The Ministry of Defence has learned that a number of retired war veterans who had immensely devoted their lives to defend the country during the 30 – year long terrorist war have got caught to a scheme by some illegal foreign job agents and have sent to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as members of mercenary groups.

It is also revealed that a significant number of war veterans have died and sustained injuries at the battlefield. It is regrettable that such war veterans who have served and retired with honour in the armed forces of Sri Lanka are acting as mercenaries in foreign countries. These war veterans have left to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as mercenaries after being duped by these human traffickers who had promised them opportunity to join the foreign army, handsome salary, citizenship in those countries and other benefits. However, neither the serving nor the injured had received any salaries or benefits and these traffickers have not even given any sort of compensation to the families of those injured or the dead. Further, they have failed to provide any information of the whereabouts of those war veterans to their families as well.

The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are making great efforts to obtain factual information about the war veterans and casualties at the Russian-Ukrainian war front.

The Defence Secretary has made a special request to the war veterans not to be caught to such illegal schemes and put their lives at risk by joining foreign mercenary groups and also think of the plight of their families before doing so.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police and Intelligence agencies have launched extensive operations to arrest such illegal human traffickers and several people involved in it have already been taken into custody.

While emphasizing that these war veterans who are Sri Lankan citizens cannot be allowed to be used as mercenaries in foreign land and put their lives at risk, the Defence Secretary further states that the law will be strictly enforced against the illegal human smugglers, establishments and others involved in these illegal activities.

(defence.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by defence.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has filed a Fundamental Rights Petition (SC FR 110/2024) in the Supreme Court, challenging the appointment of W. Kanishka D. Wijeratne as the Director General (DG) of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), anti- corruption watchdog said.

Mr. Wijeratne, who had previously served as the DG of CIABOC since January 2020, was reappointed to the same position on April 2, 2024, following the enactment of the new Anti-Corruption Act.

TISL’s petition contends that Mr. Wijeratne’s appointment violates provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, lacks procedural integrity and transparency. TISL requests the Supreme Court to nullify the appointment or alternatively direct the authorities to remove Mr. Wijeratne and appoint a new DG in accordance with the law. 

The petition further argued that he does not meet all statutory requirements and criteria for the DG role. 

The respondents in the petition include the Attorney General, Members of the Constitutional Council, Secretary General of the Constitutional Council, Chairman, Commissioners, and DG of CIABOC, as well as candidates shortlisted for the DG position. 

TISL notes that the case has been filed in the public interest, to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution. The organization urges the Supreme Court to issue an interim order preventing Mr. Wijeratne from acting as DG pending the hearing and final decision of the petition. 

Highlighting the broader implications of the case, TISL notes the potential economic and reputational consequences of allowing procedural irregularities to persist unchecked. The petition emphasizes that “the failure to streamline and rectify the missteps would have adverse ripple effects on the credibility of the fight against corruption, the economy, and international reputation unless immediate action is taken forthwith”.  

In addition to seeking legal redress, TISL calls upon the Constitutional Council and the CIABOC to establish clear and transparent guidelines for future appointments to the DG position, ensuring accountability and integrity in the process.

(sundaytimes.lk)

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

The Supreme Court issued a Writ Order revoking State Minister Diana Gamage’s Membership in Parliament today (May 08).
This verdict came in response to a petition filed by social activist – Oshala Herath.

The petition pointed out that according to the constitution, Diana cannot hold a parliamentary position as she is a British citizen.