News
Get on with 21A if you’re genuine about systemic change says Eran
SJB MP Eran Wickremaratne says that it is high time the government got on with the 21st Amendment Bill proposed by the SJB to parliament if it genuinely wants to bring a system change demanded by the people across the country.
He told a press conference held on Thursday at the Office of the Leader of Opposition, that the first reading of 21A was on May 17 and it is now before the Supreme Court to decide whether it is consistent with the constitution. By June 15, there would be a determination on whether it needs a two-thirds majority in Parliament and/or the people’s approval at a referendum.
Wickramaratne charged that contrary to this process the government is trying to push a hitherto unseen Bill, calling it the 21st Amendment. It actually should be the 23rd Amendment as already there are two Bills titled 21A and 22A proposing amendments to the Constitution.
The SJB proposal is 21A and the private member’s bill by Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakashe has been listed as 22A. So the government proposal, when it is presented after having obtained the consensus among its coalition partners and cabinet approval in the future, will be titled as the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution.
Wickremaratne said that the government’s proposal is going to take a long time coming as there is no consensus yet within the governing party itself. It has a long way to go before the first reading, possibly by the end of June, before being considered by the Supreme Court.
There is a possibility that it could be presented in Parliament for the second reading after having gone through the administrative and judicial process earliest by August 9. This is unless the government in some way decides to block the passage of the SJB’s 21A. It could be approved earlier to find the desired solution to the deadlock in creating political stability in the country.
“This is the response to the agitation across the country for a systemec change and the abolishing of the executive presidency. That is why we have presented this Bill and we are telling the government that we are open to a referendum as the people’s will must be determined,” the MP said.
The Colombo High Court has sentenced former Chief Minister of the North Central Province, S.M. Ranjith and his Private Secretary Shanthi Chandrasena to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs. 200,000 each after they were found guilty of corruption charges.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery Or Corruption (CIABOC) had filed the case alleging that the former Chief Minister had illegally obtained Rs. 2,080,500 as fuel allowances during his tenure.
Parliamentary staff members are contemplating trade union action in protest against what they describe as a downward revision of their allowances.
The salary revision, as detailed in a circular numbered DMS/Salary Revision/2025-1 (Management Services Circular 04/2025) dated March 25, 2025, has resulted in a reduction of Parliament workers’ allowances, and the decreases which vary, based on staff grades, range from 70% to 39%, raising concerns among Parliament staff, according to sources.
The 32-page circular, addressed to Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadheera, has been signed by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development K. M. Siriwardhana.
Following the announcement of those revisions, parliamentary employees have expressed dissatisfaction, with their unions planning industrial action in the coming days. Sources confirmed that the staff members had already registered their protest with the parliamentary authorities.
The new salary revision has sparked widespread discontent among staff members.
Our attempts to contact General Secretary of Parliament Kushani Rohandheera were not successful.
By Saman Indrajith
Japan has funded a project to strengthen Sri Lanka’s commitment to tackling GBV (gender-based violence) and ensuring that survivors were not left without access to critical services.
As part of this project, six more Emergency Waiting Areas (EWAs) will be established in the coming weeks in Dharmapuram (Kilinochchi district), Murunkan (Mannar district), Uppuveli (Trincomalee district), Opanayake (Ratnapura district), Walapane (Nuwara Eliya district), and Modera (Colombo district).
Recently, Japanese ambassador in Colombo Akio Isomata and UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative Kunle Adeniyi, handed over the newly constructed Japan-funded EWA at the Kalutara South Police Station. The Japanese embassy said that this initiative was meant to ensure that survivors received the protection, dignity, and support they deserve when seeking assistance from law enforcement authorities.
The embassy said that there was a growing network of operational EWAs across Sri Lanka, including Jaffna, Mirihana, Pudukuduirippu, Nuwara Eliya, Mundalam, Batticaloa, and Kandy, where over 4000 women and children received support last year. These safe spaces serve as temporary resting areas, providing survivors of GBV with protection, psychosocial support, medical referrals, legal aid, and a survivor-centered approach to justice, the embassy said.
The establishment of the Kalutara South EWA was made possible with the generous funding of USD 34,000, from the People of Japan, and the construction was supported by World Vision Lanka.
Ambassador Isomata reaffirmed Japan’s continued dedication to supporting women and children in Sri Lanka and emphasized the role of safe spaces in ensuring a future free from violence. “Japan has been promoting the protection of women and children in Sri Lanka since Sri Lanka became a partner country for Japan in 2018 in promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This project also includes training for police officers handling victims, especially female officers, so that victims would feel safer in seeking refuge and counseling. I hope this project will be expanded by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Public Security and Police in order to strengthen the mechanism to protect women and children in vulnerable situations. It is also essential for Sri Lanka to ensure the legal measures against the violence and support for the self-reliance of women and children who seek refuge.”
Speaking at the ceremony, UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative, Kunle Adeniyi, underscored the significance of survivor-centered approaches in addressing GBV. “For a survivor, the decision to seek help is often fraught with fear: fear of judgment, disbelief, or retaliation. When they walk into a police station, they should not only find protection but also compassion and care. A survivor’s first interaction with law enforcement can shape their entire journey toward healing and justice. If they are met with understanding, respect, and support, they are more likely to pursue the help they need.”
US attacks kill 4 in Yemen as second aircraft carrier sent to Middle East
Former chief minister of North Central Province, SM Ranjith sentenced to 16 years RI
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, North-western and North-central provinces and in Mannar and Vavuniya districts
-
Sports3 days agoSri Lanka’s eternal search for the elusive all-rounder
-
News2 days agoBid to include genocide allegation against Sri Lanka in Canada’s school curriculum thwarted
-
News4 days agoGnanasara Thera urged to reveal masterminds behind Easter Sunday terror attacks
-
Business5 days agoAIA Higher Education Scholarships Programme celebrating 30-year journey
-
News3 days agoComBank crowned Global Finance Best SME Bank in Sri Lanka for 3rd successive year
-
Features3 days agoSanctions by The Unpunished
-
Latest News1 day agoIPL 2025: Rookies Ashwani and Rickelton lead Mumbai Indians to first win
-
Features3 days agoMore parliamentary giants I was privileged to know