News
Prof. Peiris denies Geneva sessions influenced their Jaffna visit

By Shamindra Ferdinando
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris during a three-day visit to Jaffna that ended up with a pow-wow with civil society activists at the Jaffna District Secretariat on Monday (31) repeatedly urged the Northern community to integrate with the South.
Twice Foreign Minister Prof. Peiris who is also the Chairman of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) emphasised the responsibility on the part of the government as well as all communities to achieve genuine post-war national reconciliation.
Jaffna District SLFP MP Angajan Ramanathan and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) heavyweight M.A. Sumanthiran, too, associated with the government’s latest initiative, ‘Access to Justice’ in Jaffna spearheaded by Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC.
Ministers Peiris, Douglas Devananda and Sabry launched the ‘Access to Justice’ project at the Jaffna Central College on Saturday (29) morning. The programme was meant to educate the northerners of the government initiatives, promote reconciliation and pay compensation to families of those who had been reported missing during the conflict.
Sri Lanka brought the war to a successful conclusion in May 2009.
Addressing a gathering at the Jaffna University soon after the event at the Jaffna Central College, Prof. Peiris explained the work undertaken by the Justice Ministry.
Prof. Peiris was flanked by Minister Sabry and Vice Chancellor of the Jaffna University Professor Sivakolundu Srisatkunarajah.
Minister Peiris pointed out that compensation amounting to Rs 100 mn had been so far paid through the Office for Reparations for missing persons’ families.
The Office for Reparations is one of the four mechanisms Sri Lanka promised to establish in terms of the 30/1, 34/1 and 40/1.The other mechanisms are Office on Missing Persons, Judicial Mechanism with a Special Counsel and Commission for Truth, Justice, Reconciliation and Non-Recurrence.
Recalling a visit to the Jaffna University during his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo and subsequent visits as a politician, Prof. Peiris urged the academics and the undergraduates therein to seek closer ties with the South.
Referring to the forthcoming sessions of the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC), Prof. Peiris stressed that a section of the media had misinterpreted their visit to the North. Prof. Peiris stressed that their programme was not related whatsoever to the Geneva sessions
The next Geneva session is scheduled to commence later this month.
Prof. Peiris said that the failure on the part of the communities to resolve their differences was nothing but a national tragedy. The minister said that the communities had been sharply divided and engaged in disruptive strategies for decades.
Pointing out how the Jaffna University accommodated students from all communities, Prof. Peiris discussed how that environment could be used to encourage closer relationships among the people.
Before his meet with Jaffna-based civil society groups, Prof. Peiris addressed the media at the Jaffna Divisional Secretariat where the Foreign Minister focused on the allocation of a substantial amount of funding for northern development.
Referring to his visits to the South and Batticaloa, Prof. Peiris said that the government was keen to know about the needs and priorities of the people. The problems faced by those living in one province could be different from another region, Prof. Peiris said, explaining the efforts made by the government to meet high profile UN initiative-Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Declaring that he felt comfortable and didn’t experience hostility at all, the foreign minister said that the youth whether Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim wanted to do well in life. As their objectives were common, all communities could work together to achieve national objectives, Prof. Peiris said.
Responding to queries, Prof. Peiris explained ongoing efforts to secure assistance of friendly countries to overcome the financial crisis. Reference was also made to the ongoing talks with China to secure 1 mn tonnes of rice before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Other issues addressed by Prof Peiris were the closure of the Palaly Airport at the height of Covid-19 and Indian fishers poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters.
News
Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA departs island concluding her visit

The Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a formal visit, departed the island on 18 Jun 25.
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing
ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the Turkish Naval Ship engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Gajabahu in Colombo seas. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sri Lanka, Semih Lütfü Turgut, accompanied by the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship, Lieutenant Commander Anil
BİLGİN met with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda at the Navy Headquarters on 13 Jun 25. The cordial discussion mainly focused on several matters of
bilateral importance and it importance of the occasion.
During her stay in Colombo, crew members of TCG BÜYÜKADA took part in several programmes including sporting events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the island.
Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit the Turkish Naval Ship gaining insights into the ship’s operational capabilities.
Meanwhile, the enhanced cooperation and interoperability fostered through this nature of port calls made by foreign naval ships will provide a strong foundation for the Sri Lanka Navy to
collectively and effectively respond to emerging trends and challenges in the maritime fraternity.
News
Students of Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School visit President’s House

A group of students from Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School visited the Presidential Secretariat and the President’s House on Wednesday (18).
The visit was facilitated under the ‘Vision’ programme series, a collaborative initiative for schoolchildren organised by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
As part of the visit, the students toured the Old Parliament building located within the Presidential Secretariat and received a briefing on the history of parliamentary democracy in Sri Lanka.
The students and teaching staff were also briefed on the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as well as on the functions of the executive branch and the importance of the rule of law.
To symbolically emphasise the importance of environmental preservation, K.M.N. Kumarasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, presented the school with a valuable plant sapling.
Among those in attendance were Colonel Dhananjaya Senarath, Deputy Director of the Tri-Forces Security Operations Coordinating Unit; N.A.L. Wijerathna, Principal of Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School; and members of the school’s teaching staff.
News
President commends the service of outgoing Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana

President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Wednesday (18), lauded Mahinda Siriwardana, the outgoing Secretary to the Treasury, for his exemplary service, stating that it is the responsibility of public officials to strive to prevent adverse outcomes and contribute to positive change.
The President particularly commended Mr Siriwardana’s exceptional dedication and commitment in expertly navigating the nation’s economy through the transformative period following the recent economic crisis, ultimately achieving significant economic victories for the country. President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for Mr Siriwardana’s invaluable contributions.
These remarks were made by President Disanayake at a farewell ceremony organised at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (18) morning to mark Mr Siriwardana’s retirement from his post as Secretary to the Treasury.
The President highlighted the need for a new value system focused on individual merit in an era where material possessions often overshadow genuine human values. He stressed that the country requires a public service driven by humanity and empathy towards others, fulfilling its duties rather than one marred by excessive consumerism and corruption.
President Disanayake further emphasised that the public service should not be an inaccessible mechanism aloof from citizens. He underscored the importance of considering the impact of decisions on people’s lives when making policy choices. The President concluded by stating that young public officials have much to learn from the distinguished career of Mr Mahinda Siriwardana, a senior public servant with extensive experience and profound understanding.
In his address, Mr Siriwardana described his three-year tenure as Secretary to the Treasury as the most significant period of his professional life. He thanked the President for maintaining confidence in him and allowing him to continue in the position despite a change in government leadership, noting that the President’s support was a great source of strength. Mr Siriwardana added that the country might not have overcome its economic crisis without President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s faith, resilience and boundless dedication.
During the ceremony, the President also presented Mr Siriwardana with a token of appreciation for his outstanding service.
The event was attended by Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development; Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy; Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs; other government officials; and family members of Mr Siriwardana, amongst other invited guests.
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