Connect with us

News

End impunity for Lasantha’s killing – AI (Pics)

Published

on

Today (Jan. 08) marks the 15th death anniversary of renowned Sri Lankan journalist – Lasantha Wickrematunge.

A graveside memorial was held this morning at the Borella Cemetary in the presence of family, friends, colleagues and activists.

Mr. Wickrematunge, a leading journalist and an outspoken critic of the Rajapaksa regime, was brutally murdered in Aththidiya, Rathmalana while he was driving to work, by an two assailants on 2009 Jan. 08.

Following the government change in 2015, his body was exhumed in 2016 for a fresh autopsy.

Today, the investigation into Wickrematunge’s murder has stalled and his killers still remain at large.

In 2019 April, Lasantha Wickramatunge’s daughter – Ahimsa Wickramatunge filed a case against former President and former Defence Secretary – Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a US court, over the murder of her father.

In a X post, Amnesty International has called on the government of Sri Lanka to end impunity for late journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge’s killing.

(Pics – X Feed of Marianne David)

News

Harshana Suriyapperuma resigns from Parliament

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

News

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit SL

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

News

3 DMT officials remanded until July 07

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved