News
‘War crimes’: UNHRC warns SL of universal jurisdiction
declares support for accountability processes in third states
The United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) has declared that in the absence of credible investigations and prosecutions into alleged war crimes accusations undertaken by Sri Lanka, a special team based there was involved in ongoing investigations in several jurisdictions.
The declaration was made on Wednesday (21) by Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights at the commencement of the latest sessions.
A statement issued by UNHRC quoted Nashif as having said the project team that had been established in their Office to advance accountability continued to make progress pursuant to resolution 51/1. “The team is in the process of providing concrete support to several jurisdictions who have ongoing criminal justice investigations.
It is conducting proactive investigative work on key cases and collecting, consolidating and analysing information and evidence from a variety of UN and other sources, which is preserved in a repository so as to be used for future accountability initiatives. Victims continue to be placed at the heart of this work, including through our active engagement with victim organisations and civil society more broadly.”
Nashif has reiterated that accountability remained the fundamental gap in attempts to deal with the past. The UN official said: “As long as impunity prevails, Sri Lanka will achieve neither genuine reconciliation nor sustainable peace. Fundamentally, it is and remains the responsibility of the Sri Lankan authorities to directly acknowledge past violations and undertake credible investigations and prosecutions, alongside other accountability measures.
However, as long as an “accountability deficit” remains, the international community can – and should – play complementary roles. Means to do so include use of accepted principles of universal and extraterritorial jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators, and support the relevant accountability processes in third States, as well as fair application of targeted sanctions against credibly alleged perpetrators.”
Commenting on plans for a Truth Commission, Nashif pointed out Sri Lanka has witnessed too many ad hoc commissions in the past that failed to ensure accountability. She said: “The Office of Missing Persons has not achieved the results that provide satisfaction to victims. What is needed is a coherent plan that connects the different elements of truth, redress, memorialization, accountability and creates the right enabling environment for a successful transitional justice process.”
USS Canberra of the United States Navy departed the island on 14 Jun 26, following a successful replenishment port call. The Sri Lanka Navy extended a traditional naval farewell to the departing vessel at the Port of Colombo.
During the ship’s stay, the Commanding Officer of USS Canberra called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters
News
The use of local organic Agricultural products in the Bakery Industry will strengthen both local farmers and the tourism industry – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the use of local organic agricultural products in bakery production would provide significant support to both local farmers and the growth of the tourism industry.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the Annual meeting of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association, held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, on Friday (12 June).
The Prime Minister stated,
“At a decisive moment when the country is moving towards a new phase of economic transformation, I believe that the bakery industry has the potential to become a key driver of the national economy, rather than remaining limited to flour-based products alone.
The food production must be mainly considered the quality and safety of food. Therefore, instead of focusing solely on taste, we should introduce nutritious and healthy products to the market that are free from artificial flavourings and colourings.
By using ingredients such as rice flour, finger millet, foxtail millet, green gram, and indigenous tubers to create value-added products, the bakery industry has the opportunity to capitalize on the growing global trend towards health-conscious diets.
The use of local organic agricultural products in food prepared for foreign tourists will provide substantial benefits to local farmers while also contributing to the growth of the tourism industry. At the same time, the government remains committed to strengthening local entrepreneurs by reducing challenges related to the importation of raw materials, providing concessionary loans for new technologies, and offering the technical assistance required to meet international standards.
The government has already launched programmes through the Ministry of Industries to provide the necessary training and market linkages to help small and medium-scale bakery owners develop and expand their businesses”.
The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Industries Chathuranga Abeysinghe, President of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association N.K. Jayawardana, and a number of members of the Association were also present at the event.
Prime Minister’s Media Division
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with a delegation from the UNICEF on Friday (June 12) at Temple Trees to discuss ongoing efforts to support the recovery of the education sector following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.
Discussions focused on the implementation of activities outlined in the report titled “Cyclone Ditwah Education Emergency Response Plan: Phase 1 Progress Updates (January–April 2026).” The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved during the initial phase of the response and to discuss future interventions aimed at supporting children and schools affected by the disaster.
The Prime Minister and the UNICEF delegation also exchanged views on strengthening collaboration to ensure the continuity of education and the well-being of affected children.
The UNICEF delegation included Emma Brigham, UNICEF Representative, Begona Arellano, Deputy Representative, and other UNICEF officials.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
USS Canberra departs Colombo
The use of local organic Agricultural products in the Bakery Industry will strengthen both local farmers and the tourism industry – PM
Prime Minister meets with UNICEF delegation
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