The following is based on a presentation by President’s Counsel Sarath Jayamanna, former Director-General of the Bribery Commission, during an educational workshop organized by the We Have a Dream Collective on January 19, 2024. Introduction Sri Lanka, a nation endowed with vast resources, is strategically located as a bridge between Europe and Asia. However, despite…
Ajith Parakum Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have recently faced dramatic uprisings that have reshaped their political landscapes. Bangladesh, once considered a model of development in South Asia, is now grappling with widespread public dissent. Fueled by economic hardship and political dissatisfaction, citizens took to the streets in both nations, demanding accountability and change. While the…
Ajith Parakum In Sri Lanka, corporal punishment is common in school settings. This practice, intended to discipline children by causing physical discomfort or pain, raises significant ethical and legal concerns on a global scale. Under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), torture is defined as any act by which severe pain…
The Pockets – Series 1 | Episode 1 by Nanda Wanninayaka Multi-pockets: – Good morning, Mr. President. You don’t look that cheerful, do you? Is anything the matter, sir? Pocket Billiards: – Nah! It’s these endless Netflix movies… They deprive me of a good night’s sleep. Don’t worry about me not being cheerful, young man….
A police officer has been suspended following accusations stemming from a viral video. The officer is charged with failing to secure a packet of cannabis found in a vehicle under inspection and performing his duties in a manner that caused public inconvenience by chewing betel leaves. The incident occurred on the 25th when the officer,…
The Committee for the Protection of Rights of the Prisoners has filed a writ of mandamus in the Honourable Supreme Court under Article 104 (U) (1) of the Constitution. The petition lists the Election Commission and its members among the nine respondents and seeks to address the systemic inadequacies that have deprived prisoners of their…
Ajith Parakum A country embroiled in conflict among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches inevitably descends into complete anarchy. To prevent such a scenario, these three branches must act with mutual understanding. This understanding should aim to maintain the current social system while implementing necessary transformations. A revolutionary coup is a different matter; it involves…
Sri Lanka is witnessing renewed international support as it implements critical measures to emerge from its economic crisis. Japan has announced the resumption of funding for stalled infrastructure projects, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts. This development follows the completion of a $10 billion restructuring agreement with official creditors, including Japan,…
In a move aimed at bolstering economic growth, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has cut interest rates by 25 basis points. This decision, announced on July 24, reduces the Standing Deposit Facility Rate to 8.25% and the Standing Lending Facility Rate to 9.25%. The central bank’s move is intended to sustain the revival…
Ajith Parakum In a significant and progressive step, the Sri Lankan government has issued a formal apology for its controversial “cremations only” policy enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy, which mandated the cremation of all COVID-19 victims, including those from the Muslim community, disregarded both religious beliefs and scientific advice, causing widespread distress. The…
