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India-Sri Lanka Land Bridge Project: Renewed Proposal, Silent Response

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India-Sri Lanka Land Bridge Project: Renewed Proposal, Silent Response

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka, a proposal for a land bridge project between India and Sri Lanka was once again put forward. However, the Sri Lankan government has not yet made any statement regarding the matter.

This is not the first time such a project has been discussed, with talks initially taking place in 2002 regarding a land bridge between Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, India, and Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka, potentially based on the Ram Sethu (Adam’s Bridge). The idea of establishing a railway link between the two countries also emerged at that time. Discussions regarding the land bridge continued under previous Sri Lankan governments, but no concrete action has been taken.

Despite the renewed proposal during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, Sri Lanka has remained silent and has not offered any immediate response. Meanwhile, political commentator Dayan Jayathilaka has raised concerns about a reported defense agreement between Sri Lanka and India, suggesting that Indian media has portrayed the agreement as more substantial than Sri Lanka claims. He emphasizes the need for Sri Lanka to remain an independent state and not become aligned with any particular power.

FBI Affidavit Identifies Zahran Hashim as Mastermind of 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks

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FBI Affidavit Identifies Zahran Hashim as Mastermind of 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks

An FBI affidavit dated 11th December 2020 has definitively identified Zahran Hashim as the mastermind behind the devastating 2019 Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. The attacks, targeting churches and hotels, claimed the lives of 268 people, including five Americans.

The comprehensive FBI report, based on forensic analysis, social media records, and witness testimony, details how Hashim led a local ISIS cell in Sri Lanka and orchestrated the complex suicide bombing operation. Despite the gravity of this evidence, the affidavit has been largely overlooked in Sri Lankan public discourse, with attention often diverted towards speculative theories and political maneuvering.

The FBI’s findings highlight the need for Sri Lanka to confront the reality of the attacks and prioritize justice based on factual evidence, rather than succumbing to political distractions and conspiracy theories.

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Egg and Chicken Prices Soar Ahead of New Year Festivities

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Egg and Chicken Prices Soar Ahead of New Year Festivities

Egg and chicken prices have reportedly increased with the approach of the New Year season. The price of an egg, previously sold between 28 and 32 rupees, has now climbed to between 38 and 40 rupees.

Similarly, the price of a kilogram of chicken has also risen. Previously priced between 1100 and 1200 rupees, a kilogram of chicken now costs between 1400 and 1500 rupees.

On March 26, InfoSriLanka.LK reported that egg prices could rise during the festive season due to small-scale egg producers leaving the industry.

AKD Vows to Uphold Accountability in Corruption Probe, Even for Elderly

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AKD Vows to Uphold Accountability in Corruption Probe, Even for Elderly

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has defended the ongoing corruption investigation involving an elderly female relative of the Rajapaksa family, emphasizing that age will not shield those implicated in the misuse of public funds from scrutiny.

Dismissing criticism against the questioning of the woman, believed to be connected to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family, Dissanayake stressed that accountability extends to all individuals involved in concealing stolen state resources. He stated that the investigation focuses on recovering looted public funds, regardless of the age or familial ties of those involved.

While Dissanayake did not mention specific names, his remarks are widely interpreted as a reference to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) probe into Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his grand-aunt Daisy Forrest Wickramasinghe. Investigators suspect that Wickramasinghe may have been used to conceal stolen public funds through her assets.

Dissanayake reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating corruption, irrespective of political connections or family ties. Since taking office in 2024, his administration has initiated multiple investigations into financial misconduct and corruption linked to members of the former Rajapaksa regime, including probes into military procurement deals and the misuse of foreign aid.

Sajith Premadasa Faces Calls to Boycott All-Party Meeting Amidst US Tariff Tensions

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Sajith Premadasa Faces Calls to Boycott All-Party Meeting Amidst US Tariff Tensions

President Anura Kumara Disanayaka has called for an all-party leaders’ meeting tomorrow (10) to discuss the impact of US tariffs.

Minister Bimal Rathnayaka announced on his X account that the meeting will be held at the Presidential Secretariat tomorrow. He also mentioned that 12 opposition leaders had requested to meet with the President this morning to discuss the US tariff issue.

Meanwhile, some government members are criticizing Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, with Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe posting a derogatory comment on his Facebook account.

However, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha stated that President Disanayaka has already sent a letter to US President Donald Trump regarding the tariff impact issue.

Due to these statements from the government, many people have requested Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa not to attend the all-party meeting.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung have engaged in discussions focusing on advancing the US-Sri Lanka trade relationship.

Former PS Chairman Arrested for Unauthorized Approval of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Construction Project

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Former PS Chairman Arrested for Unauthorized Approval of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Construction Project

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested Asela Wickramasinghe, the former chairman of the Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha, for granting unauthorized approval for a construction project near Manik Ganga.

The construction is allegedly owned by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

In a separate incident, a police constable has been arrested for allegedly misleading investigations related to the Easter Sunday attack. He is also accused of obstructing investigations into the murder of two police officers in Batticaloa in November 2018. The constable was attached to the State Intelligence Service at the time and was arrested by CID officers in Karadiyanaru.

RW Issues Statement on US Tariffs and Sri Lankan Economy

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RW Issues Statement on US Tariffs and Sri Lankan Economy

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated the new tariffs imposed by the United States and its impact on the Sri Lankan economy. He highlighted the potential trade war between the US and China, emphasizing the vulnerability of small economies like Sri Lanka in the face of such global economic shifts.

Wickremesinghe warned that the tariffs will hinder Sri Lankan exports, leading to factory closures and significant job losses. He also predicted a widening trade deficit and potential political unrest due to the deteriorating economic conditions.

The former President proposed several countermeasures, including the immediate implementation of the National Tariff Policy and the acceleration of discussions with the European Union for a GSP Plus agreement. He also stressed the importance of finalizing the ECTA agreement with India and implementing the Thailand-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.

Meanwhile, SJB MP Harsha de Silva suggested that Sri Lanka should join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to overcome the challenges posed by the US tariffs. He emphasized the need for a change in attitude and highlighted the potential benefits of joining this large economic bloc.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also expressed concerns about the negative impact of the US tariffs on Sri Lanka’s exports, particularly the apparel sector. He warned of potential job losses and a decline in economic growth due to the tariffs.

Former MP Pillayan Arrested Over Disappearance of Professor Ravindranath

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Former MP Pillayan Arrested Over Disappearance of Professor Ravindranath

Former Member of Parliament Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department for questioning in connection with the 2006 disappearance of Professor Sivasuubramaniam Ravindranath, the Vice-Chancellor of Eastern University.

Pillayan, a former military leader, faces allegations of involvement in acts of violence and war crimes. He led the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) and later served as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Provincial Council.

Professor Ravindranath disappeared in 2006 after attending a conference in Colombo. He had been receiving threats from armed groups operating under the TMVP, which at the time was fighting against the LTTE with the tacit support of the Sri Lankan government.

Before his disappearance, Professor Ravindranath had been threatened, and Dr. K. Balasukumar, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Eastern University, had been abducted by members of the Karuna group.

While Pillayan’s direct involvement in Professor Ravindranath’s disappearance has not been proven, he has been under suspicion due to his leadership of the TMVP. Another paramilitary leader, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (Karuna Amman), has also been questioned in connection with the case.

Pillayan’s arrest is a significant development in the case of Professor Ravindranath’s disappearance. Armed groups operating with the government’s protection during that period have been widely accused of involvement in disappearances and other crimes. The lack of accountability for these crimes has been a major concern.

Pensioners’ April Payments Deposited, But No Increase Reflects Budget Changes

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Pensioners’ April Payments Deposited, But No Increase Reflects Budget Changes

Pension payments for April were deposited into retirees’ bank accounts today. All pension allowances for state employees and retirees will be credited by tomorrow.

However, pensioners express disappointment that their pensions have not been increased following the recent budget and subsequent salary revisions by the government. They state that their April payment is the same as their March payment.

SJB Accuses Government of Inaction on US Taxes

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SJB Accuses Government of Inaction on US Taxes

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of failing to take action on US taxes imposed several months ago, despite warnings from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. Premadasa made these remarks during a public meeting in the Dedigama electorate ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Parliamentarian Prasad Siriwardana had also raised concerns about the issue. During his tenure, Wickremesinghe planned to remove the CESS and PAL import taxes to counter the US President’s tariff war. He had also pledged to eliminate these taxes within five years during the 2023 budget presentation.

Wickremesinghe’s strategy involved reducing taxes on imports from the US and other countries and using economic diplomacy to persuade the US to offer concessions on tariff impositions on Sri Lanka. However, the effectiveness of this approach was questioned, especially given the sudden reduction of taxes on US purchases in the budget and the uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s response.

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