining to the war and strive to bring everything before the proposed new inquiry.

The retired soldier noted that the UN had already allocated USD 2.8 mn. “Thanks to the disclosure of BHC, Colombo dispatches, the world now knows their diplomatic representative (Lt. Col. Anthony Gash) contradicted high profile lies propagated by their own,” Gallage said.

Examination of Gash reports, along with UN report that dealt with the Vanni war (Aug, 2008-May 13, 2009), Wikileaks cables, Lt. Col. Lawrence Smith’s astonishing declaration at the first Colombo Defence Seminar 2011 and exposed lies pertaining to Mannar mass graves and poisoning of detained terrorists would help the government to unravel the truth, he said.

Sri Lanka’s overall failure to disapprove accusations even a decade after the successful conclusion was a slur on those who paid the supreme sacrifice and the wounded, Gallage said. Nearly 6,000 security forces personnel died in the Eelam War IV. Of them approximately 2,400 lost their lives during January-May 2009 in fighting east of the Kandy-Jaffna A9 road.

Gallage emphasized that individual countries could always act on unsubstantiated findings and recommendations.

It would be a grave mistake on Sri Lanka’s part to take things lightly on the basis the country couldn’t be hauled up before the International Criminal Court (ICC) because UN Security Council members, China and Russia could veto proposed actions. Among those declared not welcome by the US and Australia were Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva and Maj. Gen. Gallage.

At the behest of the then Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Army headquarters moved Gallage out of the Jaffna peninsula following a public spat with the former.

Gallage pointed out that those pursuing war crimes issues were only interested in the final phase. Alleging that Sri Lanka was being targeted by both local and foreign elements who couldn’t stomach eradication of the LTTE, Gallage called for a determined bid to overcome the Geneva challenge. “Let us hope now that the Feb-March sessions are over the Geneva threat won’t be forgotten for the time being,” the war veteran said.

Gallage said that the country paid a very heavy price for not countering blatant lies. Unfortunately, some of those propagating lies against the country’s armed forces were elected members of parliament, the retired soldier said. “It is certainly an unfortunate situation,” Gallage said.

Despite public assurances given over the years, Sri Lanka never really addressed the denial of visas. Actually denial of visas was one of the first indicators of hostile foreign action directed against the war winning military, Gallage said, pointing out in the wake of the recently adopted resolution, Geneva was now talking about a host of measures, including universal jurisdiction and extraterritorial jurisdiction.

The war veteran said that whatever the political differences, there couldn’t be a dispute over the need to finish off terrorism for once and for all. “We should quite rightly be proud of maintaining peace since then.”

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Sri Lanka shines with Bronze at the Young Chef Olympiad 2026

Published

1 min ago

2026/02/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

Commercial Cookery student Chef Rumira Piyasiri, alongside Chef Lecturer Imeshika Silva, with the Bronze trophy from the Young Chef Olympiad 2026.

The 12th edition of the Young Chef Olympiad 2026 (YCO26) recently concluded in Kolkata, India, with Sri Lanka proudly claiming the Bronze trophy at this prestigious global culinary competition. The event brought together students from 60 world-class culinary institutions from around the world, showcasing their talent, creativity, and passion for the culinary arts.

Sri Lanka was represented by the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM), in partnership with the William Angliss Institute (RTO 3045), Australia, on this international stage. The competition challenged participants through two intense rounds: first, following specific recipe cards, and second, creating unique dishes using a basket of provided ingredients. Each institute sent forth their culinary knight to interpret the ingredients and craft a winning dish. From the original 60 participants, only 10 competitors advanced to the Grand Finale, representing countries including Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, England, and host nation India.

Sri Lanka’s representative, Commercial Cookery student Rumira Piyasiri (CC18), rose to the occasion with months of rigorous preparation while studying for his Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521). Under the mentorship of Chef Lecturer Imeshika Silva, and with the unwavering support of the entire CAHM team, Rumira successfully secured the Bronze award, placing Sri Lanka among the top three culinary institutions in the world.

CAHM congratulates Young Student Chef Rumira Piyasiri and Chef Lecturer Imeshika Silva on this outstanding achievement.

The Young Chef Olympiad was not just about cooking. Participants were tested on their mastery of hygiene, creativity, and their ability to articulate their thought process from concept to plate. These young chefs represent the future of global hospitality, destined to lead Michelin-starred kitchens, cater to celebrities and royalty, and even establish their own restaurants.

Technology also played a key role in the competition, as contestants worked with the renowned KitchenCut Recipe and Food Costing software designed by Chef John Oliver, former Executive Chef of the iconic Burj Al Arab. This added a modern dimension to the competition, preparing students for the tech-driven future of the culinary industry.

The event was overseen by esteemed Chief Judges, including Professor David Foskett and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), the organizers of the Young Chef Olympiad. With 60 countries coming together, the competition celebrated cultural diversity and culinary excellence. Plates were judged by internationally renowned experts from elite culinary schools and luxury hotels, focusing on the blend of science, art, and engineering reflected in each dish.

The journey of the Young Chef Olympiad can be followed on its official Facebook page at facebook.com/ycolympiad, while stories of hospitality success from CAHM are available at facebook.com/lkcahm. Those aspiring to carry culinary trophies in their future are invited to visit www.cahm.lk or contact 011 7 999 800 for more information.

News

IMF MD commends government’s efforts in stabilizing the country’s economy

Published

15 hours ago

2026/02/18

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, at Temple Tress on the 17th of February

Dr. Georgieva, commended the Government’s efforts in stabilizing the country’s economy and in managing recent economic and natural shocks. She noted that Cyclone Ditwah had caused severe impacts, especially on economically vulnerable communities, underscoring the importance of targeted support and resilience-building measures.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the IMF’s continued support to Sri Lanka, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The PM further emphasized that real economic recovery and development must directly benefit the economically vulnerable groups and ensure inclusive growth, highlighting the need for Sri Lanka to attract quality and sustainable investments, particularly in the tourism sector.

The importance of reforming the education system to focus not only on knowledge acquisition but also on skills development and employability was also discussed

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff of the IMF Managing Director Andreas Bauer, Director, Asia and Pacific Department, Dr. Krishna Srinivasan Division Chief (Strategic Communications), Communications Department, Pierre Mejlak Resident Representative for Sri Lanka Dr. Martha Woldemichael, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and Deputy Governor Dr. C. Amarasekara, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Cabinet approves construction of new 300 bed Base Hospital in Deniyaya

Published

23 hours ago

2026/02/18

Priyan

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution forwarded by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to relocate the Deniyaya Base Hospital after constructing a new hospital with a capacity of 300 beds at an estimated cost of Rupees 6,000 million.

The Southern Provincial Department of Health has acquired a plot of land in Handford estate which is approximately 03 kilometres away from the town for this purpose.