News
GL says he will have to rewrite his books on constitutional law
By Saman Indrajith
SLPP MP and law scholar Prof G. L. Peiris told Parliament yesterday that he might have to rewrite the books that he had written on constitutional law because of the violations of basic norms of democracy taking place under the incumbent regime.
“Unprecedented developments are taking place in this polity. Such developments have never been seen in the democratic world. I taught constitutional law for two generations and my books are still being used to teach the subject in the universities and in the courts. Now, I have to rewrite them because the democratic norms, theories and ethical practices of constitutionalism prescribed therein are blatantly violated in this country now. This is very unfortunate. We must understand this problem without our party differences.
“Infamous Hapuhinne affair is an example. Hapuhinne is an innocent public servant. He issued written orders to all Returning Officers to suspend taking deposits for the election that has been announced. Later, it transpired that he did so on the basis of a directive from the Cabinet. Thereafter, it came to light that the Cabinet has not made such a decision to issue a directive. Hapuhinne within an hour withdrew his order. Once the elections are declared it is the job of the elections commission to make decisions and implement them as per the provisions of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution. The Cabinet has no role there. Hapuhinne would have to serve a three-year jail term for this mishap if someone goes before the courts. If the Cabinet Secretary has issued such a letter to Hapuhinne, then the Cabinet Secretary will have to go to jail for three years. Nowhere in a democratic country in this world have such things taken place. The developments that take place in this country today are against all norms and values of democracy.
“We have upheld the Westminster principles of parliamentary traditions since 1931. This legislature has now become a tool in the hands of the executive. The president in this Throne speech made promises with lofty ideals to strengthen parliament, but he acted in the diametrically opposite manner by flattening parliamentary sovereignty.
“So, I will have to rewrite all my books because the norms and values of constitutionalism are no longer valid in this country. Next week, I have a lecture at a university and I will ask students to dump my books in the dustbin because the values envisaged to be in a democracy are no longer valid in practice under this regime.”
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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