News
IORA Council of Ministers meets: Sabry acknowledges challenges and opportunities
The modest progress and recovery Sri Lanka had made over the past 12 to 18 months would not have been possible without the unwavering support and cooperation of our friends in the region and beyond, as well as the resilience of our people, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC, said yesterday (11).
The Foreign Minister made the observation at the 23rd Meeting of the IORA Council of Ministers, Colombo.
Minister Sabry said that the return of several high-level delegations to Sri Lanka, after a few turbulent years, is an encouraging sight. Declaring that it is in this spirit, and with this enthusiasm, that Sri Lanka hosts this session, Minister Sabry said “I would like to express our deepest appreciation and commendation for the exceptional leadership and remarkable work done by Bangladesh during their tenure as the Chair of IORA. Bangladesh held this position during one of the most challenging periods amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions.
“Since then, our organization has developed from strength to strength, and we now have 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners with diverse interests and characteristics.
As we convene today, it is crucial that we recognize the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our region confronts a variety of complex issues. These challenges require our collective efforts and a strong commitment to discovering innovative and inclusive solutions that are specific to our region, the Indian Ocean, and our heritage. Under the theme of Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity, our organisation will discuss these challenges in an open and transparent manner during our deliberations.”
The High Court has convicted 14 of the 24 men accused of being directly involved in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people.
The three-judge bench read out its decision on Tuesday after a five-year trial and said sentencing would take place later, the AFP news agency reported.
The charges included murder and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
Nine others were acquitted, while another defendant was found guilty of only some of the charges, the court said.
[Aljazeera]
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The ruling NPP yesterday (21) dismissed claims of a widening rift, within the government, over the proposed 22nd Amendment. Asked whether the NPP was concerned over a section of the Opposition alleging Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and two dozen MPs taking a view contrary to that of the party in this regard, authoritative party sources said some persons were propagating speculation for their own interest.
Declaring that there was absolutely no issue regarding the controversial Amendment, sources emphasised once it was tabled in Parliament, it would be passed with 2/3 majority.
Sources dismissed claims that out of its 159-member parliamentary group a section of NPPers was opposed to the government move. According to an influential Opposition activist, there are 57 JVPers and 66 NPPers in the government group and the rest contested the last parliamentary polls, having aligned with the JVP.
Ministerial sources told The Island that the government was confident of going ahead with the 22nd Amendment and Judicature (Amendment) Bills. Sources said that the NPP was not bothered about the Opposition protests in and outside Parliament.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne is expected to disclose the confidential ruling that he received from the Supreme Court in respect of more than 65 petitions for and against the 22nd Amendment and Judicial Amendment Bills. The enactment of the 22nd Amendment would pave the way for extending the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, from 65 to 67 years, and Court of Appeal judges, from 63 to 65 years.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Court of Appeal Judge Mayadunna Sri Mevan Anthony Edirimannasuriya Corea as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal.
The appointment has been made as President’s Counsel Nalin Rohantha Abeysuriya, who currently serves as President of the Court of Appeal, will be overseas until the 24th.
Accordingly Justice Mayadunna Corea was sworn in as Acting President of the Court of Appeal before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential secretariat last morning (21).
Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present at the occasion.
High Court convicts 14 over deadly Easter bombings
Mandhana, Shafali and Ghosh lead dominant India to Asian Games gold
Fatima Sana and Umm-e-Hani secure bronze for Pakistan in Asian Games
India bat first in Asian games womens cricket final
Showers about 100mm will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts
Govt. confident of 2/3 majority despite NPP split speculation
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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