News
Crucial Parliamentary week ahead with investigation into IGP Tennakoon and Batalanda torture chambers debate
The upcoming sitting week of Parliament, beginning next Tuesday, is set to be pivotal, with key motions including the investigation into Police Chief IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon and a debate on the notorious Batalanda torture chambers.
During the recent Business Committee meeting chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne, party leaders decided that a motion proposing the establishment of a committee to investigate and recommend the removal of IGP Tennakoon will be presented for approval on April 8.
The sessions in Parliament will be held on April 8, 9, and 10, with a packed agenda. On April 8, Tuesday, Parliament will convene from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM for routine parliamentary business under Standing Order 22, sections 1 to 6. From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, time will be allocated for oral questions. From 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, parliamentary questions under Standing Order 27(2) will be addressed.
Later in the day, the second reading of the Bill on “Offenses Related to Criminal Activities” will be debated, and the Criminal Procedure (Special Provisions) Act will be presented for approval. The motion to appoint a committee to investigate IGP Tennakoon’s removal is also expected to be presented for approval by 5:30 PM.
The following day, April 9, Parliament will meet from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM for regular business, followed by a 30-minute session from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM for questions directed to the Prime Minister. From 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, oral questions will be answered, and the session will continue with additional questions under Standing Order 27(2). The afternoon will see discussions on the second reading of the “Taxation (Amendment)” Bill, alongside the approval of 17 annual reports from various statutory bodies.
On April 10, Thursday, Parliament will continue its work, following a similar schedule, with a focus on the second reading of the “Battalanda Housing Complex Inquiry Report.” The debate on this significant issue is expected to continue into May, marking a critical point in the ongoing discussions surrounding past human rights abuse.
The High Court has convicted 14 of the 24 men accused of being directly involved in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people.
The three-judge bench read out its decision on Tuesday after a five-year trial and said sentencing would take place later, the AFP news agency reported.
The charges included murder and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
Nine others were acquitted, while another defendant was found guilty of only some of the charges, the court said.
[Aljazeera]
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The ruling NPP yesterday (21) dismissed claims of a widening rift, within the government, over the proposed 22nd Amendment. Asked whether the NPP was concerned over a section of the Opposition alleging Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and two dozen MPs taking a view contrary to that of the party in this regard, authoritative party sources said some persons were propagating speculation for their own interest.
Declaring that there was absolutely no issue regarding the controversial Amendment, sources emphasised once it was tabled in Parliament, it would be passed with 2/3 majority.
Sources dismissed claims that out of its 159-member parliamentary group a section of NPPers was opposed to the government move. According to an influential Opposition activist, there are 57 JVPers and 66 NPPers in the government group and the rest contested the last parliamentary polls, having aligned with the JVP.
Ministerial sources told The Island that the government was confident of going ahead with the 22nd Amendment and Judicature (Amendment) Bills. Sources said that the NPP was not bothered about the Opposition protests in and outside Parliament.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne is expected to disclose the confidential ruling that he received from the Supreme Court in respect of more than 65 petitions for and against the 22nd Amendment and Judicial Amendment Bills. The enactment of the 22nd Amendment would pave the way for extending the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, from 65 to 67 years, and Court of Appeal judges, from 63 to 65 years.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Court of Appeal Judge Mayadunna Sri Mevan Anthony Edirimannasuriya Corea as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal.
The appointment has been made as President’s Counsel Nalin Rohantha Abeysuriya, who currently serves as President of the Court of Appeal, will be overseas until the 24th.
Accordingly Justice Mayadunna Corea was sworn in as Acting President of the Court of Appeal before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential secretariat last morning (21).
Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present at the occasion.
High Court convicts 14 over deadly Easter bombings
Mandhana, Shafali and Ghosh lead dominant India to Asian Games gold
Fatima Sana and Umm-e-Hani secure bronze for Pakistan in Asian Games
India bat first in Asian games womens cricket final
Showers about 100mm will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts
Govt. confident of 2/3 majority despite NPP split speculation
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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