Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has strongly condemned the alleged misconduct of a state minister at the Anuradhapura prison complex and called on the government to remove him from the post.

“I strongly condemn the disgraceful and illegal conduct of a government minister in the Anuradhapura prison complex. This disgusting illegal act is a good illustration of the anarchic situation in our country.

This Government is committed to protecting the human rights of all citizens living in our motherland. This illegal and despicable act is yet another example of the rapidly declining human rights situation in our country.

I urge the President to remove this Minister from the ministerial post immediately.” The Leader of the Opposition said.

The navy seized Rs. 79 million worth of narcotic locally called ‘ICE’ at Urumalai in Talaimannar.

There were nine kilos in it.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has demanded the government the immediate removal of Lohan Ratwatte, the Minister of State for Prison Management and Prisoner Rehabilitation.

The party further requests that a speedy investigation be carried out into the incident that took place at the Anuradhapura Prison on the 12th and that he should be arrested.

Lohan Ratwatte is also the State Minister of Gem and Jewelery Industries.

“The government has been asked not to give corona vaccines to school children without proper scientific testing.”
Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero said this addressing a press conference organized by the Covid Death Prevention Coalition today.

The decision to reopen the schools should be implemented, but the government should not use children to administer corona vaccines for researching or testing, ven. Thero said.

Omalpe Sobhitha Thero also said that scientists have not yet conducted any tests on vaccinating children against the corona virus and no approval has been received for that.

Therefore, children in Sri Lanka should not be vaccinated against Covid and if schools are reopened, they should be asked to provide locally produced herbs and medicine for the immunization purpose, Ven. Thero said.

Sri Lanka today briefed the UNHRC about the steps taken by it to address the entire range of issues related to human rights, accountability and reconciliation.

Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris made the statement to the UNHRC at its 48th session.

He said , “Twelve years ago, Sri Lanka eradicated LTTE terrorism on its soil. We have restored peace, security and stability for the benefit of our people. We held firm to our democratic traditions and elections were held at regular intervals with high levels of voter participation – most recently at the 2019 Presidential and 2020 Parliamentary polls. The Government is committed to holding the Provincial Council elections at the earliest.

We are dealing with post-conflict recovery from the perspective of healing. Most recently, 16 LTTE cadres convicted of serious terrorist crimes were granted Presidential pardons. The success of post-conflict demining, reconstruction and resettlement programs has contributed immensely to national reconciliation.

Despite the daily challenges of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, let me highlight the progress made in the domestic processes:

· The Office on Missing Persons (OMP) as its core function, is finalizing the list of missing persons in collaboration with other agencies.

· The Office for Reparations (OR) has processed 3775 claims this year.

· The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) continues its 8 point action plan.

· The National Human Rights Commission is carrying on its mandate.

· A steering committee on SDG 16 is working towards enhancing peace, justice and strong institutions.

· A Cabinet Sub Committee was appointed to revisit the PTA and to bring it in line with international norms and best practices. A report will be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers at the end of this month. An Advisory Board was appointed to look into cases of detention under the PTA and to make recommendations to deal with such cases expeditiously. Speedy disposal of cases under the PTA is also taking place.

· A Commission of Inquiry headed by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court was established to address issues on accountability and missing persons and to revisit recommendations by previous Commissions. The COI submitted its Interim Report to the President. The final report will be submitted within the next 06 months.

· We are maintaining vigorous engagement with civil society to obtain their insights and to harness their support in achieving reconciliation and development.

Madam President,

Sri Lanka continues to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of the appalling terrorist attack on Easter Sunday in 2019 complying with due process of law in all respects. As always, we will remain vigilant in combatting terrorism and protecting Sri Lankans of all religions.

Madam President,

We reject the proposal for any external initiatives purportedly established by Resolution 46/1 while domestic processes are vigorously addressing the relevant matters. This will polarize our society, as we experienced with Resolution 30/1. The Council must adhere to its founding principles. External initiatives embarked upon without the cooperation of the country concerned cannot achieve their stated goals, and will be subject to politicization. The resources expended on this initiative are unwarranted, especially when they are urgently needed for humanitarian and other constructive purposes in many parts of the world.

Madam President,

Under the current and pressing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we consider it a basic duty of a government to ensure the uninterrupted supply of commodities essential to the life of the community. We are open in acknowledging our challenges and as a responsible and democratic government, we are committed to achieving tangible progress on the entire range of issues relating to accountability, reconciliation, human rights, peace and sustainable development,”

A hand grenade was found in a toilet on the first floor of the Lanka Hospital in Narahenpita today. It is said that the bomb has been taken to a garage for deactivation.

The Bomb Disposal Unit of the Police Special Task Force (STF) has gone to the scene and defused the bomb.

Narahenpita police station is investigating who brought the grenade to the scene.

Olympic medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe has tested positive for COVID19, according to a news report in Lankadeepa.

Minister of State for Prisons Lohan Ratwatte has stated that there is no truth in the rumors that former parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake, who is serving a prison sentence for contempt of court, will be released on a presidential pardon on Prisoner’s Day.

Minister of State Lohan Ratwatte has stated that if Ranjan Ramanayake is released under a general amnesty, there is a process that needs to be done and that such a process has not yet taken place.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was felicitated by a large crowd of people near his hotel in Bologna, Italy, a statement from his office said.

Many gathered near the hotel premises yesterday (12th September) to watch and greet the Prime Minister leaving to join the G20 Interfaith Forum.

The Prime Minister extended his greetings to the people and expressed his gratitude to everyone.

The Prime Minister addressed the inaugural session of the G20 Interfaith Forum yesterday afternoon and the forum will continue until today.