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Nagapattinam – KKS ferry service resumes

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The passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, which was earlier launched in October 2023, resumed today (Aug. 16).

The ferry ‘Sivagangai’ run by a private operator, IndSri Ferry Services, completed its maiden journey between Nagapattinam and KKS in approximately 4 hours with around 50 passengers on board, the Indian High Commission in Colombo states in a media release. 

The passengers were welcomed at the KKS port by the Consul General of India at Jaffna.

This signifies broader efforts to enhance maritime connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. 

The media release further notes that in order to make service more affordable for passengers, the Government of India has decided to provide financial assistance of over LKR 25 million per month, for a period of one year, to cover relevant charges and operating costs at Nagapattinam port. Similarly, the Government of Sri Lanka has reduced the deviation tax currently charged to passengers leaving Sri Lanka by passenger vessels and ships.

Future plans include the exploration of additional routes and services that will further expand connectivity and economic collaboration.

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NAHTTF issues warning on cyber scam centers and human trafficking

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Sri Lanka’s National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) has issued a serious warning about a rising trend in forced criminality linked to cyber scam centers in Myanmar.

Human traffickers are actively targeting young IT professionals through fraudulent job offers abroad, it said issuing a statement today.

Investigations reveal that traffickers are luring victims with promises of high-paying IT positions in countries like Thailand.

However, unsuspecting individuals are taken to transit countries such as Dubai for supposed job interviews before being forcibly moved across borders. Many end up in Myanmar, where they are coerced into working at cyber scam centers under brutal conditions, including physical abuse, torture, and electrocution, it said.

“We strongly advise against illegal migration routes,” the NAHTTF warned. “Job seekers must avoid opportunities that require travel on visit visas, as this violates the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act.”

The task force urges the public to pursue safe and legal migration options through authorized channels, remain vigilant, and report suspicious trafficking activities. Protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation is a top priority.

Reports of suspicious activity can be made to the NAHTTF via the following:

– Phone: 0112102570 / 076 844 7700
– Email: [email protected]

The statement added that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality and that public cooperation is crucial in dismantling dangerous trafficking networks and saving lives.

(daiilynews.lk)

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FR petition challenges Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan

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Former IUSF convener Wasantha Mudalige has filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the government’s decision to restructure Sri Lanka’s international sovereign bonds. 

The petition claims the restructuring, which increased the debt from USD 16.4 billion to USD 19.1 billion, has violated citizens’ basic human rights by imposing a significant economic burden.

The petition names the Finance Minister, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, and the Governor of the Central Bank as respondents. 

Mudalige argues that changes in interest rates under the restructuring program have worsened the debt situation for the country.

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No decision to arrest Shani Abeysekera & Ravi Seneviratne – AG

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The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court today (20) that no decision has been made to arrest former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Shani Abeysekera, and former Senior DIG in charge of the CID Ravi Seneviratne, in connection with the investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks.

This was stated during the hearing of fundamental rights petitions filed by Ravi Seneviratne and Shani Abeysekera, seeking an order preventing them from being arrested in connection with investigations into a complaint made by a group of police officers, including former DIG Palitha Siriwardhane.

The relevant petition was taken up before a three-member Supreme Court judge bench consisting of Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Achala Vengappuli and Mahinda Samayawardhena.

The Deputy Solicitor General, representing the Attorney General, stated that the CID has sought advice from the Attorney General regarding the investigations.

He further informed the court that the investigations are still in the preliminary stages and that no decision has been made to arrest the petitioners at this moment.

However, he added that if sufficient evidence emerges to warrant their arrest, a motion will be filed informing the court of such a decision.

(adaderana.lk)

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

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