June 24, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
The UK votes to leave the EU. Image credit - chrisdorney / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
Ministries sign maritime MoUs
Two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) were signed between the the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, to curb maritime crime.
According to the MoUs, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development will seek the assistance of the Sri Lankan Navy to prevent human smuggling, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities.
Human Right Commission to follow new directives
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka will follow directives proposed by President Maithripala Sirisena, on the arrest and detention of persons under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The decision comes ahead of the UN Human Rights Commissioner, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein’s brief on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council session, to be held in Geneva on 27 June.
Ambassador to the US discusses post-war reconciliation efforts
The Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US, Prasad Kariyawasam, has delivered remarks on the ongoing constitutional reforms in Sri Lanka, at a panel discussion held on Capitol Hill.
The remarks highlighted measures taken to further reconciliation and development efforts in the country since January 2015. US representative, Bill Johnson, backed the development of a new constitution that would recognise the country’s diverse population.
UK votes to leave the EU
The referendum on UK’s membership in the EU has concluded with 52% of British citizens voting to leave the Union. In light of this, the UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, has announced his resignation.
The referendum also resulted in market volatility, with the sterling falling below USD 1.35; its lowest level since 1985.
China, Mongolia, and Russia sign economic corridor plan
The Presidents of China, Mongolia, and Russia have signed a trilateral development plan, to build an economic corridor. The signing took place on 23 June at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan,
The development plan comprises approximately 30 projects. Additionally, the customs departments of the three countries signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on customs supervision results on certain commodities.
Security Council calls for elections in the DRC
The UN Security Council (UNSC) has called for the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to hold free, fair, and transparent presidential elections by November 2016, as required by the constitution.
The UNSC also extended asset freezes and travel bans on sanctioned individuals, as well as prolonged the arms embargos on rebel groups until 1 July 2017. The UNSC reaffirmed that these sanctions no longer apply to the government.
24 Horton Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
A think tank engaging in independent research of Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
