– Shamindra Ferdinando Sole Communist Party (CP) MP Weerasumana Weerasinghe broke ranks with dissident SLPP MPs on January 09 to vote for the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) Bill. Having contested the last general election on the SLPP ticket, the Matara District MP aligned himself with the Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya (ULS) strongly opposed…
As Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin prepares to visit Sri Lanka on February 3-4, the recently released trade data sheds light on the burgeoning economic relationship between the two countries. The visit, which will culminate in the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA), further solidifies this promising direction. According to oec.world, in 2021, Thailand…
Civil society organizations and women’s groups in Sri Lanka have called for the immediate removal of Acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon, citing his involvement in torture and other human rights violations. In a statement released today, the groups condemned Tennakoon’s appointment and tenure, highlighting a recent Supreme Court judgment that held him personally…
The National Peace Council (NPC) has called on the government not to rush through the Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation (CTUR) bill in the manner of the Online Safety bill or the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) bill. The NPC expressed concern that the draft law with respect to the CTUR has…
While hurdles remain, Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts are gaining traction, with official creditors on board and private talks advancing. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether the island nation can finally reach a comprehensive agreement and pave the way for economic stability and growth. Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts are gathering…
Celebrating India’s 75th Republic Day, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha unveiled exciting news for Sri Lanka – the imminent finalization of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). This agreement, he declared, “promises to be a game-changer,” paving the way for a significant boost to the island nation’s export potential. Mr. Jha’s optimism echoes past…
By Dushni Weerakoon (East Asia Forum) Nearly two years after announcing a debt default in the middle of a severe social and political crisis, the Sri Lankan economy is showing the first signs of recovery. Year-on-year inflation dropped sharply to a low of 1.5 per cent in October 2023 from its peak of 70 per…
Chennai, January 26, 2024 In a sorrowful turn of events, renowned playback singer Bhavatharini Raja, daughter of the legendary music maestro Ilayaraja, breathed her last in a hospital in Sri Lanka after battling a prolonged illness. The 47-year-old singer, who had been receiving treatment in Sri Lanka, passed away ahead of the scheduled concert by…
Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe In recent days, Sri Lanka has witnessed a concerning trend in government actions, particularly with the introduction and debate surrounding the Online Safety Bill. While the government claims these measures are aimed at addressing online fraud, abuse, and false statements, it is evident that these legislative moves have wider implications, especially for…
Dilshan’s Tale of Police Brutality Raises Concerns Over Unchecked Power In a shocking turn of events, the recent shooting incident in Thelijjawila has brought to light the troubling narrative of police misconduct and abuse of power. The victim, Dilshan Madhusankha, who had previously lodged complaints against the police, now faces further trauma with a shooting…
