Plan to shut down civic space continues apace
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Plan to shut down civic space continues apace

Dr. Jehan Perera President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been indicating the government’s intention to conduct both presidential and parliamentary elections this year. He is reported to have made this same declaration during his visit to Australia last week. This would be viewed positively by those who are waiting for elections that would ensure a government with…

Clashes over NGO Law: Sri Lankan Civil Society Group Demands Transparency and Wider Consultations
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Clashes over NGO Law: Sri Lankan Civil Society Group Demands Transparency and Wider Consultations

A key Sri Lankan civil society group, the CSO-NGO Collective, has clashed with the government over a proposed law regulating non-governmental organizations (NGOs). While the government claims the legislation, aimed at “Registration and Supervision,” has been under development since 2005, the Collective argues it was blindsided by the draft and demands wider consultations before it…

Assassination of SPC Chairman Dr. Gladys Jayawardena by JVP for importing drugs from India
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Assassination of SPC Chairman Dr. Gladys Jayawardena by JVP for importing drugs from India

Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe Gladys Jayawardena, a Sri Lankan medical doctor, graduated from Sri Lanka Medical College and earned a PhD in Parasitology from the University of London. She was married to Dr. Roland Jayawardena, who was former President J.R. Jayawardena’s brother. In 1980, she became the first woman to direct the Medical Research Institute (MRI)….

Sri Lanka Speeds Up FTAs, Eyes Deals with China and Others by Year-End
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Sri Lanka Speeds Up FTAs, Eyes Deals with China and Others by Year-End

Sri Lanka is accelerating its push for free trade agreements (FTAs) with key regional and global partners, aiming to finalize deals with India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China by the end of 2024. This ambitious plan, announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, seeks to boost the nation’s economic growth and competitiveness by opening up…

Empowering Farmers: Historic Land Ownership Program Launched in Sri Lanka
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Empowering Farmers: Historic Land Ownership Program Launched in Sri Lanka

Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe Sri Lanka ushered in a new era for its agricultural sector yesterday with the launch of a groundbreaking program granting freehold deeds to farmers. This initiative, championed by the President Ranil Wickramasinghe, represents a transformative step towards empowering generations of families and revitalizing rural communities. While some political groups have expressed concerns…

Thai exports by 7.4% and Sri Lankan exports by 43% risen before FTA
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Thai exports by 7.4% and Sri Lankan exports by 43% risen before FTA

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, during the recent Sri Lanka – Thailand Business Networking event, highlighted the thriving economic relationship between the two sides, pointing out the Thailand-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a milestone showcasing mutual confidence in the economic prospects of both nations. The trade between Thailand and Sri Lanka has witnessed a…

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella Faces Remand Over Alleged Criminal Offenses
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Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella Faces Remand Over Alleged Criminal Offenses

In a significant development, former Minister of Health, Keheliya Rambukwella, has been remanded by the Maligakanda Magistrate, Ms. Lochani Abeywickrama Weerasinghe, over grave allegations of criminal misconduct. The court ruling follows an extensive investigation into Rambukwella’s actions during his tenure as Health Minister. Deputy Solicitor General Miss Lakmini Girihagama, representing the prosecution, revealed startling details…

What will happen in Geneva regarding Sri Lanka in 2024
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What will happen in Geneva regarding Sri Lanka in 2024

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) commenced its 18th cycle with the election of Morocco’s esteemed representative, Mr. Omar Zniber, as the President for the year 2024. Established in March 2006, the UNHRC succeeded the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), marking a significant milestone in the global pursuit of human rights advocacy. Scheduled…

Rise & Fall Of Nationalism In North & South
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Rise & Fall Of Nationalism In North & South

Dr. Jehan Perera The election of Sivagnanam Shritharan as president of the ITAK has the potential to bring Tamil nationalism to the fore again. The ITAK is the largest Tamil political party and the mainstay of the now fragmented TNA which was an alliance of political parties that came into existence during the latter phase…