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Female Sri Lankan politician gains refugee status in NZ amid threats

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An aspiring Sri Lankan politician – who was sidelined because she was a woman – found her house surrounded by gunmen, and was also a victim of sextortion, a tribunal has heard.

The 32-year-old has been granted refugee status in New Zealand.

She said a prominent MP’s associates suggested she should have sex with him to further her career and now held a grudge against her, after a friend posted on social media about the incident.

He ran in presidential elections in 2020 in Sri Lanka, but did not succeed.

After her brother-in-law died in a motorcycle crash, a note was found on his coffin at his funeral, saying she would be next to be killed.

She received two threatening phone calls and a motorbike was ridden directly towards her at speed.

The immigration and protection tribunal heard that a group of men firing gunshots gathered around her house demanding she leave politics, the day before regional elections in 2018.

The tribunal said country sources suggested that harassment of women in politics in Sri Lanka was escalating.

“The appellant has told the tribunal that she would not dare to become involved in politics again in Sri Lanka for fear for her life. She states that entering politics was ‘the worst decision of my life’ and that she ‘lost herself’ and feels ‘dead inside’.”

She feared the politician would kill her if she returned to Sri Lanka in ‘revenge against her for destroying his political career’.

Her parents’ house caught fire in 2022, which she believed may also have been his doing by capitalising on a period of unrest.

A friend’s evidence summarised what happened: “She has been prevented from pursuing a political career owing to threats from various persons in opposing parties and from [the MP], who attempted to force her into a sexual relationship with him. A friend recorded this matter publicly on Facebook and the post received over a hundred views before the friend was forced to take it down.”

(rnz.co.nz)

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Daycare centres for children with Autism & Neurodevelopmental disorders

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The Sri Lankan government is moving forward with plans to establish a national network of daycare and therapy centres for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has directed officials to prepare a detailed concept proposal within two weeks, following discussions held yesterday (July 09) at the Presidential Secretariat. 

This initiative, championed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, aims to create a coordinated system involving multiple ministries and government departments, with the Presidential Secretariat overseeing implementation.  
The programme will utilise a Rs 250 million allocation from this year’s budget, channelled through the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs to district-level administrators. Key aspects of the plan include developing specialised human resources, creating a scientifically validated care model and establishing clear operational guidelines. During yesterday’s meeting, officials emphasised the need for an integrated approach that brings together healthcare providers, social services and education specialists to ensure comprehensive support for affected children and their families.  

Senior government figures attending the planning session included Kapila Janaka Bandara, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, K.D.R. Olga Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Sampath Manthrinayake, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security & Community Infrastructure,  H.A. Hema Perera, Additional Secretary, Darshani Karunaratne, Director, Department of Social Services  and representatives from health, social services and rural development ministries. Medical specialists such as Dr. Varuni Rasadi from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Asiri Hewamalage, Deputy Director (Community Health) and Dr. Santhushitha Senadhipathi from the Lady Ridgeway Hospital also attended the discussions.  

(President’s Media Division)

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Final grand procession of Ruhunu Kataragama Esala Perahera, tonight

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The final grand procession of the Esala Perahera at the historic Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya is set to take place tonight (July 10).

This marks the culmination of a 14-day religious and cultural festival.As per tradition, the Perahera will proceed to the Kiri Vehera Rajamaha Viharaya, exit through the main gate of the temple courtyard, and head toward the Valliamma Devalaya along the outer street.

After completing the sacred rituals there, the procession will return to the Maha Devalaya, passing Sri Abhirama Viharaya and Basnayake Nilame’s residence, concluding the festival in a grand spiritual display.

The Diya Kapeema (water-cutting ceremony) will take place tomorrow (July 11) at the Jeevamali Ferry on the Menik Ganga, marking the sacred conclusion of this year’s Esala celebrations.

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Internet access to all secondary schools by 2026 end – PM

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The government hopes to provide internet access to all secondary schools in Sri Lanka by the end of 2026.

Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya said this in Parliament yesterday (July 09).

She said that as a start up towards fulfilling this goal, the Government has introduced Rs.5,000 unlimited data packages to schools in the country.

The Prime Minister also revealed that a National Education Management System is being developed at present with the support received from the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative.

The Education Minister said that plans are afoot to provide smart boards and other relevant computer equipment and accessories to around 1,000 schools in the country initially and stated that Cabinet approval has been already received in this regard.

She further informed the House that the Government has made a decision to distribute 1,900 smart boards to 1,500 schools in the country that badly require them.

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