Raising concerns over the recent death of a youth while in the custody of the Welikada Police, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called upon the Acting Inspector General of Police to ensure the conduct of an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident.
“In the early hours of 02nd April 2025 a youth died while in the custody of the Welikada Police, due to fatal injuries. It has been reported that the said injuries were self-inflicted and that the youth was not in a proper mental state. It is also reported that the youth was taken to the Mulleriyawa Hospital where he succumbed to the said injuries,” the statement said.
The BASL also criticized the slow response of authorities in taking meaningful action to prevent such incidents and urged the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy toward custodial deaths. It further pledged support for capacity-building measures within the Police Department to improve accountability and prevent abuse.
“The BASL will closely monitor the developments in this respect, and would take whatever measures that may be necessary to ensure due process is followed and that the rule of law is ensured,” it adds.
NSBM Green University (NSBM) has entered into a landmark partnership with American University (AU),Washington, USA, to deliver an exclusive transfer pathway for bachelor’s degrees in Sri Lanka.
This partnership enables Sri Lankan students to commence their degree studies at NSBM Green University and seamlessly transfer toAU to complete the final two years, earning an internationally recognized American University degree in Business Administration.
The collaboration between NSBM and AU was initiated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the USA, under the guidance of Ambassador H.E. Mahinda Samarasinghe, with a strong commitment to identifying partnership opportunities for higher educational institutions in Sri Lanka. It stands as a significant milestone in NSBM’s global expansion efforts, with a commitment to offering students cost-effective, world-class educational opportunities.
The official signing ceremony of this landmark partnership took place on 4th April 2025 at NSBM Green University, Homagama, in the esteemed presence of Her Excellency Julie Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka. Representing the Vice Chancellor of NSBM Green University, Prof. E. A. Weerasinghe, the agreement was formally signed by Ms.Thilini De Silva, Dean of the Faculty of Business at NSBM, together with Ms. Tashina Giraud, Director of InternationalPartnerships and Strategic Initiatives at American University.
As part of the signing ceremony, Her Excellency Ambassador Julie Chung and the visiting dignitaries toured the NSBM Green University premises, engaging in discussions and exploring the campus. In honor of Her Excellency’s visit, a tree-planting ceremony was held at the NSBM Phase 2 site, where H.E. the Ambassador planted a Naa Tree – Sri Lanka’s national tree – underscoring the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and long-term growth.
Her Excellency Julie J. Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka
“It is a proud moment to witness this partnership between American University and NSBM Green University—apowerful reflection of the enduring ties between the United States and Sri Lanka. The United States continues to attract the brightest minds and foster innovations that shape the future. With the signing of this 2+2 agreement, SriLankan students now have the opportunity to pursue a world-class Business Administration degree—beginning their journey here in Sri Lanka and completing it in Washington, D.C. This collaboration not only equips students with valuable business leadership skills but also strengthens both our economies and lays the groundwork for future cooperation. It’s an investment in education that promotes long-term growth, prosperity, and mutual success.”
H.E. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the U.S.
“This marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s higher education that will enhance international engagement and open invaluable avenues for Sri Lankan students on the world stage. While I take immense pleasure in ourEmbassy’s role in facilitating this partnership, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to NSBM Green University andAmerican University for a truly transformative partnership.”
Prof. E. A. Weerasinghe, Vice Chancellor, NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka
“We, at NSBM Green University, always remain committed to expanding our global outreach. This partnership with American University reinforces this commitment while ushering a new era of international engagement. Weare deeply hopeful and excited about the world-class learning opportunities and global career prospects this collaboration brings to empower Sri Lanka’s youth for future success.”
Ms. Tashina Giraud, Director of International Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives, American University, USA “We are thrilled to collaborate with NSBM Green University in this exciting step towards expanding our global reach. This partnership will open many new pathways and enrich the academic experiences of students from both of our institutions. We look forward to a mutually enriching and fruitful collaboration through the exchange of knowledge and culture.”
Marking the end of the project “Pathways to Peace: Realizing the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security in Sri Lanka”, in-kind assistance ceremonies and Diversity Markets were held from 26h to 29th March in the Districts of Anuradhapura and Batticaloa supporting 206 women entrepreneurs.
The project is supported by the Government of Japan, which provides financial assistance amounting to 1.7 million USD.
Implemented by UN Women in collaboration with Chrysalis and supported generously by the Government of Japan, this initiative made substantial strides in empowering women-led businesses in conflict-affected areas, including Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Mannar, and Mullaitivu.
Through the implementation of the project, over 460 women entrepreneurs have gained valuable skills through targeted training in business planning, financial literacy, and product innovation. These capacity-building sessions have not only helped refine business models but have also been complemented by training on market access and technology transfer, promoting sustainable practices.This partnership reflects Japan’s enduring commitment to gender equality and inclusive progress, aligning with shared goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda. By fostering pathways to economic empowerment, the initiative contributes to lasting peace and development in Sri Lanka.