News
‘Ini: A selection of buildings by Vijitha Basnayaka’ hits the stands after unique launch
Ini’ – a book on the inimitable architectural works of Sri Lankan architect Vijitha Basnayaka was launched last week (23), aptly in a building designed by the architect.
The book reflects on how over the past 35 years, Vijitha Basnayaka and his collaborators have created buildings of immense poetic appeal, supported by a choreographic mastery of space and form, true commitment to environmentally sensitive design, and a unique insight into local building production traditions.
Basnayaka’s buildings are genuinely space-specific in their form and meaning, refreshingly candid in their environmental and cultural ethos and masterfully poetic in their spatial and experiential narratives. His work is an outcome of life-long research on the spontaneous qualities of the vernacular space and tectonics, the disciplinary interpretations of tradition and modernity, and the discursive overlapping between art and architecture.
Trained entirely in Sri Lanka, Basnayaka’s work offers an alternative perspective to post-colonial architecture in the South Asian region, through a practice of building that values the process as much as the product.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
Acting Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana has been suspended.
A letter, issued by the Ministry of Health, says preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health has revealed that Dr. Bellana, as a government medical officer holding a responsible position, made statements to the media, without approval, in a manner that created a controversial situation in the country and unrest among the public.
The letter further stated that formal disciplinary action will be taken in due course regarding this matter.
Trump says US launched large-scale attacks on ISIL in Syria
Showers will occur in the Eastern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa district
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
Opposition Leader rises in defence of Dr. Bellana
Dr. Bellana suspended for speaking to media
257,000 households paid house cleaning grant of Rs 25,000 out of 493,000 eligible to receive it
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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