The Supreme Court had determined that no provision in the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill was inconsistent with the Constitution, and that it can be enacted by Parliament with a simple majority, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne informed the House yesterday.

Announcing the SC decision, he added that the Bill had been reviewed in accordance with Article 121(1) of the Constitution and was found to be fully consistent with constitutional provisions.

On 22 January, the Supreme Court concluded its review of the petitions filed challenging the Bill submitted to Parliament for the abolition of parliamentary pensions.

The petitions were submitted by a group of former Members of Parliament, who sought a determination from the Supreme Court that several clauses in the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill are unconstitutional.

Petitioners claimed that certain provisions of the proposed Bill violate fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.Accordingly, the petitioners requested the Supreme Court to rule that, if the Bill is to be enacted, it must be passed with a special majority in Parliament and approved by a public referendum.

The Bill seeking to abolish pensions for MPs was presented to Parliament on 07 January by the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Dr. Harshana Nanayakkara. A period of 14 days from that date was provided for the submission of petitions challenging the Bill.The Second Reading debate on the Bill is scheduled to be held towards the end of this month. Once the Bill is enacted, the pension entitlements of 512 former Members of Parliament will be abolished.

The Colombo District Court yesterday (06) ordered that the delivery of the verdict on the case filed by MP Dayasiri Jayasekara be postponed until 17 February.Jayasekara’s petition seeks an order directing the SLFP to allow him to function as the General Secretary of the party without any hindrance.

Although the order was scheduled to be delivered yesterday, the District Court announced that the pronouncement would be deferred to 17 February.

The plaintiff, Dayasiri Jayasekara, in his petition has stated that the District Court had previously issued orders recognising him as the General Secretary of the SLFP.

In his petition, he has requested the Court to issue the necessary directives to ensure he can carry out the duties of that office without interference, in accordance with the prior Court ruling.

A special traffic plan will be implemented in Colombo during the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament, which will be held from today (February 07) to March 08, 2026, police said yesterday.

Matches scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka will be hosted at R. Premadasa Stadium, Maligawatte, and the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Stadium at Cinnamon Gardens, with Colombo serving as the central host city, according to the Police Media Division.

As a large number of local and foreign spectators are expected to attend these matches, the Colombo Traffic Division has formulated a special traffic management plan to be implemented on match days, as outlined below.

Traffic Plan for Matches at R. Premadasa Stadium

Traffic restrictions will be imposed as necessary on the following roads:

* Entry towards Britto Babapulle Bridge from the junction of Vincent Perera Mawatha (Grandpass Road) via Britto Babapulle Bridge Road

* Entry towards the stadium from the vicinity of Babapulle Bridge

* Entry towards the stadium from Sebastian Canal Road via Melwatte Bridge

* Entry towards the stadium from the junction of 100 feet Road and Temple Road

* Entry towards the stadium from the side road near Maligawatte Lane (Stadium Road)

* Entry towards the stadium from the junction of Saddharma Mawatha and Temple Road (Khettarama Road)

Special Matches and Transport Arrangements

The Sri Lanka vs Ireland, India vs Pakistan, and Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe matches will be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium on 08, 15, and 19 February 2026, respectively.

On these dates:

* A special traffic plan will be enforced.

* Dedicated shuttle transport services will be operated.

* Parking facilities have been arranged at:

* R. Premadasa Stadium Car Park

* Mati Park Car Park – Grandpass Police Division

* Shuttle services will operate from:

* Old MOD Car Park

* Port City Car Park

Parking for Other Match Days

For matches scheduled on 11, 13, 21, 25, and 27 Februarym 2026, parking will be permitted at designated areas around the stadium, as per usual arrangements.

Additional parking facilities have been provided at:

* Grandpass Mati Park Car Park

* Sathosa Car Park

* Sebastian Canal Car Park

* Kovil Road

* Apple Watta

* Both sides of 100 feet Road

Traffic Plan for Matches at SSC Stadium

 Traffic movement will be restricted on 07, 09, 10, 14, and 18 February 2026, on the following routes:

* Entry into Maitland Place from the Government Administration Junction

* Maitland Place from the Vidya Mawatha Junction

* Vidya Mawatha from the Wijerama Junction

Designated Parking Areas for SSC Stadium Matches

 * SSC Stadium Car Park

* SSC Sports Club Car Park

* Colombo Municipal Council Car Park – Nidahas Mawatha

* Sri Lanka Foundation Mawatha Car Park

* CR & FC Car Park

* Old McDonald’s Car Park – Ministry of Sports

* Rupavahini Corporation Car Park

* BMICH Car Park

Security Arrangements

The Police Media Division stated that 1,500 police officers and 600 traffic police officers have been deployed to ensure the safety and security of both local and foreign spectators attending the T20 World Cup matches, the statement said.

Important Notices to the Public

* Spectators are strictly prohibited from bringing the following items into the stadium:

* Large bags

* Glass bottles

* Drone equipment

* Sharp objects or knives

* Drugs and alcoholic beverages

Additionally, Intelligence Officers and police officers, in civilian attire, will be deployed within and around the stadium premises to enhance public safety.