Tuesday, January 26, 2016

On Investment Promotion & Protection Agreements

By Mangala Samaraweera –January 26, 2016

Mangala Samaraweera -Minister of External Affairs

This government was elected on a mandate to create one million jobs within five years by increasing investment and boosting exports.

It is now the responsibility of the government and this House to make that vision a reality. The Prime Minister’s Economic Policy Statement delivered here on November 5th last year, as promised, outlined more detailed plans to boost investments, exports and growth so that Sri Lanka could meet this target by 2020. He said that:

“In order to achieve these results, we have to encourage foreign investment and investment by individuals. We lag behind the other countries in the region when it comes to meeting investor requirements.”

This echoes President Maithripala Sirisena’s election manifesto which says on page 20

“I will prepare the Sri Lankan economy….by diversification of investment and non-reliance on investments from a single country.”

Achieving this vision for job creation, raising standards of living and reduced dependency on single countries is not an easy task.

First, the previous government had left the economy in a state of crisis. The number of unemployed Sri Lankans basically remained the same between 2009 and 2014. There was no investment – FDI was at war time levels. Exports fell to 16.7 percent of GDP from 33.3 percent in 2000. The growth we had, according to the previous government’s cooked up statistics, was fueled by unsustainable and poorly negotiated borrowing.

Second, we are now heading into a period of global instability and economic uncertainty. George Soros, one of the most farsighted investors in the world, speaking at the Economic Forum in Colombo, warned that the world could be on the verge of another serious economic crisis. So investors are increasingly reconsidering expansion abroad – especially in frontier markets like Sri Lanka. So we will have to stand out – we will have to compete harder and smarter than the others.

So the question for the government is, in such a difficult domestic and international climate, how do we attract investment, generate jobs and growth while also ensuring that we reduce our dependency and risk? How do we do this when governments across the emerging world are asking the same questions and taking concerted action to answer those questions? Read More

WHO is the ‘CROWN PRINCE’ OF SINHA LE?

2016-01-27

The Sinha Le organization organized an Adhishtana Pooja recently opposite the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). The media reported that those present at this pooja carried a National Flag sans the symbols that signify the minorities in this country. Earlier, the distorted content of the National Nlag surfaced when former Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa was summoned before the Bribery Commission. Those opposed to the summoning of Gotabaya before the Bribery Commission waved those distorted National Flags to lodge their protests. They claimed it was the Sinha Le flag. That happened in April last year. Gotabaya addressed that group of persons who held the distorted National Flag in their hands.

The Cinnamon Gardens Police complained to the Colombo Chief Magistrate about the distorted version of the National Flag and the Magistrate directed the Police to submit video clips of that flag. Despite public agitation over the distortion of the National Flag, the government failed to act against the production and possession of such flag. The fate of the complaint made by the Cinnamon Gardens Police to the Magistrate is yet unknown.

The distorted version of the National Flag re-surfaced with the Sinha Le Organization. The re-emergence of this flag by this organization and the incident last April clearly manifests a connection between Gotabaya and the Sinha Le Organization. During the regime of Mahinda Rajapaksa, the connection between Gotabaya and Bodhu Bala Sena (BBS) was proved beyond reasonable doubt when Gotabaya participated as the chief guest of the main event of the Bodhu Bala Sena organized by the chief monk who led the organization. As the then Defence Secretary, Gotabaya failed to act against the Bodhu Bala Sena. Instead he protected the BBS during the communal clashes at Kalutara. Gotabaya thought that the partner of Mahinda's alliance Hela Urumaya had lost ground amongst the Sinhala Buddhists and he could lead the Sinhala Buddhist masses by supporting the BBS.

Sinhala Buddhist population
Gotabaya at that time often boasted to the media that the Sinhala Buddhist population was with him. That was the point that the Hela Urumaya decided to divorce itself from Mahinda's Government. Though Gotabaya planned to use the Sinhala Buddhist strength at the 2015 presidential election to support Mahinda, the Yahapalanaya momentum crushed Sinhala Buddhist extremism exploding the dreams of Gotabaya. It is now clear that Gotabaya has not given up as it's evident from the emergence of the Sinha Le Organization. Gotabaya would have once fondled the BBS to set the ground to be the future leader after Mahinda. It is Gotabaya who firmly stands on the view to set up a new political party dividing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). Mahinda is not hell-bent on that position as Gotabaya. Gotabaya knows that it is difficult for him to emerge strong through the SLFP. Or else, he may be planning to get the support of the Mahinda faction in the SLFP to form a new party to contest a future presidential election. Under the present Constitution, Mahinda cannot contest for the presidency again.

A man like Gotabaya should not be underestimated. He deals with Maithri and Ranil separately under confidential cover. Hence, both these leaders will not permit the arrest of Gotabaya. Gotabaya is the first person to file a Fundamental Rights application before the Supreme Court to prevent his arrest. Though Ranil queried that issue earlier, he had not spoken a word about it later. Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe who has the Attorney General's Department under his purview told Parliament that he would never allow the arrest of Gotabaya,the hero who won the LTTE war. The Avant Garde arms controversy is the most serious charge before Gotabaya. Damayanthi Jayaratne who served as Additional Defence Secretary during the period Gotabaya was Defence Secretary has jumped the country though she is wanted by the law enforcement authorities for questioning over the Avant Garde deal. She jumped the country on the eve of the Bribery Commission looking for her to be grilled. In the Avant Garde deal, Damayanthi had executed orders given by Gotabaya.

All these developments clearly demonstrate that there is an attempt by the government to protect Gotabaya. The greatest danger is the move by the Sinha Le Organization to bring Gotabaya to national leadership. The government slept in April 2015 when the National Flag was distorted by these elements. Sinha Le has now turned out to be a political organization. Very soon Gotabaya will emerge as the Crown Prince of Sinha Le.

Who or what is Ranil accountable to – Modi or Parliament?

MONDAY, 25 JANUARY 2016

“The proposed Indo-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperative Agreement (ETCA) would include freeing services sector and computer and information technology services. It states the rough framework of the pact has been made available to India. Making it available to India without informing about it to anyone in Sri Lanka is a display of the government’s subordination to India. Who or what is Ranil accountable - to parliament or Modi – should be sorted out,” said the National Organizer of the JVP Parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayake speaking at a media conference held at the head office of the JVP at Pelawatta today (24th).

Speaking further Mr. Bimal Rathnayaka said, “There is information that the government is going ahead with the controversial ETCA. There has been a dialogue regarding this agreement among professionals, industrialists, entrepreneurs and trade unions in our country for more than a decade. Despite Presidents Chandrika Bandaranayke and Mahinda Rajapaksa were interested in the agreement, they could not sign it. They couldn’t do it as it was not possible to prove that the agreement was advantageous to our country. As such, Maithri-Ranil government’s haste to sign the agreement in such a situation is questionable and is against the mandate it received from the people.

In a letter sent by Minister Malik Samarawickreme in response to a question we asked in Parliament states the primary intention of the discussion is to apprise the Indian parties the framework that would broaden Indo-Lanka trade agreement that limits only for trade matters to make it an agreement of cooperation and economic affairs. The draft of the agreement has been made available to Indian delegation and their response will be informed at the end of January, 2016. The framework of the agreement would be signed in February, 2016 while the final economic and technological cooperation agreement would be signed in mid 2016.

The proposed agreement allows the professional labour market to be opened and it would include ship building and information technology. It is also stated that the draft has been already made available to India. Making it available to India without informing about it to anyone in Sri Lanka is a display of the government’s subordination to India. Who or what is Ranil accountable - to parliament or Modi – should be sorted out.

Former President Chandrika Bandaranayke Kumaratunga signed a free economic agreement with India in 1998. As information technology sector is undefined it could be related to any profession or sector. It could include any profession from a data entry clerk to an engineer. According to CEPA agreement signed with India by Ranil Wickremesinghe Indian workers could be employed any profession in banks, services, businesses, retail trade as well as fishing in deep waters. The danger of such an agreement should be realized without being limited to one sector. For the government could wriggle through opposition of the people and sign the agreement stating that sector has been exempted from the agreement.

The government is trying to put the engine on the track so that compartments could follow. Countries like Nepal that have signed such economic agreements with India are being dominated by India economically, socially as well as culturally.

India’s economy is large. However, the most poverty stricken people and the unemployed in the world live in India. 94% of the labour force is improperly employed. Recently applications were called in for 368 vacancies for office assistants. 2.3 million had sent in applications. Among them 150,000 were graduates; 24,969 were postgraduates. 250 of them had doctorates. The minimum qualification asked for was school education and ability to ride a cycle. According to another website 85% of the graduates in India are unemployed. 17% qualified in Information technology are unemployed. This is the type of situation in India. Our governments should consider such situations before they sign agreements. WE are not happy about this situation. We are sorry for the people in India who have been made destitute by their government.

In such a situation the country would be confronted with two issues if the labour market of the technological sector is opened. The slashing of salaries of the lower strata in the sector would be unavoidable. The middle and higher grades in the sector get more than US$1000 at present. However, if Indian workers invade this section for lower salaries professionals will have to leave the country. This would lead to brain drain.

At present IT sector companies that are opened under BOI should recruit a minimum of 15 Sri Lankans. These companies get massive tax reliefs. Under the proposed agreements a large number of Indian could come in as workers. Someone, without knowing facts, would say it would bring in a lot of foreign exchange. However, this wouldn’t happen as Indians are culturally meager spenders. In many countries there are special restrictions to limit Indian worker s from entering those countries. In such a situation we, who have a very small economy, opening for the Indian labour market is harmful.

Trade unions of doctors, engineers and accountants have seen the destructive nature of the agreement. Stating that such professionals would get job opportunities is a myth. It is impossible to think that Sri Lankan professionals would get job opportunities in a country where a large number of languages are used and professionals are suffering from unemployment.

As the JVP we do not think of an isolated journey from the world. It is not improper to sign agreements where necessary. It is not relevant whether the agreement is signed with India, China or any other country. However, we should not lose our economic independence when signing such agreements. When obstacles that exist when exporting from Sri Lanka to India are mentioned the response of the Indian team has been that such obstacles are compatible with India’s regulations.

The Minister in his letter states that discussions were held regarding directions that are outside custom duties and the Indian delegation explained that they were national directives commonly followed for all countries. This indicates that the agreement would not give us a special advantage. Also, Sri Lankan investors will have to sign various agreements with 28 states in India and 6 types of administrations in these states. This would be a difficult task. The government has not been given a mandate to sign such an agreement. Hence, the government should not sign this agreement. We call upon all professionals, industrialists, entrepreneurs and trade unions to unite to struggle to defeat government’s move if it signs the agreement without considering opposition to it.

We hope to have discussions with heads connected to professionals and service providers. The trade unions would struggle against it and we would make all efforts to oppose the agreement in Parliament.”

Tory party donor Lycamobile faces being struck off UK company register

Companies House reveals telephone airtime retailer has failed to file accounts for last year amid continuing questions over firm’s financial affairs

Lycamobile, a major Tory party donor, faces a possible £9.5m bill from HMRC for unpaid tax. Photograph: Alamy

Rob Davies and Solomon Hughes-Tuesday 26 January 2016

Lycamobile, one of the Conservative party’s largest corporate donors, is at risk of being struck off the register of UK businesses after failing to file accounts on time.

The company, which has handed millions to the Tory party, is already facing the possibility of a £9.5m bill from HM Revenue & Customs for unpaid tax.

Now Lycamobile, which sells international telephone airtime, has missed a deadline to publish accounts for last year by two months, according to Companies House filings.

Companies House is understood to have sent two warning letters to the company, controlled by the Sri Lankan businessman Subaskaran Allirajah, without reply.

The next step would involve having the company listed for late filing in the London Gazette in early February.

The listing would begin an ultimatum period that could see the company struck off the register of British businesses within two months.

At that point a new company would have to be set up to house Lycamobile’s UK business.

Despite its failure to file accounts, Lycamobile has been a generous donor to the Conservative party, handing it £1.5m since 2011.

Its latest available figures, from 2014, reveal it swelled Tory coffers by £146,600 last year, despite making a profit of just £767,000 after tax.

The delay in filing new accounts comes with Lycamobile facing a string of questions over its financial affairs.

The company is in talks with HMRC over a potential tax liability of around £9.5m linked to its complex international corporate structure.

More Story>>>

Ven. Uduwe Dammaloka and ven.Muruththattuwe visit the Homagama courts precinct

Reports reaching us confirm ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka and ven. Muruththattuwe Ananda has visited the Homagama courts precinct in order to show their support to Gnanasara following the tensed situation erupted around the Homagama courts when the Homagama magistrate ordered to remand Gnanasara.

Reports reaching us assert that Gnanasa is waiting inside the courts compound following the magistrates order to remand him.

According to the court order and procedures an accused has to be inside the courts shell until the accused was taken to the remand but reports reaching us said that currently Gnanasara is having a discussion with Uduwe Dhammaloka and Muruththattuwe Ananda. It is learnt that the police and the remand officers has given a special privilege to Ganasara.

Monks tries to jump over the wall
The police foiled the attempts of monks who tried to enter the courts over its wall. One monk got fainted when straggling with the police when he tried to jump.

Monks who protested behalf of Gnanasara has not stopped their protest and news reaching us confirm that monks are behaving in a provocative manner around the courts.

Galagodaththe Gnanasara Thero under fire

Outside-lead-1

By Dharisha Bastians-Wednesday, 27 January 2016

Pandemonium reigned outside the Homagama Magistrate’s Court yesterday, after the court ordered the arrest and remand of controversial Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaththe Gnanasara Thero on contempt of court charges.

Gnanasara Thero was escorted to the Welikada Remand prison under Special Task Force (STF) protection, after riot police squads were deployed to control an unruly mob of monks and lay people trying to prevent his arrest.

Saffron-clad monks attempted to scale the courtroom wall and lay down under the tyres of the prison bus trying to prevent the vehicle from leaving the court premises. Screeching obscenities and threats at prison officials and lawyers and threatening to self-immolate, the mob created chaos outside the courtroom for hours, preventing judges and court officials from leaving the premises.

“Our grouse is not with the prison officials or the courts. Our grouse is with the big shots. Give me two days. Be calm, let me go to remand – the law is the same for everyone. But we insist that the same law be applied to Sandhya Ekneligoda as well!” Gnanasara Thero screamed in an attempt to ‘calm’ his supportive crowds.

The controversial Buddhist monk was arrested on charges of threatening a court official, obstructing court proceedings and contempt of court, after he tried and failed to intervene in the Prageeth Ekneligoda disappearance case on Monday (25). Gnanasara Thero reacted to the magistrate’s refusal to allow him to intervene by calling state prosecutors “eunuchs” and accusing lawyers of betraying the country’s armed forces. He also allegedly threatened Sandhya Ekneligoda and told her that her missing husband Prageeth was a member of the LTTE.

The BBS General Secretary surrendered before the Homagama Police last morning, based on an arrest warrant issued by the Homagama Magistrate on Monday. He was produced before the Magistrate yesterday and ordered to be remanded.

Ranil wants full report on Homagama riot

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has ordered the Police to send a full report of the incidents outside the Homagama Magistrate’s Court yesterday to the chief prelates of the Malwatte and Kotte chapters.

Making a statement in Parliament yesterday, Premier Wickremesinghe said an unruly group had rioted and demonstrated outside the courtroom after the Magistrate ordered the arrest of controversial Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary, Galagodaththe Gnanasara Thero for contempt of court

“That is a decision of the courts. We are all subject to the same law,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that these groups were bringing shame to Buddhists. (DB)

MAYHEM AS MONKS GO ON THE RAMPAGE

JAN 27 2016

Pandemonium reigned at the Homagama Magistrate's Court premises with three Buddhist monks threatening to self-immolate in protest against the arrest of Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera arrested on the charges of contempt of court, obstructing Court proceedings and intimidating a public servant was yesterday ordered to be remanded till February 9 after being produced before the Homagama Magistrate's Court.

A large group of Buddhists monks surrounded the Homagama Magistrate's Court, protesting against the decision to remand Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

Ven Gnanasara Thera was taken to the prisons at around 5. 30 p.m. from Homagama court premises under the tight security of Special Task Force.

A tense situation erupted when Ven. Gnanasara Thera was about to be taken to the prisons. Members of the Maha Sangha numbering around 200 protested shouting slogans, when the prisons officials were taking the Thera out of the court premises.

They accused the politicians and pelted stones at the court officials too. Bottles and stones were also hurled by some protesting monks at Special Task Force personnel who were called in to defuse the situation.

Some Budshist monks were seen sleeping on the road blocking the movement of prisons bus which was to transport Ven. Gnanasara Thera to the prisons from the Magistrate's Court premises.

However, the STF personnel managed to bring a cab to the court premises at around 5.30 p.m. amidst various obstacles and Ven. Gnanasara Thera was taken to the prisons under tight security provided by the STF and Prisons guards. Some of the Buddhist Monks tried to enter the court premises, but were prevented by Police. The Police later closed the gates to prevent the monks from entering the court premises.

However, several monks jumped over the wall and entered the court premises while other monks blocked the road preventing Ven. Gnanasara Thera from being taken to prison.

Around 300 police officers and the riot police with water cannon vehicles arrived at the Court premises to control the situation.

Meanwhile, while ordering Ven. Gnanasara Thera to be kept in remand custody, Homagama Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake observed that public nuisance would be created, if the suspect was released on bail since he had made a challenge to the Court's jurisdiction.

Ven. Gnanasara Thera on Monday began to address Open Court after the court hearing pertaining to the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda was over.

Addressing the Court, Ven. Gnanasara Thera praised the Army officers' role in eradicating terrorism in the country and reprimanded the government and the Attorney General Department's Senior State Counsel for giving instruction to arrest Army officers in connection with Ekneligoda's disappearance. While rejecting the suspect to be release on bail, the Magistrate observed that the suspect could be charged in the High Court and in the Court of Appeal as well on contempt of court charges. He directed police to conduct further investigations into the incident and seek the Attorney General's advice regarding the matter.

Magistrate Dissanayake said the LTTE which is considered as world's brutal terrorist organisation, did not even challenge the country's judicial system.

Meanwhile, the Magistrate directed the Attorney General that a Senior State Counsel be appointed to look into this matter in accordance with section 136 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Defence counsel Thushara Dissanayake appearing on behalf of the suspect told Court that his client did not have an intention to insult the Court and he was compelled to behave in such a manner after seen the tragedy of Army officers in connection with the murder of Ekneligoda. Homagama police had arrested the suspect and produced in Court.

Even at the time of this edition going to press yesterday afternoon, the ruckus at the Homagama court premises was continuing.

The JVP Bus

By Lionel Bopage –January 26, 2016

Dr. Lionel Bopage

The necessity for changing the political culture of distorting history and resorting to personal slander: Part VIII

During the Presidential election in January 2010, I had my own personal experiences regarding the sneaky activities of certain JVP leaders that prevented my presence on the opposition candidate’s election platform in canvassing people against the previous regime. An incident similar to this, on 2 April 2015, appears to indicate that the JVP had been behind the influencing of the ITN not to telecast an interview conducted with Kumar. Why the current JVP leadership does not want any erstwhile leaders to appear on political platforms is only understandable in the context of the ongoing power struggle between the two factions, and the way the JVP has previously used falsification of history and personal slander as weapons against their political opponents.

I believe that the political culture of the JVP needs to change in order to embrace and welcome inclusiveness of diversity that exists even within the left movement. In the current environment, this acquires added significance because of the role the JVP plays in national politics, and its relationship with other political entities of the left. The JVP appears to be endeavouring to re-emerge as a significant political force by gaining people’s recognition and support. The people appears appreciative of the role the JVP plays in courageously exposing criminal and corrupt behaviour. Despite this, the JVP has not been able to establish itself as the alternative that people could rely on at least to elect it as the country’s parliamentary opposition.

In the early 1980s Mr. Prins Gunasekara, who currently lives in London used to say that the JVP was like a passenger bus, where people get in from the front door and get down from the back, and it never gets full. Recently what we have witnessed appears to be analogous to more people getting down from the JVP bus. Many wish that the JVP would take bold steps for leading people in a progressive and inclusive direction for building a better society. The JVP may need not only a socio-economic policy calculus to counter neo-liberalism, but also a structure that will value a better political culture, free of falsification of history, personal slander and use of physical violence. Political opposition can be challenged only by taking clear unambiguous positions on the issues of democracy and good governance that have now become controversial and debatable. The JVP does not need to make those who do not agree with its political positions antagonistic. In being honest about its political past, the JVP would be able to win over people’s trust to become the only viable left alternative.

Shocking expose of MR’s son in Parliament

Yoshitha failed to obtain minimum O/L qualification to enroll in
Sri Lanka NavyGoSL spent Rs. 22.2 million for ex-President’s son’s naval training in UK
Report on Yoshitha’s irregular appointment submitted to President’s office

By Ashwin Hemmathagama Our Lobby Correspondent-27 January 2016

The Government informed Parliament yesterday that the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had been inducted into the Sri Lanka Navy bypassing mandatory educational qualifications of the GCE Ordinary level and had been sent for extensive training in the United Kingdom and Ukraine at state expense.

Chief Government Whip Gayantha Karunathillake said that even though Yoshitha Rajapaksa had failed to obtain minimum results at his ordinary level exams after two sittings, a mandatory qualification to enroll in the Sri Lanka Navy, he had been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant soon afterwards.

“Lieutenant Y.K. Rajapakse NRX2431 underwent extensive training programs in the United Kingdom and Ukraine soon after he received the basic training in Sri Lanka. The Government spent Rs.22.23 million for his training in the UK during the period from January 2007 till August 2010,” Minister Gayantha Karunatileka confirmed.

He said a report of the detailed investigation conducted into the enrollment of Yoshitha Rajapaksa had been submitted to the President’s Office based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence.

“The investigations Committee comprised with three senior officers of the Sri Lanka Navy. Action will be taken in due course based on the recommendations received,” the Minister added.

Kenyan Blood Ivory destroyed

2016-01-26
The Sri Lanka Customs today destroyed 359 African elephant tusks (Blood Ivory) worth more than Rs. 368 million following religious observances at the Galle Face Green. The tusks were confiscated by the Customs en route to Dubai from Kenya in 2012. Pix by Samantha Perera

Neethan Shan elected new TDSB trustee for Scarborough-Rouge River

Candidate outdistances packed field to take seat

Neethan Shan

Neethan Shan was easily elected the new Toronto District School board trustee for Scarborough-Rouge River in a byelection Monday.

Scarborough Mirror-Jan 25 2016

Neethan Shan will be the new Toronto District School Board trustee for Scarborough-Rouge River.

Shan was easily elected in a byelection on Monday night (Jan. 25), beating out a field of 19 other candidates running for the position left vacant after incumbent Shaun Chen was elected as Liberal MP for the Scarborough North riding in October.

With 49 of 53 polls in, Shan had 3,193 votes.

In second, was Jack Wang with 1,043 votes.

Third place was Kwesi Johnson with 295 votes, while Yama Arainfar was in fourth with 184 votes.

Other candidates running were Austin Han, Kuga Kasilingam, Sharon Kerr, Aasia Khatoon, George Lin, Dwight McLean, Ron McNaughton, Kabirul Mollah, Noah Ng, Andy Nguyen, Arjun Sahota, Piravena Sathiyanantham, Simone Si, Sandeep Srivastava, Sahl Syed, and Sonny Yeung.

Shan, who was a public school trustee in Markham and has run for provincial and council seats in Scarborough several times, told The Scarborough Mirror in an interview prior to the election he knew there was much work to be done at the TDSB.

“Therefore my focus will be solely on doing the work necessary to make our community a better place to go to school, not on future political considerations,” he said.

U.N. Panel Calls for Sanctions on South Sudan’s Warring Leaders

An unpublished report finds "clear and convincing evidence" that Salva Kiir and Riek Machar are responsible for widespread atrocities.

BY COLUM LYNCH-JANUARY 25, 2016

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar bear personal responsibility for massive human rights abuses during the country’s two-year-long civil war and should have their financial assets frozen and be barred from traveling outside the country, according to a confidential report by a U.N. Security Council panel that was obtained byForeign Policy.

“There is clear and convincing evidence that the majority of acts committed in the course of the war, including the targeting of civilians and violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, have been directed by or undertaken with the knowledge of senior individuals in the highest level of government and within the opposition,” wrote the five-member panel, which advises the council on ways it can better enforce sanctions on individuals who are thwarting peace efforts in the country.

The findings were included in a report to the U.N. Security Council that is expected to be made public later this month. FP reviewed the report in advance of publication. Diplomats described a separate confidential annex to the report that includes recommendations that key South Sudanese government and opposition leaders, including Kiir and Machar, be sanctioned. The annex, which has been shared with the Security Council members, will not be made public.

There is a “preponderance of evidence that both Kiir and Machar maintain command responsibility for their respective forces” and that the warring armies under their authority have “consistently engaged in action and policies” that undermine the country’s peace and security and therefore merit the imposition of targeted U.N. Security Council sanctions, the panel added in the main report.

The report’s findings are expected to add to international calls for holding South Sudan’s leaders accountable for rights abuses. But there were few expectations that it would lead to concrete steps by the council to punish either of South Sudan’s rival leaders, as the United States, Russia, China, and key African leaders remain focused on convincing them to reach a political settlement to end the war.

The completion of the 49-page report comes just days after South Sudan’s government and rebel movement failed to meet a deadline for forming a unity government, the latest in a long string of setbacks in the flailing push to find a peaceful solution to the country’s bloodshed.

More Story>>>

Denmark passes tough migrant law as Nordic refugee welcome dims

Police officers walk at the Danish-German border in Krusaa, Denmark January 9, 2016. REUTERS/Claus Fisker/Scanpix Denmark

Denmark's parliament passed measures on Tuesday aimed at deterring refugees from seeking asylum, including confiscating valuables to pay for their stay, despite protests from international human rights organisations.

The measures, which also include extending family reunification among refugees from one year to three years, are the latest sign that the Nordic welcome for refugees is waning as large numbers flee war in Africa and Middle East for a better life in Europe.

The "jewellery bill" is the latest attempt by Denmark's minority centre-right government to curb immigration to a country that took in a record 20,000 refugees last year.

Under the bill, refugees could keep possessions amounting to 10,000 Danish crowns ($1,450), raised from 3,000 crowns after criticism from human rights organisations. Valuables of special emotional value such as wedding rings will be exempt.

The Liberals Party government has just 34 out of 179 seats in parliament and depends on support of rightist parties, including the anti-immigration Danish People's Party (DF), to pass laws.

During a three and a half hour debate, dissenting voices from small leftwing parties were heard including from Red Green Alliance.

But the bill passed with an overwhelming majority, backed by the main centre-left opposition party Social Democrats, highlighting a shift to the right in Denmark's political landscape thanks to DF's popularity and rising concern over refugee numbers.

"I wouldn't say that I have become racist or anything," said Poul Madsen, a taxi driver, before the bill was passed. "But I may be more aware of the fact that this has some downsides and may be a potential problem for our society and our economy."

NORDIC WELCOME FADES

Denmark is not the only one Nordxic country trying to shut its doors to migrants. Sweden, which took in over 160,000 refugees last year, the most per capita in Europe, introduced checks on its border to Denmark at the start of the year.

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven promised on Monday more resources for police after an employee was stabbed to death at a refugee centre for unaccompanied minors. A minor was arrested on suspicion of murder or manslaughter after the incident in western Sweden, local TT news agency reported.

A poll on Monday showed support for Lofven's Social Democrats at its lowest for nearly 50 years, in part due to a sense the government was unable to cope with the refugee influx.

Norway, meanwhile, has been trying to send back refugees who crossed over from Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday Moscow would not take them back.

Denmark is also not alone in targeting migrants' valuables. Switzerland has started taking valuables from asylum seekers over 1,000 Swiss francs ($985), the German state of Baden-Württemberg valuables above 350 euros ($380), while other southern states have been reported to do the same.

"Most (refugees) have lost everything and yet this legislation appears to say that the few fortunate enough to have survived the trip to Denmark with their few remaining possessions haven't lost enough," the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said, mirroring criticism from many organisations.

($1 = 6.8954 Danish crowns)

(Additional reporting by Annabella Pultz and Erik Matzen; Writing by Sabina Zawadzki; Editing by Alistair Scrutton and Richard Balmforth)