Political Crisis in Sri Lanka-Use all diplomatic means to protect Sri Lankans’ right to protest – 10 US Congressmen urge Secretary of State
10 US Congressmen have asked the US Secretary of State to use all available diplomatic means to ensure that the Sri Lankan government protects the right of citizens to protest and not use violence against peaceful demonstrators and journalists. In a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and USAID Administrator Samantha Power, the members of Congress urge Sri Lanka to provide meaningful assistance in times of need. The Congressmen pointed out that President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared a state of emergency, imposed a curfew, condemned the protests and even suggested using live ammunition to quell them. They point out that there are diplomatic mechanisms in place to ensure that violence is not used against peaceful demonstrators and journalists and that the Government of Sri Lanka protects the right of aggrieved citizens to protest peacefully. In that letter, they call for the full inclusion of measures to support the stabilization of Sri Lanka. These actions include advancing efforts to address long-standing issues of accountability and reconciliation and improving Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions to meet US foreign policy goals for the region. In the letter, they have also asked USAID to take immediate steps to provide relief to the Sri Lankan people, including increased food, medical and fuel aid. The letter further emphasizes that USAID provided $11.75 million in new humanitarian and development assistance at the end of June.
IMF staff members plan to visit Sri Lanka soon
A group of International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff members have informed the need to return to the island. That is between 24th and 31st of this month. The International Monetary Fund anto discuss visit Sri Lanka for the purpose of discussing economic and financial reforms and policies with the Sri Lankan authorities. Earlier also the staff members of the International Monetary Fund visited the island and discussed it with the Sri Lankan authorities.
A separate terminal at Katunayake airport for the rich people
A new service terminal named ‘Ran Mawatha’ has been opened for high revenue flights entering the airport. The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Mr Nimal Siripala de Silva has opened this new terminal yesterday. High-income earners can visit this lounge without queuing to perform airport duties and quickly fulfil their immigration and customs duties as well as catering and communication needs. There is a VIP terminal similar to this in the Katunayake airport, where government officials and politicians have been given special privileges. The new terminals will be charged US$200 per passenger.
Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka-A common period for depositing and selling foreign currency in the country
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka says that it has given a general amnesty to the public for depositing and selling their foreign currency. The Central Bank mentioned that the Minister of Finance has given this general amnesty to attract the foreign currency held by the people into the banking system. Accordingly, the general amnesty period will be effective for one month from August 15. During the relevant period, the public has the opportunity to deposit the foreign currency held in a personal or business foreign currency account as well as to sell it to a licensed commercial bank.
Many deaths reported in Europe’s Strom
13 people have died due to storm conditions that have affected many countries in Europe. Foreign reports stated that many cases of falling trees have been reported from Italy, Austria and the island of Corsica in France. The storm that has affected Europe is blowing at a speed of 224 kilometres per hour. A massive storm complex has travelled a nearly 1,000-mile path across Europe. It has reportedly killed numerous people and caused devastation on the French island of Corsica and to landmarks in Venice, It has moved on to inflict major wind damage in parts of Austria and Slovakia.
A group of Chinese soldiers are about to go to Russia soon
The Chinese Ministry of Defense says that a group of Chinese soldiers will leave for Russia soon. The ministry announced that a group of its soldiers was leaving for Russia for a joint military exercise. Several countries including India, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Belarus are also going to participate in the military exercise. Russia has announced that the exercise, called Vostok, will take place from August 30 to September 5.
Political Crisis in Sri Lanka- Podujana Peramuna requested to bring back former president Gotabhaya as soon as possible
The Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has requested the President to bring former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to Sri Lanka as soon as possible and to provide suitable security and facilities. He made this request in a discussion with the President
The political Crisis in Sri Lanka- The CID took a statement from President Ranil Wickramasinghe
The Police Criminal Investigation Division has received a statement from President Ranil Wickramasinghe. It is related to the incident of burning Mr A’s house by rioters on July 9th. So far, the head of the Sirasa channel has been questioned regarding the incident and several journalists are also scheduled to be questioned. Several people were arrested in connection with the incident.
CID questions the owner of ‘Sirasa Tv’ about setting fire to Ranil’s house.. Many channel heads are called in line to Question
The Police Criminal Investigation Department has recorded statements from Mr Shashi Rajamahendran, Chairman of Capital Maharaja Group for about eight and a half hours. The police have recorded these statements about the investigation of the burning of the private house of the then Prime Minister and current President Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe on July 9th. Mr Shashi Rajamahendran was asked this question from around 10:00 am last Tuesday to around 6:30 pm due to the allegations that the Sirasa TV channel had continuously told the location of Mr Ranil Wickramasinghe’s house. It is stated that Mr Ranil Wickramasinghe contacted the Sirasa channel on two occasions on July 09 and asked not to reveal the location of his house. Mr Shashi Rajamahendran is going to be called for questioning again and several other heads of the Sirasa channel are also going to be called to get statements.
The police fired tear gas and water cannons at a protest march organized by the Inter-University Student Union
The police fired tear gas and water cannons at a protest march organized by the Inter-University Student Union. The attack was carried out while the protest was moving towards the Presidential Secretariat yesterday. Due to this protest, there was a heavy traffic jam in Colombo City Hall and its surrounding roads.