The chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security Hon. Sarath Weerasekara has stated that an external mechanism has been established in Geneva, Switzerland for past 2 years according to resolution 46/1 in order to collect evidence related to war crimes against those heroes and political leaders who were accused of committing war crimes. He further stated that, in a report recently published by the said mechanism, it has been stated that they have a significant amount of evidence against the military leaders of this country.

These views were expressed when the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security met in Parliament on 5th June under the chairmanship of Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Weerasekera.

It was further emphasized that several countries are currently working together to file cases in the relevant countries and international courts under the universal jurisdiction against the military leaders of Sri Lanka who have been found to have committed war crimes. Although this external mechanism has been rejected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, they are continuously collecting evidence against the military leaders of Sri Lanka and the dangerous situation here is that the military officers of Sri Lanka can be arrested in any country of the world and prosecuted in the International Court of Justice.

It was also discussed that this external mechanism has the ability to describe the war in this country as a war against the Tamils and not against the LTTE. It was emphasized that this activity is a threat to the self-esteem of the Sri Lankan war heroes as well as the national security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately take measures to stop the accusations of war crimes by other countries of the world against the Sri Lankan military personnel and the prosecution of cases in the International Military Tribunal. Here, the Committee asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the strategies they have to reject the external mechanism brought by the Geneva Human Rights Organizations and their readiness to take action against them if they are prosecuted in the International Military Tribunal.

Commenting on this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Ministry has taken steps to inform the countries that are acting impartially in this regard by expressing a strong protest against the reports of the Geneva Human Rights Commission.

Attorney at Law Darshana Weerasekera, who was called before the committee to express further comments in this regard, stated that Sri Lanka should have a strong domestic mechanism that can break the external mechanism with evidence. He also said that for this purpose, a strong local data file should be prepared by incorporating the facts of the LLRC report and the Paranagama report.

Chair of the Committee Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Weerasekera stated that the proposed Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation will further support the external forces that are against this country. The Anti-Terrorism Bill was also considered in the committee and the committee approved all the amendments made by the Attorney General’s Department as indicated by the Supreme Court.

In addition, it was discussed in the committee that the term ‘terrorism’ has not been defined to suit this country, and since the terrorist is born as a result of many trainings, there is no method to catch the terrorist during these trainings.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will resend his recommendation, to extend Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam’s term of office, by another six months, a senior official at the President’s Office confirmed. The President is planning to do this, as per powers entrusted to him by the Constitution, the official clarified.

Sri Lanka has once again declined to accept the external evidence-gathering mechanism established by UN Human Rights Council resolutions 46/1 and 51/1, emphasizing significant legal and political implications for all nations involved.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed officials to explain the hold-ups in the renovation of the Zion Church in Batticaloa, which was damaged in the Easter Sunday bomb attacks. He made this observation when he visited the church today.

The Government Medical Officers Association warned of a wave of economic crisis-driven brain drain among medical professionals, as 25 percent of them have already taken the necessary exams to find employment abroad.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka criticised SJB leader and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa as Fonseka was not given the Presidential candidature as requested, Tamil Progressive Alliance Deputy Leader Parliamentarian Palani Digambaram said.

With the prospect of elections in Sri Lanka, visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reportedly said in his meetings here that it is important that India-funded projects such as renewable energy projects are not derailed by any incoming government.

Sri Lanka reiterated its opposition to the UN evidence-gathering mechanism established by HRC resolution 46/1 and extended by resolution 51/1.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sarath Fonseka strongly criticized his party leader Sajith Premadasa, stating that Fonseka’s request to speak in Parliament had been rejected by the Chief Opposition Whip.

Due to the prevailing dishonesty within the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the deliberate delay of eight years and eight months in issuing the relevant circular to the filling station owners by the CPC’s Marketing Department, the CPC has incurred a loss of Rs. 3,416 million during 2014-2022, the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) revealed.

Founder of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Basil Rajapaksa is reported to have told his party’s breakaway group at a meeting even attended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe that the Rajapaksas were not ready to cow down to any pressure.

The Examinations Department has announced the deadline for submitting applications for the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations online. Commissioner General of Examinations H.J.M.C. Amith Jayasundara said applications will be accepted online till July 10.

The visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's House a short while ago,President's Media Division (PMD) said. He is currently engaged in a one-on-one meeting with President Wickremesinghe.

The Sri Lanka Core Group at the UNHRC, comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has issued a statement urging the Sri Lankan government to address long standing human rights violations.

Major General Rohitha Aluvihare has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Army effective from today. He is an officer representing the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army.

National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader MP Wimal Weerawansa demanded that the Government maintain transparency in its discussions with the visiting Indian Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar. Addressing Parliament, Weerawansa said that at least 10 to 12 projects are expected to be agreed upon during Jaishankar’s visit.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and MP Duminda Dissanayake were elected as the Chairman and General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) respectively. The unanimous decision was reached during an Executive Committee meeting convened by the Nimal Siripala de Silva faction of the party today.

The Central Provincial Chief Minister’s Office has reported that it is still awaiting a response from former minister Keheliya Rambukwella regarding the deduction of rent from his salary for the official residence he occupies.

Sri Lanka's rupee has reached the Rs. 300 mark against the US dollar, marking its highest valuation in three months. According to the Central Bank, the last instance of the rupee hitting 300 against the dollar was recorded on March 18, 2024. Since then, the currency has fluctuated within the range of 290 to 299.

A private bus and a school bus collided head-on in the Ranala area, resulting in injuries to almost 50 including students. The Police said no major injuries were caused. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Claiming that the transgender issue is a lucrative business, Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said the Canadian High Commission has been talking to MPS in Parliament to promote transgender in Sri Lanka.