News
‘One Country, One Law’ Presidential Task Force briefs three key Ministers on evidence it has so far gathered

The members of the Presidential Task Force for “One Country, One Law” recently met the Minister of Justice Ali Sabry, Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral (retd.) Sarath Weerasekera, and discussed the activities of the task force.
The Presidential Task Force noted the importance of implementing the “One Country, One Law” policy as stated in the President’s National policy framework ’Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’, which states that a particular ethnic group should not be treated differently based on their ethnicity or religious views.
The three Ministers were briefed on the nationwide public consultations conducted so far and the manner in which evidence was recorded at the BMICH in Colombo. Minister of Justice Ali Sabry briefed the Task Force on the digitisation process initiated to expedite the administration of justice in the judiciary, new court complexes as well as regarding the new Acts introduced by the Ministry of Justice.
The Chairman of the Waqf Board also participated in the discussion at the invitation of Minister Ali Sabry and several issues raised by the public with the Task Force in connection with the Waqf Council were also discussed.
At the meeting held at the Foreign Ministry, Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris expressed his views regarding the government’s foreign policy and future international conferences to be represented on behalf of the Government and the Minister said that the proposals put forward by the Presidential Task Force on achieving the “One Country, One Law” concept would also be important for Sri Lanka’s international relations.
Since separatism has been defeated and Sri Lanka has been united as one nation, the importance of suppressing causes, if any, that leads to such incidents, was discussed at the meeting with the Minister of Public Security.
The Task Force was briefed on the actions taken by the Ministry to safeguard the public and Minister Sarath Weerasekera was briefed on the proposals on public security related issues received by the Task Force.
Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara said that the need for “one country, one law” arises because Sri Lanka was a unitary state and stressed the importance of having one law in the country to ensure national security.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed the Presidential Task Force, headed by Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, to study the views and opinions of various factions on the implementation of the concept of ‘One Country, One Law’ in Sri Lanka and present a concept paper with proposals. The Presidential Task Force is currently holding public consultations covering various parts of Sri Lanka and seeking views and suggestions.
Different organisations and individuals also expressed their views at the Task Force office located at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. The Ministers, Secretaries to the Ministries and other officials were present at the meetings held at the Ministries of Justice, Foreign and Public Security. Chairman of the Task Force Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera and the members Prof. Shanthi Nandana Wijesinghe, Senior Lecturer Sumedha Weerawardena, Attorney-at-Law Sanjaya Marambe, Attorney-at-law Iresh Senaviratne, Eranda Navaratne, Pani Wewala and Khalil Rahuman and the Task Force Secretary Jeewanthi Senanayake were also present.
News
Government focuses on developing a unique Food Security Index for Sri Lanka

The government is currently prioritizing the development of a country-specific Food Security Index, with the goal of completing the initiative within the next three months.
This tailored index is expected to better reflect Sri Lanka’s unique food security landscape, addressing the limitations of global indices such as the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), which have been criticized for failing to capture the nuances of the local context. Policymakers have also noted that existing data is often insufficient or imprecise, making it challenging to develop effective strategies.
The proposed index aims to identify key national priorities and guide food security policy over the next five years.
As a first step in this effort, a workshop titled “Identifying a Suitable Food Security Index for Sri Lanka and Formulating a Strategic Plan” was held on Tuesday (17) at the Colombo City Center. Organized by the Food Security Expert Committee in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), the event brought together experts and stakeholders from across the sector.
Delivering the opening remarks, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Gunaratne emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the development of a precise, country-specific index is a vital step toward ensuring both economic stability and national food security. The workshop focused on the four key dimensions of food security; availability, accessibility, utilization and stability and explored how these can be incorporated into a comprehensive and practical national index.
Participants included members of the Food Security Expert Committee, such as Senior Professors Buddhi Marambe and Jeevika Weerahewa, along with representatives from various government agencies, academic institutions, the FAO, the WFP and the private sector.
News
Opp. MPs stage walkout over Speaker’s bias against them

Govt. blames them for misbehaviour in Parliament
MPs of the SJB and some other Opposition parties staged a walkout in Parliament yesterday, protesting against the Speaker’s refusal to allow them to discuss the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and its potential impact on Sri Lanka.
The walkout was followed by a special meeting of Opposition leaders, held at the Parliament complex, chaired by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa. Among those present were MPs Dilith Jayaweera, Namal Rajapaksa, and Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna.
Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka said that the protest was against the Speaker’s refusal to allocate time for an urgent debate on the Middle East conflict, which Opposition MPs argued poses serious risks to Lankan nationals and businesses, particularly about 10,000–20,000 Lankans currently working in Israel.
Premadasa accused Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne of silencing the Opposition, stating that he had been denied the opportunity to raise a matter of national importance. “We no longer approve of your conduct in this House,” he said, warning that continued disregard for parliamentary procedure would lead to more protests.
Premadasa emphasised the need for immediate government action to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans in the war-torn region and to mitigate economic fallout from the conflict, which, he warned, could escalate into a broader war with possible nuclear implications.
Health and Mass Media Minister and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured Parliament that the government would address the issue during an adjournment debate later in the day and that a statement from the Foreign Ministry would follow.
Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekara criticised the Speaker for suppressing Opposition voices, adding that the decision to boycott the remainder of the day’s sessions was a direct result of repeated restrictions.
Leader of the House, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake rejected the allegations, placing blame on the Opposition for ‘unacceptable conduct within the chamber’.
ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam opted to remain in Parliament and participate in the debate, though he, too, condemned the government’s repeated efforts to curtail the Opposition’s right to speak.
By Saman Indrajith
News
Senior SLAS officer succeeds Bogollagama as SL’s UK HC

Nimal Senadheera officially assumed duties as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom on Monday, 16 June, at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. The occasion was marked by a traditional and dignified ceremony.
Senadheera succeeded Rohitha Bogollagama who took over the mission in Nov 2023 during Ranil Wickremesinghe tenure as the President.
Senadheera was warmly welcomed by officials and staff of the Mission. In his address, he highlighted the Government’s vision to strengthen the Mission’s role in advancing Sri Lanka’s interests abroad, reflecting the aspirations of the people and the mandate entrusted to the current administration. He called on all staff members to work collaboratively in further enhancing Sri Lanka–UK relations.
The formal assumption of duties included the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, followed by the serving of milk rice and sweetmeats, in keeping with Sri Lankan customs.
Senadheera is a senior officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) with over two decades of experience in public administration, diplomacy, and education. He has previously served at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria and held senior positions in the Central Provincial Council and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration.
He holds an MSc in Public Policy from the University of Strathclyde (UK), a Master of Public Administration from Flinders University (Australia), and a Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Kelaniya (Sri Lanka). He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Peradeniya, specialising in English, Economics, and Sociology.
Senadheera and his wife arrived in London over the weekend. Upon arrival, they were received by Gordon Wetherell CMG, Special Representative of the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
Later in the evening, the High Commissioner, accompanied by his wife and staff, visited the London Buddhist Viharaya to invoke blessings as he begins his new diplomatic assignment.
Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London
-
Features5 days ago
They came, they won, they returned to Jaffna isles
-
News5 days ago
ITAK candidate elected B’caloa Mayor as NPP seeks alliance with Pillayan
-
Features3 days ago
As I remember, from 50 years ago: the 75-80 Katubedda Engineering Batch
-
Opinion6 days ago
Prof. Dissanayake honoured for oustanding contribution to Sinhala literature
-
News6 days ago
Enhanced security for Israelis in Sri Lanka
-
Foreign News7 days ago
Search resumes for schoolchildren swept away by South Africa floods
-
Business6 days ago
ASUS named Sri Lanka’s No.1 consumer notebook company by International Data Corporation
-
Opinion5 days ago
When life becomes more painful than death