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UPR: Justice Marasinghe deals with post-war issues, economic ruination

Published

3 years ago

2022/12/7

Justice Rohini Marasinghe with Mrs.Cynthia Radert, Secretary of the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation and Johnny White, the Asia Pacific focal point for GANHRI, (pic courtesy HRCSL)

Justice Rohini Marasinghe, in her capacity as Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, has told the fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Sri Lanka in Geneva recently how short-sighted policies of the previous government plunged the country into unprecedented political-economic-social turmoil and the circumstances leading to the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ouster.

Justice Marasinghe has dealt with social and economic rights and establishment of a national preventive mechanism.

Declaring that it was the worst economic crisis after gaining independence from the British in 1948, Justice Marasinghe has said that the shortsighted ban on chemical fertilisers ruined the agricultural industry in 2021.

The HRCSL Chairperson has explained how the loss of government revenue due to unwarranted tax concessions granted in the wake of 2019 presidential election, the acute fuel and gas shortage and the disruption of medicine supplies caused by forex crisis led to the public losing faith in the government.

Justice Marasinghe has discussed how closure of schools, mandatory power cuts and high inflation affected the masses in early this year and eruption of violence in the second week of May. Recalling protesters setting fire to house of parliamentarians and officials, Justice Marasinghe said: “Hundreds roamed the streets against the government and its economic policies. They all rallied against the leaders who had steered the country into the worst economic crisis. They were not terrorists nor insurgents, as described by the military. They only demanded what was legitimately entitled from the Government. They expressed anger over the Government’s handling of the economy. They demanded the President’s resignation, forcing him to resign on 14th July 2022.”

Justice Marasinghe has also briefed Geneva of the incumbent government’s declaration that it wouldn’t tolerate protests of any form as the country needed stability.

She has said that the government was making every effort to bring much-needed stability to the country by introducing economic reforms. Asserting that the fuel shortage has been brought under control, Justice Marasinghe said that the situation improved with the restoration of gas supply, reopening of schools, reduced power cuts and the drop in inflation. The HRCSL chief has asserted that the government has introduced what she called well discussed tax proposals to increase revenue collection.

The HRCSL head also briefed Geneva of recommendations it has made to the government following investigations conducted into the economic crisis and the subsequent protests.

She has stressed the need to amend the Human Rights Commission Act to address the contentious issue of non-implementation if its recommendations.

Responding to recommendations from Slovenia, South Africa, France, Thailand, Belgium, and Mexico, Justice Marasinghe has said that the establishment of the Office of Missing Persons (OMP), the National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), and the office of Reparation (OR) were meant to address the issue of accountability during the period of the ‘civil war.’

The top HR official said that the government was planning to constitute a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). According to her, the government has sought advice to have a mechanism similar to that of South Africa. The formulation of the TRC by the Government should be subjected to what Justice Marasinghe called a meaningful dialogue with the victims’ families. She has declared that such a dialogue was essential.

As regards recommendations made by France and Haiti in respect of land held by the military in former war zones, Justice Marasinghe has informed Geneva of the releasing of land over the years. According to her only 275 acres cf State land and 3,000 acres of private land yet to be released. She based this assertion on information received from the North.

As regards establishment of the National Preventive Mechanism proposed by Portugal, Poland, Denmark, Senegal, New Zealand,, Ghana, the UK., Afghanistan, and Cote d’Ivoire against arbitrary arrests and torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment, Justice Marasinghe has said that National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) was established in the Human Rights Commission and made functional this year.

The unit made 543 visits to police stations, 34 to prisons, and 20 to detention centres. At the beginning, there had been 46 detainees, and now only two remained in the detention centres. (1 LTTE and 1 Easter Sunday attack suspect) . The HRCSL chief explained that the objective of the NPM was to make unscheduled visits to police stations and detention centres. According to her the following recommendations had been made to the government. Repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), amend the General Laws of the Country to deal with the offences of terrorism and amend the definition of terrorist, establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and amend the Human Rights Commission Act to ensure the implementation of the recommendations.

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Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity – PM

Published

10 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarsooriya in her message on International Women’s Day 2026 says that the governments goal is to build a Thriving Nation where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity.

The PM’s message:

“I extend my greetings to all sisters and daughters in Sri Lanka and around the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day.This year, the United Nations has declared the global theme for International Women’s Day as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the realization of rights, the delivery of justice, and meaningful action for all women and girls.

Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating women as mere beneficiaries and recognizing them as active partners in national development, ensuring that they receive the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Within our policy framework, special focus has been placed on women. We are committed to recognizing the economic contribution extended by women as housewives, promoting women’s entrepreneurship, and expanding access to the technical and financial support necessary for self-employment alongside strengthening the legal framework required to ensure women’s safety in public transport, workplaces, and within the family environment. Further, we are taking steps to create the environment to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies at national and regional levels. Special attention is also being given to implementing targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being.

Women are not a group seeking sympathy; they are vital social partners endowed with intelligence, resilience, and creativity. Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity

On this International Women’s Day, I sincerely hope that it marks the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of all women in our country are realized as they shine before the world.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

Published

11 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 07 March 2026, valid for 08 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

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 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.

News

Lanka tea industry may lose $ 10-15 mn per week from ME war

Published

11 hours ago

2026/03/8

Thilina Walpola

The ongoing military conflict in the Middle East has adversely impacted on the Sri Lankan tea industry as the exporters are unable to supply tea to the region. The exporters estimate the revenue loss at about $ 10-15 million per week. The exporters have orders in hand for supply of tea and it is the logistical issues and war risk preventing them fulfilling such orders, the Tea Exporters Association (TEA) said in a statement.

“In order to mitigate the impact on the industry, the tea industry has jointly requested the government to support it in addressing the cash flow issue and consider absorbing a part of the additional freight and insurance charges. It has also requested government intervention to obtain the balance payment of about $ 50 million due on tea shipments already made to Iran under the barter deal,” TEA said on Friday.

The statement said approximately 52% of Sri Lanka’s tea exports reach the affected region mainly coming from the low grown area of the country dominated by tea smallholder farmers. According to 2025 tea export statistics, about 125 million kilograms of Ceylon tea were exported to the Middle East, with an estimated value of USD 750 million. The major importing countries of Ceylon Tea in the region include Iraq, Iran, Libya, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. Though Libya and Turkey can be reached via Africa, the exorbitant freight charges have prevented the buyers in those countries from importing tea at the moment.

The supply routes to Middle East countries go via Strait of Hormuz and Red sea Suez Canal. Although there is no blockade on Suez Canal, due to the war risk both channels are currently not used by the major shipping lines. The tea exports to the region have almost come to a standstill due to the following reasons:

=All major shipping lines suspended their services to the region immediately after the outbreak of the conflict.

=Several seaports in the region were temporarily closed during the initial stages.

= Although a few shipping lines resumed limited operations from March 4, freight charges have

increased significantly by approximately USD 1,800 for a 20’ container and USD 3,000 for a 40’ container.

= Existing insurance coverage obtained by exporters is no longer valid.

=There is a lack of regular and scheduled vessels operating from Colombo to Middle Eastern destinations.

The tea exporters are experiencing serious cash flow constraints, as payments for shipments already

dispatched have been delayed due to the unsettled situation in the region. This has restricted exporters’

buying capacity and that was evident at this week’s tea auction, where overall prices declined by about Rs. 50/ per kg while low grown tea prices declined by about Rs. 75/ per kg.

If the situation continues for few more weeks it will have a serious impact on the tea auction as buyers may curtail the purchase of tea if the outward movements are restricted. This could directly impact on the income of the tea smallholder farmers.

In January 2026, the country earned $ 121.8 million from tea exports compared to $ 112.7 million in January 2025 (a 5% increase). The figures for February 2026 are not yet available but should be either similar to last year or higher. The disruption to tea exports in March will certainly affect the volume and value of the exports though the exact amounts cannot be estimated at this point.

According to the available data Sri Lanka has settled about 95% of its debt to Iran by supplying tea to Iran under the Tea for Oil mechanism. Even if the military conflict comes to an end, Sri Lanka will find it difficult to continue to supply tea to Iran unless a new mechanism is introduced. Under the prevailing US sanctions on Iran, the exporters may not be able to supply tea to Iran outside the barter system. Iran purchases about 11 million kg of tea from Sri Lanka annually under the barter deal.

The situation was discussed with the Minister of Plantation & Community Infrastructure at a meeting held on March 4, 2026.