News
Opposition sees conflict of interest in appointing Pavithra to head PSC probing Nilwala salinity barrier
By Saman Indrajith
Opposition MPs yesterday expressed their displeasure at appointing Pavithra Wanniarachchi as the chairperson of the special parliamentary select committee appointed to probe the issues pertaining to constructing a salinity barrier across the Nilwala Ganga in Matara.
Opposition MPs demanded that an MP from the Opposition be appointed the chairman of the committee because appointing an incumbent subject minister of Irrigation would lead to a conflict of interest.
Soon after Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena informed the House of the appointment of the PSC, headed by Minister Wanniarachchi, Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa said that the issues related to the problems faced by farmers of the Matara District because of the moves to construct a salinity barrier across the Nilwala River were raised by the Opposition MPs time to time. “Our MPs are aware of these issues and grievances of farmers. Therefore, the chairperson post of this PSC should be given to an Opposition MP,” Premadasa said.
The Speaker: Pavithra is the most senior member in this group of MPs and that is why she has been appointed to the post.
Matara District SLPP dissident MP Dullas Alahapperuma said that there would be a conflict of interest when the Minister of Irrigation was appointed to investigate this issue. How could there be an impartial, independent investigation when the subject minister is appointed to head the probe of the very same Ministry accused of delays and unjust moves. “We agree with the Opposition Leader’s position in this regard. We demand that an MP from the Opposition should be appointed to this post to give justice to Matara District farmers who have been suffering for more than eight seasons. We must follow the example set by the President’s Sectoral Oversight committees which do not appoint the subject minister or state minister for the subject to be oversighted,” Alahapperuma said.
Matara District SJB MP Buddhika Pathirana: We have nothing against Pavithra Wanniarachchi personally. But appointing her to head the PSC would result in loss of the very same purpose of forming the PSC.
Other members in the PSC are Mahinda Amaraweera, Kanchana Wijesekera, Mohan Priyadarshana Silva, Sashindra Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, Chamal Rajapaksa, CB Ratnayake, Dullas Alahapperuma, Dilip Wedarachchi, Buddhika Pathirana, Hesha Withanage, Sampath Atukorala, Karunadasa Kodithuwakku, Upul Galappaththi, Shan Wijelala de Silva, Kings Nelson, Nipuna Ranawaka and Weerasumana Weerasinghe.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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