News
Opposition asks EC to comply with SC directive
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The Opposition expected the Election Commission (EC) to go ahead with preparations for the Local Government polls in line with the Supreme Court directive to Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana and Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam, PC, Prof. G.L. Peiris, MP, said yesterday (06).
Addressing the regular Nidahas Janatha Sandhanaya briefing at Nawala, the former External Affairs Minister emphasized that there couldn’t be any issue as the SC had prevented them from withholding funds allocated for LG elections.
Declaring that the EC couldn’t fail under any circumstances to act as per the Supreme Court directive, the lawmaker emphasized that there was absolutely no further requirement for EC to discuss this issue with the Finance Secretary.
Those who failed to comply with what Prof. Peiris called historic intervention made by the SC faced term of imprisonment for contempt of court.
Prof. Peiris pointed out that the apex court also issued another interim order preventing the misappropriation of money allocated to the Government Printer for the printing of ballot papers.
These interim orders were issued to the Finance Secretary named as respondent in the relevant petition, and the Attorney General, who was named on behalf of the President.
The order was given by the three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Janak de Silva and Priyantha Fernando. The fundamental rights petition was filed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, MP.
Prof. Peiris said that Finance Secretary and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage couldn’t take cover behind so-called cabinet directives and circulars issued at the behest of the executive as they had no option but to fulfill their obligations.
Prof. Peiris said that in addition to the Finance Secretary and the Government Printer, IGP C.D. Wickremaratne, too, worked overtime to undermine the EC. The SLPP rebel said that if those responsible make further attempts to delay the process, the Opposition would move court against them.
The ex-minister said that the Opposition expected EC Chairperson Nimal Punchihewa to announce the date for LG polls when a delegation of Opposition MPs meet him today (07).
The top Opposition spokesperson said that political parties in writing requested the EC to conduct LG polls before March 19. Interestingly, the JVP has joined for the first time other political parties to pressure the EC.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The 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 Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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.
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