Athirady English News

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For Sri Lankan reporters, the ghosts of violence and intimidation loom again

By Edi tor on March 7, 2021

When Wickrematunge was killed, Gotabaya Rajapaksa was defence secretary. As brother of the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Rajapaksa wielded unparalleled military influence, earning a reputation as the country’s most feared bureaucrat. When Wickrematunge exposed a corrupt arms deal Rajapaksa had signed off, he broke the silence in the press about the activities of the defence secretary. Years later, Sri Lankan criminal investigators… Continue reading "For Sri Lankan reporters, the ghosts of violence and intimidation loom again"
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By Edi tor on March 7, 2021

The High Commissioner, Michelle Bachelet, is a former president ofChile. She and her family were jailed under the dictatorial rule of Pinochet. Her father was killed by its jailors, and she was abused in prison. Could her background and character be factors behind her report? My speculation is that must be the case. No matter what our work is, our… Continue reading ""
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UK, Canada seek to influence member states against Lanka

By Edi tor on March 7, 2021

The Sri Lanka Core group members, Canada and the UK, are campaigning hard to muster support for their resolution against Sri Lanka at the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council. Sri Lanka Core group consists of Canada, Germany, the UK, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Malawi. Canada High Commissioner David McKinnon met the Bangladesh High Commissioner Tareq Ariful Islam, at the… Continue reading "UK, Canada seek to influence member states against Lanka"
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Sri Lanka: An Intelligence Perspective on Easter Carnage

By Edi tor on March 7, 2021

Perhaps, the Commission could have been authorised access to the periodic reports and files of the SIS in respect of the NTJ. Such classified material would have been valuable in the quest for the roots and ramifications of the NTJ. Most of the witnesses who appeared before the Commission for evidence may not have possessed the type knowledge of the… Continue reading "Sri Lanka: An Intelligence Perspective on Easter Carnage"
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Significance of P2P march

By Edi tor on March 7, 2021

The Rajapaksas weakest link is the ineptitude in handling foreign relations, which has caused maximum damage to the country. This was seen in all critical situations: continued insensitivity in handling India’s concerns, embarrassing the new US administration by undiplomatic comments, and clumsiness in handling Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Colombo and the inability to strategize the approach to the… Continue reading "Significance of P2P march"
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Divided people in a distorted democracy

By Edi tor on March 1, 2021

We have certainly gone back to the origins of such inquiries, and the powers of Saubhagya at Rajavasala, have shown their honour to J. R Jayewardene, who brought the Presidential Commission as the show of the five-sixth majority Jayewardene Power. Mr. Sirisena may remember how the first PCoI of the Jayewardene era, ensured the removal of civic rights to Mrs.… Continue reading "Divided people in a distorted democracy"
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For Families of the Disappeared, the International Community is Their Last Hope

By Edi tor on March 1, 2021

For the past four years the three women have been part of a group participating in a continuous protest asking the simple question, “Where are they?” But to find the answer to the simple question is a very complex process fraught with evasion, denial and politics. While the previous government set up an Office on Missing Persons that has found… Continue reading "For Families of the Disappeared, the International Community is Their Last Hope"
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Tamils in Jaffna commence hunger strike demanding referral of Sri Lanka to the ICC

By Edi tor on March 1, 2021

Tamils in Jaffna commence hunger strike demanding referral of Sri Lanka to the ICC A hunger strike urging the Sri Lankan government to be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC) commenced in Nallur, Jaffna today morning. Jaffna and Eastern University students and religious leaders – including Jaffna district’s archbishop priest, Jebaratnam Adigalar and Hindu clergy, Velan Swamigal came together… Continue reading "Tamils in Jaffna commence hunger strike demanding referral of Sri Lanka to the ICC"
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British Tamil woman commences hunger strike demanding Sri Lanka be referred to ICC

By Edi tor on March 1, 2021

British Tamil woman commences hunger strike demanding Sri Lanka be referred to ICC Ambihai K Selvakumar, a director of the International Centre for the Prevention of Genocide (ICPPG) is in the second day of her hunger strike, as she continues her demand that the UK refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court. This hunger strike comes as the UN… Continue reading "British Tamil woman commences hunger strike demanding Sri Lanka be referred to ICC"
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Support for Sri Lanka’s unity and territorial integrity and Abiding commitment to aspirations of the Tamils of Sri Lanka for equality, justice, peace and dignity

By Edi tor on March 1, 2021

Issuing his statement on OHCHR report on Sri Lanka, Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Permanent Representative of India, said they believed that respecting the rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution, contributes directly to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka.Full statement is as follows, We have taken note of the High Commissioner’s report on Sri Lanka and her… Continue reading "Support for Sri Lanka’s unity and territorial integrity and Abiding commitment to aspirations of the Tamils of Sri Lanka for equality, justice, peace and dignity"
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Sri Lanka-Pakistan ties on a new footing following Imran Khan’s visit

By Edi tor on February 28, 2021

By P.K.Balachandran The two-day visit of the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Sri Lanka, which concluded on Wednesday, has put Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations on a higher footing. Besides the traditional defense and security ties, which will be enhanced, the relationship may acquire a strong economic basis, and Pakistan may become a factor in Lankan Muslim politics. Imran’s intercession on… Continue reading "Sri Lanka-Pakistan ties on a new footing following Imran Khan’s visit"
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Reconcile!! It will never happen Says Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Adm.Jayanath Colambage

By Edi tor on February 28, 2021

By Meera Srinivasan Seeking India’s “proactive” support at the UN Human Rights Council, where a resolution on Sri Lanka will be soon put to vote, the Secretary to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “India cannot abandon us”. “If the world is one family, as your Foreign Minister has said, then we are immediate family, isn’t it,” Admiral Jayanath… Continue reading "Reconcile!! It will never happen Says Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Adm.Jayanath Colambage"
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Support us or? Sri Lanka attempting “to play Pakistan Vs India”

By Edi tor on February 28, 2021

The Foreign Secretary, a former Navy Commander, spoke to The Hindu on Sri Lanka’s prospects at the ongoing session in Geneva, Indo-Lanka relations, Colombo’s broader foreign policy choices, and strategy for reconciliation from “within”, and regional cooperation. Sri Lanka, Mr. Colombage said, would be “very uncomfortable” if countries in the region did not extend support in Geneva. He expressed hope… Continue reading "Support us or? Sri Lanka attempting “to play Pakistan Vs India”"
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More Army men involved in narcotics racket

By Edi tor on February 28, 2021

More Sri Lanka Army personnel are involved in transporting drugs from the South of the country to Colombo, Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) said. A Senior PNB Officer noted preparations are underway to arrest a Corporal of the Army connected to this drug smuggling ring. This information was revealed when questioning a Lance Corporal, who was arrested by the Panadura Anti-Vice… Continue reading "More Army men involved in narcotics racket"
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21 countries (Russia, China, Pakistan ..)have spoken in favour of Sri Lanka at the UNHRC so far, and that is an achievement.

By Edi tor on February 28, 2021

Foreign Minister Gunawardena said, 21 countries have spoken in favour of Sri Lanka at the UNHRC so far, and that is an achievement. However, the Sri Lankan Government wants the UK-led Core Group’s resolution completely revoked. He also said the US has also posed questions to the UNHRC. He added the resolution on Sri Lanka is not fair. The UNHRC… Continue reading "21 countries (Russia, China, Pakistan ..)have spoken in favour of Sri Lanka at the UNHRC so far, and that is an achievement."
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In Geneva, India Signals to Sri Lanka that Support in UNHRC Is Not a Given

By Edi tor on February 28, 2021

He then noted that India’s position rested on two pillars. The first was support for Sri Lanka’s unity and territorial integrity. Commitment to Sri Lankan Tamils’ aspirations for “equality, justice, peace and dignity” was the second pillar, said the Indian diplomat. India declared that these were “not either-or choices”. “We believe that respecting the rights of the Tamil community, including… Continue reading "In Geneva, India Signals to Sri Lanka that Support in UNHRC Is Not a Given"
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UNHCR Should Focus On The Sovereignty Of The Oppressed Not Of The Oppressors

By Edi tor on February 27, 2021

By Ranjith C. Perera – Ranjith C. Perera Most countries when confronted with human right violations in their countries they hide behind the ‘sovereignty’ principle of the UNHRC. Most recent case is the report on human rights violations by the Sri Lankan government. Besides the human rights questions related to 30 year civil war, 2021 preliminary report sent to Sri Lanka, it is… Continue reading "UNHCR Should Focus On The Sovereignty Of The Oppressed Not Of The Oppressors"
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Lanka’s (Executioner) Ambassador In Geneva Set To Align With World’s Worst Human Rights Violators

By Edi tor on February 27, 2021

However Sri Lanka’s ambassador took the floor in support of Eritrea. Candauda Chandraprema said the Council should limit its interventions to the Universal Periodic Review, a once in four years review of each UN country. Sri Lanka criticized country specific actions on Eritrea and called on the UN not to interfere into internal affairs of countries. Eritrea’s government remains one… Continue reading "Lanka’s (Executioner) Ambassador In Geneva Set To Align With World’s Worst Human Rights Violators"
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UNHRC sessions: What Lanka should have done

By Edi tor on February 27, 2021

The United Nations Human Rights Council is in session and Sri Lanka is among the countries that have come before its scanner. It is a slur on Sri Lanka’s reputation when it is being lumped together with big time human rights violators such as Israel, Syria and North Korea, with member-state after member-state taking the floor to act like prosecutor, the… Continue reading "UNHRC sessions: What Lanka should have done"
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UNHRC sessions: What Lanka should have done

By Edi tor on February 27, 2021

In 2009, Amnesty International published a book titled “Twenty Years of Make-Believe – Sri Lanka’s Commissions of Inquiry” which was highly critical of the incumbent and past governments of the country for their handling of human rights. And as the very title of the book suggests the Amnesty International decried the intention of past governments of Sri Lanka in appointing… Continue reading "UNHRC sessions: What Lanka should have done"
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SL has Human Rights standard of China

By Edi tor on February 27, 2021

China has commended the government of Sri Lanka for its efforts to actively promote and protect human rights, advance sustainable economic and social development, improve people’s living standard, protect the rights of the vulnerable groups, advance national reconciliation and combat terrorism. Chinese Permanent Representative in Geneva Ambassador CHEN Xu extended China’s strong support to Sri Lanka in his official statement… Continue reading "SL has Human Rights standard of China"
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US calls for strategy & timetable to implement OHCHR report’s recommendations on SL

By Edi tor on February 27, 2021

United States has urged Sri Lanka to make public a strategy and timetable for the implementation of recommendations in the report compiled by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. Daniel Kronenfeld of the US mission in Geneva informed the UN Human Rights Council that the United States shares the concerns of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner… Continue reading "US calls for strategy & timetable to implement OHCHR report’s recommendations on SL"
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UN to act on report despite objections

By Edi tor on February 27, 2021

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is to implement recommendations in a report tabled at the UN Human Rights Council, despite objections raised by Sri Lanka. The United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-nashif said that the report by the High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, which was formally tabled at… Continue reading "UN to act on report despite objections"
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Prince Charles ‘nearly drew blood’ laughing in Sri Lanka & was taken to underpant factory

By Edi tor on February 18, 2021

PRINCE CHARLES, 72, has been all over the world on behalf of the Royal Family. Not all royal visits have gone smoothly, however, with a state visit to Sri Lanka proving very chaotic indeed, as one author detailed. “‘Have you got your bullet-proof vests?’ he joked to the accompanying press pack (some of whom actually had). “No sooner had the… Continue reading "Prince Charles ‘nearly drew blood’ laughing in Sri Lanka & was taken to underpant factory"
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Tamil politics is taking a new direction- The Pottuvil to Polikandi pada yatra

By Edi tor on February 18, 2021

by Dr Nirmala Chandrahasan For some time now the Tamil political parties and the Tamil polity have been looking to the international community to settle their problems. Thus much reliance has been placed on the Human Rights Council’s resolutions and the Geneva processes. Although this is one avenue it is not the only one. The international processes are also dependant… Continue reading "Tamil politics is taking a new direction- The Pottuvil to Polikandi pada yatra"
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Who is Lying? SL President or US Ambassador?

By Edi tor on February 18, 2021

President Rajapaksa’s Office Strongly Denies Allegation by Ex- US Ambassador for War Crimes and Global Criminal Justice Stephen Rapp that Gotabaya as Def Secy had admitted to Killing LTTE Surrendees saying ““I killed them, I killed them, I killed them,” “I Killed Them, I Killed Them”: Ex-US War Crimes Ambassador Says Gota Told Him About Surrendering LTTE Leaders Former US… Continue reading "Who is Lying? SL President or US Ambassador?"
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What If There Is A Showdown In Geneva?

By Edi tor on February 18, 2021

By Kumar David – Prof. Kuma David Within five days of your reading this the UNHRC Sessions will commence in Geneva. It is still not certain how the battle-lines on the Sri Lanka confrontation will unfold. Thinking, at this moment seems to be that the Core Group (UK, Canada, Germany and two small nations) will table a tough resolution on the lines… Continue reading "What If There Is A Showdown In Geneva?"
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Post-P2P, Pre-Geneva: The GR Regime’s Zero-Option Offer To The Tamils

By Edi tor on February 18, 2021

Prof Rohan Gunaratna’s bottom-line can be credibly taken as the Gotabaya presidency’s bottom-line: “After the military defeat of the LTTE in May 2009, Sri Lankans are unwilling to devolve land, police and financial powers to the provinces.” Police powers are controversial and can be introduced in phases, linked to the behavior of the Provincial Council, but what meaning can devolution… Continue reading "Post-P2P, Pre-Geneva: The GR Regime’s Zero-Option Offer To The Tamils"
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SL will not backtrack on a decision to give three renewable power projects to China

By Edi tor on February 18, 2021

The Government yesterday said it will not backtrack on a decision to give three renewable power projects to Chinese companies, despite disapproval expressed by India. Cabinet Co-Spokesman Udaya Gammanpila told the weekly briefing that Power Minister Dullas Allahaperuma had not presented an alternative proposal requesting a change. “Therefore, the previous decision of the Cabinet stands. There has been no change,”… Continue reading "SL will not backtrack on a decision to give three renewable power projects to China"
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SL to tender home-grown resolution that will never grow.

By Edi tor on February 18, 2021

GoSL and Core Group to go separate ways Gaps in GoSL needs and Core Group hopes: Sumanthiran The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the “Core Group of Countries for Sri Lanka” are likely to go on divergent paths at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Session in Geneva, with all signs pointing to a home-grown resolution by Sri… Continue reading "SL to tender home-grown resolution that will never grow."
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Sangakkara’s Lord’s centuries to be celebrated on Father Time Wall

By Edi tor on February 18, 2021

By Bipin Dani Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara’s centuries at Lords, will be part of the Lord’s Father Time Wall that will celebrate the 100 greatest milestones at the grounds. “In terms of Sri Lankan achievements, Kumar Sangakkara scoring Test and One-Day International centuries at Lord’s within a fortnight (2014) is included”, Adam Matthews, the Media and Communications Officer… Continue reading "Sangakkara’s Lord’s centuries to be celebrated on Father Time Wall"
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Sri Lanka all but Chinese colony

By Edi tor on February 18, 2021

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has all but become a colony of China and trade unionists and others who vehemently opposed a recent deal with India haven’t said a word in protest, Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said. Speaking to the privately owned NewsFirst network yesterday at a ceremony marking the death anniversary of her late husband Vijaya Kumaratunga, the former… Continue reading "Sri Lanka all but Chinese colony"