News
New Constitution: Talks put off indefinitely over corona fears
Committee still confident 6-month deadline can be met
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Meetings scheduled for last Saturday (23) to discuss proposed constitutional and electoral reforms couldn’t be held as political parties believed some of those expected to attend them, had been affected by Covid-19, well informed sources told The Island.
The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), the National Freedom Front (NFF), the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) and SLPP National List MP Tiran Alles sought postponement due to the fear of Covid-19 epidemic.
They were the first group of lawmakers to make representations to a 9-member committee led by Romesh de Silva, PC, tasked with preparing the new draft Constitution for parliamentary perusal.
The postponement was sought at the eleventh hour, sources said.
Sources said that President’s Counsel de Silva decided to put off meetings with lawmakers for the time being. Over a half a dozen lawmakers, including Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi have tested positive so far. The committee consists of Romesh de Silva, PC, Gamini Marapana, PC, Manohara de Silva, PC, Sanjeewa Jayawardena, PC, Prof. Naseema Kamurdeen, Dr. A. Sarveshwaran, Samantha Ratwatte, PC, Prof. Wasantha Seneviratne and Prof.
G.H. Peiris. Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC, named the committee in the first week of Sept. last year.
Asked whether the committee would find it difficult to finalize a proper document within six months due to postponement of meetings with political parties, authoritative sources said that regardless of the setback, the outfit was confident of meeting the deadline. Sources said that a delay couldn’t be justified. “If required, the committee can always depend on zoom,” a source familiar with the ongoing constitution making process said.
Sources said that the SLPP, the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya and the UNP hadn’t submitted proposals so far and their participation remained under a cloud. The JVP, too, refrained from submitting a set of proposals though the breakaway JVP faction, the NFF handed over its proposals several weeks ago.
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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