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‘Disabled but not handicapped’
Mahinda Edirisooriya, 48, who lives in Ibbagamuwa in the Kurunegala district, was among the many disabled war veterans who staged the fast unto death, which lasted for nearly 20-days, in last September. The veterans agitation drew much attention as the fast which began with five soldiers in front of the Fort Railway station, triggered a social outcry by concerned public in the acute absence of response from the previous government.
Govt. well geared and focused to face radicalisation, religious extremism and other future threats - Defence Secretary
Attributing radicalisation, re-emergence of terrorism, separatism, religious extremism, organised crimes, drug trafficking and internal disturbances like strikes to main challenges, Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said the Government was well geared and in full focus to ensure country’s national security.
Police, Navy and Army intensify fight against drug smuggling
The Defence Ministry has given instructions to security forces, including the Police, to intensify raids on widespread illegal drug smuggling, including kerala ganja (cannabis), to eradicate drug menace and also to prevent illegal drugs coming into the country.
Sri Lanka hopes UNHRC would recognise ground realities – Minister Gunawardena
The Government said at today’s UNHRC session that Sri Lanka, in keeping with its consistent policy of continued engagement with the Human Rights Council, wished to respond to the current Report of the High Commissioner and would engage in a constructive discussion with this august assembly today, with the sincere hope that this Council would recognize the realities on the ground.
Over 200,000 security forces personnel to get ‘Virusara’ privilege cards
The Defence Ministry has decided to issue ‘Virusara Privilege Cards’ (VPCs) to over 200,000 security forces personnel, including families of fallen war heroes and disabled soldiers to provide them discounts from public and private sector institutions.
Sri Lanka is committed to achieve goals set on accountability and human rights - Minister Gunawardena
The Government said although it has withdrawn from co-sponsorship of Resolution 40/1 on ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’, Sri Lanka remains committed to achieving the goals set by the people of Sri Lanka on accountability and human rights, towards sustainable peace and reconciliation.
Defense Ministry to expedite ‘Virusumithuru’ housing project for families of fallen and disabled soldiers
The Defence Ministry is to expedite the ‘Virusumithuru' housing project, which has been designed to address the housing needs of families of fallen and disabled soldiers.
LTTE terrorism defeated militarily but few Tamil politicians still propagate its ideology – Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said although the Sri Lankan military had completely defeated LTTE terrorism militarily 10-years ago, the challenge of defeating its separatist ideology still remained as some Tamil politicians were attempting to propagate it in the minds of Tamil people.
Malaysia AG Faces Calls to Resign After Dropping Terror Charges
Malaysian Attorney-General Tommy Thomas faced calls to resign after he dropped terrorism charges against 12 people who were alleged to have links to Sri Lanka’s Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Govt briefs UNHRC President on decision to withdraw from Resolution 40/1
Foreign Ministry Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha affirmed the Human Rights Council (HRC) President Ambassador Elisabeth Fisslberger on the Sri Lankan Government’s decision to withdraw from its co-sponsorship of resolution 40/1.
LTTE will remain a listed terror organization says Malaysia’s Home Minister
“The defunct terrorist organization Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will remain as a listed terrorist organization”, said Malaysia’s Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
Japanese Navy ship ‘Takanami’ departs the island
The Japanese Navy ship “Takanami” which arrived in Sri Lanka on 21st February 2020, departed the island, today (23rd February 2020).
Task Force set up to expedite CID probe into Easter Sunday terrorist attacks
The Defence Ministry has established a Task Force (TF) to monitor the progress to speed up the on-going investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into last year’s Easter Sunday serial terrorist attacks in the country, which had claimed more than 250 lives.
Defence Ministry strongly denies allegations by HRW on keeping missing person’s families on its radar
The Defence Ministry vehemently denies the accusations by the Human Rights Watch (HRW), which claimed that families of enforced disappearance and activists supporting them are under the microscope of the Sri Lankan Security Forces and intelligence agencies.
Sri Lanka needs a disciplined and professional Police force - Defence Secretary
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne emphasised the need of a disciplined and professional Police force to maintain peace, law and order in the country.
Firearm licence applications are now available on defence.lk
* Private security firms registration applications also available
During the recently announced grace period, 200 firearms without valid permits or with no renewed permits have been handed over to Police stations in nine provinces.
Defence Ministry to submit a new Cabinet paper to solve pension issues of disabled soldiers
• Technical discrepancies over pension payments for disabled war veterans, families and widows to be resolved
Defence Ministry will submit a new Cabinet paper to solve existing issues related to pensions and allowances to disabled persons of armed forces and the police, soon.
Police and intelligence units to raid illegal weapons
With the conclusion of the week- long firearms amnesty, the Police together with other intelligence agencies have commenced raiding illegal firearms.
Turkey looks forward in sharing SL’s experiences in countering terrorism
Turkey looks forward in sharing Sri Lanka’s experiences in combating terrorism and enhancing intelligence sharing in a combined effort to combat violent fundamental extremism.
Afghanistan to support Sri Lanka in anti-drug trafficking
Afghanistan Ambassador to Sri Lanka M. Asharf Haidari pledged that Afghanistan would provide its assistance to Sri Lanka in countering drug trafficking in the South Asian region.
Coronavirus epidemic and China’s slowdown: Economic impact on Sri Lanka
On 28 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) a global emergency. The new virus emerged in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province in China but has now spread to at least 27 other countries, including Sri Lanka.
Govt. strongly objected US’s travel ban on Army Chief
The Government has conveyed Sri Lanka’s strong objections on the imposition of travel restrictions on Sri Lanka’s Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Lt. Gen.Shavendra Silva and immediate family, today.
Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry seek explanation from EU regarding job role of its employee Yasmin Sooka
Part of Sri Lanka’s problem has been not to challenge some of the lies being propagated by the power of funding sources both legitimate and illegitimate.
Chartered from Wuhan and quarantined at Diyathalawa
A Sri Lankan story on Corona virus :
Sri Lanka strongly objects US imposing travel ban on Army Chief
While strongly objecting to the imposition of travel restrictions on Army Commander Lt. Gen. Silva and his immediate family by the US, the Government has requested the US to verify the authenticity of the sources of information and to review its decision.