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SL’s first-ever National Action Plan on WPS presented

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Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki, and the Head of UN Women in Sri Lanka – Ramaaya Salgado presented Sri Lanka’s first-ever National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) to State Minister of Women and Child Affairs – Geetha Samanmalee Kumarasinghe.

The Action plan was presented on Dec. 06.

“This action plan provides a clear roadmap to provide targeted support for women who have been affected by conflict and crises. Its adoption is a critical step forward in ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind in recovery efforts”, said Hon. Geetha Samanmalee Kumarasinghe, State Minister of Women and Child Affairs.

As the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security goes into its twenty second year, its reach – both globally and regionally – has grown significantly, with an increasing number of countries formulating and implementing National Action Plans developed in consultation with G7 countries’ representatives in Sri Lanka including Japan, women’s groups and civil society.

With its own National Action Plan now ready for Cabinet adoption, Sri Lanka stands poised to join the number of states committed to implement the Women, Peace and Security Agenda which calls for greater participation of women in peacebuilding and recovery efforts.

Emphasizing this, Ramaaya Salgado, Head of Office at UN Women Sri Lanka noted, “peace and development can only be sustainable when women have an equal seat at the table and when their voices are included in decisions that affect their lives”.

The National Action Plan is based on consultations in each of the 25 districts with women who were directly and indirectly affected by conflict, local government officials, and representatives from civil society and local activists. It was developed with technical support from UN Women as part of a 3-year joint partnership between the Government of Japan, the Government of Sri Lanka and UN Women on the ‘Implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Sri Lanka’ funded by the Government of Japan.

Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki emphasized; “the Government of Japan encourages the timely adoption of this National Action Plan by the Cabinet and hopes its implementation to ensure practical measures for protection and empowerment of women in Sri Lanka”.

The adoption of the National Action Plan will provide a key framework to address issues affecting women and girls in Sri Lanka, as it is very much relevant to how Sri Lanka adapts and responds to the crisis and its challenges.

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Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

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Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka, widely revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning (May 24) at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanni Arachchige Malani Senehelatha Fonseka, she later rose to fame in Sri Lankan cinema under the name Malani Fonseka.

Fonseka began her acting career on stage in 1963 and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with the film Punchi Baba.

She won the Most Popular Actress award in 1973 and has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award, Sarasavi Award, OCIC Award, and Sumathi Award, with several honors for Best Actress.

Plays such as Nidhanaya, Bambaru Awitha, Wekande Walawwa, Aradhana, and Ammawarune are regarded as outstanding works that showcased the acting talents of Malani Fonseka.

Beyond her artistic achievements, she entered politics in 2010 and served as a National List Member of Parliament until 2015.

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12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

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The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

  • Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
  • Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
  • Kaduwela
  • Battaramulla
  • Kolonnawa
  • Kotikawatta
  • Mulleriyawa
  • IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
  • Maharagama
  • Dehiwala
  • Mount Lavinia
  • Ratmalana and Moratuwa

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Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

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The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

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