Yemen war: UN investigation mission is only hope to address ‘horrific crimes’
GENEVA, Switzerland – The UN Human Rights Council’s decision last week to renew an investigation into possible war crimes committed by parties involved in the Yemen conflict brought a faint glimmer of hope on a bloody war that the international community seems to have long forgotten. It is difficult, however, to say whether the extension [...]
The disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi: Saudis let Turkey to search consulate
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia will allow Turkey to search its consulate in Istanbul for prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has been missing for days after entering the diplomatic mission earlier this week. “The premises are sovereign territory, but we will allow them to enter and search and do whatever they want to do. [...]
Munich betrayal was followed by 1939 Soviet betrayal
This refers to Russian Ambassador Juri Matery’s article headlined “Reflections on 80th anniversary of Munich betrayal” (Sunday Times, Sept. 30 2018). The Russian Ambassador is basically right in criticising the outcome of the 1938 Munich Conference which led to the dismemberment of former Czechoslovakia by Hitler’s Germany. Yet it is hard to fathom that the [...]
Sri Lanka Medical Council turmoil: A solution in the British model
As I have been very much involved with private medical education in this country, I decided to contact my good friend Prof. Sir Sabarathnam Arulkumaran during the SAITM issue regarding the functioning of the General Medical Council in Britain. Sir Sabarathnam Arulkumaran is the past president of Britain’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, past [...]
German Unity day: Envoy assures Lanka of his country’s continued support
A reception to mark the 28th year of German Unity was held at German Ambassador Jorn Rhode’s residence last week. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rhode, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka since 2016, assured Sri Lanka that Germany was strongly committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s democratic reforms, the reconciliation process and the economic modernisation agenda. Youth [...]
Pakistan’s Defence Secretary meets the Sri Lankan military leadership
Pakistan’s Defence Secretary Lt. Gen. (R) Ikram-ul-Haq, during his four-day visit to Sri Lanka, met Sri Lanka’s Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravi Wijeygunaratne (see pic), Air Force Commander Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe. The defence chiefs held talks with the view to [...]
Tony Greig memorial proceeds for News 1st cause
Vivian Greig , wife of the late cricketer and commentator , Tony Greig , donated the funds collected at Tony Greig’s memorial service at the St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London to the News 1st Community Initiative Gammadda , during her visit to Sri Lanka. She said it was a dedication to the love and affection [...]
Memento for Dr. Hewamanne
Sociology lecturer and researcher Dr. Sandya Hewamanne from the University of Essex held a series of workshops on occupational health services in FTZ factories and met workers with the aim of bringing in simple and practical changes to workplaces. Dr. Hewamanne (left) was presented a memento by workshop organisers Prashanthi Mendis (exreme right) and Jayanthi [...]
Skills development programme at Plan International pre-school
A skills development programme for children with special needs was held at a pre-school run by Plan International. Western Provincial Councillor and Pragna Pradeepa Initiator Jayantha Silva took part as chief guest at the event organised by the Freedom Friends Society of Dabare Mawatha, Narahenpita.
China, Japan, and Trump’s America
CAMBRIDGE – The key strategic issue in East Asia is the rise of Chinese power. Some analysts believe that China will seek a form of hegemony in East Asia that will lead to conflict. Unlike Europe, East Asia never fully came to terms with the 1930s, and Cold War divisions subsequently limited reconciliation. Now US [...]