News
Sri Lanka seeks Canadian help to win over Tamil Diaspora
Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Ottawa, Harsha Kumara Navaratne has sought Canadian support to make peace with overseas Tamil brothers and sisters in spite of the challenges.
High Commissioner Navaratne at a diplomatic reception hosted at his residence to celebrate the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 6th February, 2023, while acknowledging Canada’s concerns of Sri Lankan Tamil Canadians, stated that the new government of Sri Lanka was making meaningful progress towards economic recovery, reconciliation and stability, while simultaneously addressing multiple challenges posed by the ongoing economic crisis.
The former civil society activist further stated that “we need to make peace with our overseas Tamil brothers and sisters despite challenges” and that “we cannot do this without the support of Canada.”
He also stressed the need to sign the MoU on bilateral consultations as it would provide a structured basis in the form of annual consultations to discuss all concerns bilaterally so that Canada and Sri Lanka could mutually resolve any concerns.
Replying to the High Commissioners address, chief guest, Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Cindy Termoshuizen stated “as one of the first nations to recognize Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948, we are also celebrating 75 years of Diplomatic relations in 2023. Canada values its bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka, including in the context of our recently launched Indo – Pacific Strategy. This strategy reaffirms what we already know as Canadians. That the Indo-Pacific region is playing and continues to play a significant and growing role in Canada’s future and that our relationships in the region are vital in addressing the issues that matter most to all of us”.
She also stated “indeed the contributions of over a quarter million Sri Lankan heritage have served to enrich Canada’s cultural mosaic. At a time when the international community is facing a period of considerable turbulence, we need to work together to address global issues, such as climate change. We recognize that Sri Lanka’s 75th anniversary of independence coincides with a historically pivotal moment underpinned by a significant economic crisis. Canada has contributed to the humanitarian needs of those hardest hit by the effects of the crisis and welcome Sri Lanka’s efforts thus far in pursuit of economic recovery. Our hope is that these efforts may soon bear fruit paving the way for a return to growth and prosperity. At the same time, the significance of this moment could provide an opportunity to foster genuine change. So that Sri Lanka emerges from this crisis as a renewed reconciled and an inclusive society. Canada remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka through this reform process.”
Members of Parliament Chandra Arya, Rachael Thomas and Heads of Diplomatic Missions and their representatives together with officials of Global Affairs of Canada, community leaders and well-wishers were among the special invitees.
The guests were treated to flavourful Sri Lankan food including hoppers, kottu, rice and curry and authentic Sri Lankan desserts. Executive Chef Chaminda Ambagaspitiya explained to the guests the making of the food and so that they could enjoy each item at the specially created food stations together with Dhruvesh Restaurant team headed by Donald Wingell.
It has been reported quoting police sources that the death toll from the renewed unrest at the Negombo Prison which this morning, has risen from nineteen to twenty five (25).
A clash initially broke out between two groups of inmates (a group of remand prisoners and a group of convicted inmates serving sentences) at the Negombo Prison at around 1.00 p.m. on Sunday (05).
Two inmates died in yesterday’s clash, while around 40 others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at hospital.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the children of Sri Lanka are well capable of viewing the world with creativity and critical ways of thinking, and that the Government is committed to equipping them with the required knowledge and modern technologies necessary to realize their full potential.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening of the ’Arumasiya’ Exhibition and the occasion of laying the foundation stone for a new three-storey building at Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, on the 4th of July.
During the visit, the Prime Minister officially declared open the exhibition showcasing the students’ innovations and creative talents and commended them for their remarkable achievements. The Prime Minister also participated in the ceremony of laying the foundation stone for the construction of the College’s new three-storey building.
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
“It is a pleasure to participate in this special event at Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, the school where Sri Lanka’s first female Prime Minister received her education
I had the opportunity to visit the exhibition featuring the outstanding creations and innovations of the students. What I witnessed was a group of talented young people who have moved beyond textbook learning and are capable of viewing the world with creativity and critical thinking.
We are introducing a new education reform process that moves away from a rote-learning, examination-oriented system towards a practical and skills-based one. The Government is now systematically completing all the necessary preparations to implement the new education reforms scheduled to commence in 2027.
Our objective is to ensure that every child leaving school has access to vocational and technical education that matches their individual talents and meets the demands of the modern labour market. We are committed to transforming vocational education into a field that enjoys the same dignity and recognition as university education.
Finally, I commend the Principal and the academic staff of Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College for organizing this exhibition, and to the students and parents whose dedication made this event a success.”
The event was attended by Members of Parliament for Ratnapura District Wasantha Pushpa Kumara and Sunil Rajapaksha, the Mayor of Balangoda and members of the Municipal Council, the Zonal Director of Education, the Principal and academic staff of Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, parents, and students.
Prime Minister’s Media Division
The appointment of a Special Parliamentary Ombudsman (SPO) to inquire into the complaints against the Attorney General, as promised in the NPP manifesto, is on hold, pending the establishment of an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers.
Authoritative sources told The Island that the Justice and National Integration Ministry was awaiting the recommendations, regarding the new legislation for the establishment of such an Office, from a Committee of Technical Experts, chaired by Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, PC.
Responding to a query raised in Parliament by SJB lawmaker Ajith P. Perera about the delay in appointment of SPO, Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the government couldn’t take a decision until the Kodagoda Committee made recommendations.
Nanayakkara said that the positioning of the SPO couldn’t be decided before they differentiate the powers of the Attorney General and the an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers.
According to the NPP manifesto, provincial Sub Officers were to be established under a senior Additional Solicitor General.
Opposition sources pointed out that the relevant Cabinet decision was taken on 7 May 2025. According to the Cabinet Office, the government decided to establish an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers in line with a proposal made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in her final report on Sri Lanka, submitted in September, 2024.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
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