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ASSESSMENTS
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BACKGROUNDER
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
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Sri Lanka
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Pakistan
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TERRORIST GROUPS
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TIMELINES
Afghanistan
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BOOKS
The Knights of Falsehood
The Global Threat of Terror
Book Store
TERRORISM UPDATE
VIDEOS
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
WAR WITHIN BORDERS
SECOND SIGHT
ICM IN MEDIA
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
RISK ALERT
ISLAMIST EXTREMISM & TERRORISM IN SOUTH ASIA
SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/PROJECTS/REPORTS
NA
Statement:2020
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Date
Incidents
January - 3 
President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa opening the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament on January 3, said constitution should be changed to protect the country, reports Colombo Page. Presenting the policy manifesto, the President said the country's independence would not be compromised and in order to sa
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President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa opening the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament on January 3, said constitution should be changed to protect the country, reports Colombo Page. Presenting the policy manifesto, the President said the country's independence would not be compromised and in order to safeguard the security, sovereignty, stability and integrity of the country, it is essential that changes be made to the existing Constitution.
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January - 6 
An official said the Government has decided to review the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) Act enacted by Parliament during the former regime, reports Daily Mirror on January 7. The Act was brought in as part of the previous government’s commitment to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) i
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An official said the Government has decided to review the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) Act enacted by Parliament during the former regime, reports Daily Mirror on January 7. The Act was brought in as part of the previous government’s commitment to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in terms of resolution 30/1. It provided for the establishment of the Office of Missing Persons as part of that government’s reconciliation process. Resolution 30/1 envisaged the setting up of such a mechanism to trace the fate of persons who went missing, particularly during war time, to maintain a database of them. The rulers of the incumbent Government - who were in the opposition at that time - were then opposed to the Act saying it would be a step in the direction of pressing war crime charges against the military.
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January - 6 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on January 6 said some provisions in the 13th Amendment to the Constitution were impractical and that alternative solutions should be sought instead, reports Daily Mirror. The President expressed these views when a group of European Union (EU) Ambassadors called on him a
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on January 6 said some provisions in the 13th Amendment to the Constitution were impractical and that alternative solutions should be sought instead, reports Daily Mirror. The President expressed these views when a group of European Union (EU) Ambassadors called on him at the Presidential Secretariat. Referring to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, President Rajapaksa said “Instead, politicians should seek alternative solutions. For an example, if the provincial councils were given police powers, the police will become politicised. What is more practical is appointing people from the districts belonging to the Provincial Councils to the police ranks up to the level of OIC. It will help solve issues caused by language and cultural differences.”
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January - 10 
The New York-based global rights organization, Human Rights Watch (HRW) on January 10 called on the Sri Lankan Government to repeal the draconian Counterterrorism Law, reports Colombo Page. The Sri Lankan Government should abide by its commitments to replace the abusive Prevention of Terrorism Act (
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The New York-based global rights organization, Human Rights Watch (HRW) on January 10 called on the Sri Lankan Government to repeal the draconian Counterterrorism Law, reports Colombo Page. The Sri Lankan Government should abide by its commitments to replace the abusive Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with legislation that respects its international human rights obligations, the HRW said. The cabinet of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced on January 4 that it would withdraw a proposed replacement law, reneging on pledges to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the European Union.
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January - 13 
Defence Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne while addressing the officers and other ranks during his maiden visit to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Headquarters on January 13 said Tamil diaspora is trying their best to revive the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by lobbying against
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Defence Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne while addressing the officers and other ranks during his maiden visit to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Headquarters on January 13 said Tamil diaspora is trying their best to revive the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by lobbying against the Government with the support of the international community, reports Daily Mirror. He said “The Tamil diaspora is trying to achieve what the LTTE couldn't through the arms struggle. But all those attempts were proved to have been futile.”
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January - 14 
Human Rights Watch (HRW) in its World Report 2020 released on January 14 said respect for fundamental human rights in Sri Lanka is in serious jeopardy following Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election as President in November 2019, reports Colombo Page. “There is every reason to fear that any progress Sri Lan
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) in its World Report 2020 released on January 14 said respect for fundamental human rights in Sri Lanka is in serious jeopardy following Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election as President in November 2019, reports Colombo Page. “There is every reason to fear that any progress Sri Lanka has made in recent years in restoring basic rights and rebuilding democratic institutions will be overturned with a vengeance. The new president seems intent not only to wipe away the Rajapaksas’ past abuses but clear the path for future ones. Concerned governments should make it clear that international crimes cannot simply be brushed under the carpet,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at HRW.
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January - 17 
For the first time, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during a meeting with United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on January 17 admitted that thousands of people missing since the end of the brutal civil war between the Government and the Liberat
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For the first time, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during a meeting with United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on January 17 admitted that thousands of people missing since the end of the brutal civil war between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels over a decade ago are "dead", reports Times of India. He told that after the necessary investigations are completed steps would be taken to issue death certificates to these missing persons. According to the Government figures, over 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts including the three-decade separatist war with LTTE in the north and east which claimed at least 100,000 lives.
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January - 23 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said necessary investigations would be conducted before a death certificate would be issued for thousands of people missing from the country’s three-decade long war, reports Colombo Page on January 24. Issuing a statement to clarify the certain International media report
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said necessary investigations would be conducted before a death certificate would be issued for thousands of people missing from the country’s three-decade long war, reports Colombo Page on January 24. Issuing a statement to clarify the certain International media reports which had said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had stated that 20,000 listed as missing are dead, the President’s Media Division said in all these reports however, the crucial detail that necessary investigations would be conducted before a death certificate would be issued had been wittingly or unwittingly omitted. “Most unfortunately, these news items are carrying a misquotation to the effect that President Rajapaksa as having “acknowledged” that over 20,000 disappeared are dead. For the record, he did not make any such acknowledgement and nor did he make a reference to a number as missing or dead,” the statement further emphasized.
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January - 23 
United National Party (UNP) Member of Parliament (MP) Palitha Range Bandara while addressing a news briefing held at Sirikotha on January 23 said that UNP will not support the proposed abolition of the 19th Amendment, reports Daily News. He said “This is a prelude to making autocratic leaders. The U
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United National Party (UNP) Member of Parliament (MP) Palitha Range Bandara while addressing a news briefing held at Sirikotha on January 23 said that UNP will not support the proposed abolition of the 19th Amendment, reports Daily News. He said “This is a prelude to making autocratic leaders. The UNP will not assist any measures taken by the Government to terminate the 19th Amendment. The people wanted to abolish the Executive Presidency when we came to power in 2015. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution reduced the powers of the Executive Presidency by 90%. It also restored the independence of the Elections Commission, Public Service and the Police. Therefore, we do not find any need to repeal it.”
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January - 24 
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) on January 24 publishing the final report on Sri Lanka’s November 16, 2019, Presidential Election said the biased election coverage by private and state media tainted the otherwise well managed election process by the Election Commission (EC),
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The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) on January 24 publishing the final report on Sri Lanka’s November 16, 2019, Presidential Election said the biased election coverage by private and state media tainted the otherwise well managed election process by the Election Commission (EC), reports Colombo Page. Chief Observer of the EU EOM to Sri Lanka, Ms. Marisa Matias presenting the report, said “An electoral process well managed by the Election Commission and a peaceful campaign on the ground contrasted with divisive rhetoric, hate speech and disinformation in traditional and social media. The absence of a law on campaign finance and the biased election coverage by private and state media contributed to an uneven playing field and limited the opportunity for most candidates to convey their message.”
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February - 4 
Sri Lanka’s Government declined to sing the national anthem in Tamil, the country’s second national language, during the island’s Independence Day celebrations on February 4, a departure from the previous Government which sang the anthem in the country’s two primary languages to promote ethnic harmo
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Sri Lanka’s Government declined to sing the national anthem in Tamil, the country’s second national language, during the island’s Independence Day celebrations on February 4, a departure from the previous Government which sang the anthem in the country’s two primary languages to promote ethnic harmony in the aftermath of a decades-long civil war, reports Washington Post. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in his speech, “I have the vision that I must serve as the leader of the country looking after all citizens rather than serve as a political leader concerned only about a particular community. As the President today, I represent the entire Sri Lankan nation irrespective of ethnicity, religion, party affiliation or other differences.” Tamil politicians had requested Rajapaksa to continue the practice of singing the Tamil translation of the national anthem recognized by the constitution in order to give the Tamil community a sense of belonging to the country after decades of estrangement with the state.
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February - 13 
Kshenuka Senewiratne, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations (UN) in New York while making a statement at the UN Security Council Open Debate on ‘Peacebuilding and sustaining peace: Transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict situations’ on February 13 said Sri Lanka is c
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Kshenuka Senewiratne, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations (UN) in New York while making a statement at the UN Security Council Open Debate on ‘Peacebuilding and sustaining peace: Transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict situations’ on February 13 said Sri Lanka is committed to chart own path for sustainable reconciliation, reports Colombo Page. “Sri Lanka is committed, to find innovative and pragmatic solutions driven by the domestic context to protect the country’s national interest guided by the provisions of the Constitution, and the will of the citizens expressed through democratic means. As a sovereign State, Sri Lanka will continue to establish its own priorities towards this end. In our experience, while certain lessons can be learnt from others, it is imperative to chart our own path to reconciliation in order for it to be sustainable,” the envoy said.
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February - 14 
The United States (US) on February 14 banned the entry to Sri Lanka's Army chief over what it said “credible” evidence of human rights violations in the 2009 finale to the civil war in Sri Lanka, reports Daily Mirror. The Department of State said that it has designated Lieutenant General Shavendra S
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The United States (US) on February 14 banned the entry to Sri Lanka's Army chief over what it said “credible” evidence of human rights violations in the 2009 finale to the civil war in Sri Lanka, reports Daily Mirror. The Department of State said that it has designated Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, current Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and Acting Chief of Defence Staff, "as required under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, due to credible information of his involvement, through command responsibility, in gross violations of human rights, namely extrajudicial killings, by the 58th Division of the Sri Lanka Army during the final phase of Sri Lanka’s Civil War in 2009".
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February - 16 
Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a new report on February 16, said that Sri Lankan Security Forces and intelligence agencies have intensified surveillance and threats against families of victims of enforced disappearance and activists supporting them since Gotabaya Rajapaksa became President in November
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a new report on February 16, said that Sri Lankan Security Forces and intelligence agencies have intensified surveillance and threats against families of victims of enforced disappearance and activists supporting them since Gotabaya Rajapaksa became President in November 2019, reports Colombo Page. Activists working in six locations in the northern and eastern parts of the country on behalf of relatives of the forcibly disappeared have told Human Rights Watch that there has been a significant increase in government surveillance and intimidation. A member of the advocacy group Mothers of the Disappeared whose son was forcibly disappeared in 2009 has told Human Rights Watch that since the presidential election she has been repeatedly visited by members of the police Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
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February - 19 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa speaking at the inauguration of the national program to renovate 100,000 kilometres of rural and alternative roads at Galaha, Kandy District on February 19 vowed not to let terrorism or religious extremism to rise again, reports Colombo Page. He said the country will nev
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa speaking at the inauguration of the national program to renovate 100,000 kilometres of rural and alternative roads at Galaha, Kandy District on February 19 vowed not to let terrorism or religious extremism to rise again, reports Colombo Page. He said the country will never be affected by separatism, terrorism and religious extremism which brought havoc to the country. To achieve this goal a team of qualified officials including Secretary Defense have been assigned to the Intelligence network. They are allowed to exercise their powers without any fear or intimidation, the President emphasised.
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February - 19 
Sri Lankan Government, on February 19, said that it would seek the support of other countries to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Resolution on Sri Lanka, which was co-sponsored by the previous Sirisena-Wickremesinghe administration, reports The Island. While absolving f
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Sri Lankan Government, on February 19, said that it would seek the support of other countries to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Resolution on Sri Lanka, which was co-sponsored by the previous Sirisena-Wickremesinghe administration, reports The Island. While absolving former President and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) leader Maithripala Sirisena of any blame, Media and Higher Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena told the weekly Cabinet Press Briefing at the Information Department, that the responsibility for Sri Lanka co-sponsoring the March 2019 UNHRC Resolution 40/L.1 entitled, “Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights of Sri Lanka", had to be borne solely by the UNP (United National Party), which was a leading member of the then national Government.
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February - 19 
The Government of Sri Lanka, on February 19, confirmed that it has decided to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolutions 30/1 and 40/1 co-sponsored by the National Unity Government (NUG) in 2015 and 2019 respectively, reports Colombo Page. Prime Minister (PM) Mahinda R
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The Government of Sri Lanka, on February 19, confirmed that it has decided to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolutions 30/1 and 40/1 co-sponsored by the National Unity Government (NUG) in 2015 and 2019 respectively, reports Colombo Page. Prime Minister (PM) Mahinda Rajapaksa issuing a statement on the entry ban imposed by the United States (US) on the Commander of Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva and his family said the consensus UNHRC resolutions sponsored by the previous Yahapalana Government allowed the Sri Lankan war heroes to be labeled as violators of human rights. “Even though we are now in the 21st Century, even members of his family who have not been accused of any wrongdoing, have been subjected to a collective punishment reminiscent of the practice in medieval Europe,” the PM said. The PM said the Army Commander has been charged as a violator of human rights by other countries because of the historic betrayal committed by the Yahapalana Government formed by the United National Party (UNP), the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in co-sponsoring UN Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1 in 2015.
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February - 21 
A Special Task Force has been appointed on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to monitor the progress and to ensure the speedy execution of investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks (April 21, 2019), reports Daily Mirror on February 22. The Task Force is overseen by the Defence Sec
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A Special Task Force has been appointed on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to monitor the progress and to ensure the speedy execution of investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks (April 21, 2019), reports Daily Mirror on February 22. The Task Force is overseen by the Defence Secretary, Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne and the members of the Task Force are, Chief National Intelligence (Chairman), Director-State Intelligence Service, Director General-Military Intelligence, Deputy Inspector General-Criminal Investigation Department, Director-Counter Terrorism and Investigation Division and Director Legal-Sri Lanka Police. A senior official said that the Task Force is to meet on a weekly basis to discuss and monitor the progress of the ongoing investigation to include scrutinization of information/evidence, collection of new information/evidence and requirement for arrests and detention of suspects.
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February - 24 
Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on February 24 said that he and his delegation are ready to answer any question and allegation regarding human rights and accountability issues in the final days of the ongoing sessions at the United N
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Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on February 24 said that he and his delegation are ready to answer any question and allegation regarding human rights and accountability issues in the final days of the ongoing sessions at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, reports Daily News. He further said co-sponsoring the resolution 40 of March 2019 on Sri Lanka at UNHRC contravene, the Constitution of Sri Lanka and also against the interests of the people of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the Government expects to withdraw the co-sponsoring of the resolution.
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February - 24 
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) leader M.A Sumanthiran while addressing the media after the ITAK Central Committee Meeting held at Arivaham in Kilinochchi on February 24 said that even if the Sri Lanka Government exited from the UN resolution, the UN should urge the Sri Lanka Government to impleme
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Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) leader M.A Sumanthiran while addressing the media after the ITAK Central Committee Meeting held at Arivaham in Kilinochchi on February 24 said that even if the Sri Lanka Government exited from the UN resolution, the UN should urge the Sri Lanka Government to implement the decisions taken at the UNHRC, reports Daily Mirror. “It was well-known that Sri Lanka would exit from the co-sponsorship, however, we are closely monitoring the Government’s activities after the regime change. The ITAK vehemently condemns Sri Lanka violating the decision taken by the UNHRC,” Sumanthiran said.
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February - 24 
A group of rehabilitated ex-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) members formed a new political party with the hope of contesting the General Elections, reports Daily Mirror on February 25. The party's media spokesperson M. A. Yogeshwaran said that the party which had been registered as ‘The Vann
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A group of rehabilitated ex-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) members formed a new political party with the hope of contesting the General Elections, reports Daily Mirror on February 25. The party's media spokesperson M. A. Yogeshwaran said that the party which had been registered as ‘The Vanni Tamil People Union’ included 13 ex-LTTE members. Many youths from universities and professionals including engineers and doctors have obtained membership of this party.
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February - 25 
Defense Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne on February 25 said that few Tamil politicians still propagate Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) separatist ideology, reports Colombo Page. The Defense Secretary said although the Sri Lankan military had completely defeated LTTE terrorism
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Defense Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne on February 25 said that few Tamil politicians still propagate Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) separatist ideology, reports Colombo Page. The Defense Secretary said although the Sri Lankan military had completely defeated LTTE terrorism militarily 10-years ago, the challenge of defeating its separatist ideology still remains as some Tamil politicians were attempting to propagate it in the minds of Tamil people. “The innocent Tamil people who were battered under LTTE terrorism do not want a separate country but some Tamil politicians want devolution of power,” he said.
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February - 26 
On February 26, Sri Lankan Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena informed the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) of its government’s decision to withdraw from co-sponsoring ‘Resolution 30/1’, reports Daily Mirror. Terming the ‘Resolution 30/1’ unconstitutional, Gunawardena stated th
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On February 26, Sri Lankan Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena informed the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) of its government’s decision to withdraw from co-sponsoring ‘Resolution 30/1’, reports Daily Mirror. Terming the ‘Resolution 30/1’ unconstitutional, Gunawardena stated that the recognition of the ‘much flawed’ OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL) report by the previous government undermined the national interests and compromised security including weakening intelligence operations and related safeguards which are deemed to have contributed to the lapses that resulted in the Easter Sunday attacks (April 21, 2019). Gunawardena on his closing statement stated that the present government of Sri Lanka would set up a domestically-designed reconciliation and accountability process to achieve sustainable peace, which would also include a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) headed by a Justice.
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March - 3 
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed disappointment that the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) did not make an effort to hold Sri Lanka to fulfill his commitments when the island nation announced that it is withdrawing from the resolutions it co-sponsored to promote reconciliation an
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The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed disappointment that the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) did not make an effort to hold Sri Lanka to fulfill his commitments when the island nation announced that it is withdrawing from the resolutions it co-sponsored to promote reconciliation and accountability, reports Colombo Page on March 4. In a report, the HRW Director John Fisher said, it was particularly disappointing that the UN Core Group on Sri Lanka – including the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, and Montenegro – did not stand by the numerous victims of abuses by calling for renewed UNHRC action. The HRW says since taking office, Rajapaksa has repeatedly made clear his Government was not going to punish members of the security forces accused of war crimes, and has already stalled pending investigations.
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March - 19 
The Elections Commission (EC) on March 19 postponed the Parliamentary Elections scheduled to be held on April 25 indefinitely considering the uncertain situation prevalent in the country with the spread of COVID 19 viral infection, reports Daily Mirror.Chairman of the EC, Mahinda Deshapriya told rep
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The Elections Commission (EC) on March 19 postponed the Parliamentary Elections scheduled to be held on April 25 indefinitely considering the uncertain situation prevalent in the country with the spread of COVID 19 viral infection, reports Daily Mirror.Chairman of the EC, Mahinda Deshapriya told reporters at a hurriedly convened news briefing “We made all arrangements for the conduct of elections, since the day the Parliament was dissolved, and called for nominations, recruited the staff and issued instructions to voters, officials, the media and our district offices. We were monitoring the spread of COVID 19 closely and the three of us decided that it is impossible to hold the election on April 25th under the prevailing situation. However, I am confident that the COVID 19 task force will bring the spread of the viral infection under control before long.”
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March - 27 
Human Rights Watch (HRW) issuing a statement on March 27 said that Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s pardon of a soldier convicted of massacring eight civilians, including children, shows the administration’s disregard for justice for the worst abuses, reports Colombo Page.“The conviction of
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) issuing a statement on March 27 said that Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s pardon of a soldier convicted of massacring eight civilians, including children, shows the administration’s disregard for justice for the worst abuses, reports Colombo Page.“The conviction of former Sgt. Sunil Ratnayake had been one of the very few cases of security force personnel being criminally punished for civil war-era atrocities, despite the huge number of credible and extremely serious allegations,” the HRW said.Ratnayake, who was pardoned on March 26 was found guilty in 2015 of killing eight civilians, including a 5-year-old, at Mirusuvil, in northern Sri Lanka, in 2000. The bodies of the victims showed signs of torture. The conviction had been upheld by Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court.
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March - 27 
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)on March 27 said that it was 'troubled' by the reports of the release of former staff sergeant R.M. Sunil Ratnayake on a special Presidential pardon, reports Daily Mirror."We are troubled by the reports that the convicted 'perpetrator of th
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The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)on March 27 said that it was 'troubled' by the reports of the release of former staff sergeant R.M. Sunil Ratnayake on a special Presidential pardon, reports Daily Mirror."We are troubled by the reports that the convicted 'perpetrator of the Mirusuvil massacre, in Sri Lanka, has received a Presidential Pardon and was released from jail this week," Spokesperson for the OHCHR, Rupert Colville said.He further said former Army Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake was sentenced in 2015 for the murder in 2000 of eight civilians, including a five-year-old child, after more than a decade long trial.Five defendants were brought to trial but only Sgt Ratnayake was convicted. The conviction was confirmed by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in May 2019.
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April - 1 
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa expressing its deep concern over the Presidential pardon to former Army Corporal Sunil Ratnayake, who was convicted of killing eight civilians including three children, reports Colombo Page on April 2. The H
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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa expressing its deep concern over the Presidential pardon to former Army Corporal Sunil Ratnayake, who was convicted of killing eight civilians including three children, reports Colombo Page on April 2. The HRCSL in its letter to the President said the granting of a presidential pardon to a person convicted of such a heinous offence and whose conviction was upheld unanimously by the Supreme Court sends a negative message that reinforces allegations of impunity and lack of justice for victims of violations in Sri Lanka.
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April - 1 
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) in a statement called upon the Government to publicly disclose all relevant documents in the case of the Presidential pardon afforded to the convict in the case of the Mirusuvil Massacre of December 2000, reports Colombo Page on April 2.The TISL said the P
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Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) in a statement called upon the Government to publicly disclose all relevant documents in the case of the Presidential pardon afforded to the convict in the case of the Mirusuvil Massacre of December 2000, reports Colombo Page on April 2.The TISL said the Presidential Secretariat must make the Report of the Trial Judge, Advice of the Attorney General and the recommendation of the Justice Minister public.TISL said it is concerned that failure to do so could result in irreparable damage to the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary especially given that the conviction and sentencing in this case was upheld by a five member bench of the Supreme Court comprised of Justices BuvanekaAluvihare, Nalin Perera, Sisira de Abrew, Priyantha Jayawardena and Murdhu Fernando in April 2019.
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April - 12 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa recalling the “sorrowful memory of pain and loss” left by the last year’s Easter Sunday bombings on April 12 said Government is committed to ensure justice for the people who suffered, reports Colombo Page.In a message to mark the celebration of Easter Sunday, the Presid
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa recalling the “sorrowful memory of pain and loss” left by the last year’s Easter Sunday bombings on April 12 said Government is committed to ensure justice for the people who suffered, reports Colombo Page.In a message to mark the celebration of Easter Sunday, the President said the Government is determined to ensure complete eradication of such tragedies from the country.
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April - 15 
Police Spokesman Superintendent of Police (SP) Jaliya Senaratne during a press conference on April 15 said that the investigation into last year’s Easter Sunday attack is being expedited by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) and altogether 197 sus
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Police Spokesman Superintendent of Police (SP) Jaliya Senaratne during a press conference on April 15 said that the investigation into last year’s Easter Sunday attack is being expedited by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) and altogether 197 suspects have been arrested so far, reports Daily News.He said that among those arrested were Riyad Bathuideen, brother of former Minister Rishad Bathuideen, an Attorney-at-Law and a Customs officer. He also said that according to investigations Riyad has had close connections with one suicide bomber. He had held discussions with the bomber in a hotel too. He added that the six suspects held positions at various welfare organizations and had funded the terror organisations.
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April - 19 
Police Media Spokesperson SP Jaliya Senaratne on April 19 said that investigations have uncovered that the suspects in the series of suicide bombing attacks on Easter Sunday last year were planning another similar series of attacks in the country, reports Colombo Page.SP Senaratne said the investiga
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Police Media Spokesperson SP Jaliya Senaratne on April 19 said that investigations have uncovered that the suspects in the series of suicide bombing attacks on Easter Sunday last year were planning another similar series of attacks in the country, reports Colombo Page.SP Senaratne said the investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have revealed that the plans for the second attack had failed and the CID has uncovered information on suspects who aided and abetted the plan. According to the Police Media Spokesman, the suspects had also planned to launch an attack in a South Asian country and smuggle the attackers into Sri Lanka to protect them.The Police Spokesman said 197 suspects have been arrested so far in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.
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April - 21 
Defense Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratnereferring to the on-going investigations into Easter Sunday attacks on April 21 said “We will bring all those who involved in those bomb blasts, irrespective of their social status, political affiliations, ethnicity or religion to book. We will n
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Defense Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratnereferring to the on-going investigations into Easter Sunday attacks on April 21 said “We will bring all those who involved in those bomb blasts, irrespective of their social status, political affiliations, ethnicity or religion to book. We will not let our people to die and suffer in such unfortunate incidents. We have taken all precautionary measures to identify such acts of terrorism or extremism at early stages and taken all necessary actions to bring them before the law,” reports Colombo Page.
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April - 21 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa marking the first anniversary of Easter Sunday attacks on April 21 vowed,“I will not leave any room for any form of extremism, or violence from any extremists to be unleashed on my people again,” reports Colombo Page. The President said he will ensure the safety of all c
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa marking the first anniversary of Easter Sunday attacks on April 21 vowed,“I will not leave any room for any form of extremism, or violence from any extremists to be unleashed on my people again,” reports Colombo Page. The President said he will ensure the safety of all communities in the country and assured to identify the true perpetrators responsible for the Easter Sunday massacres and bring them before the law.
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April - 22 
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) raised concerns about the arbitrary arrest and detention of lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah in the conduct of their investigation of the Easter Sunday bombings, reports Colombo Page on April 23. Lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah was arrested by the Criminal Investigation
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The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) raised concerns about the arbitrary arrest and detention of lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah in the conduct of their investigation of the Easter Sunday bombings, reports Colombo Page on April 23. Lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on April 14, pursuant to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and has since been kept in detention. No reasons were provided at the time of the arrest. “No one questions the government’s need and obligation to investigate the horrendous Easter Sunday attacks, but these investigations must be conducted in a way that is consistent with international law and the Sri Lankan Constitution. Not serving Hizbullah a remand order as required by law, and denying him full and confidential access to legal counsel is unacceptable and in violation of international standards on the right to liberty,” said Frederick Rawski, ICJ Asia-Pacific Director.
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April - 23 
Police Spokesman SP Jaliya Senaratne on April 23 said that that there was irrefutable evidence to link Attorney-at-Law, Hejaaz Hisbullah, who had been recently taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings, reports The I
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Police Spokesman SP Jaliya Senaratne on April 23 said that that there was irrefutable evidence to link Attorney-at-Law, Hejaaz Hisbullah, who had been recently taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings, reports The Island.Responding to criticism of the lawyer’s arrest, SP Senaratne told that Hisbullah had been taken in on charges of conspiracy and aiding and abetting in the Easter Sunday carnage, after comprehensive investigation.
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April - 24 
Human Rights Watch (HRW), expressing concerns over Sri Lanka’s due process in recent arrests of Muslims said Sri Lankan authorities should uphold due process rights and ensure that recently detained Muslim figures have proper access to lawyers, reports Colombo Page.“Sri Lankan authorities have a res
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Human Rights Watch (HRW), expressing concerns over Sri Lanka’s due process in recent arrests of Muslims said Sri Lankan authorities should uphold due process rights and ensure that recently detained Muslim figures have proper access to lawyers, reports Colombo Page.“Sri Lankan authorities have a responsibility to prosecute those responsible for the horrific Easter Sunday attacks last year, but the arrests should be lawful, and not used to vilify an entire community.The recent arrests of well-known Muslims, combined with biased government actions and rising anti-Muslim hate speech, raise concerns for the broader safety of the Muslim community,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director. On April 14 the authorities arrested Hejaaz Hizbullah, a prominent lawyer, apparently under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). He was one of six people, including the brother of a former Minister and a customs official, whom Police recently detained for their alleged involvement in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. Ramzy Razeek, a retired Government official who has a following on Facebook, was arrested on April 9 after decrying religious discrimination in a social media post.
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April - 28 
Commenting on the Easter Sunday attacks, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on April 28 said that the objectives of a suicide attack go beyond just killing scores of people, reports Daily Mirror.He said that it is the endeavour of the Government to identify those who are behind the sinister motive.Preside
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Commenting on the Easter Sunday attacks, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on April 28 said that the objectives of a suicide attack go beyond just killing scores of people, reports Daily Mirror.He said that it is the endeavour of the Government to identify those who are behind the sinister motive.President Rajapaksa expressed these views at a meeting held with the MahaNayake of Kotte Sri Kalyani SamagriDhramaMaha Sanga Sabha, Most Ven. Dr. IththapanaDhammalankara Thera and His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith at the Presidential Secretariat. While inquiring about the progress of investigations on Easter Sunday attacks, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith emphasized the need of identifying masterminds of these cowardly attacks.
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May - 12 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on May 12 sought the release of “political prisoners” who were arrested — some convicted — for their alleged association with or role in the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the civil war, reports The Hindu. TNA spokesman and former Jaffna parliament
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on May 12 sought the release of “political prisoners” who were arrested — some convicted — for their alleged association with or role in the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the civil war, reports The Hindu. TNA spokesman and former Jaffna parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran handed over a list of the detainees under Sri Lanka’s controversial Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) Act to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. “There are 96 political prisoners in all and 47 of them were convicted. Only a presidential pardon can release them,” he said, referring to the Sri Lankan President’s discretionary power to grant amnesty.
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May - 17 
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 17 said that he has forwarded to the Attorney General (AG) the issue raised by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on releasing 86 LTTE suspects languishing in prison for the past 13 years, with court cases against them still pending, reports The Island. "It’s m
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Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 17 said that he has forwarded to the Attorney General (AG) the issue raised by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on releasing 86 LTTE suspects languishing in prison for the past 13 years, with court cases against them still pending, reports The Island. "It’s matter for the AG to decide on and I have forwarded it to him", the premier said, when The Sunday Island asked for his response.
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May - 19 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on May 19 marking 11 years of peace achieved after three-decades long war with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) vowed not to let anyone, any country or any organization to harass the war heroes who protected the country, reports Colombo Page. “Even powerful countr
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on May 19 marking 11 years of peace achieved after three-decades long war with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) vowed not to let anyone, any country or any organization to harass the war heroes who protected the country, reports Colombo Page. “Even powerful countries would not allow any action against their War Heroes and I will not allow anyone to exert undue pressures on War Heroes, harass them and target our War Heroes in a poor country like ours. If any international organization or anyone targeting our War Heroes on baseless allegations is trying to harass us, I emphatically state that I will not hesitate to withdraw our membership from such organizations,” the President said.
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May - 21 
General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) Akila Viraj Kariyawasam on May 21 filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition in the Supreme Court stating that the fundamental rights of his and the people of the country are violated by the failure to convene the new Parliament for more than three
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General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) Akila Viraj Kariyawasam on May 21 filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition in the Supreme Court stating that the fundamental rights of his and the people of the country are violated by the failure to convene the new Parliament for more than three months after the dissolution of the eighth Parliament, reports Colombo Page. The Attorney General on behalf of the President and the Attorney General are named as respondents. The UNP General Secretary in his petition requested the apex court to issue an injunction invalidating the gazette notification issued by the President on March 2 dissolving the eighth Parliament. The petition further states that after the dissolution of the eight Parliament, the Elections Commission decided to hold the election for the ninth Parliament on June 20. It points out that the election date is after three months from the date of the dissolution of Parliament and the decision of the Election Commission is illegal. The petitioner states that the new parliamentary party should be summoned not less than three months after the dissolution of the Parliament, but the failure to do so and the absence of the old Parliament is a violation of the Constitution. The petitioner notes that according to the Constitution new Parliament should be summoned not later than three months after the dissolution of Parliament. Failure to do so and not reconvening the old Parliament is a violation of the Constitution, the Petitioner adds.
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May - 21 
Industrial Exports and Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga speaking to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) members at a meeting in Minuwangoda on May 21 said that it was the previous Yahapalana Government, which mollycoddled the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTT
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Industrial Exports and Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga speaking to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) members at a meeting in Minuwangoda on May 21 said that it was the previous Yahapalana Government, which mollycoddled the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorism that was defeated by valiant war heroes, reports Daily News. “The Ranil- Maithri government was revising the war victory achieved through the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces with life and limb in 2009,” he said.
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May - 24 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his Ramazan Day Message said Sri Lankans should never allow any harm to Islamic brotherhood due to acts of a few extremists in the country, reports Daily Mirror on May 25. “The spirit of Islamic brotherhood existed in the Sri Lankan society since ancient times is exe
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his Ramazan Day Message said Sri Lankans should never allow any harm to Islamic brotherhood due to acts of a few extremists in the country, reports Daily Mirror on May 25. “The spirit of Islamic brotherhood existed in the Sri Lankan society since ancient times is exemplary to the world. We should never allow any harm to that brotherhood due to acts of a few extremists,” President Rajapaksa said.
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May - 27 
President’s Counsel Manohara de Silva on May 27 told the SC that there was no legal provision to recall the gazette notification issued by the President dissolving Parliament and the gazette notification issued by the President on March 2 to dissolve Parliament was legal, reports Colombo Page. Presi
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President’s Counsel Manohara de Silva on May 27 told the SC that there was no legal provision to recall the gazette notification issued by the President dissolving Parliament and the gazette notification issued by the President on March 2 to dissolve Parliament was legal, reports Colombo Page. President’s Counsel said that no legal provision has been made to hold an election and convene a Parliament within three months of the dissolution of Parliament.
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May - 28 
Defence Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said the Special Task Force (STF) has a major role to play in countering extremism and organised crimes, reports Daily Mirror on May 29. The Defence Secretary expressed these views while addressing the STF troops during his maiden visit to STF h
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Defence Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said the Special Task Force (STF) has a major role to play in countering extremism and organised crimes, reports Daily Mirror on May 29. The Defence Secretary expressed these views while addressing the STF troops during his maiden visit to STF headquarters since he assumed duties as the Defence Secretary. Expressing his gratitude to over 700 STF personnel, who suffered severe injuries during the war against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorism, he said the STF had kept a remarkable stride in Sri Lanka’s 30-year long war fighting with LTTE terrorism, in which many heroic men and women of the STF had sacrificed with their lives and limbs.
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May - 30 
A senior Army Intelligence officer has told the Presidential Commission investigating into the Easter Sunday attacks that former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director SSP Shani Abeysekera had not permitted to question those who were allegedly involved in extremist activities and conduct f
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A senior Army Intelligence officer has told the Presidential Commission investigating into the Easter Sunday attacks that former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director SSP Shani Abeysekera had not permitted to question those who were allegedly involved in extremist activities and conduct further investigations into them, reports Daily News on May 31. He said this when inquired by Commission President, Court of Appeal Judge Justice Janak De Silva. He said Mohammed Jameel who blew himself at the Tropical Inn lodge in Dehiwala has been proven to be involved in extremist activities. The witness said a team led by him succeeded in reaching the house of this suicide bomber’s house and question his wife within an hour of the blast. He also said that they have received information of Mohommed Ibrahim and Mohammed Jameel for having been involved in extremist activities from 2015. These suicide bombers were involved in the Dematagoda and Dehiwala blasts.
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June - 1 
The Supreme Court (SC) on June 1 dismissed eight Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed challenging the dissolution of Parliament and holding the General Election on June 20, reports Daily News. Five Judge Bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Buwaneka Aluwihare, Justice Sisi
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The Supreme Court (SC) on June 1 dismissed eight Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed challenging the dissolution of Parliament and holding the General Election on June 20, reports Daily News. Five Judge Bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Buwaneka Aluwihare, Justice Sisira de Abrew, Justice Priyantha Jayawardena and Justice Vijith Malalgoda unanimously refused to grant Leave to Proceed with eight FR petitions. Pronouncing the ruling, the Chief Justice informed that the Court provided opportunities for all counsel in all applications on the preliminary objections raised as well as the main application. "By majority decision, preliminary objections are overruled. By unanimous decision, Leave to Proceed is refused for all applications,” the Chief Justice announced.
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June - 2 
Executive Director People's Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL), Rohana Hettiarachchi on June 2 said one should take a middle path when it comes to holding of elections, reports Daily Mirror. He said “COVID-19 is a global pandemic and is an exceptional situation. Therefore politicians should
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Executive Director People's Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL), Rohana Hettiarachchi on June 2 said one should take a middle path when it comes to holding of elections, reports Daily Mirror. He said “COVID-19 is a global pandemic and is an exceptional situation. Therefore politicians should not open law books and argue on law points at this moment. However there are issues which have to be resolved. Government cannot spend funds on their own without Parliament's approval. One could challenge state spending in courts." Similarly, former Governor and former Executive Director of Campaign for Free and Fair Election (CaFFE) Keerthi Tennekoon also said there are issues to be resolved with regard to the polls despite the dismissal of petitions filed against the election date. "The gazette notification issued by the President March 2, 2020 became defunct yesterday. Neither President nor Election Commission has provisions to decide on when the new Parliament could be convened. Besides many who uses postal votes won't get the opportunity of voting as many have not registered yet. Another issue is using schools as polling stations and counting centres. Besides there's is an issue as to how the government is going to spend for the poll without Parliament" he said.
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June - 2 
Government Printer Gangani Liyanage said that the printing of 17 million ballot papers for the General Elections commenced on June 2, reports Daily Mirror. She said the typesetting and other preparations were carried out during the last week and subsequently the official printing commenced. The dat
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Government Printer Gangani Liyanage said that the printing of 17 million ballot papers for the General Elections commenced on June 2, reports Daily Mirror. She said the typesetting and other preparations were carried out during the last week and subsequently the official printing commenced. The date of holding the General Elections was confronted with ambiguity following the FR petitions filed in the SC challenging the fixing of General Elections date for June 20. However, the FR petitions were dismissed by the SC without hearing them. Accordingly, the printing of ballot paper commenced following the court order.
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June - 7 
The Election Commission (EC) on June 7,conducted a mock poll, reports Daily Mirror. The EC conducted a mock poll at a selected location in the Ambalangoda area with the participation of 239 voters to determine the actual time needed for conducting the parliamentary polls in accordance with the heal
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The Election Commission (EC) on June 7,conducted a mock poll, reports Daily Mirror. The EC conducted a mock poll at a selected location in the Ambalangoda area with the participation of 239 voters to determine the actual time needed for conducting the parliamentary polls in accordance with the health guidelines. Commission’s spokesman Saman Ratnayake told that voters lined up one metre apart from each other according to instructions on social distancing.He said the two persons had voted within one minute. Under normal circumstances, the ratio is determined as 2.3 for one minute.Also, he said the participants were provided with hand sanitizing liquid before entering the mock polling station in addition to facilities for washing hands.The officials assigned for duty at the mock polling station were wearing protective face cover.Ratnayake said most participants had brought pens to mark their ballot papers.“Those who were without their pens were given pens by the health authorities. After use, these pens were sanitized and reused. Besides, voter identity cards were checked without touching them. Indelible ink was applied on their fingers without touching,” he said.Besides, thermometers were used to check the body temperature of the participants. The EC will conduct similar mock polls in some other areas for further determination of timing and other logistics required for the actual polls.
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June - 8 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on June 8 said public sector officials including board members of State corporations and statutory bodies as well as members of director boards appointed by his Government should refrain from engaging in propaganda of any political party and not use public assets during
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on June 8 said public sector officials including board members of State corporations and statutory bodies as well as members of director boards appointed by his Government should refrain from engaging in propaganda of any political party and not use public assets during the upcoming election, reports Daily Mirror. He said all officials paid by the public should work diligently, efficiently and honestly in discharging their duties. In a statement, President Rajapaksa said if any head of State institution or director board member wished to engage in party politics, they could do so after resigning. “What they should do is to transform State institutions into efficient, corrupt-free, disciplined and profitable ones. State institutions are being maintained by public funds and therefore they should never become a burden to the public. No public asset including vehicles and financial resources of any State institution including ministries should be utilised to promote any political party in the upcoming election. Stern legal action will be taken against the heads of State institutions, director board members and other officials if they do so," he said.
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June - 10 
Election Commission (EC) on June 10, announced that the General Election 2020 will be held on August 5, reports Colombo Page. The EC has made the decision on the new date following several rounds of discussions with the Health and Security authorities and other stakeholders and a polling rehearsal.
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Election Commission (EC) on June 10, announced that the General Election 2020 will be held on August 5, reports Colombo Page. The EC has made the decision on the new date following several rounds of discussions with the Health and Security authorities and other stakeholders and a polling rehearsal. Addressing media, EC Chairman, Mahinda Deshapriya said the members of the EC had unanimously decided that the General Election scheduled for June 20 could be held on August 5, 2020.
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June - 11 
Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Nandana Munasinghe, who was the Senior DIG of Western Province in April 2019, on June 11, told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on Easter Sunday attacks that he was sceptical about the intelligence reports, which he received on April 9, warning of
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Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Nandana Munasinghe, who was the Senior DIG of Western Province in April 2019, on June 11, told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on Easter Sunday attacks that he was sceptical about the intelligence reports, which he received on April 9, warning of Islamic terrorist attacks, reports The Island. He said, "It said that there would be a possible attack by six Islamic suicide terrorists. I was sceptical because we had not been warned of any Islamic terrorist groups, operational in the country, and thus I was sceptical about the ability of Islamists to launch such an attack. I thought could there be such a strong Islamic group. We had no such information."
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June - 14 
All illegal election propaganda was banned from June 14, reports Colombo Page. Police commenced a special operation to remove posters, banners and cut-outs as well advertisements displayed targeting the forthcoming General Election. Police said the special operation will cover the entire island. Pol
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All illegal election propaganda was banned from June 14, reports Colombo Page. Police commenced a special operation to remove posters, banners and cut-outs as well advertisements displayed targeting the forthcoming General Election. Police said the special operation will cover the entire island. Police Media Spokesperson SP Jaliya Senaratne said steps will be taken to stop all illegal propaganda activities aimed at the election. The Spokesperson said legal action will be taken against those who carry out illegal propaganda activities.
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June - 16 
Elections Commission (EC) on June 16, announced that the postal voting for the 2020 General Election will be held from July 14 to 17, 2020, reports Daily Mirror. EC said it would hand over the postal ballot papers to the postal authorities for delivery to voters from June 30 to July 2. Accordingly,
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Elections Commission (EC) on June 16, announced that the postal voting for the 2020 General Election will be held from July 14 to 17, 2020, reports Daily Mirror. EC said it would hand over the postal ballot papers to the postal authorities for delivery to voters from June 30 to July 2. Accordingly, the postal voting will be held on July 14 and 15 for employees of state institutions, except District Secretariats, Election offices, Police, tri-forces and Health officials. The postal voting will be held for employees attached to District Secretariats, Election offices, Police, tri-forces and Health officials on July 16 and 17. July 20 and 21 will be set to cast the postal voting for those who are unable to cast postal voting on earlier given dates. They will be provided with facilities to cast the voting from their workplaces.
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June - 17 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa while meeting with the Chairman and the members of the Elections Commission (EC) at the Presidential Secretariat on June 17, assured to create the background to hold a free and fair election while giving priority to the health protection of the people, reports Colombo Pa
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa while meeting with the Chairman and the members of the Elections Commission (EC) at the Presidential Secretariat on June 17, assured to create the background to hold a free and fair election while giving priority to the health protection of the people, reports Colombo Page. The President said that the Government will extend its fullest cooperation to the EC to make the election process a success while adhering to health guidelines.
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June - 18 
Kalpitiya Police arrested four suspects including a candidate of the upcoming General Election for processing and transporting illegal election posters in a luxury vehicle in Kandakuliya area of Puttalam District in North Western Province on June 18, reports Daily News. “The candidate is contesting
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Kalpitiya Police arrested four suspects including a candidate of the upcoming General Election for processing and transporting illegal election posters in a luxury vehicle in Kandakuliya area of Puttalam District in North Western Province on June 18, reports Daily News. “The candidate is contesting the election under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) from the Puttalam District and was taken into custody along 4,000 posters,” Police said.
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June - 19 
Former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman on June 19, claimed that he is more dangerous than Covid-19, reports Daily Mirror. “When I was a member of the LTTE, I killed some 2000 to 3000 Sri Lankan Army personnel in one night at Elephant Pas
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Former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman on June 19, claimed that he is more dangerous than Covid-19, reports Daily Mirror. “When I was a member of the LTTE, I killed some 2000 to 3000 Sri Lankan Army personnel in one night at Elephant Pass. I have killed more in Killinochchi. That is certainly higher than the number of lives the coronavirus has claimed in Sri Lanka,” he said addressing a gathering in Navadinveli, Ampara District.
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June - 23 
Insaf Ahamed, the suicide bomber who blew himself up at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel on June 21, 2019, had spent nearly SLR 45 million within the first four months of 2019 for National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) to conduct extremist activities in the country, Raveendra Wimalasiri of the Criminal Investigatio
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Insaf Ahamed, the suicide bomber who blew himself up at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel on June 21, 2019, had spent nearly SLR 45 million within the first four months of 2019 for National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) to conduct extremist activities in the country, Raveendra Wimalasiri of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing into the Easter Sunday Attacks on June 23, reports Daily Mirror. He informed the Commission that Insaf Ahamed owned several companies and always maintained a record on what purpose he was using funds. “However, in the first four months of 2019 he had used SLR 45 million but there was no record of the purpose. During investigations it was revealed that money had been used to conduct extremist activities within the country,” he informed the Commission.
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June - 24 
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Sri Lankan Government to investigate and appropriately prosecute Vinyagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman for war crimes and other grave human rights abuses, reports Daily News on June 25. “In truth, Karuna Amman, should have been criminally inves
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The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Sri Lankan Government to investigate and appropriately prosecute Vinyagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman for war crimes and other grave human rights abuses, reports Daily News on June 25. “In truth, Karuna Amman, should have been criminally investigated long ago for war crimes. During the 26-year armed conflict, the LTTE was responsible for countless grave abuses, including unlawful killings and attacks on civilians. Forces under Karuna’s command were implicated in the summary execution of several hundred police officers in June 1990, after they had surrendered to the LTTE. The following month his forces executed about 75 Muslim travellers. And in August that year, his forces were allegedly responsible for killing more than 200 civilians in Batticaloa district,” their statement read.
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June - 26 
Attorney General’s Coordinating officer and State Counsel, Nishara Jayaratne on June 26, said that 40 files of Police inquiry conducted on the suspects of Easter Sunday bombings are incomplete, reports Daily Mirror. She further said the Attorney General having marked the investigation files concerne
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Attorney General’s Coordinating officer and State Counsel, Nishara Jayaratne on June 26, said that 40 files of Police inquiry conducted on the suspects of Easter Sunday bombings are incomplete, reports Daily Mirror. She further said the Attorney General having marked the investigation files concerned as “Incomplete” returned them to Acting Inspector General of Police, C.D.Wickremaratne so that the inquiries concerning the suspects can be properly concluded for the determination of legal action. The Police had arrested over 200 suspects in connection with the Easter Sunday attack.
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June - 26 
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on June 26, called for an investigation on former regional leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Vinayagamurthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman over the recruitment of child soldiers for the LTTE, reports Sri Lanka Mirror. “We note that
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The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on June 26, called for an investigation on former regional leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Vinayagamurthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman over the recruitment of child soldiers for the LTTE, reports Sri Lanka Mirror. “We note that #Karuna, former LTTE commander & Government minister, is being questioned for alleged past crimes. He should also be investigated for wholesale recruitment of child soldiers, a crime under int'l law. Accountability should apply to everyone in Sri Lanka”, the UNHRC tweeted.
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June - 28 
The United National Party (UNP) on June 28, launched its campaign for the General Election from the Sirikotha party headquarters, reports Colombo Page. Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The UNP said that the meeting, which used digital technology, was broadcas
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The United National Party (UNP) on June 28, launched its campaign for the General Election from the Sirikotha party headquarters, reports Colombo Page. Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The UNP said that the meeting, which used digital technology, was broadcasted in 160 locations across the country. The audience was given the opportunity to watch it on social media.
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June - 29 
Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Keerthi Gajanayake on June 29, informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks that Inspector General of Police (IGP), Pujith Jayasundara didn’t take any preventive measures to avert Easter Sunday attacks, reports Daily Mirr
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Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Keerthi Gajanayake on June 29, informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks that Inspector General of Police (IGP), Pujith Jayasundara didn’t take any preventive measures to avert Easter Sunday attacks, reports Daily Mirror. Testifying before the Commission, Gajanayake said that on April 9, 2019, State Intelligence Services (SIS) had sent a warning to the IGP about a possible terror attack which mentioned that leader of National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ) Zahran and his associates planning a terror attack within the country. He informed the Commission that the SIS warning letter about the possible terror attack was information received by the foreign intelligence agency and IGP should have taken assistance from an agent from the particular foreign intelligence service to verify the particular information.
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June - 30 
The Core Group on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on June 30, called on the Sri Lankan Government to follow due process in detentions and arrests and be compliant with international norms and universal rights, reports Colombo Page. The Core Group noting that lawyer Hejaa
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The Core Group on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on June 30, called on the Sri Lankan Government to follow due process in detentions and arrests and be compliant with international norms and universal rights, reports Colombo Page. The Core Group noting that lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah, who has now been detained for almost three months without charge or presentation before the court asked the government not to use measures to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to roll back human rights. The UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivering a statement at the 44th session of the UNHRC on behalf of the Core Group on Sri Lanka, namely Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the UK, called on the Government to ensure that the country’s democratic space remains open and accountable. The Core Group reiterating its disappointment at Sri Lanka’s withdrawal from the UN resolution 30/1 called for an end to impunity for the violations and abuses of the past.
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July - 2 
Responding to views expressed by the United Nations Human Rights Council's (UNHRC)’s Core Group on Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Government on July 2 urged all parties to appreciate the country's approach of focusing on deliverable measures of reconciliation and to recognise the ground realities, report
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Responding to views expressed by the United Nations Human Rights Council's (UNHRC)’s Core Group on Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Government on July 2 urged all parties to appreciate the country's approach of focusing on deliverable measures of reconciliation and to recognise the ground realities, reports Daily Mirror. Sri Lanka was responding to views expressed by the UNHRC Core Group on Sri Lanka at the 44th Session of the UNHRC on June 30. The Core Group expressed its disappointment over Sri Lanka's position that it no longer supported resolution 30/1, which Sri Lanka had co-sponsored in partnership with the international community to address the harmful legacies of war and build a sustainable peace in the country. In response, the Foreign Relations Ministry said the country remains committed to achieve reconciliation, accountability and human rights within the framework of the Sri Lankan Constitution.
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July - 2 
Sri Lanka’s Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Dayani Mendis at the Interactive Dialogue during the 44th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on July 2, in Geneva said that Sri Lanka is committed to achieving reconciliation despite withdrawal from UN res
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Sri Lanka’s Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Dayani Mendis at the Interactive Dialogue during the 44th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on July 2, in Geneva said that Sri Lanka is committed to achieving reconciliation despite withdrawal from UN resolution, reports Colombo Page. “We urge all parties once again to recognize the realities on the ground, and appreciate this approach of focusing on deliverable measures of reconciliation – which is backed by a people’s mandate and is in the interest of Sri Lanka and its people, instead of opting to continue with a framework driven externally that has failed to deliver genuine reconciliation for over four and half years,” she said.
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July - 7 
The Elections Commission (EC) on July 7, said that 2,207 complaints regarding election law violations and violent activities received so far, reports Daily Mirror. It said 604 violent activities had been reported to the National Election Complaint Management Centre while 1,603 complaints had been re
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The Elections Commission (EC) on July 7, said that 2,207 complaints regarding election law violations and violent activities received so far, reports Daily Mirror. It said 604 violent activities had been reported to the National Election Complaint Management Centre while 1,603 complaints had been reported to District Election Complaint Management Centres.
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July - 9 
Former President Maithripala Sirisena and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should take the sole responsibility over the Easter Sunday attacks, a senior Military Intelligence officer attached to the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry
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Former President Maithripala Sirisena and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should take the sole responsibility over the Easter Sunday attacks, a senior Military Intelligence officer attached to the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks on July 9, reports Daily Mirror. "After the formation of the 52-day Government, the clash between the former President and former Prime Minister intensified and this had a direct impact on the country's national security," the witness said.
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July - 11 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) candidate, Eswarnathan Sarawanabawan on July 11 lodged a complaint with Manipai Police that his Jaffna election office had been attacked by unidentified persons, reports The Island. Sarawanabawan told media that his political opponents had carried out the attack.
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) candidate, Eswarnathan Sarawanabawan on July 11 lodged a complaint with Manipai Police that his Jaffna election office had been attacked by unidentified persons, reports The Island. Sarawanabawan told media that his political opponents had carried out the attack.
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July - 12 
Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking at an election rally on July 12 called for the postponement of the General Election stating that the country is facing a dangerous situation in the wake of COVID-19 raising its head once again, reports Daily Mirror. Mr. Wickremesinghe said “Postpo
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Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking at an election rally on July 12 called for the postponement of the General Election stating that the country is facing a dangerous situation in the wake of COVID-19 raising its head once again, reports Daily Mirror. Mr. Wickremesinghe said “Postpone the elections now without waiting till the last moment. Candidates of all political parties have already spent their money on the campaign. It will be unfair if the election is postponed at the last moment as the candidates will be spending their funds for the campaign in vain. It is also very essential to take steps to avoid further spread of COVID -19 as a second wave will definitely kill the economy. A man who had fallen from a deadly blow will surely die if he is given another deadly one.”
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July - 13 
Postal voting for the Medical Officers of Health (MOH) was held on July 13, reports Daily Mirror. Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasarathna said that postal voting was held in 20 MOH offices in the Colombo District. A total of 36,530 postal voters in the Colombo District and all postal voting pr
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Postal voting for the Medical Officers of Health (MOH) was held on July 13, reports Daily Mirror. Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasarathna said that postal voting was held in 20 MOH offices in the Colombo District. A total of 36,530 postal voters in the Colombo District and all postal voting procedures were being carried out in accordance with the guidelines issued by the health authorities. Postal voting for Defense sector, Election Commission and District Secretariat officials would be held on July 16 and 17.
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July - 16 
The “Human Rights and Democracy Report 2019” released by UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office on July 16, said that the overall human rights situation in Sri Lanka in 2019 deteriorated with increased inter-communal tensions, violence against minority groups, and intimidation of human rights defender
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The “Human Rights and Democracy Report 2019” released by UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office on July 16, said that the overall human rights situation in Sri Lanka in 2019 deteriorated with increased inter-communal tensions, violence against minority groups, and intimidation of human rights defenders, reports Colombo Page. The report said towards the end of 2019, there were multiple reports of increased surveillance and intimidation of activists, of civil society groups and human rights defenders particularly those working on legal and transitional justice issues. In the United Kingdom’s Annual Human Rights Report 2019, Sri Lanka remains among the 30 Human Rights Priority Countries where the UK is particularly concerned about human rights issues, and where they consider that the UK can make a real difference.
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July - 22 
A State Intelligence Service (SIS) officer testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks on July 22, said although the SIS had provided information to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) about the locations of Zahran's team members 'Army Mohide
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A State Intelligence Service (SIS) officer testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks on July 22, said although the SIS had provided information to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) about the locations of Zahran's team members 'Army Mohideen', Yusuf Anwar and Zahran's brother Rilwan, before the attacks, the CID had failed to arrest them, reports Daily Mirror. The SIS officer said "Between 2014 and 2017, there were many conflicts between National Thawheeth Jamaat (NTJ) and other Muslim groups in Kattankudy. In 2017, there was a conflict between Zahran's group and another Islamic group and the police had obtained arrest warrants to apprehend Zahran, Rilwan, Army Mohideen and Yusuf Anwar." The SIS officer said Army Mohideen was a physical instructor of the NTJ and previously he was serving in the Sri Lanka Army for over 10 years. He said the SIS officers led the CID officers to the location in Pasikkudah where Army Mohideen was living. They also alerted them about the routes through which the suspect could escape. Army Mohideen was arrested on April 24, 2019, soon after the Easter Sunday attacks.
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July - 24 
Former Secretary to the former President Maithripala Sirisena, P. B. Abeykoon testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks on July 24, said that Maithripala Sirisena believed that there was no threat to the National Security, reports Daily Mirror. Tes
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Former Secretary to the former President Maithripala Sirisena, P. B. Abeykoon testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks on July 24, said that Maithripala Sirisena believed that there was no threat to the National Security, reports Daily Mirror. Testifying before the Commission, Abeykoon said that the former Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe and other officials had agreed to hold the National Security Council (NSC) meetings only once a month, which were normally held once a week.
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July - 26 
Elections Commissioner General Saman Ratnayake on July 26, said that the number of vote counting centers for August 5, General Election has been doubled compared to previous years, reports Colombo Page. Ratnayake noted that the number of counting centers had been 1,420 in the previous General Electi
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Elections Commissioner General Saman Ratnayake on July 26, said that the number of vote counting centers for August 5, General Election has been doubled compared to previous years, reports Colombo Page. Ratnayake noted that the number of counting centers had been 1,420 in the previous General Election and it has been increased to 2,820 this time in order to provide results in a speedy manner under the health security guidelines.
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July - 27 
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing an election meeting held at Narammala Community Development Foundation in Kurunegala District on July 27, said the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is trying to achieve what the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) failed to gain by firepower, reports Dail
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Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing an election meeting held at Narammala Community Development Foundation in Kurunegala District on July 27, said the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is trying to achieve what the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) failed to gain by firepower, reports Daily News. He said that the Government will not give into TNA demands to divide this country on ethnic lines and there will be no room for a separate State in Sri Lanka under his Government. “Our government succeeded in eradicating the terrorism which plagued the country for more than 30 years and created environment in the country in which people of all communities can live in peace and harmony. We should take every possible effort to thwart another uprising in the country again,” he said.
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July - 28 
Former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Nilantha Jayawardena on July 28, informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks that mastermind of the Easter Sunday bombings was not Zahran Hashim, but his mentor Nawfar Moulavi, reports Daily Mirror. Jayawardena
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Former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Nilantha Jayawardena on July 28, informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks that mastermind of the Easter Sunday bombings was not Zahran Hashim, but his mentor Nawfar Moulavi, reports Daily Mirror. Jayawardena said “He has been living in Qatar for several years and had been identified as having various foreign links. This person has inspired Zaharan and others like what Anton Balasingham did by inspiring those connected to the Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE).”
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July - 29 
Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Priyantha Weerasuriya addressing on July 29, said that 317 people including six candidates have been arrested thus far in relation to the General Election, reports Daily News. Weerasuriya said 289 election related complaints have been lodged with the Police fo
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Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Priyantha Weerasuriya addressing on July 29, said that 317 people including six candidates have been arrested thus far in relation to the General Election, reports Daily News. Weerasuriya said 289 election related complaints have been lodged with the Police following the declaration of the election and around 80 of these complaints relate to criminal activities. He said Police has also observed an increase in election related incidents in comparison to the 2019 Presidential Election. According to Police, 100 supporters of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), 53 Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) supporters, 26 Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) activists, 20 United National Party (UNP) supporters and 40 supporters of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) have been arrested based on election related complaints. 69 supporters of other political parties were also arrested during the election period.
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July - 29 
10 international human rights organisations in a statement issued on July 29, said Sri Lankan Government should end the targeted arrests, intimidation and threats against the lives and physical security of lawyers, activists, human rights defenders and journalists, reports Daily Mirror. The statemen
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10 international human rights organisations in a statement issued on July 29, said Sri Lankan Government should end the targeted arrests, intimidation and threats against the lives and physical security of lawyers, activists, human rights defenders and journalists, reports Daily Mirror. The statement was signed by Amnesty International, CIVICUS, World Organisation Against Torture, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Front Line Defenders, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists, International Service for Human Rights, Reporters Without Borders and South Asians for Human Rights. They said a campaign of fear has intensified since the 2019 Presidential Election, and has cast a shadow over the 2020 Parliamentary Election campaign as well. “The targeting and repression of journalists and human rights defenders is not only an assault on the rights of these individuals, but an attack on the principles of human rights and the rule of law which should protect all Sri Lankans,” the statement said.
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July - 31 
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on July 31, said that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution has violated the fundamental rights of the people, reports Daily Mirror. He said “The yahapalana government introduced the 19A mainly to violate the fundamental rights of the Rajapaksas. Though this was the
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Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on July 31, said that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution has violated the fundamental rights of the people, reports Daily Mirror. He said “The yahapalana government introduced the 19A mainly to violate the fundamental rights of the Rajapaksas. Though this was the main intention, it has also violated the rights of the people. Even amid all obstacles and to the dismay of the previous governemnt, 6.9 million of people elected Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the President thus approving his programme for the country."
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August - 2 
The 'silent period' with regard to the General Election comes into effect from August 2, reports Daily Mirror. A total of 6,483 complaints of violation of election laws were reported but not a single violence case had been reported as of August 1, according to the Election Commission (EC). The EC sa
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The 'silent period' with regard to the General Election comes into effect from August 2, reports Daily Mirror. A total of 6,483 complaints of violation of election laws were reported but not a single violence case had been reported as of August 1, according to the Election Commission (EC). The EC said that a total of 1,128 complaints related to violation of election laws were reported to the National Election Complaints Management Centre while 5,355 complaints were reported to the District Election Complaints Management Centres.
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August - 4 
Police Department on August 4 said 82,091 security personnel have been deployed to provide security for the Parliamentary Election, reports Colombo Page. Director of the Police-Elections Senior Superintendent of Police Ashoka Dharmasena, at a special media briefing said 61,078 Police officers, 3,145
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Police Department on August 4 said 82,091 security personnel have been deployed to provide security for the Parliamentary Election, reports Colombo Page. Director of the Police-Elections Senior Superintendent of Police Ashoka Dharmasena, at a special media briefing said 61,078 Police officers, 3,145 Special Task Force (STF) officers and 2,368 intelligence officers have been deployed around the country to ensure a fair and peaceful election. In addition, 1,926 Special Bureau officers and 10,750 Civil Defense Force officers have been mobilized, SSP Dharmasena said.
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August - 5 
Voting for the 2020 General Election that commenced at 7.00 am on August 5, ended peacefully at 5.00 pm amid anti-coronavirus measures, reports Colombo Page. The election was held in accordance with health guidelines due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 16,263,885 registered voters were eligibl
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Voting for the 2020 General Election that commenced at 7.00 am on August 5, ended peacefully at 5.00 pm amid anti-coronavirus measures, reports Colombo Page. The election was held in accordance with health guidelines due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 16,263,885 registered voters were eligible to cast their vote at 12,885 polling centers island-wide to elect 196 members to the parliament. A total of 7,452 candidates representing 40 political parties and 313 independent groups contested the election. The Election Commission (EC) said overall about 71 percent of eligible voters has cast their ballots island wide. Meanwhile, the Police said the election was held very peacefully.
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August - 13 
Justice Minister Ali Sabry said that 20th Amendment to abolish the 19th Amendment to the Constitution will be tabled in Parliament by mid-September, reports Daily Mirror on August 14. “We are taking steps to abolish any clauses in the 19th Amendment that are detrimental to the country and amend them
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Justice Minister Ali Sabry said that 20th Amendment to abolish the 19th Amendment to the Constitution will be tabled in Parliament by mid-September, reports Daily Mirror on August 14. “We are taking steps to abolish any clauses in the 19th Amendment that are detrimental to the country and amend them accordingly. We are hoping to produce an effective Constitution to the country with the sole consent of all communities,” Sabry said.
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August - 14 
Defense Secretary, Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne on August 14, emphasising that national security and defense were paramount for country’s development vowed not to leave any room for separatism or extremism in the country again, reports Colombo Page. He expressed these views addressing a g
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Defense Secretary, Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne on August 14, emphasising that national security and defense were paramount for country’s development vowed not to leave any room for separatism or extremism in the country again, reports Colombo Page. He expressed these views addressing a gathering of professionals at a session themed ‘Post COVID-19 Renaissance – Present and future development of Sri Lanka’, organised by the ‘Harimaga organisation’ at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. “Though separatism was militarily defeated in May 2009, we need to eliminate the separatist ideology which a few individuals of the Tamil diaspora are constantly sponsoring. I assure you that there will be no room for separatism in this country now and ever,” Gunaratne said. He said 12,242 ex-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres were rehabilitated and reintegrated into the society during the post war period and that some remnant front organisations of the LTTE were still attempting to indoctrinate and recruit these individuals to fuel their separatist cause for financial gains. Referring to the Easter Sunday bomb attacks of 2019, the Defense Secretary said despite receiving early warnings of the impending attacks 97 times by the security agencies, those who were responsible had overlooked its graveness and severity and failed to prevent the carnage that left over 290 casualties and approximately 500 injured. “Our military intelligence operatives were imprisoned and harassed leaving a huge dearth in our intelligence apparatus which also paved the path for the extremists to operate scout free and under the radar,” he said.
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August - 18 
Former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena on August 18 informed the PCoI probing the Easter Sunday attacks that India was a safe haven for National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) leader Zahran Hashim and his associates, reports Daily Mirror. Mr. Jayawardena said Zahran and hi
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Former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena on August 18 informed the PCoI probing the Easter Sunday attacks that India was a safe haven for National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) leader Zahran Hashim and his associates, reports Daily Mirror. Mr. Jayawardena said Zahran and his associates had travelled to India several times and had stayed there before the attacks.
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August - 19 
Sri Lanka’s new Cabinet on August 19, granted approval for the new Government to abolish the 19th Amendment to the Constitution introduced by the previous Yahapalana Government, reports Colombo Page. Minister of Mass Media Keheliya Rambukwella, who was appointed as the Cabinet Spokesman, said the de
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Sri Lanka’s new Cabinet on August 19, granted approval for the new Government to abolish the 19th Amendment to the Constitution introduced by the previous Yahapalana Government, reports Colombo Page. Minister of Mass Media Keheliya Rambukwella, who was appointed as the Cabinet Spokesman, said the decision was taken at the first cabinet meeting of new Government. The first cabinet meeting of the new Government was chaired by the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Minister Rambukwella, said the Cabinet also approved the drafting of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.
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August - 20 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his inaugural address to the ninth Parliament on August 20, pledged to bring about a new Constitution envisaging the principle ‘One country, one law’ for all ethnic communities, reports Daily Mirror. He said the 19th Amendment to the Constitution would be scrapped. H
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his inaugural address to the ninth Parliament on August 20, pledged to bring about a new Constitution envisaging the principle ‘One country, one law’ for all ethnic communities, reports Daily Mirror. He said the 19th Amendment to the Constitution would be scrapped. He said a new electoral system would be evolved in this exercise to enable the formation of stable governments in the future instead of weak governments beholden to the demands of extremist parties. “The basis of the success of a democratic state is its constitution. Our Constitution, which has been amended 19 times, from its inception in 1978, has many ambiguities and uncertainties, presently resulting in confusion. As the people have given us the mandate we sought for a constitutional amendment, our first task will be to remove the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. After that, all of us will get together to formulate a new constitution suitable for the country. In this, the priority will be given to the concept of one country, one law for all the people,” the President said. “An unstable Parliament that cannot take firm decisions and succumbs to extremist influences very often is not suitable for a country. While introducing a new constitution, it is essential to make changes to the current electoral system. While retaining the salutary aspects of the proportional representation system, these changes will be made to ensure stability of the Parliament and people’s direct representation,” he added.
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August - 21 
Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament on August 21, that the concept of 'One Country, One law' which President Gotabaya Rajapaksa pledged to adopt through the new Constitution could be a difficult task, reports Daily Mirror. “There are certain laws which people practice in their pe
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Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament on August 21, that the concept of 'One Country, One law' which President Gotabaya Rajapaksa pledged to adopt through the new Constitution could be a difficult task, reports Daily Mirror. “There are certain laws which people practice in their personal capacity. The Kandyan law which is practiced in areas such as Kandy, outlines how property should pass from one generation to another. It will not be easy to do away with such laws. The situation is the same when it comes to the Thesawalamai law and Muslim law", Kiriella said. He also questioned as to what would become of the independent commissions established under the 19th Amendment to the Constitution if the Government was to abolish this piece of legislation.
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August - 21 
National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP), Vijitha Herath on August 21, urged the Government not to abolish the independent commissions introduced in the 19th Amendment, reports Daily Mirror. He told Parliament that Independent Commissions such as the Elections Commission played a key
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National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP), Vijitha Herath on August 21, urged the Government not to abolish the independent commissions introduced in the 19th Amendment, reports Daily Mirror. He told Parliament that Independent Commissions such as the Elections Commission played a key role in ensuring democracy and justice. “The Elections Commission was important to hold free and fair elections after the introduction of the 19th Amendment. The progressive features of the 19th Amendment should not be abolished,” he said. He said that the extreme power of the executive President was reduced and assigned to Parliament under the 19th Amendment and said the NPP was against any moves to weaken the power of Parliament and assign all power to a single person.
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August - 22 
Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on August 22, requested the Government not to repeal the 19th Amendment but to review it and rectify its shortcomings through a broad dialogue, reports Daily Mirror. Mr. Jayasuriya said in a statement, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Initiate a dialogue
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Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on August 22, requested the Government not to repeal the 19th Amendment but to review it and rectify its shortcomings through a broad dialogue, reports Daily Mirror. Mr. Jayasuriya said in a statement, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Initiate a dialogue with every one of the shortcomings of the 19th Amendment unless it would be like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. A new Constitution should represent the views and ideologies of all political parties, civil groups, experts and the people and it should be formulated through a dialogue of these groups.”
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August - 29 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) Sumanthiran speaking to the media after the Central Working Committee meeting of Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) held on August 29, in Vavuniya said that the party’s stance and future decisions will be taken after the presentation of the ne
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP) Sumanthiran speaking to the media after the Central Working Committee meeting of Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) held on August 29, in Vavuniya said that the party’s stance and future decisions will be taken after the presentation of the new Constitution, reports Colombo Page. The meeting was chaired by party leader Mavai Senathirajah and attended by the TNA leader R. Sampanthan with the participation of representatives of the ITAK party in the North and East.
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August - 30 
The United Nations (UN) issuing a statement on the International Day of the Disappeared, on August 30 expressing solidarity with the families of missing persons in Sri Lanka emphasized that the security and safety of families of victims must be safeguarded, reports Colombo Page. The UN Resident Coor
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The United Nations (UN) issuing a statement on the International Day of the Disappeared, on August 30 expressing solidarity with the families of missing persons in Sri Lanka emphasized that the security and safety of families of victims must be safeguarded, reports Colombo Page. The UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer said “The families and friends of the victims experience the slow mental anguish of not knowing the fate of their loved ones. They alternate between hope and despair, wondering and waiting, sometimes for years, for news that may never come. Therefore, it is vital that those who work in aid of seeking redress for victims continue their important work.”
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September - 1 
General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Dayasiri Jayasekara on September 1, expressed his party’s full support for the forthcoming constitutional amendment process and the process of drafting a new Constitution, reports Colombo Page. The General Secretary said that the SLFP has also
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General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Dayasiri Jayasekara on September 1, expressed his party’s full support for the forthcoming constitutional amendment process and the process of drafting a new Constitution, reports Colombo Page. The General Secretary said that the SLFP has also appointed a Constitutional Amendment Committee and after the presentation of the draft constitutional amendment, its contents will be discussed in depth through the committee and the views of the party will be presented to the Government.
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September - 3 
A nine-member Experts’ Committee has been appointed to draft a new Constitution, stated the Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Udaya Gammanpila during a media briefing held at the Government Media Centre on September 3, reports Colombo Page. The nine-member Experts’ Committee comprises President’s Counse
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A nine-member Experts’ Committee has been appointed to draft a new Constitution, stated the Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Udaya Gammanpila during a media briefing held at the Government Media Centre on September 3, reports Colombo Page. The nine-member Experts’ Committee comprises President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva, President’s Counsel Manohara de Silva, President’s Counsel Gamini Marapana, President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, President’s Counsel Samantha Ratwatte, Prof. Nadeema Kamurdeen, Prof. G. H. Peiris, Prof. Wasantha Seneviratne and Dr. A. Sarveshwaran. President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva is the head of the committee.
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September - 4 
Chief Opposition Whip, Member of Parliament (MP) Lakshman Kiriella addressing a press conference on September 4, said the main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), is contemplating filing a petition against the proposed 20th Amendment with the Supreme Court (SC), reports Daily Mirror. “We are c
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Chief Opposition Whip, Member of Parliament (MP) Lakshman Kiriella addressing a press conference on September 4, said the main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), is contemplating filing a petition against the proposed 20th Amendment with the Supreme Court (SC), reports Daily Mirror. “We are currently discussing the possibility of filing a petition against the 20th Amendment. Petitions will be filed against the 20th Amendment by many sections. Therefore, we would like to tell the judicial officers to give their verdict in a manner which would protect their dignity. If anyone files a petition against this piece of legislation it will be also to safeguard the self-respect of judicial officers. Therefore, we would like to request the judges who will probably examine the petitions, to deliver a verdict in a manner which would safeguard their self-respect. Judicial officers will lose their self-respect if they allow the amendment to go ahead as they will have to obey the executive who would be appointing them, as per the new legislation,” Mr. Kiriella said.
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September - 4 
Claiming that the 20th Amendment to the Constitution which was gazetted on September 4, was anti-democratic and anti-people, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told a news conference September 4 that it was something like going back to the tribal era where power was
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Claiming that the 20th Amendment to the Constitution which was gazetted on September 4, was anti-democratic and anti-people, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told a news conference September 4 that it was something like going back to the tribal era where power was centralised on one leader, reports Daily Mirror. Dissanayake said “In the tribal era, the leader of the tribe had all the power on him. The government is trying to go back to the tribal era from democracy and uncivility from civility through the 20A. This amendment allows the President to interfere in legislature and judiciary affecting their independence.”
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September - 6 
United National Party (UNP) Deputy General Secretary Ruwan Wijewardene said that UNP is opposed to the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution and will fight against it, as the party sees it as an attack on democracy, its Deputy General Secretary Ruwan Wijewardene said over the weekend, reports
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United National Party (UNP) Deputy General Secretary Ruwan Wijewardene said that UNP is opposed to the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution and will fight against it, as the party sees it as an attack on democracy, its Deputy General Secretary Ruwan Wijewardene said over the weekend, reports Daily Mirror on September 7. Mr. Wijewardene said “The UNP vehemently opposes this piece of legislation. The Yahapalana Government was able to take several effective steps to ensure the democratic rights of the people through the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. It is the duty of all the people to come together in safeguarding the democratic rights they had won through the 19th Amendment.”
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September - 6 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran on September 6 said the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution will create an all-powerful Executive President, reports Daily Mirror. Mr. Sumanthiran told that the 20th Amendment is only reverting to the 18th Amendment which gives enormous powe
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran on September 6 said the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution will create an all-powerful Executive President, reports Daily Mirror. Mr. Sumanthiran told that the 20th Amendment is only reverting to the 18th Amendment which gives enormous powers to the President. “We will fight tooth and nail against this piece of legislation both inside and outside Parliament together with other progressive forces,” he added.
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September - 7 
Dismissing criticism of the proposed 20th Amendment that it would pave the way for a dictatorship, Education Minister G.L. Peiris on September 7, told that it would be presented to Parliament next October ahead of the presentation of Budget 2021, reports The Island. Peiris, who is also the Chairman
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Dismissing criticism of the proposed 20th Amendment that it would pave the way for a dictatorship, Education Minister G.L. Peiris on September 7, told that it would be presented to Parliament next October ahead of the presentation of Budget 2021, reports The Island. Peiris, who is also the Chairman of the ruling SLPP, said that the Government wasn’t worried about the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) moving the Supreme Court against the 20th Amendment as it was gazetted having secured the Attorney General’s approval. The Minister said that the Government enjoyed the required parliamentary support necessary for the passage of the 20th Amendment. The SLPP on its own secured 145 seats whereas its allies obtained half a dozen seats to ensure the required two-thirds.
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September - 10 
Co-Cabinet Spokesman and Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila responding to a query by a journalist at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department on September 10 said that the Government will accommodate further amendments to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution at
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Co-Cabinet Spokesman and Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila responding to a query by a journalist at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department on September 10 said that the Government will accommodate further amendments to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution at the Committee Stage in Parliament if required, reports Daily News. The Justice Minister will table the Bill to provide for the 20th Amendment in Parliament for the first reading after the completion of two weeks from publishing it in the Gazette. Then there is a week to constitutionally challenge it before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will also inform which Articles need to be amended and whether any of them will require a Referendum. Depending on the Supreme Court’s determination, the Committee appointed to draft the 20th Amendment will make further amendments to the draft Bill as required,” Gammanpila said. The 20th Amendment Bill was gazetted on September 3 following Cabinet approval.
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September - 10 
On September 10, the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) said the proposed 20th Amendment to the constitution must be submitted for inclusive and open consultation, reports Colombo Page. The statement said, “The proposed 20th Amendment is set to concentrate power around executive presidency
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On September 10, the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) said the proposed 20th Amendment to the constitution must be submitted for inclusive and open consultation, reports Colombo Page. The statement said, “The proposed 20th Amendment is set to concentrate power around executive presidency with no precedence in history. Just as we like to believe that the President has good intentions in mind to bring forth these reforms, it must be kept in mind that such extraordinary concentration of power in the hands of one person may even lead to irrecoverably disastrous consequences.” The Statement further said, “The 17th and 19th Amendments to the Constitution strengthened democracy and rule of law, and NMSJ has stood for such progressive reforms and justice since its inception. As such NMSJ reiterates that any reform to the constitution should improve on the provisions for democratic governance embedded in the 19th Amendment and should not try to reverse them.”
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September - 10 
State Minister Sarath Weerasekara on September 10 said that military occupied lands in the North and East, which have tactical importance will not be given back to the people in view of national security as it is directly related to national economy, reports Daily Mirror. He told Parliament that 90
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State Minister Sarath Weerasekara on September 10 said that military occupied lands in the North and East, which have tactical importance will not be given back to the people in view of national security as it is directly related to national economy, reports Daily Mirror. He told Parliament that 90 per cent of the military occupied lands have already been handed over to the people and that grounds of tactical importance would never be given back to the people as long as people with separatist agendas like C.V. Wigneswaran were there.
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September - 10 
The anti-corruption watchdog, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) Executive Director Asoka Obeysekera addressing a media briefing on September 10 said the 20th Amendment to the Constitution will weaken transparency and accountability of Government in four key areas, reports Colombo Page. He
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The anti-corruption watchdog, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) Executive Director Asoka Obeysekera addressing a media briefing on September 10 said the 20th Amendment to the Constitution will weaken transparency and accountability of Government in four key areas, reports Colombo Page. He explained how the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution would undermine the Right to Information (RTI) as well as the Bribery Commission's investigative powers. He also pointed out that the abolition of the Audit Commission would weaken public spending monitoring and limit the Elections Commission's power to take action against misuse of public property.
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September - 12 
Former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Eastern Province Edison Gunathilaka on September 12, informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks that Muslim extremists’ groups were propagating armed extremism since 2008-09, reports Daily Mirror. Gunat
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Former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Eastern Province Edison Gunathilaka on September 12, informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks that Muslim extremists’ groups were propagating armed extremism since 2008-09, reports Daily Mirror. Gunathilaka said that former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, former Eastern Province Governor M. L. A. M. Hizbullah and politician A. L. M. Athaullah had provided security for these extremist groups that emerged in the Eastern Province. Gunathilaka said that year 2008 marked the beginning of the first extremist groups. "It starts with the name Islamic Centre. These people created various issues in the Eastern Province. They killed people and punished whoever they want," he said.
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September - 14 
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on September 14, urged the Government to withdraw the gazetted 20th Amendment to the Constitution as it had already created issues within the Government itself and to bring in a new legislation to rectify the technical issues in the 19th Amendment, reports Daily Mirror.
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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on September 14, urged the Government to withdraw the gazetted 20th Amendment to the Constitution as it had already created issues within the Government itself and to bring in a new legislation to rectify the technical issues in the 19th Amendment, reports Daily Mirror. SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake told a press conference that the best option available now is to bring in a piece of legislation to rectify the technical issues in the 19th Amendment.
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September - 17 
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on September 17 urged the Government and opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to come forward to defeat the 20th Amendment to the Constitution claiming that the country would have to face repercussions of the 20A before long, reports Daily Mirror. JVP Propaganda
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The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on September 17 urged the Government and opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to come forward to defeat the 20th Amendment to the Constitution claiming that the country would have to face repercussions of the 20A before long, reports Daily Mirror. JVP Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath said, “It seems that there is an issue within the government on the 20A. That is why, committees are appointed to study it. Appointing committees to study the 20A which was approved by the Cabinet clearly shows the rift in the government on the matter. Ministers in the Cabinet had approved it without studying it. They have done so due to fear of the President. This is not democracy. If there was democracy, ministers would not have been forced to approve it on the same day when the 20A was presented. The normal practice is to allow ministers to study a Cabinet paper for a week. In this case, they were forced to approve it on the same day,” he said.
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September - 18 
Director General of Government Information Nalaka Kaluwewa in a statement on September 18 said that the Government has not taken any decision to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), reports Daily News. Refuting certain media reports which claimed that the Government has de
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Director General of Government Information Nalaka Kaluwewa in a statement on September 18 said that the Government has not taken any decision to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), reports Daily News. Refuting certain media reports which claimed that the Government has decided to withdraw from the UNHRC, Kaluwewa said that during the Cabinet Media Briefing held on September 17 at the Government Information Department, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella didn’t mention about Sri Lanka’s withdrawal from the UNHRC and he only mentioned that Sri Lanka has already taken the necessary steps to withdraw from the co-sponsorship of Resolution 30/1.
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September - 20 
in a press release issued on September 20, Sirisena has denied allegations made against him by Fernando at the PCoI into the Easter Sunday attacks, reports Colombo Page. Sirisena noting that the media has given wide publicity to the allegations made by the former Defense Secretary, informed the publ
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in a press release issued on September 20, Sirisena has denied allegations made against him by Fernando at the PCoI into the Easter Sunday attacks, reports Colombo Page. Sirisena noting that the media has given wide publicity to the allegations made by the former Defense Secretary, informed the public that Fernando’s testimony about him before the Commission was totally untrue and malicious and he vehemently rejects them. The statement added that the former President is ready to clarify the facts if he gets an opportunity to appear before the Commission in the future.
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September - 21 
In a pre-recorded statement at the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations on September 21, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that United Nation (UN) should place due emphasis on non-interference in domestic affairs, reports Daily Mirror. “We expect the United Na
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In a pre-recorded statement at the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations on September 21, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that United Nation (UN) should place due emphasis on non-interference in domestic affairs, reports Daily Mirror. “We expect the United Nation will place due emphasis on non-interference in domestic affairs of other states. At a time when the world is facing a common and an unrivalled threat, the United Nations We Need, I am certain, will place due emphasis on the sovereign equality of States, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in their domestic affairs”, President said.
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September - 22 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa called on the United Nations (UN) to end the ‘political witch hunts’ through questionable motives against Member States in order to ensure the sustainability and the credibility of the Organization, reports Colombo Page on September 23. In a pre-recorded address to the U
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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa called on the United Nations (UN) to end the ‘political witch hunts’ through questionable motives against Member States in order to ensure the sustainability and the credibility of the Organization, reports Colombo Page on September 23. In a pre-recorded address to the United Nations General Assembly’s annual debate, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said “Democratically elected governments of nations understand the pulse and needs of their people the best. It is the responsibility of the UN to assist and support processes of such elected Governments to bring about sustainable solutions for needs of their people.”
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September - 22 
The Minister of Justice Ali Sabry presented the Bill entitled “Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution” to amend the Constitution of Sri Lanka to Parliament on September 22, amid the protests from the opposition, reports Colombo Page. The main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) protested
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The Minister of Justice Ali Sabry presented the Bill entitled “Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution” to amend the Constitution of Sri Lanka to Parliament on September 22, amid the protests from the opposition, reports Colombo Page. The main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) protested the Bill which grants more powers to the President repealing the 19th Amendment which strengthened the role of the parliament and curbed the powers of the Executive President. Leader of Opposition and SJB Sajith Premadasa said, "Today is a dark day for democracy." According to the Attorney General, the bill needs only a two-third majority to be passed in Parliament and the Government has the required majority with the 145 seats won by the ruling party Sri Lanka's Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) at the August 5 parliamentary elections and the support of six allies in the 225-member Parliament.
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September - 22 
National People's Power (NPP) MP Vijitha Herath on September 22, said the tabling of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution marked the ‘funeral of Democracy’ in Sri Lanka and the MPs who voted for it would soon repent for doing so just as some MPs who voted for the 18th Amendment did, reports Daily
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National People's Power (NPP) MP Vijitha Herath on September 22, said the tabling of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution marked the ‘funeral of Democracy’ in Sri Lanka and the MPs who voted for it would soon repent for doing so just as some MPs who voted for the 18th Amendment did, reports Daily Mirror. He urged Government and the opposition MPs to vote against the 20th Amendment which was a blow on democracy and the economy.
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September - 23 
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) National Organiser Bimal Ratnayake on September 23 said matters related to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution should be resolved within the society as it was a political matter, reports Daily Mirror. “Even Government MPs asks us if the JVP was against 20A, why are
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Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) National Organiser Bimal Ratnayake on September 23 said matters related to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution should be resolved within the society as it was a political matter, reports Daily Mirror. “Even Government MPs asks us if the JVP was against 20A, why aren't we going to Courts. This is not something like punishing a thief. Court is not a place to check the validity of a Constitution. The Court is only checking the technical aspects related to a Constitutional Amendment. It is better to remind of the Supreme Court verdict on the 18th Amendment. The SC did not consider whether it was good or bad. This is a political matter and it should be resolved in society among the people,” he said.
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September - 24 
Former IGP Pujith Jayasundara on September 24, informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks (April 21, 2019) that former President Maithripala Sirisena has to take the sole responsibility of the coordinated terror attacks, reports Daily Mirror. Testifying bef
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Former IGP Pujith Jayasundara on September 24, informed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks (April 21, 2019) that former President Maithripala Sirisena has to take the sole responsibility of the coordinated terror attacks, reports Daily Mirror. Testifying before the Commission, Jayasundara added that after he had received the report about the April 9, 2019, intelligence alert from State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Nilantha Jayawardena, he had forwarded it to SDIG of Western Province Nandana Munasinghe, SDIG Crimes, STF Chief M. R. Latif, DIG Special Protection Range Priyalal Dassanayake and Director of Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) Waruna Jayasundara, and also they had been informed about it over the phone. Mr. Jayasundara said that he also telephoned all SDIGs in charge of the respective provinces. Witness claimed that, though he had given specific instructions about the possible terror attack to all the senior police officers, however, during the investigation he found that all his telephone call records were found deleted. "Former President Sirisena's brother was the head of the Sri Lanka Telecom and Mobitel during this period. The Commission should probe thoroughly to find what had happened to these call records," he said. Former IGP also claimed that his phone conversations had been tapped by the SIS and also deployed officers near his residence to monitor him.
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September - 24 
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvyn Silva on September 24 said that the JVP is in the forefront in abolishing the Executive Presidency, reports Daily News. He said “The 19th Amendment was brought to curtail the excessive powers of the President until such time the Executive Pres
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Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvyn Silva on September 24 said that the JVP is in the forefront in abolishing the Executive Presidency, reports Daily News. He said “The 19th Amendment was brought to curtail the excessive powers of the President until such time the Executive Presidency is abolished. The Separation of power between the Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature and Check and balances are key principles of a democratic government to ensure that no branch would be too powerful. What the government is going to do through the 20th Amendment is to allow one branch to grab all powers ignoring the basic principle of democracy.” Silva added that the Government is dancing to the tune of imperialists.
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September - 26 
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 26 said that implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution is essential for carrying forward the process of peace and reconciliation, reports Daily Mirror. Modi also announced a grant assistance of USD 15 million to Sri Lanka fo
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 26 said that implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution is essential for carrying forward the process of peace and reconciliation, reports Daily Mirror. Modi also announced a grant assistance of USD 15 million to Sri Lanka for the promotion of Buddhist ties between India and Sri Lanka.
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September - 29 
The 20th Amendment to the Constitution directly challenges the power of Parliament and thereby directly violates the sovereignty of the people, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court was told when 39 petitions filed against the proposed bill were taken up for consideration on September 29, reports Colombo Page.
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The 20th Amendment to the Constitution directly challenges the power of Parliament and thereby directly violates the sovereignty of the people, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court was told when 39 petitions filed against the proposed bill were taken up for consideration on September 29, reports Colombo Page. The petitions filed against the 20th Amendment were taken up before a five-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Sisira de Abrew, Priyantha Jayawardena and Vijith Malalgoda. Attorney-at-Law Suren Fernando appearing before the bench of the Supreme Court on behalf of the General Secretary of the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said, “The proposed bill is a direct challenge to the power of Parliament. It is also a direct violation of the sovereignty of the people.”
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September - 29 
Seven intervenient petitions were filed in the Supreme Court on September 29, supporting the 20th Amendment to the Constitution which was tabled in Parliament by the Government, reports Daily Mirror. Of the seven petitions, three were filed by Ministers G.L. Peiris, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Gamin
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Seven intervenient petitions were filed in the Supreme Court on September 29, supporting the 20th Amendment to the Constitution which was tabled in Parliament by the Government, reports Daily Mirror. Of the seven petitions, three were filed by Ministers G.L. Peiris, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Gamini Lokuge. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Party General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam also filed a petition in favour for the proposed 20th Amendment. The petitioners said the draft of the 20th Amendment was compliant with the existing constitution and that it need not be approved at a referendum as approval with a two-thirds majority in Parliament was sufficient.
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September - 29 
The Attorney General Dappula de Livera PC on September 29, submitted to the Supreme Court that the Government intends to introduce certain amendments to the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution (Bill) at the committee stage in Parliament, reports Daily News. The Attorney General made these re
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The Attorney General Dappula de Livera PC on September 29, submitted to the Supreme Court that the Government intends to introduce certain amendments to the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution (Bill) at the committee stage in Parliament, reports Daily News. The Attorney General made these remarks when 39 Special Determination petitions filed challenging the constitutionality of the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution were taken up before the Supreme Court five-judge-bench.
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September - 30 
The 20th Amendment to the Constitution violates the sovereignty of the people and concentrates all powers on the President, weakening the powers of the judiciary and the legislature, petitioners told when petitions filed against the proposed bill were taken up for consideration for a second day on S
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The 20th Amendment to the Constitution violates the sovereignty of the people and concentrates all powers on the President, weakening the powers of the judiciary and the legislature, petitioners told when petitions filed against the proposed bill were taken up for consideration for a second day on September 30, reports Colombo Page. Addressing a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court, Attorney-at-Law Iraj de Silva, appearing for the United National party (UNP) Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, said “Articles from clause 3 to 57 of this Bill are completely unconstitutional. In this situation the sovereignty of the people is being violated. This Bill is completely contrary to the basic framework of the Constitution. The provisions of the Bill will consolidate the full powers of the President. The provisions of the Bill also upset the balance of the three main branches of law, accountability and governance. It also contradicts the principle of devolution. It is also a violation of the principle of public trust. Also, the power to govern will be transferred to a dual citizen through this amendment bill.” By the end of today, consideration of 32 out of 39 petitions has been completed.
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September - 30 
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on September 30, decided to declare October 5 as a day of protest against the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. The General Secretary of SJB Ranjith Madduma Bandara has told Lankadeepa that protests would be carried out in all districts on tha
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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on September 30, decided to declare October 5 as a day of protest against the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. The General Secretary of SJB Ranjith Madduma Bandara has told Lankadeepa that protests would be carried out in all districts on that day by hoisting black flags and wearing black bands. He also said that people from all constituencies in Sri Lanka will be brought to Colombo on the 8th and a massive protest campaign will be launched at Hyde Park against the 20th Amendment. Madduma Bandara further stated that all political parties, trade unions and civil society organizations that value democracy will get together to carry out the protest.
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October - 2 
A Special Committee appointed by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to study the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution in its report said that certain provisions in 20th Amendment inimical to rule of law, reports The Island on October 3. The committee appointed on September 14, consisted
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A Special Committee appointed by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to study the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution in its report said that certain provisions in 20th Amendment inimical to rule of law, reports The Island on October 3. The committee appointed on September 14, consisted of LMK Arulanandan PC (chairman), MM Zuhair PC, Prasantha Lal De Alwis PC, Nihal Jayawardene PC, Nalin Ladduwahetty PC, Maithri Wickremesinghe PC, Uditha Egalahewa PC, Mohan Weerakoon PC, ST Jayatunga PC, Priyal Wijeweera PC, Maurapada Gunawansha PC, Jagath Wickramanayaka PC and Shantha Jayawardana (Convenor). The committee has observed that the President being the repository of substantial powers under the Constitution should be held accountable for the exercise of those powers in accordance with the Constitution. Referring to the Clause 5 of the Bill about the imunity of the President, the BASL committee says no person is above the law and granting absolute immunity from suit contrary to all known principles of the rule of law.
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October - 3 
President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa emphasizes that ensuring national security is his and the Government’s first and foremost responsibility and appropriate steps have already been taken to achieve this, reports Colombo Page on October 4. The President stated “Ensuring national security is the first and f
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President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa emphasizes that ensuring national security is his and the Government’s first and foremost responsibility and appropriate steps have already been taken to achieve this, reports Colombo Page on October 4. The President stated “Ensuring national security is the first and foremost responsibility of my government. Appropriate steps have already been taken to achieve this. We will ensure that no ethnic, religious or other forms of terrorism or extremism are allowed on this land and that the right of every citizen to live without fear and suspicion is fully protected.”
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October - 5 
On October 5, former President Maithripala Sirisena, testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday attacks, reiterated his stance that he should not take the responsibility for the attacks, reports Colombo Page. "The leader of the country shou
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On October 5, former President Maithripala Sirisena, testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday attacks, reiterated his stance that he should not take the responsibility for the attacks, reports Colombo Page. "The leader of the country should not take responsibility for a bomb blast in a country. No one else in the world will point a finger at the leader,” said former President Maithripala Sirisena.
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October - 6 
Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday attacks, said on October 6 that former President Maithripala Sirisena did not invite him to the National Security Council (NSC) meetings after the change
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Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday attacks, said on October 6 that former President Maithripala Sirisena did not invite him to the National Security Council (NSC) meetings after the change of Government that took place on October 26, 2018, reports Colombo Page. Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka at the time of the Easter Sunday attacks appeared before the Presidential Commission for the first time.
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October - 7 
Former Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday attacks, on October 7 said that former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen's brother helped National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) leader Zahran Hashim to flee to India, repo
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Former Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday attacks, on October 7 said that former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen's brother helped National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) leader Zahran Hashim to flee to India, reports Daily Mirror. Testifying before the Commission through video conference, former Army Commander said that he came to know about Zahran when he was serving as the Commander in Jaffna. “When I was in Jaffna DMI informed me about Zahran Hashim. That was why I'm saying the Military Intelligence had the capacity to find more details regarding to NTJ and its leader. I felt that these IS [Islamic State]- minded organisations will pose a threat to country's National Security," he said.
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October - 9 
100 Members of Parliament (MPs) of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) on October 9 handed over letters to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa calling for an investigation into the release of Riyaj Bathiudeen, reports Daily Mirror. In the letter, the MPs said Riyaj, the
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100 Members of Parliament (MPs) of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) on October 9 handed over letters to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa calling for an investigation into the release of Riyaj Bathiudeen, reports Daily Mirror. In the letter, the MPs said Riyaj, the brother of MP Rishad Bathiudeen, was arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks and he has been released by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in an arbitrary manner. The MPs said there is strong evidence against Riyaj though he was released by the CID on September 30 without even being produced in the courts. The MPs called for an investigation into the release of Riyaj and to re-arrest him. Riyaj Bathiudeen was arrested by the CID on April 14 on charges of aiding and abetting the terrorists involved in the Easter Sunday attacks.
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October - 12 
Minister of Education Prof. GL Peiris on October 12 stated that the appropriate and necessary amendments proposed by the Supreme Court will be considered to be included in the final draft of the 20th Amendment during the Committee Stage of the revision, reports Colombo Page. Minister Peiris said the
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Minister of Education Prof. GL Peiris on October 12 stated that the appropriate and necessary amendments proposed by the Supreme Court will be considered to be included in the final draft of the 20th Amendment during the Committee Stage of the revision, reports Colombo Page. Minister Peiris said the decision of the Supreme Court has already been communicated to the President and the Speaker and that the Speaker will inform Parliament on the 20th of this month when Parliament reconvenes.
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October - 12 
The Sri Lanka Amarapura-Ramanna Samagari Maha Sangha Council on October 12 urged the Government not to pass the 20th Amendment to the Constitution as it has been established that it is a legal norm that seriously hinders the freedom and activism of human thought and returns to an undeveloped tribal
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The Sri Lanka Amarapura-Ramanna Samagari Maha Sangha Council on October 12 urged the Government not to pass the 20th Amendment to the Constitution as it has been established that it is a legal norm that seriously hinders the freedom and activism of human thought and returns to an undeveloped tribal society, reports Colombo Page. “The proposed 20th Amendment rejects the core of democracy, which is one of the progressive elements of humanity, hence it should not be enacted. A new constitution that protects the democracy and rule of law should be drafted,” the Sangha council in a statement. The General Registrars of the two sects informed their decision claiming that the proposed Amendment has many shortcomings.
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October - 13 
Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe appearing before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into Easter Sunday Attack on October 13 told that he would have taken steps to prevent the Easter Sunday attack on April 21, 2019, if he had been given the intelligence information at least the
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Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe appearing before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into Easter Sunday Attack on October 13 told that he would have taken steps to prevent the Easter Sunday attack on April 21, 2019, if he had been given the intelligence information at least the day before, reports Colombo Page. “If the information about the attack had been received on April 20, since there was no President and no Secretary of Defense who could have acted on his behalf in the country, using my authority as the Prime Minister, I would have contacted the President, the Inspector General of Police, the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Service, the Indian High Commission, All Intelligence Services, the Fire Brigade and the Health Authority, convened the cabinet and taken all the necessary measures to prevent the attack,” Wickremesinghe said.
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October - 13 
Catholic Bishops on October 13 urged the Government not to proceed with the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution as the concentration of power in an individual without checks and balances does not augur well for a Democratic and Socialist Republic, reports Colombo Page. The Catholic Bishops'
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Catholic Bishops on October 13 urged the Government not to proceed with the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution as the concentration of power in an individual without checks and balances does not augur well for a Democratic and Socialist Republic, reports Colombo Page. The Catholic Bishops' Conference issuing a media statement said, instead the Government should introduce a new Constitution that ensures the transparent democracy, the rule of law and the equality of all citizens.
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October - 16 
A Sub Inspector (SI), attached to the Police Terrorism Investigation Division, told the Presidential Commission to Inquiry (PCoI), on October 16 said that Zahran Hashim and his group had planned to launch an attack using 20 suicide bombers, reports Daily News. Testifying further he said that investi
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A Sub Inspector (SI), attached to the Police Terrorism Investigation Division, told the Presidential Commission to Inquiry (PCoI), on October 16 said that Zahran Hashim and his group had planned to launch an attack using 20 suicide bombers, reports Daily News. Testifying further he said that investigations have revealed that the proposal of launching an attack using 20 suicide bombers was made during a discussion held on March 27, 2019, at a house in Sarikkammulla area in Panadura. Seven persons, including Zahran Hashim, was present during the discussion. He further said that the investigations also revealed that it had been suggested that the attacks should be carried out within 15 days from March 27, 2019, as the bombs assembled by Zahrans’s brother Rilwan were to expire during that period.
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October - 20 
Supreme Court on October 20 decided that four clauses of the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution need a public referendum to be approved as they are against the people’s sovereignty, reports Colombo Page. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announcing the determination of the Supreme Court on
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Supreme Court on October 20 decided that four clauses of the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution need a public referendum to be approved as they are against the people’s sovereignty, reports Colombo Page. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announcing the determination of the Supreme Court on the Bill entitled Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution said the Apex Court has determined that the Bill was consistent with the Provisions of Article 82(1) of the Constitution and requires a special majority to be passed as specified in Article 82(5) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court had however ruled that Clauses 3,5,14 and 22 in the amendment in their present form are inconsistent with Article 3 read with Article 4 of the Constitution and require a public referendum.
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October - 22 
Commenting on the appeal on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) proscription in UK, in a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka on October 22 said that it has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active i
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Commenting on the appeal on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) proscription in UK, in a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka on October 22 said that it has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active in foreign countries, working to incite violence and destabilise the country, reports Daily Mirror. The statement said Sri Lanka has been made aware of the Open Judgement by the Proscribed Organisations Appeals Commission (POAC) of the United Kingdom dated October 21, 2020. “The decision of the POAC arises from an appeal filed in May 2019 by an LTTE front organisation challenging the decision of the UK Secretary of State for Home Affairs dated March 8, 2019, which refused the application by the group to de-proscribe the LTTE from the list of Proscribed Organisations under the UK Terrorism Act of 2000. While the Government of Sri Lanka was not a party to these proceedings at the POAC and could not make direct representations, the Government has assisted the Government of the United Kingdom by providing relevant information with regard to continued terrorist activities. The Open Judgement of the POAC while allowing the Appeal, provides for further hearings, and the Government of Sri Lanka will continue to closely monitor the progress of the case in the UK,” it said.
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October - 22 
The Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ruwan Wijewardene at a media briefing held at the Sirikotha party headquarters on October 22 said that bringing a dual citizen to power is a great danger to sovereignty of the country, reports Colombo Page. Pointing out that there is no democracy
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The Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ruwan Wijewardene at a media briefing held at the Sirikotha party headquarters on October 22 said that bringing a dual citizen to power is a great danger to sovereignty of the country, reports Colombo Page. Pointing out that there is no democracy is active in the current Parliament, Ruwan said the UNP with the people is ready to take the fight to the street against the 20th Amendment, which gives parliamentary power to an individual. He also said that bringing to power a dual citizen who had promised to uphold the rule of law in another country is a great danger to the sovereignty of the country.
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October - 23 
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) on October 23 expelled Member of Parliaments (MPs)who supported 20th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. Eight SJB MPs and one TPA MP voted in favour of the 20th Amendment. The General Secretary of SJB Ranjith Madduma
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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) on October 23 expelled Member of Parliaments (MPs)who supported 20th Amendment to the Constitution, reports Colombo Page. Eight SJB MPs and one TPA MP voted in favour of the 20th Amendment. The General Secretary of SJB Ranjith Madduma Bandara said in a Twitter post “The SJB has decided to expel from our parliamentary group members who voted in favor of the 20th Amendment, despite the party’s stand against it, effective immediately. Further disciplinary action will follow.” Similarly, leader of TPA Mano Ganesan tweeted “I hereby suspend Aravindakumar MP from Tamil Progressive Alliance. He will be sacked from TPA by the Politburo. TPA Parliamentary group will discuss this matter in few hours.”
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November - 13 
Former Speaker and Chairman of the National Movement for a Just Society (NMJS) Karu Jayasuriya addressing a media briefing held at the Janaki Hotel in Colombo on November 13 said that the present Government had committed suicide by passing the 20th Amendment based on greed for power, reports Colombo
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Former Speaker and Chairman of the National Movement for a Just Society (NMJS) Karu Jayasuriya addressing a media briefing held at the Janaki Hotel in Colombo on November 13 said that the present Government had committed suicide by passing the 20th Amendment based on greed for power, reports Colombo Page. Mr. Jayasuriya said “From the moment the 20th Amendment was introduced there was a great deal of debate in this country. It was not approved by the intelligentsia of various religions, including the Maha Sangha, Catholic, Christian clergy. Also, many opinion polls conducted in this country show that even today the people of this country do not respect the 20th Amendment. It seems that the people are clearly rejecting it.”
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November - 17 
Former Army Commander General Mahesh Senanayake testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter Sunday attacks said that former Minister Rishad Bathuideen had made three phone calls to release a suspect who arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks, re
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Former Army Commander General Mahesh Senanayake testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter Sunday attacks said that former Minister Rishad Bathuideen had made three phone calls to release a suspect who arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks, reports Daily Mirror on November 18. “Former Minister Bathuideen called and asked if anyone named Ahmed had been arrested. I said I couldn’t remember such a person. He called me back a few hours later and asked if I had found out about that boy. I replied I had more work to do than find out about that child. Then Rishad said that the boy was the son of a General Manager of his Ministry. At that point I did a search. The Director of Army Intelligence told me that Isham Ahmed had been arrested in Dehiwala. Rishad called me again. Even then I knew that the suspect was connected to a large network we were looking for. I told him to call me back in about a year and a half and that we would detain him and interrogate him, I had the power to do that,” he told the commission.
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November - 19 
Two Restraining Orders had been issued by the Mannar and Vanni Magistrate Courts on November 19 over commemoration ceremonies of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres, reports Daily Mirror. Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that the commemoration ceremonies were scheduled to be held in
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Two Restraining Orders had been issued by the Mannar and Vanni Magistrate Courts on November 19 over commemoration ceremonies of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres, reports Daily Mirror. Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that the commemoration ceremonies were scheduled to be held in the coming week in the Vavuniya and Mannar areas. He said the Police will take stern action against those who violate the Restraining Order.
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November - 23 
Testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks, former Bank of Ceylon (BoC) Manager I.C.K. Kannangarasaid that two BoCaccounts operated by former Eastern Province Governor M.L.A.M. Hizbullah had received over SLR 4 billion in terms of foreign funds wit
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Testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks, former Bank of Ceylon (BoC) Manager I.C.K. Kannangarasaid that two BoCaccounts operated by former Eastern Province Governor M.L.A.M. Hizbullah had received over SLR 4 billion in terms of foreign funds within a period of three years before the Easter Sunday terror attacks, reports Daily Mirror on November 24. Hizbullah had operated five accounts at Colpetty branch. However, evidence had been led before the Commission pertaining to two accounts named Sri Lanka Hira Foundation and Batticaloa Campus Private Ltd, out of five accounts operated by Hizbullah. “The two accounts were current accounts. Sri Lanka Hira Foundation account had received foreign funds on fifteen occasions and Batticaloa Campus Private Ltd. account had received foreign funds on seven occasions during the period between 2016 and 2019,” the witness said.
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November - 24 
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) requesting the Police chief to urgently provide the details of persons detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to the Commission, reports Colombo Page on November 25. “As you are aware, und
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Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) requesting the Police chief to urgently provide the details of persons detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to the Commission, reports Colombo Page on November 25. “As you are aware, under Section 11(d) of the HRCSL Act No. 21 of 1996 requires the Commission to continuously monitor the conditions of persons in custody,” the Commission reminded referring to a previously letter of October 28 sent to the IGP requesting the details.
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November - 25 
Former President Maithripala Sirisena concluding his testimony to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday Attack on November 25 said the April 21, 2019, suicide bomb attack on the churches and hotels was a conspiracy led by a foreign group in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo
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Former President Maithripala Sirisena concluding his testimony to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday Attack on November 25 said the April 21, 2019, suicide bomb attack on the churches and hotels was a conspiracy led by a foreign group in Sri Lanka, reports Colombo Page. Former President Maithripala Sirisena said he suspected a powerful foreign hand was behind Saharan Hashim, the mastermind of the Easter Sunday attack and the suicide bomber.
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November - 28 
India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka agreed on November 28, to enhance intelligence-sharing to tackle common threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering as the three countries revived their maritime security cooperation dialogue after a gap of six years, reports Hindustan Times. Th
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India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka agreed on November 28, to enhance intelligence-sharing to tackle common threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering as the three countries revived their maritime security cooperation dialogue after a gap of six years, reports Hindustan Times. The meeting in Colombo, attended by India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Maldives’ Defence Minister Mariya Didi and Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, also decided that working groups at the level of deputy NSAs will meet twice a year to bolster cooperation at the operational level. A joint statement issued after the dialogue said the three sides exchanged views on common security threats and “agreed to broad base cooperation by expanding the scope to improve intelligence-sharing and include issues like terrorism, radicalisation, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, cybersecurity and effect of climate change on the maritime environment”.
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November - 30 
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addressing the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign Affairs in Parliament said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is a banned organization in every country in Europe as it has not given up on violence and terrorism, reports Daily News on December
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Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addressing the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign Affairs in Parliament said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is a banned organization in every country in Europe as it has not given up on violence and terrorism, reports Daily News on December 1. The Minister stated that his Ministry and the Government, is fully aware of the matter and is acting with a diplomatic outlook.
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December - 6 
Former Chief of Defence Staff and former Navy Commander Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter Sunday attacks on December 6 that Islamic State was behind the Easter attacks, reports Daily News. He said “I consider the attackers to be ISIS
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Former Chief of Defence Staff and former Navy Commander Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter Sunday attacks on December 6 that Islamic State was behind the Easter attacks, reports Daily News. He said “I consider the attackers to be ISIS terrorists. They targeted Catholic churches and European tourists. This is the only incident in the world where six bombs exploded at the same time. It was a disgrace to receive information through a foreign source that Sri Lanka, which had told the world about terrorism, was being attacked by terrorists.”
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December - 10 
The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks on December 10 observed that there were certain instances where Sri Lankan Muslims who go to Saudi Arabia were brainwashed by some Islamic preachers, reports Daily Mirror. During the testimony of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
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The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks on December 10 observed that there were certain instances where Sri Lankan Muslims who go to Saudi Arabia were brainwashed by some Islamic preachers, reports Daily Mirror. During the testimony of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) Chairman Rizwe Mufti, the Commission drew the witness’s attention to a video clip regarding a speech conducted by an Islamic Preacher to Sri Lankan Muslim migrants in Saudi Arabia. The particular speech was conducted in Tamil to the Sri Lankan Muslim migrants and the Attorney General’s Department representative questioned the witness whether snippets from these kinds of speech could be used to manipulate extremist persons. Agreeing with above statement ACJU Chairman Mufti said that people could use any part in every religion to manipulate a person with extremist thoughts.
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December - 14 
Former Minister of Muslim Affairs M.H.A. Haleem testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday on December 14 said he was unaware National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) was a violent organisation, reports Daily Mirror. Haleem said that he was unaware of Aliyar Junction
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Former Minister of Muslim Affairs M.H.A. Haleem testifying before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday on December 14 said he was unaware National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) was a violent organisation, reports Daily Mirror. Haleem said that he was unaware of Aliyar Junction clash in Kattankudy in 2017 and about Zahran Hashim before Easter Sunday attacks. He added that NTJ followers do not know how to interact with people of their own, and they were always trying to create conflicts.
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December - 24 
Russian Ambassador Yury B. Materiy on December 24 apprised Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara about terrorist financing activities by extremist groups under the pretext of providing COVID-19 aid, reports Daily Mirror. The Minister called on the Ambassador and discussed bilateral cooperation
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Russian Ambassador Yury B. Materiy on December 24 apprised Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara about terrorist financing activities by extremist groups under the pretext of providing COVID-19 aid, reports Daily Mirror. The Minister called on the Ambassador and discussed bilateral cooperation and assistance in view of the containment of COVID-19. According to reports, the Ambassador said many extremist groups were sending money for terrorist activities under the pretext of providing humanitarian assistance to various organisations and charities. The Ambassador requested the Minister to work closely with his counterpart in Russia to marginalise such groups. The Minister, in response to the Ambassador, said a strategy was worked out after the end of the civil war to increase the intelligence units from three to seven. He recalled that 160 ‘Madrasa scholars’ were deported after they were found spreading extremism.
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December - 30 
Defense Secretary General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne on December 30 said that there will be no room for separatism and extremism in the new year since they have taken steps to thwart such attempts, reports Colombo Page. The Defense Secretary citing recent information disseminated in the society also aff
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Defense Secretary General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne on December 30 said that there will be no room for separatism and extremism in the new year since they have taken steps to thwart such attempts, reports Colombo Page. The Defense Secretary citing recent information disseminated in the society also affirmed that “Nobody would be allowed to take up arms”. Further responding to alleged human rights violations likely to be raised yet again during the early quarter of the new year, he recalled “These allegations have been levelled against our military since year 2009,” and asserted “There were no such war crimes committed since we led a humanitarian operation.”
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Incident Year Wise
Incidents- 2023
Incidents- 2022
Incidents- 2021
Incidents- 2020
Incidents- 2019
Incidents- 2018
Incidents- 2017
Incidents- 2016
Incidents- 2015
Incidents- 2014
Incidents- 2013
Incidents- 2012
Incidents- 2011
Incidents- 2010
Incidents- 2009
Incidents- 2008
Incidents- 2007
Incidents- 2006
Incidents- 2005
Incidents- 2004
Incidents- 2003
Incidents- 2002
Incidents- 2001
Incidents- 2000
Country :
--All--
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Zone :
--All--
State :
--All--
District :
--All--
Date From :
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Date To:
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