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LGBTQ+ community celebrates pride with vibrant parade in Colombo

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Hundreds of members of Sri Lanka’s LGBTQ+ community paraded through the streets of Colombo on Sunday (16) to mark Pride Month and demand an end to discrimination. 

The marchers carried rainbow flags and placards calling for a ban on conversion therapies, an end to police harassment, and equal treatment.

However, last year’s anti-government protests amid an unprecedented economic crisis have emboldened the LGBTQ+ community, organizers said.

Despite the growing visibility, Sri Lanka’s laws still criminalize homosexuality, with a bill pending before Parliament to decriminalize it.

The event, themed “Stronger Together,” was one of many organized by Sri Lanka’s LGBT+ community.

For Equal Ground, the organization behind Sunday’s march, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Pride celebrations.

“The Colombo Pride Festival started during the war. We didn’t take to the streets because it wasn’t safe,” Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, LGBTQ+ rights activist and founder of Equal Ground, told the media.

Rosanna, emphasized that this year’s march had the character of a silent protest for community rights, adding, “We want it to be a safe and happy place for everyone.”

Navoda Bennet, a non-binary trans fashion designer who identifies as feminine, wore an outfit of her own design and enthusiastically joined the LGBTQ+ community in Narahenpita, Colombo, to celebrate her culture.

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Range Bandara’s son granted bail

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UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara’s son Yasodha Range Bandara, who was arrested in connection with a car accident in Karuwalagaswewa area in Puttalam, has been granted bail by the Puttalam Magistrate’s Court.

However, the court has temporarily suspended his driving license.

After being presented to the court, the Acting Puttalam Magistrate has ordered the suspect to be released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000.

He was arrested by officers following a vehicular accident that occurred early this morning (29). 

The incident had occurred at around 4.30 a.m. in the Elephant Pass area near the 7th Mile Post, Mee-Oya, Karuwalagaswewa.

The car driven by Yasodha Range Bandara had reportedly veered off the road and collided with a three-wheeler. 

The driver of the three-wheeler had sustained serious injuries in the crash and has been admitted to the Puttalam Base Hospital for treatment.

Karuwalagaswewa Police are conducting further investigations into the accident.

Yasodha Range Bandara had previously been arrested and remanded over a car accident in 2018.

(adaderana.lk)

This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Four fishermen die after consuming unknown liquid

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Four fishermen have died after consuming a liquid from a bottle they found adrift at sea.

Director General of Fisheries, Susantha Kahawatte, reported that two other fishermen who also consumed the liquid are in critical condition and are being brought back to shore.

The Sri Lanka Navy stated that the bottle was discovered approximately 320 nautical miles south of Tangalle. Medical advice was provided to the sailors by the Navy.

Police revealed that the multiday fishing trawler had departed from Tangalle fishing harbour on June 4th for fishing activities.

In response, the fishing community in Tangalle staged a protest on Saturday evening, demanding that the critically ill fishermen be brought ashore. 

Protesters blocked the Tangalle-Matara main road in Pallikkudawa, causing significant disruption to vehicular movement.

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Chris Rogers considered for head coach of Sri Lanka cricket team

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is reportedly considering appointing Australian Chris Rogers as the new head coach of the national cricket team.

Rogers, 46, currently coaches the Victoria state team and is a former opening batsman for Australia. 

SLC has initiated discussions with Rogers and two other foreign candidates, with Rogers being the youngest among them.

SLC aims to finalize the new head coach appointment before the upcoming tournament in India.

In addition, SLC has expressed dissatisfaction with the current foreign bowling coach’s performance, indicating potential further changes in the coaching staff.

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