EC, however, may appeal to SC

The Court of Appeal yesterday lifted the interim injunction, which suspended electieons to 18 local councils, including the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). The decision, delivered yesterday morning, clears the way for elections to proceed in those local government bodies. The interim order had originally been issued in response to legal challenges.

Local government elections are expected to be held on 06 May, following this ruling.

The petitions were heard before a bench of the Court of Appeal, comprising Acting President of the Court, Justice Mohamed Laffar, and Justice Priyantha Fernando.

During the hearing, Deputy Solicitor General Manohara Jayasinghe, representing the respondent returning officers, informed the court that the respondents would not be presenting objections to the petitions. He stated that the returning officers had acted in accordance with the law regarding the nominations in question but requested

the court to issue an appropriate order as it saw fit.

 Counsel appearing for the petitioners requested the court to direct the returning officers to accept the previously rejected nomination papers.

 After considering the submissions, the Court of Appeal issued a writ order invalidating the decisions made by the returning officers to reject the nomination papers. The court subsequently issued another writ order directing the returning officers to re-accept the rejected nominations.

As a result, the stay orders that had previously prevented elections in several local government bodies—including Uda Palatha, Patha Dumbara, Panwila, Akurana, Harispattuwa, Hanguranketha, and Kuliyapitiya—were lifted.

 Meanwhile, Election Commission sources said they have instructed officials to obtain copies of recent Court of Appeal rulings related to the 06 May elections, with the intention of submitting appeal applications to the Supreme Court.

Separately, sources at the Department of Government Printing reported that approximately 10 million ballot papers have already been printed for the 06 May election. Government Printer Pradeep Pushpa Kumara told the media that the printing process is expected to be completed by the end of this month.According to the Election Commission, a total of 17,296,330 eligible voters have been registered for the upcoming election.

By Norman Palihawadane and A.J.A. Abeynayake

The cost of preparing a traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year sweetmeat table has risen by 7 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to a recent study by Verité Research.The increase is largely attributed to a steep surge in coconut prices, which has significantly impacted the cost of key sweetmeats and festive dishes.

The sweatmeat table, a hallmark of Avurudu celebrations in Sri Lanka, features a variety of traditional sweet items such as milk rice (kiribath), kokis, and aluwa, symbolising prosperity and togetherness. However, the rising cost of coconuts and coconut oil — essential ingredients in many of these preparations— has made this year’s table notably more expensive.

According to the data, collected from open markets in Colombo, and official statistics from the Department of Census and Statistics, the price of coconuts rose by 80 percent year-on-year, while coconut oil increased by 40 percent. As a result, milk rice saw a 57 percent increase in cost, and kokis went up by 35 percent in 2025.

According to the findings, five out of eight core ‘kevili’ items experienced price hikes, while the prices of most other ingredients remained stable or declined. Despite the moderate year-on-year increase, the cost of an average ‘kevili’ table remains more than double what it was in 2019 — 2.4 times higher in 2025, compared to 2.2 times in 2024.

The report says that the broader inflationary pressures affecting seasonal traditions and underscores how fluctuations in agricultural commodity prices, particularly coconuts, continue to impact household celebrations across the country.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed his readiness to appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an ongoing investigation under the Anti-Corruption Act.

The Commission has summoned Wickremesinghe to provide a statement regarding a case filed against New Democratic Front MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake. The former President is scheduled to appear before CIABOC next Thursday (17) at 9:30 am.

 The summons follows a media statement made by Wickremesinghe, in which he referenced the case, prompting the Commission to request any information he may have to substantiate his remarks. In a letter addressed to the former President, CIABOC’s Assistant Director General Asitha Anthony stated that Wickremesinghe’s comments suggest he possesses further knowledge relevant to the inquiry.

The investigation relates to allegations that MP Dassanayake engaged in corrupt activity by prematurely withdrawing a fixed deposit from the National Savings Bank in 2016.

CIABOC has noted that if Wickremesinghe fails to appear without a valid reason, the Commission will act under Article 126 of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023.Wickremesinghe, in response to the summons, has confirmed his willingness to cooperate and present any supporting documents during his appearance.