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Veteran Sri Lankan filmmaker Sumitra Peries passed away on Thursday (19).

Sumitra Peries (born 24 March 1934) was the first qualified Sri Lankan woman filmmaker and was known by all as the "Poetess of Sinhala Cinema".

Sumitra was married to the late, great Lester James Peries who was Considered as the father of Sri Lankan cinema.

With over 10 films to her name, and having worked as screenwriter, director, producer and even editor of documentaries, Sumitra has emerged as one of the country’s foremost cultural icons.

Sumitra also served as Sri Lanka's ambassador to France and Spain in 1996–1999 and was also appointed as the ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Nations by then- President Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaratunge.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena says that he will have to pay the compensation ordered by the Supreme Court in relation to the Easter Sunday attacks, by collecting funds with the help of his close friends.

Joining an event held in the Nittambuwa areas today (Jan. 15), the former president expressed that he is not a person who is rich enough to pay an amount of Rs. 100 million in compensation.

Spiking out for the first time with regard to the verdict of the Supreme Court, he said: “… the first thing is to respect the law. I am a person who bows my head to the court’s decisions,” he said.

Former President Sirisena mentioned that he was abroad and receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore, at the time of the Easter Sunday attacks, adding that none of the officials of the security forces notified him regarding the matter, despite receiving intelligence information in advance.

“Nearly 85 pages of this judgment include that although the officials had received information, the president had not been informed in any way regarding the matter”, Mr. Sirisena claimed.

The compensation was ordered to be paid with regard to a violation of fundamental human rights, he said, pointing out that the Supreme Court’s judgment has mentioned that if the officials appointed by the President committed any mistake, the President should also take responsibility for the mistakes committed by the said officials.

“The IGP is appointed by the President and the Defense Secretary is appointed by the President, but the Director of Intelligence Service is appointed by the IGP, not the President.”

“However, I have also been ordered to pay Rs. 100 million compensation, that I was also responsible for the non-fulfilment of the responsibilities by them.”

“I am not a person who has an economy to pay a compensation of Rs. 100 million. Me and my friends have decided that we will collect money from our close friends. At the time, I asked them if I should go beg under the Bodi tree in Colombo Fort.”

The Former President, who alleged that he has no income, also highlighted that he has submitted his assets declaration to Parliament each year, within the five years of his presidency.

“So, anyone can see my assets declaration under the Right to Information Act and if you need, you can check what I own.”

“Therefore, as one of my friends has decided, I hope to get the necessary support from my friends in this matter.”

“I personally say that for me, no matter what kind of challenges come my way, I don’t get hurt. I face any challenge with a smile.”

Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardane and Permanent Under Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom Sir Philip Barton have held discussions at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The Ministry mentioned that constructive bilateral engagement has taken place in the 75th year of UK-SL diplomatic relations.

Foreign Secretary Wijewardane has briefed the UK Permanent Under-Secretary on current developments in the country and the Government’s plans for 2023 as a year of socio-economic stabilization, reconciliation and recovery. Sir Philip Barton encouraged Sri Lanka’s efforts and reiterated the support of the UK in this regard, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

In view of the priority placed by Sri Lanka on economic recovery and growth, Foreign Secretary highlighted the significance of Sri Lanka’s economic partnership with the UK, under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) which provides duty-free access to the UK market, as well as in other sectors such as enhancing UK’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s tourism and skilled labour migration.

Thus, the two sides have appreciated the potential to further expand trade and investment ties, including reaction to climate change objectives, and in achieving Sri Lanka’s target of achieving 70% renewable energy by 2030.

Meanwhile, both sides reiterated their mutual interest to initiate a Sri Lanka – UK Dialogue in the first quarter of 2023, with a view to elevating the existing multifaceted engagement and working towards achieving tangible results through a result-oriented approach on several areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, the relevant ministry said further.

Foreign Secretary Wijewardane and the Permanent Under Secretary of the FCDO have also appreciated the vibrant people-to-people ties emanating from the significant community of Sri Lankan heritage in the UK. Foreign Secretary Wijewardane apprised the Permanent Under Secretary on the Government’s intent to further engage with the overseas Sri Lankan community to better harness their synergies for mutual benefit.

It has been agreed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of UK-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations this year in a manner reflective of the long-standing relations in a forward-looking and result-oriented manner, it added.

In an exchange of views on regional and international developments, Foreign Secretary Wijewardena briefed the Permanent Under Secretary on Sri Lanka’s policy priorities in Indian Ocean engagement, as well as the country’s assumption of the Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) this year.

During the visit, the Permanent Under Secretary Sir Barton called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, the State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe and the Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Sir Philip Barton was accompanied by the British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton and officials of the British High Commission and the UK FCDO. Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry also participated in the meeting, it said.

The Ceylon Electricty Board says that a special discussion will be held on Monday (16) regarding the continuous supply of electricity for the GCE Advanced Level Examinations.

The General Manager of the Board Rohan Senaviratne says that a request has been made by the Department of Education to provide a continuous supply of electricty before the exams, as per the exam schedule.

Accordingly he says that a final decision will be reached after the meeting on Monday.

Advice from the PUCSL will also be obtained in this regard.

A heated argument ensued in Parliament today between former President Maithripala Sirisena and Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka.

MP Fonseka pointed out that attempts were underway by the former President to collect money from the public to settle the Rs. 100 million compensation to be paid to the victims of the 2019 Easter attacks as ordered by the Supreme Court.

MP Fonseka further said that the country will have to face several issues if people like this who are collecting funds via tills in Pettah are elected as the President of the country.

Responding to him, former President Maithripala Sirisena said that a person who could not safeguard the Army headquarters from a bomb attack does not have the right to make any comments about him.

Maithripala Sirisena said that if money is being collected to assist him to pay the compensation, he will accept such collections.

Sirisena further reminded MP Sarath Fonseka, that he was the reason Fonseka was released from prison and reappointed as Field Marshall.

A high-level delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by International Department Vice Minister Chen Zhou landed at the Bandranaike International Airport, on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 14), the Chinese Embassy in Colombo tweeted.

"H.E. Chen Zhou, Vice Minister of the International Department, the Communist Party of China Central Committee has arrived at BIA just now and received warmly welcome," the Chinese Embassy tweet read.

The CPC delegation led by Chen Zhou will remain in Sri Lanka until the 18th of January.

According to the Chinese Embassy, the high-level Chinese delegation will attend an event to distribute essential school supplies and food packs worth around USD 60,000 to low-income families in the Pannila Village in Horana, on Sunday (Jan. 15).

This is the first official visit of the CPC to Sri Lanka after its 20th National Congress.

According to the Chinese Embassy, the CPC delegation is scheduled to meet leaders of the government and political parties of Sri Lanka.

The delegation will also host a briefing on the 20th CPC National Congress, to promote the China - Sri Lanka bilateral relations and inter-parties exchanges.

January 16 marked 150 days since IUSF convener Wasantha Mudalige was arrested and sent behind bars under the PTA.

The IUSF and several other groups protested in Colombo yesterday to demand his release.

A protest march by them came under water cannon and teargas fire.

Meanwhile, seven international human rights groups urged the government to immediately end Mudalige’s arbitrary incarceration.

The groups are Amnesty International, Forum Asia, CIVICUS, Frontline Defenders, Human Rights Watch, International Working Group on Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice.

In a statement, they said the government should immediately end the arbitrary detention of Mudalige.

“The abuse of counterterrorism legislation to arbitrarily detain a student activist involved in nonviolent protest has a chilling effect on the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.”

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called anti-government protesters “terrorists” and “fascists,” and threatened to renew a state of emergency and redeploy the military if fresh protests emerge amid the ongoing economic crisis.

The authorities have continued to pursue other activists alleged to have participated in the 2022 protests, the seven groups said.

“The Sri Lankan authorities should immediately impose a moratorium on the use of the PTA, and promptly repeal it,” they said.

They also said that the government should fully respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Not afraid of Govt. repression - IUBF convenor

Meanwhile, IUBF convener Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thera said they did not fear the government repression against student activists and protestors.

Acting convener of the IUSF Terrance Rodrigo questioned the basis for Mudalige’s detention for five months by terming protests as an act of terrorism.

Campaigns are continuing to demand Mudalige’s freedom, with the signing of 1,000 affidavits taking place at Galle Face green.

Mudalige and 18 others were arrested by the police during a protest by the IUSF in Colombo on August 18, and 15 of them were given bail.

Another was freed 50 days later, but Mudalige and Ven. Siridhamma Thera remained in detention for 90 days on a presidential order.

The Thera was ordered released 108 days later.

Former minister Reginald Cooray has passed away at the age of 75, the Director of Nagoda Hospital confirmed.

He has served as a member of parliament, Minister of Mass Media, Minister of Minor Export Crop Promotion, Minister of Aviation, Deputy Minister of Justice, Chief Minister of Western Province, Governor of the Northern Province, the Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Chairman of the state-run Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation (SLRC).

Cooray, who crossed over to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) during the presidential election in 2019, was holding the position of the Kalutara District electoral organiser of the SLFP at the time of his demise.

The government has decided to delay the salaries of certain state sector employees by a few days due to the current financial situation in Sri Lanka.

The Cabinet has granted approval to pay the salaries of non-executive state sector employees on time.

However, the Cabinet has approved to delay the salaries of executive-grade staff by a few days.

The government said its new income plan for the year 2023 has been implemented and that it will require a certain period of time to accumulate the expected income.

Thereby, the government will manage its expenses starting from January up to the next few months based on the income generated.

Thereby, a proposal put forward by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance to manage the government’s expenditure in accordance with the plans of the Treasury has received Cabinet approval.

The government said, therefore, the salaries of non-executive state sector employees will be paid on time, while the salaries of executive-grade staff will be delayed by a few days.

The judgment of the fundamental rights petitions filed before the Supreme Court regarding the failure to take action to prevent the bombing of Catholic Churches and star hotels in Colombo on Easter Sunday 2019 despite receiving sufficient intelligence information is scheduled to be announced today (12).

The petitions against former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Defense Ministry Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara and others were filed by 12 parties including the victims of the Easter attack, the Catholic Fathers and the Sri Lanka Bar Association.

The verdict is scheduled to be announced by a seven-member Supreme Court panel including Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.

The Nawa Lanka Freedom Party led by MP Kumara Welgama and the 43 Brigade led by MP Patali Ranawaka has entered into an agreement to contest the upcoming Local Government Election together.

Accordingly, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to the agreement was signed today (16).

Speaking to the media, MP Patali Ranawaka said that although they didn’t form the 43 Brigade as a political party or aiming at elections, they decided to transition into a new political party after the country announced bankruptcy last year, adding that they hope to join forces with like-minded people, especially all professionals in the country, to tread on a common path following the LG polls.

Rishad to contest under Peacock symbol in Trinco-Ampara

Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) led by SJB MP Rishad Bathiudeen has decided to contest the local government bodies in the districts of Trincomalee and Ampara under the party's 'peacock' symbol "peacock", a representative of the ACMC said.

He added that the rest of the ACMC's candidates will contest all other districts under the SJB's 'telephone' symbol.

A sum of Rs. 200 million has been allocated for the 75th Independence Day celebration to be held on 4 February at the Galle Face in Colombo, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Governments Neel Bandara Hapuhinna told The Morning newspaper.

Speaking to The Morning, he affirmed that the Treasury has already made the necessary budgetary allocations for the ceremony, adding however that the Ministry is attempting its best to cut down on costs.

The government has decided to celebrate the 75th National Independence Day with pride together with the new reformist program for the next 25 years.

During this celebration held with pride under the theme “Namo Namo Matha – A Step towards a Century”, the government will announce its new reformist course for the next 25 years for the implementation of a stable government policy right until the 100th Independence Day celebrations in 2048.

The main ceremony of the National Independence Day Celebrations will be held on the 04th of February at 8.30 am at Galle Face Green under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

The festivities are scheduled to begin after the offering of floral tributes at the statue of Mahamanya D.S. Senanayake at Independence Square and the statue of the war heroes at the Presidential Secretariat.

It is also of significance that many cultural and religious programs have been organized throughout the country in conjunction with the 75th National Independence Festival. Accordingly, the Buddhist religious rites will be performed on the evening of February 02 at Sri Dalada Maligawa, and on the same night, the Dhamma sermon will begin at Victoria Dam at 9:00 PM. The following morning, an alms giving has also been planned.

The Catholic religious services will be held at Maradana Fatima Church on February 04 at 6.30 am, while Christian religious services will be held at the same time at Galle Face Christian Church. Hindu religious rituals will be held on the morning of February 03 at Trincomalee Dakshina Kailash or Koneswaram Temple. Arrangements have been made to hold Muslim religious services on February 4th at 10.00 am at the Colombo Grand Mosque.

Meanwhile, Buddhist and Hindu religious programs have also been organized in Colombo, and accordingly, on February 04 at 6.30 a.m., a Buddhist religious program has been organized at Dharmakirtyarama Temple, Polwatta, Colombo 03, and Hindu religious programs have also been organized at New Kadireshan Temple, Colombo 04.

A Sri Dalada exhibition is to be held at the historic Temple of the Tooth Relic premises in March, exhibition of Kapila Vastu Buddhist Relics to be held in Colombo in May, the sacred Buddhist relics from China exposition and exhibition to be held in Anuradhapura in June, exhibition of the sacred Buddhist relics from Pakistan is scheduled to be held in the Southern Province in July.

In addition, the special cultural arts festival “LankaraLanka” organized in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day will be held on February 03 at 7.30 pm at Independence Square in Colombo with the participation of 750 artists from the public and private sectors.

The Jaffna Cultural Center will be opened on February 11th morning under the patronage of the President, and the cultural procession will commence opposite the Jaffna Cultural Center and will travel through the streets of Jaffna culminating near the Jaffna Fort (the old bus station site). A cultural concert will also be held there and a special music concert is also planned to be held at the same venue that night.

On the 19th of February, the Republican Rally is scheduled to parade the streets of Kandy under the full sponsorship of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) representing all dance traditions of the country.

It is also planned to air a 30-minute short film on Sri Lanka’s freedom at all cinemas and performing theatres while a Design competition including short dramas, patriotic songs, and art competitions has also been planned to target the youth on the theme of “freedom” in May. A massive art competition and exhibition showcasing the pride of the country has also been organized by veteran artist H.S. Sarath.

The exhibition of artifacts reflecting the history of the country, organized by the Ministry of Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs, the National Museum Department, the Central Cultural Fund, and the Department of Archaeology, is also scheduled to be held from February 4th to the 10th.

A book containing newspaper reports and other articles about independence is also expected to be launched at the Independence Day National Festival and a special stamp with the image of the first Prime Minister of independent Sri Lanka Mahamanya D.S. Senanayake is also scheduled including a special commemorative stamp of a rare type which includes portraits of Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India and Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the first Prime Minister of independent Pakistan. In addition, a Rs. 1000 special commemorative coin is also expected to be released.

The concept of “Urban Forests” will be implemented from January 1st throughout the island, and the Independence Day celebration bicycle ride from Point Pedro to Dondra Point sponsored by Sri Lanka Telecom will also be held from January 28th to February 1st.

In addition, arrangements have been made to hold Independence Day commemorations at the provincial and district level and public parks, National Parks owned by the National Zoology Department National Parks owned by the Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation and National Parks owned by the National Botanical Gardens Department will be opened to the public free of charge on National Independence Day.

A program to provide rice for 02 million low-income families at the rate of 10 kilos per family per month for 02 months is to be implemented and the related program will be implemented by the District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries.

It is the aim of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to make the government’s new reformist journey commencing with the celebration of the 75th Independence Day in 2023 a stable state policy until the 100th Independence Day in 2048 and the plan for the next 25 years will also be implemented in conjunction with this year’s National Independence Day.

Accordingly, several new institutions and laws are planned to be introduced and an Institute of History, an Institute of Economics and Trade, and an Institute of Women and Gender will be established for the study and research of the history of Sri Lanka.

Government and Public Policy University, Agricultural Research University, Climate Change University, and Sports University are also expected to be established.

The National Commission on Women’s Act, Gender Equality Act, Women’s Empowerment Act, Child Care Act, Climate Change Act, Social Justice Commission Act, Reforestation and Tree Cover Act are also to be introduced.

In addition, for the safety and security of natural resources including the Mahaweli river, Sinharajaya, Sripada Site (Zero Peak), Horton Plains, Knuckles, and Adam’s Bridge, the Living Entity Act is to be introduced. New laws for the exploration and management of marine resources as well as an Act for the conservation of Muthurajawela are also scheduled to be introduced.

The Independence Day activities also include a project of 75 urban forests and a project of 1996 houses for low-income families in Colombo and many projects and programs on the National Youth Platform.