News
Exclusive: New Amendment proposed to address political crisis
Prez to be empowered to remove PM, cabinet among far reaching proposals
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Amidst Sri Lanka’s worst ever political and economic crises that triggered a spate of protests,
two of Sri Lanka’s eminent lawyers, Romesh de Silva, PC and Manohara de Silva, PC, have urged
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to bring in an urgent amendment to the Constitution to address the issues at hand.
Romesh de Silva led the nine-member expert team that recently finalized a draft Constitution as requested by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on behalf of the government.
They have advised the President that it wouldn’t be possible to form a cabinet representing all political parties represented in Parliament under the present Constitution without a fresh amendment.
They have also submitted the proposed amendment to the leader of the main Opposition Party, the Samagi Jana Balvegaya (SJB), who is also the Leader of the Opposition.
Well-informed sources said that urgent action was required to address the political and economic crisis.
The success on the current efforts to save the national economy could go awry unless the President and all political parties represented in Parliament take tangible measures to restore political stability, the two legal experys have pointed out.
Sources pointed out that the President hadn’t been able to finalize the cabinet nearly a week after members of the cabinet except Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned. Sources said that the President and the Opposition Leader could make an effort to reach a consensus with their respective parties.
The text of the proposed AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION
The following Article to be inserted after Article 44 and shall be numbered as Article 44A
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Constitution, the President may in extraordinary and special circumstances –
(a) Remove from office the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet of Ministers
(b) Appoint a Prime Minister in accordance with paragraph (3) of Article 43 subject to the approval of Parliament.
(c) Appoint a Cabinet of Ministers consisting of not more than fifteen Ministers who –
- Have the expertise in the subject and function assigned to him under sub paragraph (d)and,
- are not Members of Parliament or of any political party :
Provided that, the appointment of each of the members of the Cabinet of Ministers is approved by Parliament:
Provided further that the Appointment of each of such members is approved by the majority of the members of Parliament who are not members of the party of which the Prime Minister is a member
(d) Assign subjects and functions to such Minister, provided that such Minister has the expertise in any such subject and is capable of performing the functions so assigned.
(2)The Cabinet of Ministers appointed under paragraph (1) shall function for a period of one year and may be reappointed until the next Parliamentary election is concluded, subject to the approval of Parliament
Sources said that if accepted, provision would have to be made to compel Ministers to attend Parliament to answer questions regarding his/her Ministry. Romesh de Silva and Manohara de Silva have informed the President in the wake of controversy over Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa not being present in Parliament to answer questions regarding the financial crisis.
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President and Attorney General discuss controversial legal proceedings
President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a discussion with the Attorney General and officials from the Attorney General’s Department at the Presidential Secretariat today (06).
During the discussion, the President emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among all institutions working towards the effective enforcement of the law.
President Disanayake also highlighted the critical responsibility of the Attorney General’s Department to restore public confidence in the judicial system. He further stressed that public perception regarding political interference must be transformed to ensure trust in the legal process.
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to avoiding any actions that could erode public expectations. He assured that efforts are being made to re-establish confidence in the justice system and restore the principles of fairness and equity in the eyes of the people.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe PC, along with several officials from the Attorney General’s Department.
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Narcotics and prescription drugs valued over Rs. 28158 million seized during naval operations in 2024
The Navy’s operations in 2024 yielded impressive results, bringing to justice 407 persons, both local and foreign, involved in a wide array of illegal acts such as smuggling of narcotics, prescription drugs, and contraband as well as apprehending those involved in human smuggling. These operations were conducted in close coordination with law enforcement agencies and maritime partners in the region. Meanwhile, the gross street value of narcotics and prescription drugs seized in these operations has been valued at over Rs. 28158 million.
The Sri Lanka Navy consistently carries out operations in partnership with regional maritime partners, to address an assortment of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, within the ocean region.
The Navy has collaborated closely with the Sri Lanka Police, Police Narcotic Bureau, Police STF, Excise Department and other law enforcement agencies as well as the Indian Navy and Maldivian Coast Guard, actively sharing information during these operations. In such operations conducted in 2024, significant quantities of illicit substances were seized, including more than 622kg of heroin worth [street value] over Rs. 15554 million , more than 1211kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) worth over Rs. 11508 million, more than 1752kg of Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 700 million, more than 119kg of local cannabis worth over Rs. 23 million and 1,179,746 prescription drugs worth over Rs. 373 million. In addition, based on information by the Navy, the Police and Police STF destroyed 107626 plants of local cannabis.
Additionally, 21 local fishing boats along with 230 individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking have been apprehended and produced for onward legal action. Accordingly, the gross street value of narcotics and prescription drugs held in the operations in the past year has been valued at over Rs. 28158 million.
Also, the Navy has apprehended 02 suspects attempting to illegally sell 226 bottles of liquor as well as 234670 illegal cigarettes, 972 aphrodisiacs (madana modaka) drug pills and 52 suspects in connection to those illegal acts. Moreover, 11 elephant pearls and over 04kg of gold, made ready to be smuggled from the country, with 14 suspects were held as part of the naval operations in the year 2024. Apart from that, the Navy intercepted a craft with 05 individuals, for smuggling wild animals, through island waters.
The Navy also seized over 65687kg of smuggled Tendu leaves, more than 7272kg of dried turmeric, over 368kg of ginger, 8330 bottles and 56786 packets of agrochemical, 727 cosmetic products and apprehended 81 Sri Lankan nationals, 03 Indian nationals and an Indian dhow in the past year. Preventive of human smuggling and illegal migration efforts, the Navy held 01 boat from India and 20 persons for their involvement in human smuggling. Upon being held, they were handed over to authorities for legal proceedings.
As part of the “Clean Sri Lanka” national initiative, the Sri Lanka Navy has strategized its operations for 2025, aiming to combat illegal activities, including drug trafficking in the country’s maritime zones, promote maritime stability, and support the realization of Sri Lanka’s national maritime aspirations.
[Navy Media]
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A new Chairman and Members appointed to Official Languages Commission
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Mr. Nimal R. Ranawaka as the new Chairman of the Official Languages Commission.
The other members of the commission include Professor R.M.W. Rajapaksha, Professor Stanislaus Joseph Yogarajah, and Ms. Lareena Abdul Haq.
The appointment letters were presented today (06) at the Presidential Secretariat by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
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