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Sajith calls for national dialogue on constitutional reform
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for a national dialogue on constitutional reform, proposing that Sri Lanka consider establishing a dedicated Constitutional Court or another specialised mechanism to review constitutional matters as part of long-term institutional reforms.
Premadasa made the proposal following a meeting with Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association President, Steven Thiru, at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo, where they discussed constitutional democracy, the separation of powers, judicial independence, the rule of law and environmental justice.
He stressed that constitutional institutions must be designed to function independently and credibly regardless of which political party holds power.
“Judicial independence is not a privilege of judges, but a safeguard for the people and the constitutional system of government,” Premadasa said.
He said constitutional reforms should not be driven by the immediate political interests of either the Government or the Opposition, but should provide lasting safeguards for citizens and institutions when political power changes hands.
Premadasa said any reform affecting independent constitutional institutions should be supported by adequate safeguards, clear justification, transparency and meaningful consultation with the public and other stakeholders.
The Commonwealth Latimer House Principles were also discussed as an international benchmark on the separation of powers among Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary, as well as judicial independence, accountability and transparency.
Premadasa said Sri Lanka could examine, without interfering with ongoing judicial proceedings, whether a dedicated Constitutional Court or another specialised constitutional review mechanism was necessary. He said such a proposal would require careful consideration of its powers, composition, appointments, tenure, accessibility and relationship with the existing Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
The meeting also focused on environmental justice. Premadasa referred to Section 14 of the Environmental Charter 2.0, presented during the 2024 presidential election, which proposed establishing a specialised environmental court or tribunal.
He said Sri Lanka could study the experience of other Commonwealth jurisdictions before determining whether a court, tribunal or hybrid model would be most appropriate.
The discussions come amid heightened debate over judicial independence following the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution and the recent Supreme Court hearing on petitions challenging the Bill.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Moratuwa, Kesbewa, Handapangoda, Idalgashinna, Yudhaganawa, Kotiyagala and Panama about 12.08 noon today (05)
The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 28th of August to 07th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion.
The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is
overhead today (05) are Moratuwa, Kesbewa, Handapangoda, Idalgashinna, Yudhaganawa, Kotiyagala and Panama about 12.08 noon
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa was yesterday remanded until September 18 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an investigation into the controversial SriLankan Airlines Airbus aircraft transaction.
Rajapaksa appeared before the CIABOC at around 9.15 am yesterday to record a statement after being summoned over the transaction. He was taken into custody following several hours of questioning and subsequently produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate.
The investigation centres on allegations surrounding the acquisition of six Airbus A330 and eight A350 aircraft by SriLankan Airlines in 2013, in connection with an alleged USD 2 million bribe.
Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena and his wife, Priyanka Niyomali Wijenayake, had previously been named in connection with the alleged bribery.
Chandrasena was arrested on March 12 as part of an investigation launched by the CIABOC under the Anti-Corruption Act and was subsequently released on bail. He was later found dead on May 8 while on bail, with police suspecting that his death was a suicide.
Open warrants have been issued for the arrest of Wijenayake, who is named as the second suspect, and Shamindra Rajapaksa, named as the third suspect, in the case pending before the Fort Magistrate’s Court in connection with the Airbus transaction.
The investigation has also received assistance from Airbus, with a delegation from the company’s parent group in France visiting Sri Lanka during the first week of August. The delegation provided statements and other assistance to the CIABOC as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Rajapaksa’s arrest and remand yesterday mark a further development in the widening investigation into the controversial aircraft deal.
The number of dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka this year has risen to 96,040, with 72 deaths recorded so far, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.
The Unit said 10,155 cases were reported in August alone, highlighting the continuing spread of the disease across several parts of the country.
The Western Province has recorded the highest number of cases at 50,760, followed by the Southern Province with 13,931, the Central Province with 8,788 and the Sabaragamuwa Province with 7,910.
At district level, Gampaha has reported the highest number of cases at 20,444, followed by Colombo with 19,008.
Kandy has recorded 7,043 cases, while Kalutara and Matara have reported 6,181 and 6,154 cases,a respectively.
The National Dengue Control Unit said 50 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas across the country have been identified as high-risk areas for dengue.
Health authorities have continued to urge the public to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding, particularly in areas where a high incidence of dengue has been reported.
Sun directly overhead Moratuwa, Kesbewa, Handapangoda, Idalgashinna, Yudhaganawa, Kotiyagala and Panama about 12.08 noon today (05)
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Uva, Central and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Mullaittivu districts after 2.00 p.m
Namal remanded until Sept. 18 over Airbus deal investigation
Dengue cases surpass 96,000 this year
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Johnston granted bail following CIABOC arrest
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