Today’s News Digest: Your go-to summary of the key events and headlines that shaped the day. From major developments to breaking news, we bring you everything that happened today, all in one quick and easy read.
Sri Lanka Rejects External Accountability Mechanisms at UNHRC
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, addressing the 60th UN Human Rights Council session, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability through domestic mechanisms and rejected external initiatives like the Sri Lanka Accountability Project. He said such mechanisms undermine national reconciliation efforts. Herath emphasized the government’s independent investigations into rights violations and called on international partners to support Sri Lanka’s internal processes, which he described as genuine and rooted in national principles.
Sajith questions release of ICE-linked containers from ports
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the government to explain how two containers carrying raw materials for crystal meth (ICE) production left the port undetected. He questioned whether international alerts were ignored and demanded transparency on the investigations, including who was responsible and whether the containers were linked to previously unexamined shipments. Premadasa stressed the need for public accountability in combating drug trafficking.
Dhammika Perera acquires stake in LAUGFS Holdings – Report
Businessman Dhammika Perera has acquired a 40% stake in LAUGFS Holdings Ltd., with an additional 10% expected soon, according to the Daily FT. The stake was purchased from LAUGFS co-founder Thilak De Silva. This follows Perera’s recent acquisitions of East-West Properties PLC and DHT Cement Ltd. LAUGFS Chairman W.K.H. Wegapitiya described the deal as a collaborative move between two prominent Sri Lankan entrepreneurs. LAUGFS operates across more than 25 industries and has international presence in several countries.
Excavations at Chemmani mass grave halted over lack of funds
Excavation work at the Chemmani mass grave in northern Sri Lanka has been temporarily halted due to a lack of funds, with the Justice Ministry expected to allocate more within two weeks, according to PTI. After 45 days of work, 240 skeletal remains and other items, including children’s belongings, have been recovered. The judicial medical officer has requested eight more weeks to continue the investigation, which began after skeletal remains were found in February. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has stated there is a “reasonable likelihood” the site contains victims of extrajudicial killings.
SLPP politician arrested over drugs : Sister complains to HRCSL
The sister of former SLPP Pradeshiya Sabha member Piyal Senadheera has filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, alleging political motivation behind his recent arrest. Senadheera was detained in connection with a stockpile of 50,000 kg of chemical substances found in Middeniya. She claimed the arrest was carried out arbitrarily, involved verbal abuse by police and STF officers, and caused psychological distress to her family, particularly her children.
