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CSCD attacks proposed anti-terrorism law
The Civil Society Collective for Democracy (CSCD) says that it strongly opposes the proposed Anti-Terrorism Law because it violates the Constitution and endangers the freedoms and human rights that are guaranteed in a democratic society.
A statement by the CSDC says: “The government is presenting its proposed Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) to be fast-tracked through Parliament, in a context in which it has come under significant international pressure to repeal or amend the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The PTA has been widely criticized, both within Sri Lanka and internationally, due to its potential for abuse. Recently, three persons held under the PTA for 14 years were acquitted by the Court which is but the tip of an iceberg of abuse over a very long period.
“While as members of the civil society of Sri Lanka we support the repeal of the PTA, we are concerned that the draft ATA, presented by the government to replace it, has several features that are worse than the PTA. These would impact on the democratic space and rights available to political parties, trade unions, and civic activists.
“Among the worst features of the proposed ATA is its vague and broad definition of terrorism which would include theft of government property and trade union action. It also includes legitimate democratic actions including protests, publishing material, demands for action by the government, strikes, and disputes relating to racial and religious places. The law permits police or military or coast guard personnel of any rank to arrest anyone on whom they have reasonable suspicion of being involved in acts, such as those given above. Once a person is arrested, that person can be detained for up to 24 hours, and even more depending on the situation, in a place of the arresting party’s choosing. The plight of a young person arrested in such a manner can be imagined. Thereafter, if a detention order is signed by a more senior police officer, those arrested can be held for up to three months without being presented before a court of law. All these provisions demonstrate the enormous potential for abuse of this law.
“We the Civil Society Collective for Democracy strongly oppose the proposed ATA because it violates the Constitution and endangers the freedoms and human rights that are guaranteed in a democratic society.
This law is far too broad and leaves wide open who can be arrested, by whom they can be arrested, and for what purpose they are arrested. The present economic situation in the country is very difficult for the masses of people with the economy set to contract by a further four percent this year in addition to the eight percent last year. Through no fault of the people, the country was made bankrupt by those that governed it. We fear that the proposed ATA will be used to make the people bear the full weight of the economic burden by those who are responsible for the calamity, by suppressing the space to question, to expose and to dissent with the Government. As such, it would create an environment of fear among trade unions, journalists and civil society, thereby intensifying the prevailing democratic deficit and violating the Fundamental Rights of Sri Lankans.
“Therefore, we demand that the Government withdraw the proposed ATA and honour its duty to protect democracy and the rights of citizens and to uphold its international obligations related to human rights and democratic freedoms.”
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
