News

SLMC asks govt. to lift emergency, jettison Gnanasara report, review Easter attack probe

Published

4 years ago

2022/08/12

Conditions for supporting all-party intitiative

The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has set several conditions for its support for the proposed ‘National All-Party Programme’.

Among the SLMC’s demands are the immediate lifting of the emergency regulation, discontinuation of the ongoing wave of arrests, the jetitioning of reports commissioned by ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and review of investigations into 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.The SLMC contested the last general election on the SJB ticket whereas one was elected under its own symbol. The SLMC parliamentary group comprises five MPs.

The following is the text of the letter dated Aug 10 SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem, MP and its general Secretary Nizam Kariapper addressed the meeting : “Reference your letter dated 29th July 2022, we welcome your efforts to initiate a broad dialogue regarding the above subject. We appreciate the re-introduction of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution and the proposal to reactivate and re-energise the Parliamentary Oversight Committees in order to fulfill the above objectives.

The High Command of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress wishes to place before you the following issues for which a positive response from you in order to create a conducive climate for us to discuss further co-operation to be extended:

1. To lift the State of Emergency and discontinue arrests and harassment targeting peaceful protesters and their leaders. Many of these arrests are unwarranted and would be inimical to the maintenance of normalcy causing further embarrassment to the government in the forthcoming sessions of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. It is also our contention that some of these arrests have raised concerns regarding the proper enforcement of the rule of law in the country and may act as a disincentive for investment inflows and impact tourist arrivals as well.

2. In keeping with your Statement made to Parliament during the ceremonial sittings in order to achieve the objective of a liberal, tolerant and secular nation, it is important that you make a clear commitment to jettison reports commissioned by the former President under the theme “One Country, One Law “headed by a radical cleric, known for his bigotry and prejudice. The minority communities have been disproportionately targeted by suggestions made for reform in their practices, belief systems and personal laws resulting in much consternation among Muslims in particular.

3. Similarly, the appointment of another Commission purportedly to safeguard archaeological sites in the Eastern Province, with no representation for any minority community, giving the impression that the archaeological sites in the Eastern Province are in danger of being destroyed or encroached upon illegally by the people living in those provinces, is seen as another futile exercise which has caused much heartburn among Muslims and Tamils. There are various government institutions including the Department of Archaeology having stringent laws at their disposal to ensure and protect any violation of the law. This was perceived by the Muslims and the Tamils living in the Eastern Province as a deliberate attempt at polarization of the communities by the previous administration. We will very much appreciate that you take appropriate steps to allay the fears and concerns that the appointment of this Commission and its mandate has created.

4. The probe into the Easter Sunday attacks and the manner in which some of the cases connected have been pursued leaves much to be desired. We expect a proper review of the investigations conducted to ensure that justice is served to the aggrieved parties and unnecessary and unwarranted insinuations and action pursued against innocent people including former high ranking members of the Police Department who had unblemished service records. Concerns expressed by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and many others with regard to mishandled investigation and deliberate attempts at concealing or diverting evidence and failure to investigate certain incidents properly to shed light on other hidden factors. We, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress has thoroughly examined the Presidential Commission Report and evidence led before the Parliamentary Select Committee and are prepared to share our concerns with the investigators to clarify why certain leads had not been properly examined or investigated.

4. Postponed Provincial Council Elections and the local government elections to be conducted under the same proportional representation system as before.

4. While we welcome the upgrading of some local government bodies announced this week we would urge that Mutur PS, Koralaipatthu West PS and Sammanthurai PS be upgraded as urban councils. The recommendation made by the Pannambalana Commission regarding the Koralaipatthu Central DS Division be implemented without delay along with the creation of Thopur DS Division. The Kalmunai Muslim Division/ Kalmunai Tamil Division dispute should be resolved only after a proper re-demarcation of the GN divisions taking into consideration the concerns of both communities in consultation with accredited representatives of the people.

4. It is regretted to note that minorities are being ignored in appointments such as Secretaries to Ministries and other important civil service positions. We would urge you to rectify this anomaly.

4. Constitute a committee to examine petitions by thousands of affected farmers, evicted from lands occupied/cultivated by them, from many parts of the country including the northern and eastern provinces, due to actions initiated by the departments of forests and or wildlife based on gazettes and circulars issued after 2005 ignoring the fact that those plots have been cultivated over several years either owned by them or held under a valid LDO permit. This will assist greatly in your effort to promote cultivation of crops on all available land plots to meet the impending food shortages.”

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National SME Strategy Framework 2026 is critical because it brings policy consistency and stability to the sector – PM

Published

14 hours ago

2026/05/15

Priyan

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the 2nd day of the dialog on “National SME Strategy Framework 2026” organized by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development held on Thursday [14th of May].

The official launch of the “National SME Strategy Framework 2026” to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), was held on Wednesday (13) under the patronage of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe.

The Framework has been developed by the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry, with input from the SME Advisory Committee and key system stakeholders in line with the national manifesto of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”

This framework creates the opportunity for the entrepreneurs to easily register their businesses, access modern technology, and obtain specialized financial facilities along with the advisory services that directly support the growth of entrepreneurs, departing from the traditional method free of charge.

The second day marks the dialog on the “National SME Strategy Framework 2026” focusing on the discussion into implementation and strategy to action featuring series of panel discussions.

During the event National SME Strategy Framework 2026 was presented to the Prime Minister by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe.

The Prime Minister stated that the country is implementing its transformative agenda during a period of global instability and disruptive global context stressing the importance of adaptation, sustainability and building resilience, particularly within the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in such context.

Underscoring the importance of the SME policy framework, the Prime Minister further stated that the government’s role is to ensure consistency, stability and collaboration within the sector.

The event was attended by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Australian Deputy High commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ms. Ruth Baird and Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Mrs. J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara and develop and develop partners and representatives from business community.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Opposition accuses govt. of weaponising tax laws

Published

15 hours ago

2026/05/15

Thilina Walpola

Sajith

… calls for modernising Inland Revenue Dept.

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday criticised the government’s proposed amendments to the Inland Revenue Act, claiming that a new provision in the draft legislation could unfairly lead to criminal action against ordinary citizens and small business owners over administrative tax-related matters.

In a statement, Premadasa said the public was “not angry about paying taxes” but was frustrated by what he described as unfair treatment under the proposed law.

He alleged that Section 185A of the proposed bill could make delays in filing tax returns or registration-related issues criminal offences, warning that struggling small-scale entrepreneurs could be treated in the same manner as individuals deliberately evading millions of rupees in taxes.

“That is wrong,” the Opposition Leader said.

Premadasa further accused the government of resorting to criminal action against people instead of reforming and modernising the Inland Revenue Department and simplifying tax compliance procedures.

He also questioned the government’s commitment to tackling corruption and financial crimes, asking why stronger measures had not been taken against money laundering, financial fraud and those accused of misappropriating public funds.

“Go after the corrupt. Punish real fraudsters. But do not weaponise the law against the common man,” he said.

Premadasa added that the Opposition would continue to resist legislation that undermined “fairness, proportionality, and the constitutional rights of the people.”

News

Floods, landslides affect 3,475 people

Published

15 hours ago

2026/05/15

Thilina Walpola

Adverse weather conditions prevailing across the country have severely affected 3,475 persons belonging to 1,113 families in seven districts, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).The DMC said 1,310 individuals from 489 families had been relocated to eight temporary safety shelters due to the deteriorating weather situation.

The DMC also confirmed one death from the Koralepatthu South area in the Batticaloa District.

As of 10 am yesterday (14), a total of 88 houses and one business establishment had sustained partial damage as a result of the adverse weather conditions.

Authorities have urged the public in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions issued by disaster management and local officials as heavy rains continue to affect several parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) yesterday extended landslide warnings for several districts across the country due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

According to the NBRO, Level 2 landslide warnings have been issued for Neluwa in the Galle District; Agalawatte, Baduraliya, Matugama, Horana and Walallawita in the Kalutara District; and Ratnapura and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura District.

Level 1 landslide warnings remain in effect for several areas in the Badulla, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura districts.

The warned areas include Bandarawela, Passara and Hali Ela in Badulla; Thawalama, Elpitiya and

Niyagama in Galle; Ingiriya and Bulathsinhala in Kalutara; and multiple Divisional Secretariat areas in the Kandy District, including Poojapitiya, Deltota, Udunuwara and Pathahewaheta.

Warnings have also been issued for Bulathkohupitiya, Mawanella, Kegalle, Aranayake, Yatiyanthota, Warakapola and Rambukkana in the Kegalle District; Ridigama in Kurunegala; Rattota, Naula and Ambanganga Korale in Matale; and Wellawaya, Badalkumbura and Bibile in Monaragala.

In the Nuwara Eliya District, the warning covers Norwood, Ambagamuwa Korale and Kotmale, while Eheliyagoda, Kalawana, Kuruwita, Godakawela, Kiriella and Ayagama in the Ratnapura District have also been placed under alert.

The NBRO said the warnings were extended in view of further rainfall forecast by the Department of Meteorology and urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by authorities for their safety.

Meanwhile, the water levels in several major river basins that had risen due to recent heavy rainfall are now receding following a decline in rainfall over the past 24 hours, the Department of Irrigation said.

Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management) L.S. Sooriyabandara said water levels in the Nilwala River, Gin Ganga, Kalu Ganga and Attanagalu Oya basins were showing a downward trend as rainfall eased.

He noted that water levels were declining in most areas, with the exception of the Millakanda area in the Kalu Ganga basin.

However, Sooriyabandara warned that the current improvement could be temporary, as the Department of Meteorology has forecast further rain in the coming days.

According to the Department, 18 of the country’s 73 major reservoirs are currently spilling over, while another 18 medium-sized reservoirs are also discharging water.

He stressed that the release of water does not indicate a major flood situation at present, but urged the public to remain vigilant and follow future advisories issued by authorities.

By Norman Paliahwadane and Chaminda Silva