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PCoI report on Easter Sunday considered in drafting new anti-terror laws – ASG
constitutionality of the Bill can be challenged in SC
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Nerin Pulle has said that the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (P CoI) on the 2019 Easter Sunday carnage has been taken into consideration when the Anti-Terrorism Bill was drafted. Addressing the Colombo-based diplomatic corps at the Foreign Ministry recently, the ASG explained the salient features of the draft Bill. According to him, observations made by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the international community, too, had been taken into consideration in developing the framework.
The ASG said the new draft sought to ensure protection of Fundamental Rights and would not provide for the death penalty. The judicial oversight would be ensured throughout detention of persons taken into custody in terms of the new security law, a senior Foreign Ministry official said. “The draft Bill will be subject to approval of the Cabinet and subsequent procedures as per the Constitution,” the official added.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC, and Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, explained the measures taken by the government to produce the best possible law to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
State Minister of Justice Anuradha Jayarathna, Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and Secretary Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wasantha Perera were present at the briefing.
At the outset, Minister Sabry recalled that the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) had been amended in 2022 following extensive deliberations with all relevant stakeholders, including the civil society, taking into consideration the constructive comments and concerns expressed by domestic and international stakeholders.
Minister Sabry outlined the steps taken by the government to ensure that the draft anti-terrorism legislation addresses national security requirements while upholding international standards and best practices. He highlighted the transparent and open consultative process that was followed in evolving the latest draft, including the consideration of views expressed by the public, civil society and international partners. The Minister informed that, following discussions on the suggested amendments, the Bill would be presented to the Cabinet for approval, and that once re-gazetted, any person could petition to the Supreme Court with regard to the constitutionality of the Bill.
Minister Rajapakshe briefed the participants on the initiative taken by the Ministry of Justice to actively reach out to the public to receive further views, pursuant to the decision of the Cabinet. He said that concerns relating to the admissibility of confessions, detentions orders and the definition of terrorism were considered during the deliberations. The Minister explained as to how these concerns have been addressed in the draft legal framework.
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
