The deputy leader of the United National Party received an honorary title from the Sangha Council “in recognition of his service to the nation and the Buddha Sasana”.

The Chief of the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch of the UN Office at the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said Sri Lanka’s current justice system is “slow and it’s not delivering” in an interview earlier this week.

The chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils has called on the British government to ensure Sri Lanka abides by commitments it made to the international community in co-sponsoring a UN resolution mandating a hybrid court.

The resolution, passed by the UN Human Rights Council last month “comes at an important time as we approach the 10^th anniversary and remembrance of Mullivaikkal” wrote parliamentarian Paul Scully.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) Sri Lanka desk representative, Alan Keenan met with families of the disappeared in Mullaitivu today. 

A Sri Lankan navy ship arrived in Malaysia last week as troops took part in an international military exhibition in the country, despite continued concerns of human rights abuses committed by the Sri Lankan security forces.

The governor of the Northern Province, who had previously criticised Tamil activists travelling to Geneva, has been accused of hypocrisy after a Buddhist Congress held in Vavuniya under his leadership was revealed to have cost over 900,000 rupees ($5000 USD).

Two more Sinhalese men have been arrested by Sri Lanka’s Special Task Force (STF) for illegal sand-mining in Vavuniya.

A 21-year-old and a 32-year-old were arrested during an STF round up in Sinnaputhukulam on Saturday.

The men’s construction vehicle and other equipment were also seized by the STF.

The newly appointed commander of a Sri Lankan military brigade in Trincomalee marked taking up his post by receiving blessings from a Buddhist monk last week, as the security forces continues its close relationship with the island’s powerful Buddhist clergy.

Britain’s Secretary of State for International Trade, who was previously forced to resign over his controversial relationship with Sri Lanka, has reignited his ties with Colombo, holding discussions with Sri Lankan officials at his London office last week.

Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) members and supporters in Mannar marked the 121st birthday of S J V Chelvanayakam today.