News
NMSJ calls for repeal of 20A, urgently resolution of forex crisis and pardon for Ranjan R
The Karu Jayasuriya led National Movement of Social Justice (NMSJ) last week urged the government to abolish the 20th Amendment to the Constitution saying that the proposed Constitution should be one presented by the people and Parliament. It should not be a Constitution drafted by government-appointed representatives as a majority in the country is not agreeable to the formation of a new Constitution through this process.
Among other points made in the statement signed by Jayasuriya was that the proposed constitution, as they had previously requested, should be presented to the people by Feb. 4 and further delay will not be favourable.”
Describing the foreign exchange crisis confronting the country, it stressed that the lack of foreign exchange had disrupted the lives of the people but the government had failed to do anything about a problem causing great harm.
“If we are not able to solve this dilemma within the next few days, it must be pointed out that public life, the economy and the production process will collapse,” the statement said.
“Instead of allowing two ministries to engage in a game of tug-of-war to secure foreign exchange, the government must take the lead to bring about a solution to the issue. The government cannot leave it to the ministries and wash their hands off the matter. The Minister of Finance in particular has a great responsibility to bear in this situation,” Jayasuriya said.
The statement further called on the government to reappoint the chairpersons of parliamentary committees dissolved by the prorogation saying that the watchdog committees, COPE, COPA and COPF have acted in an exemplary manner in the recent past. It called on the reappointment of Professors Charitha Herath, Tissa Vitarana and Anura Priyadharashana Yapa to the positions they held.
The statement concluded by calling for a presidential pardon for ex-MP Ranjan Ramanayake jailed for a contempt of court conviction.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
PM returns to the island
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