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USAID freeze impacts key UN projects in SL

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The pause in US foreign assistance is affecting many important programmes in Sri Lanka, including ones critical to advancing food security, economic reforms, democratic governance, anti-corruption, border security, and orderly migration management, according to Marc-André Franche, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka.

He said these programmes were being carried out with the support of civil society, the private sector and development partners.

“For the United Nations in Sri Lanka, the US assistance represents about 12 percent of its annual budget across 10 ongoing programmes. They include partnerships in support of government priorities in agriculture and climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness, youth entrepreneurship, and border and maritime security,” Mr. Franche told the Sunday Times.

US President Donald Trump announced earlier this month that his country would undertake a general review of US funding and involvement in the United Nations. He also announced the US was withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), reviewing its membership in the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and cutting aid to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The UN Resident Coordinator said the US was a leading partner of the world body, and with the leadership and generosity of the US, the UN could operate in the world’s most troubled places, saving lives and contributing to global stability and security.

He said the UN was engaging with its various US government partners to provide any additional information on its programmes and re-initiate cooperation as soon as possible.

“Thanks to the generosity of donors, led by the US, the UN assists and protects more than 100 million people every year through humanitarian programmes. The UN promotes peace and prevents war. US funding for the UN’s development work helps build a peaceful, stable society, which advances US foreign policy, national security and economic interests,” he said.

Mr. Franche said the UN hopes the US will resume assistance as soon as possible to all its partners.

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

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Harshana Suriyapperuma resigns from Parliament

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Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, who served as the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, has resigned from Parliament. 

He is reportedly tipped to be appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Finance after the retirement of Mahinda Siriwardana at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of Parliament – Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission in writing that a vacancy has arisen in Parliament due to the resignation of Dr. Suriyapperuma.

Dr. Suriyapperuma, a National List Member of Parliament representing the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Stabilization, submitted his letter of resignation to the Secretary General of Parliament.According to the letter submitted by Dr. Suriyapperuma, the resignation is effective from June 20, 2025.

Accordingly, the Secretary General has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission that, in terms of Section 64(5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981, the seat held by Dr. Harsha Suriyapperuma in the Tenth Parliament is now vacant.

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit SL

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from June 23 – 26, 2025. 

This marks the first visit by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Sri Lanka since February 2016.
During the visit, the High Commissioner is scheduled to call on the President and the Prime Minister. He will also hold meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, several other Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior Government officials, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic community, and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.

As part of the programme, the High Commissioner will travel to Kandy where he will pay respects to The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and call on the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters. He will also travel to Jaffna and Trincomalee where he will meet with the Governors of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Substantive discussions during the visit will focus on further advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and reconciliation, in line with the Government of Sri Lanka’s ongoing constructive engagement with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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3 DMT officials remanded until July 07

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Three officials from the Narahenpita branch of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), including the Deputy Commissioner, have been remanded until July 07 following allegations of accepting bribes totaling nearly Rs. 04 million.

The suspects were presented before Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga earlier today (June 20) and court ordered their continued detention as investigations are continuing.Authorities allege that the officials solicited bribes from members of the public seeking vehicle licenses and registration services with these bribes reportedly discovered in their possession during the arrest.

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