News
X-Press Pearl probe in chaos, House Committee finds fault with MEPA, AG, Fisheries Ministry
The Marine Environment Protection Authority(MEPA) has complained to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development that it is not aware of the actions taken by the Attorney General regarding developments pertaining to the X-Press Pearl ship disaster off the port of Colombo in early 2021.
The top MEPA management has explained the difficulties experienced by them due to the AG’s attitude.
The MEPA alleged that they hadn’t received the AG’s response to a query regarding the status of the Expert Committee appointed by them in the wake of the Justice Ministry declaring the appointment of an international panel.
The issue was taken up recently by the Oversight Committee, chaired by Ajith Mannaperuma of the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balwegaya (SJB)
It was also revealed that payments in respect of work carried out by the Expert Committee hadn’t been made so far.
The MEPA also disclosed that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) inquired from them about two members of the Expert Committee while Joint Chairman of the said committee, Prof. Ajith de Silva, revealed that inquiries had been made from relevant Universities regarding his educational qualifications.
It transpired that due to lack of cooperation among MEPA, AG and the Fisheries Ministry the entire process, including payment of compensation to the fishing community, had been affected. (SF)
Latest News
Russian Embassy, Russian House, unveil plaque at Public Library in honour of 80th anniversary of victory day
The Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Russian House in Colombo unveiled a plaque at the public library Colombo today (29th April) in honour of the 80th anniversary of victory day.
Victory Day is celebrated on the 9th of May, the day Nazi Germany was defeated in World War II. It is an important date in the Russian calendar and an integral part of Russian culture.
The plaque was jointly unveiled by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka Lenav Dzhagaryan and Ms Maria Popova Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka and Director of the Russian House in Colombo
News
Ministerial committee appointed to review and further enhance ‘State Commercial Enterprises Management draft bill’
It has been recognized that the state enterprises should be re – structured and maintained with proper administration with the assistance of local or foreign investments without being a continuous burden to the General Treasury and the country’s economy. Therefore, it is the policy of the new government to introduce an efficient and accountable mechanism in the regard. An initial draft named “State Commercial Enterprises Management Draft Bill” has been already prepared to introduce a new legal framework required for maintaining after performing necessary restructuring and with proper management of government owned business companies. Thereon, it will be possible to totally free the state entrepreneurship establishments from political influences and appoint professionals with proficiency for its board of directors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Plan Implementation and Economic Development to grant policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for the said initial draft and appoint a special committee with the following composition to submit appropriate proposals for further enhancing after reviewing the initial draft:
• Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development – (Chairman)
• Hon. Sunil Handunneththi Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship
• Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co – operative Development
• Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Sooriyapperuma Deputy Minister of Finance Plan Implementation
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Justice and National Integration to appoint Thilak Nandana Hettiarachchi, a special grade officer in Sri Lanka Administrative Service who served in the post of Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Shasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, to the post of Commissioner General of Official Languages with immediate effect.
Russian Embassy, Russian House, unveil plaque at Public Library in honour of 80th anniversary of victory day
Ministerial committee appointed to review and further enhance ‘State Commercial Enterprises Management draft bill’
Thilak Nandana Hettiarachchi appointed Commissioner General of Official Languages
-
Business3 days agoPick My Pet wins Best Pet Boarding and Grooming Facilitator award
-
News7 days agoProf. Rambukwella passes away
-
News3 days agoNew Lankan HC to Australia assumes duties
-
Features3 days agoKing Donald and the executive presidency
-
Business3 days agoACHE Honoured as best institute for American-standard education
-
Features7 days agoThe sea-change after Modi’s visit
-
Features5 days agoThe Truth will set us free – I
-
News3 days agoLankan ‘snow-white’ monkeys become a magnet for tourists