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Parliament has failed the public – Prathibha

Published

2 years ago

2024/05/14

Sahan Weerasooriya

Prathibha Mahanamahewa,

…question financial discipline of members and their responsibilities regarding enactment of laws

Professor Prathibha Mahanamahewa of the Colombo Law Faculty emphasised over the weekend the need for a robust civil movement to play a significant role in shaping national policies and fortifying the rule of law. Mahanamahewa insisted on the responsibility on the part of such a movement to pressure the powers that be to address growing concerns of the public.

Mahanamahewa said so on Saturday (11) addressing the launch of People’s Forum for Reforms at the Auditorium of JAT Holdings, Thalawathugoda.

The forum, hailed by Mahanamahewa as a beacon of hope for the country, saw an assembly of distinguished guests from various sectors, all unified in their commitment to fostering a stronger civil movement for national progress.

Professor Mahanamahewa delved into the core responsibilities of Parliament, challenging its efficacy in fulfilling its primary obligations. The lawyer posed a critical question to the audience: had Parliament truly upheld its duties, particularly in terms of financial discipline and the enactment of laws with a sense of urgency? Mahanamahewa asserted that Parliament had fallen short of meeting the basic aspirations of the public,

Joining Professor Mahanamahewa on stage was Manjula Gajanayaka, former National Coordinator of the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and a respected researcher. Gajanayaka conveyed the shared responsibility of politicians, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and businessmen in effecting positive change within Sri Lanka’s political and social landscape.

Mrs. Sharmila Ganawala, a prominent member of the leadership committee, elucidated the vision and mission of the People’s Forum for Reforms. She articulated the forum’s vision of a proud state with dignified citizens and its mission of spearheading political, economic, and social reforms towards that end. Gonawala outlined the objectives of the movement, which include fostering a disciplined society with equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, grounded in principles of accountability and responsibility. She underscored the necessity of real systemic change, stressing the importance of policy reforms in achieving this transformative vision.

At the launch the opening remarks were delivered by Bradley Emerson, setting the tone for an evening of insightful discourse and impassioned calls to action. Dr. Dilum Jayasekara concluded the proceedings with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all attendees for their unwavering support and dedication to the cause of reform.

The launch of the People’s Forum for Reforms drew a diverse array of participants, including political party members, civil activists, media personnel, celebrities, and numerous distinguished guests. Their collective presence underscored the widespread acknowledgment of the urgent need for change and the shared commitment to realizing a brighter, more equitable future for Sri Lanka.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

16 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in 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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Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

21 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

21 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)