News
Expert consultation held to review LKI’s research programme
The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) conducted an expert consultation on 24 August 2023, to review the proposed ‘LKI Research Programme’. Senior academics and practitioners covering areas of research that fall within the scope of the ‘LKI Research Programme’ were invited to provide observations – in person – during a collective session, and also through written inputs.
Opening the discussion, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, Executive Director of LKI, stated that in addition to the LKI flagship events, such as ‘the LKI Foreign Policy Forum’ inaugurated earlier this month, a structured ‘Research Programme’ is being developed to establish a strong framework at LKI for research on contemporary issues of relevance to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy. Highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address some of these issues, he said that LKI was keen to engage with Foreign Policy scholars and practitioners, as well as to draw within its expert network those with relevant knowledge in the legal, socio-economic, sustainable development, science and innovation, communication, and cultural dimensions of modern diplomacy.
The attendees highlighted the need for LKI to produce independent, timely and evidence-based research that aims primarily to address contemporary issues relevant in shaping Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy postures. Noting that identifying clear research areas with focus topics will enable LKI to continuously contribute to Foreign Policy discussions, they encouraged that LKI find a balance between depth and breadth in its research. They also noted that LKI should bring together experts who could create an interdisciplinary network, and that it must serve as a bridge connecting academics, practitioners and civil society as well as providing a forum for an open discussion and pre-stage research.
Among those who contributed to the consultation were former Foreign Secretary H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, Professor Emeritus Amal Jayewardena, Prof. Ajith de Alwis, Project Director, Coordinating Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Harinda Vidanage, Director, International Relations, KDU, Prof. Maneesha S. Wanasinghe Pasqual, Dr. Pavithra Jayawardena, Dr. Menik Wakkumbura, and Dr. George Cooke from the University of Colombo, Dr. Nishara Mendis, Founder, Centre for Smart Future Anushka Wijesinha, and former Deputy Director, SAARC Cultural Centre Mrs. Kishani Jayasinghe-Wijayasekara,.
The focal points for LKI at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General/Performance Review and Implementation Director O. L. Ameer Ajwad. and E. A. Director General (Actg.)/Human Resources Development, Research & Training S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, LKI Research Fellows, Research Assistants, Research Interns and Director/Administration of LKI were also associated in the discussion.
A specialists committee has been appointed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation adhering to the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 29.12.2025 for submitting appropriate recommendations analyzing the provisions of the draft bill formulation in regard to Animal Welfare.
Based on the recommendations of the said Committee, the Legal Draftsman has been instructed at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 18.05.2026 to prepare the final bill on the animal welfare.
Wherefore, the Legal Draftsman has formulated the draft bill and the clearance of the Attorney General has been received in the connection.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to publish the said draft bill in the
Government Gazette Notification and subsequently forward the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Under the legal provisions for elections in this country since 2004, it is mandatory for voters who come to mark their votes to verify their identity through a valid identity card, and it is also mandatory for all such voters to be marked with an appropriate mark using indelible ink. The dual purpose of these two functions is to prevent a voter from voting more than once in a single election.
It has been observed that having to follow two different
methods at the same time to achieve the same objective hinders the efficiency of the duties performed at the polling stations and also incurs additional costs to the government.
Therefore, it has been deemed appropriate to remove the legal provisions regarding the use of indelible ink and marking the voter with the appropriate mark from all election acts.
Accordingly, the development activities of the province, as well as national security, will benefit. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the
President to take necessary steps to remove the legal provisions
• Section 36 of the presidential Election Act, No 15 of 1981
• Section 38 of the Parliamentary Election Act, No 01 of 1981
• Section 36 of the Provincial Council Election Act, No 02 of 1988
• Section 53 A of the Local Government Elections Ordinance (262 Authority)
• Section 21 of the Referendum Act No 7 of 1981
News
Showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 24 JUNE 2026
Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 24 June 2026 by the Department of Meteorology
Several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expectedat times over the Western slopes of the central hills, the Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Animal Welfare Draft Bill to be Gazetted
Legal provisions on marking voters using indelible ink during elections removed
Showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts
Court vacancy row throws Parliament into turmoil; sittings disrupted
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