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The Prime Minister’s Office has made arrangements to organize a banquet for the United National Party (UNP) parliamentarians on Friday (23) in a bid to obstruct the parliamentarians from attending the rally organized by Minister Mangala Samaraweera in Matara in support of UNP Deputy Leader, Minister Sajith Premadasa’s candidacy at the presidential election on the same day, The Leader reliably learns.

The banquet is being organized under the guise of a celebration of the fourth anniversary of the United National Front (UNF) government. Interestingly, unlike during previous such functions, the Prime Minister’s Office has taken measures to invite the families of the parliamentarians as well.

However, UNP MPs who are attending the Matara rally have informed officials at the Prime Minister’s Office that the travel time between Colombo and Matara was only one hour and they would therefore participate in the banquet after attending the Matara rally.

The rally in Matara, which is being organized under the theme of “Sajith is coming,” is to commence at 3 p.m. on Friday (23) and is to be telecast live on Sirasa TV and Siyatha TV.

The Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been granted permission to record statements from five death row inmates who have allegedly conspired to assassinate the President.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate has ordered the relevant prisons officials to allow the CID investigators to proceed with their interrogations on the case.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate, former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been urged to refute allegations leveled against him on the violation of several laws of the land and co-operate fully with investigations being carried out.

The Center for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has also called on the Election Commission (EC) to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into allegations against Rajapaksa.

The CMEV in a statement said that its attention has been drawn to a complaint made regarding Rajapaksa.

According to the complaint made to the Elections Commission of Sri Lanka, Rajapaksa’s name had been included in the annual electoral list used for the 2005 Presidential Election and he had allegedly cast his vote in the said election, at a time when he was not a Sri Lankan citizen.

The CMEV states that in terms of Article 89(a) of the Sri Lankan Constitution, a person who is not a Sri Lankan citizen is not entitled to vote at a Presidential Election, General Election or at a referendum. Accordingly, voting in such a situation is an offense and is punishable in terms of the Presidential Elections Act No. 15 of 1981.

Rajapaksa had reportedly obtained his US citizenship in 2003 and had arrived in Sri Lanka on the 04th of September 2005 on a tourist visa and had campaigned/assisted the election campaign of Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2005. This, it is alleged, is an offense in terms of section 45(1) (a) of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act no 20 of 1948.

The CMEV observes that it is important that Rajapaksa who aspires to be the seventh executive President of Sri Lanka to refute these allegations and co-operate fully with all investigations.

The new British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Sarah Hulton presented her credentials to President Maithripala Sirisena at the President’s House yesterday (19).

The envoy has said that she was looking forward to further strengthening the bilateral relationship between the UK and Sri Lanka.

The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Sarah Anne Pascale Hulton as the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Sri Lanka in succession of James Dauris.

“Delighted to become the new British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. I’m looking forward to further strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two countries with the support of my colleagues,” Hulton has said after presenting her credentials.

Meanwhile, two other envoys also presented their credentials to the President. Accordingly Ms Trine Eskedel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway and Mrs Tanja Gonggrijp, Ambassador of Netherlands presented their credentials yesterday.

Addressing the new envoys, the President said that all three countries represented by the new envoys have excellent longstanding relations with Sri Lanka.

President Sirisena said that the fact that all three are women of outstanding achievements was a proud signal of women empowerment. He said that the population of Sri Lanka comprises 52% women and they make a tremendous contribution to the economy. President Sirisena pointed out that women engaged in garment industry, expatriate employment and plantation industry help the country to earn foreign exchange, the President's Media Division said.

Almost after three years of bickering with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Hyrax Oil Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian oil major is now successfully operating its lubricant oil blending plant in Muthurajawela.

The CPC had entered into 03 agreements on 06 May 2016 with Hyrax Oil Sdn. Bhd of Malaysia to establish a lubricating oil blending plant in Muthurajawela under a Build- Operate-Transfer agreement.

The aim is to supply lubricants to the export market and the local market of Sri Lanka at an affordable price.

The necessary licenses are relevant to the auto deal but those licenses had not been granted even up to 30 June 2018.

Accordingly, there existed the possibility for the company to take legal action against the CPC.

Moreover, the Hyrax Company had sent many a letter and reminder to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources Development as well as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation in regard to the failure of the CPC to adhere to the Agreement.

The letter of the Attorney General in that connection, dated 23 January 2018 had informed that, in the event of Corporation intending to revise the provisions of the said agreements etc

The 03 agreements relating to that project, namely BOT Agreement, Supply Agreement, and Land Lease Agreement, had been entered into without being fully complied with the opinion of the Attorney General.

The Ministry of Petroleum Resources Development and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation had halted taking action relating to the establishment of the plant as at 20 June 2018.

They were pointing out that the terms and conditions set out in the said Agreements had comprised matters having an adverse impact on the lubricant industry of the CPC and certain sections had violated the CPC Act and cabinet decisions.

However, Hyrax Oil was selected as the contractor for the project as an unsolicited bid without adhering to the provisions of government procurement guidelines.

A petition signed by a two thirds majority of the United National Party (UNP) parliamentary group calling on the party leadership to immediately convene a joint meeting of the Working Committee and the parliamentary group to finalize the party’s presidential candidate was yesterday (19) handed over to UNP Leader, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Out of the 77 UNP MPs in the parliamentary group, 53 parliamentarians have signed the letter. The letter was handed over to the party leader by UNP Chairman, Minister Kabir Hashim and Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara.

When the two Ministers have handed over the letter to Wickremesinghe, he has said that it was not a tradition of the party to make such demands as issues are always resolved internally through discussion. However, the two Ministers have said the UNP MPs were forced to take such a step since the party leadership did not respond positively to the requests made by the parliamentary group.

The Prime Minister has then reminded the Hashim and Madduma Bandara that in 2010 and 2015, he ceded to the requests made by the party as well as friends and political forces supportive of the party for him to step down and make way for another candidate to contest at the two presidential elections.

Wickremesinghe has then promised to convene a meeting with the senior ministers of the UNP on Wednesday (21) to discuss the issue of presidential elections and the party’s candidate.

The two ministers have then informed the UNP backbench MPs that the party leadership has responded positively to the request and the MPs should therefore not raise the issue of the UNP’s presidential candidate at the group meeting that was held on Monday (19) evening.

10 refuse to sign

However, 10 UNP MPs had vehemently refused to sign the petition while a few others have been hesitant to place their signatures on the document.

The 10 MPs who refused to sign the petition are Ravi Karunanayake, Vajira Abeywardena, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Sagala Ratnayake, John Amaratunga, Sarath Fonseka, D.M. Swaminathan, Sirinal de Mel, Navin Dissanayake and Thilak Marapana.

The statement issued by the Foreign Ministry yesterday (20) indicates a head-on clash between the government of Sri Lanka and the international community.

The Foreign Ministry called on foreign entities not to interfere in a sovereign decision taken by the Head of State when appointing a new Army Commander.

Issuing a statement, the Ministry noted that the appointment of the Army Commander of Sri Lanka is a sovereign decision by the Head of State.

“Foreign entities trying to influence the decisions and internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka is unwarranted and unacceptable,” the Foreign Ministry stated.

Referring to the concerns raised by certain bilateral partners and international organisations on the appointment of a new Army Commander based on allegations, the Ministry stated that it is regrettable and contrary to the principles of natural justice espoused by all responsible members of the international community.

The United States (US), Canada, European Union (EU) and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have raised deep concerns over the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as the Army Commander in Sri Lanka despite credible allegations of gross human rights violations against him during the war.

Lieutenant-General Silva commanded Sri Lanka’s 58th Division of the Sri Lanka Army during the final stages of the war in 2009, and successive UN investigations have implicated his division in alleged serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

Implications on security cooperation

The Easter Sunday attacks on April 21 once again forcefully brought to the fore the necessity for cooperation among security and intelligence agencies, both nationally and internationally.

Soon after the attacks, sleuths from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Scotland Yard arrived in Sri Lanka in order to support investigations launched by Sri Lankan authorities. Reports also said that a few officials from intelligence agencies including Mossad, also arrived to help the armed forces with their investigations. It was intelligence passed on from foreign agencies that warned Sri Lanka of an impending attack on Easter Sunday.

The transnational nature of several terrorist organizations, ISIS being the most notorious, implies that their detection, disruption, and elimination can succeed fully only if done globally.

Furthermore, the transnational nature of security threats makes isolation an impossible option. While international cooperation has to be entertained, its benefits must be weighed against the costs and risks. However, for a country like Sri Lanka, the transnational nature of security threats makes isolation an impossible option, security experts warned.

The Sri Lanka Army has postponed a press conference that was scheduled to take place today (20) to brief the media on an annual defence seminar.

The Army’s announcement of the postponement of the news briefing has taken place amidst mounting criticism over the appointment of the new Army Commander by President Maithripala Sirisena by the international community and local activists.

The appointment of Lt. General Shavendra Silva as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Army has therefore been overshadowed by concerns expressed by local and international representatives.

The Army had earlier said that a press conference will be held today (20) to announce details related to the ‘Colombo Defence Seminar 2019’, organized by the Sri Lanka Army to be held on 29th and 30th August 2019 at the BMICH.

The Seminar is to be held on the topic ‘Military Excellence Developing within Contemporary Security Environment’ with the participation of nationally and internationally renowned defence intellectuals will facilitate exchange of expertise and views pertaining to the discipline of defence.

 UNHRC Chief notes resolution 30/1

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has expressed deep concern over the appointment of Lieutenant-General Silva as the new Commander of the Sri Lankan Army and noted that it would severely compromises Sri Lanka’s commitment to promote justice and accountability in the context of Human Rights Council resolution 30/1.

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has already received a critical report from the High Commissioner in March 2019 on Lt. General Silva when he was appointed as the Army Chief of Staff. In March she said that it was a “worrying development.”

The High Commissioner expressed concerns since Lt. General Silva has been heavily implicated by a succession of UN reports in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, as the country’s new army commander.

“I am deeply troubled by the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, despite the serious allegations of gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against him and his troops during the war,” Bachelet said.

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has already received a critical report from the High Commissioner in March 2019 on Lt. General Silva when he was appointed as the Army Chief of Staff. In March she said that it was a “worrying development.”

The High Commissioner expressed concerns since Lt. General Silva has been heavily implicated by a succession of UN reports in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, as the country’s new army commander.

“I am deeply troubled by the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, despite the serious allegations of gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against him and his troops during the war,” Bachelet said.

“The promotion of Lieutenant-General Silva severely compromises Sri Lanka’s commitment to promote justice and accountability in the context of Human Rights Council resolution 30/1,” the High Commissioner further pointed out.

“It undermines reconciliation efforts, particularly in the eyes of victims and survivors who suffered greatly in the war. It also sets back security sector reform, and is likely to impact on Sri Lanka’s ability to continue contributing to UN peacekeeping efforts.”

Lieutenant-General Silva commanded the controversial 58th Division of the Sri Lanka Army during the final stages of the war against the LTTE in 2009. Successive UN investigations have implicated his division in alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws.

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has already received a critical report from the High Commissioner in March 2019 on Lt. General Silva when he was appointed as the Army Chief of Staff. In March she said that it was a “worrying development.”

The High Commissioner expressed concerns since Lt. General Silva has been heavily implicated by a succession of UN reports in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, as the country’s new army commander.

“I am deeply troubled by the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, despite the serious allegations of gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against him and his troops during the war,” Bachelet said.

“The promotion of Lieutenant-General Silva severely compromises Sri Lanka’s commitment to promote justice and accountability in the context of Human Rights Council resolution 30/1,” the High Commissioner further pointed out.

“It undermines reconciliation efforts, particularly in the eyes of victims and survivors who suffered greatly in the war. It also sets back security sector reform, and is likely to impact on Sri Lanka’s ability to continue contributing to UN peacekeeping efforts.”

Lieutenant-General Silva commanded the controversial 58th Division of the Sri Lanka Army during the final stages of the war against the LTTE in 2009. Successive UN investigations have implicated his division in alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws.

SL’s reputation undermined - US

The US has expressed deep concern over the appointment of Lieutenant General Silva as the new Army Commander by President Sirisena and said it would undermine Sri Lanka’s international reputation.

The US Embassy in Colombo yesterday (19) said the allegations of gross human rights violations against him, documented by the United Nations and other organisations, are serious and credible.

“This appointment undermines Sri Lanka’s international reputation and its commitments to promote justice and accountability, especially at a time when the need for reconciliation and social unity is paramount,” the US Embassy in Colombo said.

Canada concerned

Expressing deep concern over the appointment of Lt. General Silva as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Canadian government has said it undermines reconciliation and accountability efforts.

The Canadian High Commission in Sri Lanka said, “Canada is deeply concerned by Lt. General Silva’s appointment as Army Commander in Sri Lanka, despite credible allegations of gross human rights violations against him during the war.”

“His appointment undermines reconciliation and accountability efforts,” the Canadian High Commission added.

President Maithripala Sirisena’s appointment of a three member Presidential Committee to probe the Easter Sunday was not made under any existing laws, members of the Committee state.

The three members of the Presidential Committee have made this revelation when they jointly appeared before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to probe the Easter Sunday attacks yesterday (20).

The issue has come to light following a question posed by PSC member MP M A Sumanthiran.

Sumanthiran has questioned the Committee members about the law under which the Presidential Committee was appointed and the witnesses have revealed that it was not set up under any existing laws.

“Our Committee was not appointed under any existing laws,” Presidential Committee member Supreme Court Judge Vijith Malalgoda has said.

However, Malalgoda has added that the urgency and importance of the situation had compelled him to take up the task.

“Initially I was not willing to participate in the Committee. But then Mr Illangkoon pointed that this was of national importance and the fact that the Committee was appointed a day after the attack, I saw the urgency of it. So we went ahead with activities the Committee was takes with” Malalgoda has said.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has expressed deep concern over the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as the new Commander of the Sri Lankan Army and notes that it would severely compromises Sri Lanka’s commitment to promote justice and accountability in the context of Human Rights Council resolution 30/1.

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has already received a critical report from the High Commissioner in March 2019 on Lt. General Silva when he was appointed as the Army Chief of Staff. In March she said that it was a “worrying development.”

The High Commissioner expressed concerns since Lt. General Silva has been heavily implicated by a succession of UN reports in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, as the country’s new army commander.

“I am deeply troubled by the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, despite the serious allegations of gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against him and his troops during the war,” Bachelet said.

“The promotion of Lieutenant-General Silva severely compromises Sri Lanka’s commitment to promote justice and accountability in the context of Human Rights Council resolution 30/1,” the High Commissioner further pointed out.

“It undermines reconciliation efforts, particularly in the eyes of victims and survivors who suffered greatly in the war. It also sets back security sector reform, and is likely to impact on Sri Lanka’s ability to continue contributing to UN peacekeeping efforts.”

Lieutenant-General Silva commanded the controversial 58th Division of the Sri Lanka Army during the final stages of the war against the LTTE in 2009. Successive UN investigations have implicated his division in alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws.

The European Union (EU) raising concerns over the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lanka Army has questioned “Sri Lanka’s commitments to the UN Human Rights Council.”

The EU noted that it shares the sentiments expressed the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and stated the appointment “sends a worrying message to victims and survivors of the war.”

A joint statement on Lt.General Silva’s appointment was issued in agreement with the Embassies of Germany, Italy, Netherlands, the UK High Commission, the Embassies of Norway and Switzerland.

It notes that the EU members share the same concerns as the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on the appointment due to the allegations of human rights and humanitarian law violations against the new Army Commander.

“We fully share the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet’s serious concerns about the appointment of Lieutenant-General Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, given the allegations of grave human rights and humanitarian law violations against him,” the EU stated.

“The promotion of Lieutenant-General Silva to the post of Army Commander calls into question Sri Lanka’s commitments to the UN Human Rights Council, as recently as March 2019, to ensure justice and accountability. It also undermines Sri Lanka’s efforts towards national reconciliation and sends a worrying message to victims and survivors of the war,” the statement added.

Special Japanese envoy to Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi has met former President and incumbent Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa for talks yesterday (19).

The Representative of the Government of Japan for Peace-Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka met the former President at his Wijerama Road residence.

Former Ministers Professor G.L Peiris and Keheliya Rambukwella and Japanese officials also attended the discussion.

Akashi was appointed as a special peace envoy of Japan to Sri Lanka during the period of the war under the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime.