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Several parties pledge to ensure rights of LGBTQ community in Sri lanka

Published

3 years ago

2023/02/20

Marking a historic day in Sri Lankan politics, representatives from several major political parties came together to discuss their views on ensuring the rights of LGBTQ Sri Lankans.

Ceylon Workers’ Congress Leader, Minister Jeevan Thondaman, SLPP MP Premnath C. Dolawatte, SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake and Freedom People’s Congress MP Prof. Charitha Herath shared their views during adiscussion jointly hosted by NextGenSL and the Canadian High Commission to Sri Lanka. Attorney-at-Law Aritha Wickramasinghe, Equality Director of iProbono moderated the panel discussion.

Premnath Dolawatte, who recently presented a Private Member’s Bill to Parliament seeking to decriminalise LGBTQ Sri Lankans, said he was hopeful that the majority of MPs in the House would support his Bill and join the effort to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community.

“I know the ultimate fight should be for non-discrimination and decriminalisation of the LGBTQ community is only one aspect of it. But, we must start somewhere,” Dolawatte said, sharing his views at the event.

“Minister Ali Sabry has assured that the government will support the motion. Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has also communicated to me that the ruling party will back the Bill. So, I am hopeful that the motion will secure a majority in Parliament. However, it is now with the Attorney General’s Department and those who are aware of the system know that getting a document out of the AG’s Department is no easy task. Also, getting a private member’s Bill passed in Parliament is also a time-consuming process. But, with your support, I am confident that we will be able to get this done,” Dolawatte said.

MP Mayantha Dissanayake from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya said he was in favour of the Private Member’s Bill presented by Dolawatte. “We are a progressive party and we understand the need for change. I briefly spoke to our party leader, Mr. Sajith Premadasa, and shared my views on this matter with him. We haven’t made a formal policy statement on this yet, but we are in favour of this because we want to do the right thing by the country.”

“When this is presented to Parliament, there will be stiff resistance from many quarters. That’s something we must expect. But I, as a Parliamentarian and e person who values human rights, will champion this cause within my party and within our parliamentary group. There are many countries in the world that have made progressive steps in this regard and we must follow those examples,” Dissanayake added

“Addressing the concerns of religious circles will be a critically important step and I am confident that we will be able to convince them by directly engaging with the right information. For instance, this is perfectly in line with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism such as compassion and that should be the basis our engagement with Buddhist monks,” the MP said.

“We inherited a country that needed change. We must now deliver, ” Dissanayake said, adding that his traditional upbringing in Kandy would not deter him from supporting this cause.

Joining the discussion, Freedom People’s Congress MP Prof. Charitha Herath said they would support decriminalisation of same-sex relations, if and when the Bill is presented to Parliament.

“We must engage with two domains to achieve the desired results. One is the political domain and the other is the cultural domain. We can change old-fashioned political and cultural establishments through constant engagement,” Herath explained.

“The technical approach alone will not usher in meaningful change. That is why I highlight the importance of cultural discussions as well to overcome the existing barriers. Sometimes, I feel that these cultural platforms are forgotten by the younger generation.”

“If you look at this region, India has made significant progress in the recent past while we are lagging behind. We must explore the reasons for this and address them adequately,” the MP added

Minister Jeevan Thondaman, the youngest Cabinet Minister ever to hold office in Sri Lanka, countered the argument that culture was a barrier in achieving non-discrimination for the LGBTQ community in Sri Lanka

“There is more than enough evidence from the ancient history that same-sex relations existed then and they were very much embraced many, many centuries ago. There are ancient statues, literary works and many other things to prove this point. So, where did we go wrong?” Thondaman, the Leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), asked.

“The answer is quite clear. It is the colonialisation and westernisation of our ancient civilisations. Their beliefs and values became a dominant factor and we lost many of ours.”

“Culture has never been a barrier to us. It is the colonial mindset that has become a barrier. It is time we understand the reality,” he added.

“I am a member of a minority community and a representative of a marginalised group of people, I request you to take these little victories. It will eventually lead you to the promised land. 10 years ago, a dialogue of this nature would not have been possible. Today, we are trying to sit with you and understand the gravity of this issue,” Thondaman said pledging support to legislative reforms decriminalising same-sex relations.

David Sood, Counsellor, Political and Trade from the Canadian High Commission to Sri Lanka delivered the opening remarks while Bhoomi Harendran and Kaushalya Sendanayaka Arachchi, a representative from Equal Ground shared observations from the civil society perspective.

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PM participated in ’Swarnabhivandana 2026,’ Sacred Relic Veneration Ceremony

Published

4 hours ago

2026/05/4

Priyan

In line with the 2026 Vesak Poya Day, the ‘Swarnabhivandana 2026’ Sacred Relic Veneration ceremony, organized by the Sri Sudarshanarama Temple, Kiribathgoda under the guidance of the Chief incumbent of the temple, and the Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Ruhuna and a Senior Lecturer Ven. Makola Mangala Nayaka was held on 3rd of May with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister stated that it was a rare privilege to take part in such a noble religious event. She noted that devotees have been presented with a rare opportunity to venerate sacred relics, including those of the Supreme Buddha and Maha Arahants of Seewali, Angulimala, Anuruddha, and Mihindu Theros.

She further emphasized that such religious programmes contribute to the spiritual development of society and help invoke blessings upon the country.

The Prime Minister also expressed her sincere gratitude to the Chief Incumbent Thero for his guidance in successfully organizing this meritorious event, as well as to the Dayaka Sabha of the temple and all those who contributed with dedication.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the day time

Published

10 hours ago

2026/05/4

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 03 May 2026, valid for 04 May 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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USD 3.7 bn H’tota refinery: China won’t launch project without bigger local market share

Published

10 hours ago

2026/05/4

Thilina Walpola

China has declared that China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) will not proceed with the USD 3.7 bn Hambantota oil refinery project unless a consensus could be reached on the percentage of the output that could be sold in the local market.

China has informed the NPP government that SINOPECwill not be able to sustain the project in terms of the original agreement that stipulated that 80% of the output be exported and 20 % sold in the Sri Lankan market, according to sources familiar with the issue.

Once fully operational, the strategic facility will be able to process 200,000 barrels of crude oil a day. The proposed facility, together with the Hambantota International port, which was taken over by China in 2017 on a 99-year lease, emphasise significant Chinese presence in the country.

SINOPEC with about 12% market share is among the foreign companies engaged in fuel distribution in Sri Lanka at the moment. Other foreign players are Lanka India Oil Company (LIOC) and joint venture by Shell Brands International AG (Shell) and RM Parks (Private) Limited, the latter being the latest entrant.

LIOC entered the market way back in 2003 during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure as the Prime Minister. LIOC holds the second biggest market share with 211 fuel stations with SINOPEC being third and joint Shell Brands International AG (Shell) and RM Parks (Private) Limited in fourth place. CPC remains the market leader with some 800 odd fuel stations countrywide.

Sources said that whatever the Chinese and Sri Lankan government representatives said in public the launch of the project primarily would depend on a new formula. The Island learns that the Chinese expect to sell 30% of the output here. “The Chinese are of the view that 20% share is not sufficient to sustain the project,” sources said.

Sri Lanka and China in January 2025 announced plans for the SINOPEC project dubbed the largest single Chinese direct investment here following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s three-day state visit to Beijing. Dissanayake’s delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake, and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China, Majintha Jayesinghe. Outspoken Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong was also present at all key meetings with representatives of China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), China Merchants Group (CMG), Huawei, and BYD Auto, a leading company in the automobile manufacturing sector.

Pointing out that Sri Lanka and China hadn’t been able to resolve the knotty problem for about 15 months, sources said that Sri Lanka was also under pressure from India to expedite the Trincomalee oil tank farm development project. Sri Lanka finalized an agreement with India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) in early April 2025 to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub.

Sources said that in line with the overall plans involving China as well as India-UAE, Sri Lanka was required to enhance the fuel storage facilities as soon as possible. The ongoing West Asia conflict underscored the responsibility on the part of the incumbent dispensation to take tangible measures to enhance storage facilities.

The Trincomalee and Hambantota projects could be on a collision course, sources said. The likelihood of Indo-Lanka agreements in respect of WW two era oil tank farms in Trincomalee, particularly the one negotiated during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency having animpact on the Hambantota oil refinery couldn’t be ruled out, sources said.

President Dissanayake during his May Day address disclosed the crisis faced by his government in ensuring uninterrupted oil supplies. Dissanayake said that the government had no option but to increase fuel quotas given to various categories in view of the arrival of fuel ships in Colombo as Sri Lanka lacked storage facilities.

Sources said that energy insecurity was at stake due to the continuing instability in the global markets caused by US actions in Hormuz Strait.

Newly-appointed Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake is believed to be engaged in consultations with relevant parties. Earlier Punyakumara Dissanayake who resigned recently over the coal scam handled the Hambantota refinery matter.

by Shamindra Ferdinando