News
‘House erupts over SJB Weligama PS Chairman’s killing
A tense atmosphere prevailed in Parliament yesterday following the announcement of the killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman (SJB), Lasantha Wickramasekara, who succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during a public council event.
Raising the matter during the parliamentary session, Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa said Wickramasekara had been shot while carrying out his official duties at the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha’s public day.
“He was engaged in service to the people when he was shot inside a state institution. This is not just an attack on an individual, but on democracy itself,” Premadasa charged. “If elected public officials are not safe in their offices, what does that say about national security?”
The situation in Parliament grew tense as Premadasa later informed the House that the wounded local council chairman had succumbed to his injuries.
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne assured that investigations into the incident were already underway. “The Police and relevant authorities will probe the matter thoroughly,” he stated.
Chief Government Whip and Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also addressed the chamber, confirming that a police investigation had been launched. He noted that Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala was expected to brief Parliament on the incident and the progress of the probe.
“The government condemns this act of violence and is fully committed to preventing such crimes in the future,” Minister Jayatissa said.
He said that a full statement by the Ministry of Public Security was expected as investigations continued into the motive and suspects involved in the attack.
By Saman Indrajith
News
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Policy approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 08.06.2026 to establish the Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority for identification and
execution of a formal and long – lasting remedy to secure the central hills including the upper hydro catchment areas enabling them to sustain amidst extreme weather conditions
due to natural calamities and human activities as well as to be used for the sustainable development of the country.
Accordingly, a concept paper has been prepared including
institutional structure, activities, powers, active subject area as well as administrative and coordination mechanism for the proposed authority by an expert technical committee appointed by the Secretary to the President.
Based on the said concept paper, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill including legal provisions required for the establishment of Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority.
News
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
With the objective of securing the traditional livelihood and the eco system of the indigenous community, it has been recognized the necessity of introducing a formal regulation methodology to secure their engagement in livelihood activities by being more sensitive to the existing laws.
Thereby, the Fauna and Flora (regularizing) regulations under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Authority 469) have been prepared so that nominated activities within the prescribed area to a member of the indigenous community
who has been registered for securing the rights acquired from law or custom or usage or traditional stance to execute an act within a certain state land that is fundamental to the survival of the indigenous community permission can be granted
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to publish the said regulations in the government gazette notification and thereby submit to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Latest News
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Environment to appoint M. M. D. J. Senarathne, who is the senior most officer in Grade I of Sri Lanka Scientific Service se
Establishment of an Institutional Framework to Inagurate Upper Hydro Catchment Areas Management Authority
Introduction of Flora and Fauna (Regulation of actions of the Indigenous Community within the nominated areas) Regulations
M. M. D. J. Senarathne, appointed Director General of the Department of National Botanical Gardens
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