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PCoI report on Easter Sunday considered in drafting new anti-terror laws – ASG
constitutionality of the Bill can be challenged in SC
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Nerin Pulle has said that the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (P CoI) on the 2019 Easter Sunday carnage has been taken into consideration when the Anti-Terrorism Bill was drafted. Addressing the Colombo-based diplomatic corps at the Foreign Ministry recently, the ASG explained the salient features of the draft Bill. According to him, observations made by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the international community, too, had been taken into consideration in developing the framework.
The ASG said the new draft sought to ensure protection of Fundamental Rights and would not provide for the death penalty. The judicial oversight would be ensured throughout detention of persons taken into custody in terms of the new security law, a senior Foreign Ministry official said. “The draft Bill will be subject to approval of the Cabinet and subsequent procedures as per the Constitution,” the official added.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC, and Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, explained the measures taken by the government to produce the best possible law to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
State Minister of Justice Anuradha Jayarathna, Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and Secretary Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wasantha Perera were present at the briefing.
At the outset, Minister Sabry recalled that the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) had been amended in 2022 following extensive deliberations with all relevant stakeholders, including the civil society, taking into consideration the constructive comments and concerns expressed by domestic and international stakeholders.
Minister Sabry outlined the steps taken by the government to ensure that the draft anti-terrorism legislation addresses national security requirements while upholding international standards and best practices. He highlighted the transparent and open consultative process that was followed in evolving the latest draft, including the consideration of views expressed by the public, civil society and international partners. The Minister informed that, following discussions on the suggested amendments, the Bill would be presented to the Cabinet for approval, and that once re-gazetted, any person could petition to the Supreme Court with regard to the constitutionality of the Bill.
Minister Rajapakshe briefed the participants on the initiative taken by the Ministry of Justice to actively reach out to the public to receive further views, pursuant to the decision of the Cabinet. He said that concerns relating to the admissibility of confessions, detentions orders and the definition of terrorism were considered during the deliberations. The Minister explained as to how these concerns have been addressed in the draft legal framework.
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Food Policy and Security Committee recommends importation of rice to ensure an uninterrupted supply
The Food Policy and Security Committee has recommended the importation of rice in the near future to ensure an uninterrupted supply for consumers.
A notable increase in rice prices has been observed in the market, along with reports of shortages of certain rice varieties, despite the current harvest season.
Given this situation, discussions were held regarding the need for the Cabinet to prioritize the maintenance of sufficient stock, through rice imports.
The Committee, chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Vasantha Samarasinghe, convened for the fifth time at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (01). The meeting aimed to formulate policy decisions to ensure food security.
During the discussions, it was revealed that due to excessive rainfall this year, crop damage occurred on two occasions, leading to a significant reduction in the expected harvest.
Furthermore, during the meeting it was stated that the improper use of rice for animal feed is another major reason contributing to the rice shortage. As a result, the Committee also focused on the importation of broken rice for animal feed and the use of alternative feeds to mitigate the impact on livestock production.
Accordingly, the Food Policy and Security Committee approved the formation of a Committee, led by the Director General of Agriculture, to oversee the importation of the required quantity of broken rice through proper mechanisms.
Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, and other members of the Food Policy and Security Committee, including Ministry Secretaries, participated in the discussions.
The People of Myanmar are facing immense hardships caused by the devastating earthquake on 28th March and as reported by the international media reports the death toll is over 2,700. Furthermore, it has been reported that many people are missing while, a large number of individuals have been injured and are receiving treatment.
Considering the long – term close relationship between the two nations as two Buddhist states, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to provide,
• A sum of United States Dollars One Million
• Transportation for the dry rations collected by Buddhist clergy and other donors
• To have a group of medical officers and health staff on standby for immediate departure to Myanmar if necessary
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Cabinet appoints ministerial committee to submit report on sanctions imposed on 04 Sri Lankans by the United Kingdom
Attention of the Cabinet of Ministers have been drawn on the decisions taken by the United Kingdom to impose sanctions on four Sri Lankan individuals recently, and have decided to appoint a committee comprised of three ministers to submit a report with recommendations on the further measures to be taken after studying the facts in the regard and to empower the committee to obtain the service of any officer/intellect deemed to have subject expertise in the relevant field and considered essential.
The committee will comprise of :
– Vijitha Herath Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
– Attorney – at – Law Harshana Nanayakkara Minister of Justice and National Integrity
– Aruna Jayasekara Deputy Minister of Defence
Death sentence for three Americans over DR Congo coup attempt overturned
Food Policy and Security Committee recommends importation of rice to ensure an uninterrupted supply
Cabinet approves providing relief to the people of Myanmar
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