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Ex-Prez targeted: Wartime FM underscores need to counter threats
Wartime Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said that it would be the responsibility of the government of the day to ensure safety and security of the former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The former lawmaker said so commenting on the South Africa-based International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) seeking the arrest of ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa now in Singapore. Accompanied by his wife, Iyoma and two bodyguards, the ex-President flew into Singapore from the Maldives on July 14.
The following is the text of the statement issued by the ex-FM: “The government should take tangible measures in respect of a criminal complaint that has been registered in Singapore with the Attorney General seeking the arrest of ex- President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The crux of the Complaint is that Gotabaya Rajapaksa committed grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and violation of Humanitarian Law during the Civil War in Sri Lanka which include Murder, Execution, Torture and Inhuman Treatment, Rape and other forms of Sexual violence, Deprivation of liberty, Severe Bodily and Mental Harm and Starvation.
The period this complaint relates to 2008 and 2009 during which period Gotabaya Rajapaksa held the office of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence under President Mahinda Rajapaksa Administration.
Former member of the Darusman Panel that probed wartime violations here Yasmin Zooka has been regularly directing allegations since the end of the War in Sri Lanka. Though this alleged complaint may not generate a formal response from whatever Authorities, it is important to highlight, the prejudicial nature of this complaint, which lacks both credible evidence and a legal basis to sustain under any jurisdiction.
Since the end of the war, over 13 years have passed without any inquiry or investigation that has led to any complaints being formerly registered by any State Party or that of an Institution including the UN system.
Prior to Gotabaya Rajapaksa becoming the President of Sri Lanka in 2019, he did remain a US Citizen and was domiciled in the United States. No serious attempt was made to level any allegations where it would have led to a serious prosecution being launched by the US authorities, who has a reputation of recognizing Universal Jurisdiction and upholding due process of the Law.
Though it is rather a belated allegation, but done as a matter of practice and habit, where we see on and off especially at times of Sri Lanka receiving Universal attention, these parochial issues get highlighted and finds its way into World media. This may be a ploy employed by the Authors with sinister motives to get propaganda support and media coverage.
The issues of this nature unsubstantiated in facts and outside the normal Judicial Process still needs a body that could recognize and embark on a long drawn investigative process that may take decades to meet the test of truth.
The Singaporean Authorities are well known for their independent Judicial Process and the integrity of the Country. It is my considered view that under the circumstances and the background of this complaint, where it is both an individual centric allegation, that has not passed any test of judicial process hitherto may not warrant the culmination of the legal process and procedures in Singapore.”
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
