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Karu J slams 20A, sugar scam and Elections Commission
In remarks made at a media briefing held in Colombo last week, Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) said that intelligent people of the country did not approve of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution rejected by 80% of the people according to the report of a survey. The president, who himself had said that he did not receive the blessings of the Sangha for this legislation, should therefore reconsider this.
The former speaker said that the new constitution, promised within the first year of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa presidency, must ensure that the new constitution would strengthen democracy, protect the freedom of the people and the country’s sovereignty removing dictatorial powers created by 20A.
Jayasuriya also made reference to the so-called sugar scam saying the government owed the people an explanation for this “daylight robbery.” The whole business was a disgrace to the president as it has been reported that he approved the deal.
People involved in this racket held various positions in the government. If a proper investigation is conducted, several heads will roll. Some of them may even be allies of the powerful. Bringing disrepute to the Head of State is a great misfortune for the country.
He also said that the independence of the Elections Commission must be ensured to enable free and fair elections. This must precede the provincial council elections or any election. Free and fair elections cannot be expected from the present Elections Commission comprising persons who had connections with the political machinery of government whose allegiance would be to their political masters and not the people.
Jayasuriya was sharply critical of the Political Victimization Commission saying its report should be trashed. No matter how weak the government was, it should not make itself a butt of ridicule of the people. He also focused on the destruction of the environment and the human – elephant conflict.
(Excerpts of NMSJ statement on Jayasuriya’s remarks on Page 3)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 17 March 2026, valid for 18 March 2026.
The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday (17) recorded a statement from former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the allocation of a house for a maid working at the residence of the then Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, PC.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the Secretary to the Ministry Defence and Urban Development, allegedly authorised the allocation of the house on the recommendation of the CJ during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second term. The Rajapaksa government brought in Peiris as the Chief Justice after impeaching Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake in January 2013.
The allocation of the house was made by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), following the mandatory examination of the request, sources said, adding that during that time the government had launched several mega housing projects in Colombo and its suburbs to accommodate those living in shanties, etc.
CIABOC is expected to record a statement from ex-CJ Peiris who subsequently served as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
As part of the assistance extended by the Government of India towards rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, a four-member technical delegation of health experts from Sri Lanka visited India recently.
The Indian HC said: “The delegation studied the Indian models of Medical Kiosks/Health ATMs, Mobile Diagnostic Laboratories and the telemedicine platform ‘eSanjeevani’ to explore replicating these initiatives in Sri Lanka in order to strengthen the local healthcare delivery system.
During the visit, the delegation participated in a series of technical sessions organized by premier Indian institutions like National Health Authority, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). Visits were arranged for the delegation to Combined Hospital at Loni, Ghaziabad, and Civil Hospital, Sector 10, Gurugram as part of exposure to India’s digital health ecosystem. Demonstrations were conducted on Mobile Health Kiosks / Health ATMs, including basic diagnostics and their role in strengthening primary healthcare delivery. The Sri Lankan experts were also provided an overview of India’s highly successful Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. A live teleconsultation through eSanjeevani was demonstrated, highlighting the integration of remote consultations with digital health records.
The initiative reflects the continued robust cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in strengthening healthcare delivery systems, particularly in vulnerable areas, and supporting recovery efforts among affected communities.”
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Heat Index at Caution Level at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts
Showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Uva provinces and in Anuradhapura district
CIABOC questions Ex-President GR on house for CJ’s maid
Post-Ditwah Indian recovery assistance to SL: health experts from here visited India
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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