News
Bid to abolish executive presidency ploy to postpone elections- Udaya
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila sees a call for abolishing the executive presidency as part of a conspiracy to postpone the next presidential election.
The former minister alleged that President Wickremesinghe had enlisted the backing of some NGOs for his move to put off election.
Addressing the media at his Pita Kotte office, MP Gammanpila said that some NGOs had revived their campaign for doing away with the executive presidency with the blessing of the government. “The Leader of the Opposition said if there was provision for dissolving Parliament soon after the abolition of the executive presidency, his party would support the proposal. The government has accommodated the Opposition Leaders request as a transitional provision. Several political parties in the Opposition have already expressed their support for this proposal. The government expects the support of the SJB, the JVP and the TNA because these parties have already asked for the abolition of the executive presidency.
“The Supreme Court has already determined that a constitutional amendment to abolish the executive presidency will have to be approved by the people at a referendum in addition to ratification by Parliament with a two-thirds majority. After parliamentary approval the proposal should be placed before the people at a referendum. The steps to be taken after the people’s approval are specified in Article 80 of the Constitution.
“However, if there is a petition challenging the validity of the results of the referendum, the President cannot certify the Bill until the Supreme Court determines whether the outcome of the referendum is valid.
“In other words, if a person challenges the validity of the referendum, the executive presidency will not be abolished pending the Supreme Court determination. The incumbent President can remain in power until the dissolution of Parliament in August 2025. The Referendum Act says that every endeavor shall be made to conclude the hearing petitions within six months, but it is not mandatory.
“Some may argue that the present Constitution is in operation until the President certifies the Constitutional Amendment and as a result the Executive Presidency is still in operation. Hence, there is no barrier to hold the Presidential election. Technically, it is true but not pragmatic. We urge opposition parties not to fall into this trap and help the government avoid the next presidential election.”
The situation report issued by the Disaster Management Centre at 1800hrs today (5th December) confirms that 607 persons have died due to the adverse weather conditions while the number of missing persons has reduced to 214.
The number of persons affected topped the 2 million mark (2,082,195).
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) formally took delivery of the EX- United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC DECISIVE, provided by the United States to SLN, at a ceremony held at the United
States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore on 02 Dec 25. The event was also attended by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.
The ship formally joined the SLN fleet on 02 December under the pennant number P 628 and the main mast of the ship will fly the National Flag effective from that date.
Aiming to strengthen and develop partnerships to overcome common challenges in the maritime domain, the U.S. Coast Guard has previously provided 03 ships to SLN and they are currently patrolling island waters under the names of ‘Samudura’ (P 621), ‘Gajabahu’(P 626), and ‘Vijayabahu’ (P 627).
As an extension of partnership ties that bring value to each other’s services, Ex-USCGC DECISIVE was transferred as the fourth ship to be handed to SLN.
Ex-USCGC DECISIVE, a ‘B-Type Reliance Class 210-foot Cutter’, measures 64m in length, and having endurance of 6000 NM at cruising speed. Further, she has been designed for a
crew of 100 and is equipped with weapons and machinery.
The ship which was used by the U.S. Coast Guard has rendered exceptional service during her tenure by curbing illegal activities, including smuggling of narcotics in U.S. waters.
Sri Lanka inherits an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that is seven times larger than the landmass. In such a backdrop, the Navy is determined to deploy this vessel in wide-ranging
operations that include the conservation of marine resources in the region and the search and rescue of naval and fishing communities in distress. Thereby, the Navy will be able to utilize
this vessel efficiently in the future to achieve the national aspiration, while ensuring safe and secure seas for all economic affairs.
The formal handing over – taking over ceremony was also distinguished by the presence of the Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer and Director of Domain & Integration Services U.S. Coast
Guard, James L. Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for South and Southeast Asia, Dr. Andrew Byers, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, Commanding Officer designate of P 628, Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya as well as a group of officials from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in United States and the State Department
of the United State
The situation report issued by the Disaster Management Center at 0600hrs today [5th December] confirms that 486 persons have died and another 341 persons are missing after the devastating weather conditions in the past week.
171,778 persons have been displaced and have taken refuge at 1,231 safety centers established by the government.
Death toll rises to 607, missing persons reduce to 214 at 1800hrs today (5)
Sri Lanka Navy takes delivery of Ex-USCGC DECISIVE
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486 dead, 341 missing, 171,778 displaced as at 0600hrs today [05]
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