News

Passage of 22A, victory for people -Karu J

Published

3 years ago

2022/10/24

National Movement for Social Justice Chairman and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya says the ratification of 22nd Amendment by Parliament on Friday was a great victory for those who cherish democracy.The former Speaker has said: “The Parliament passed the 22nd Amendment by revoking the 20th Amendment to the Constitution which had been adopted with the aim of converting the country to an autocratic authoritarian regime.

“We consider passing of the amendment as a victory for all citizens of Sri Lanka who value democracy.

“We the National Movement for Social Justice would like to first and foremost thank all members of Parliament as well as civil and political forces who continuously advocated for this constitutional reform.

“We are an organisation that vehemently opposed 20A when it was introduced to achieve the aspirations of the former President and even after it was adopted, we emphasise once again that we do not believe that the 22nd Amendment is sufficient and the last decisive step to secure the country’s democracy and protect the dignity and expectations of the people.

“We consider this decision taken by Parliament today as an extremely vital interim constitutional reform that should have been implemented until a new Constitution is adopted. Accordingly, we consider this a significant achievement.

“The National Movement for Social Justice always stands unwaveringly for a new Constitution that will bring dignity to the people and ensure the betterment of the country. At this moment, we request all the political forces to be empowered by this achievement and take the lead in this task, of strengthening democracy and taking the country for the wellbeing of the people. The National Movement for Social Justice will continuously take the lead in abolishing the Executive Presidency and eradicating large-scale corruption from the country.”

All News Advertisement

News

INS NIREEKSHAK makes port call in Colombo

Published

10 hours ago

2026/04/21

Priyan

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) NIREEKSHAK arrived in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit on 21 Apr 26.

The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship at the port of Colombo in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions.

Commanded by, Commander Sailesh Kumar Tyagi, this Diving Support Vessel is set to conduct a training programme with the diving professionals of the Sri Lanka Navy.

The crew is also scheduled to participate in several activities organized by the Sri Lanka Navy and visit some tourist attractions within the country.

Latest News

Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-central, Southern, Uva provinces, and Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, Batticaloa districts

Published

12 hours ago

2026/04/21

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 21 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.30 p.m. 21 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Northcentral, Southern, Uva provinces, and in Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities

Latest News

Six Foreign Envoys Present Credentials to President Dissanayake

Published

14 hours ago

2026/04/21

Priyan

Two High Commissioners, three Ambassadors and an Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (20).

The ceremony, held at 10.00 a.m., followed the formal order of precedence, with the envoys representing Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Luxembourg, the Holy See, Pakistan and Kuwait.

Accordingly, diplomats who presented their credentials were:

01. Vincent Sumale, High Commissioner-designate of Papua New Guinea (Based in New Delhi)

02. Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa, Ambassador-designate of Somalia (Based in New Delhi)

03. Christian Biever, Ambassador-designate of Luxembourg (Based in New Delhi)

04. Monsignor Andrzej Józwowicz, Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See

05. Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer, High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan

06. Saleh Mubarak Al-Sarawi, Ambassador-designate of Kuwait

Following the presentation of credentials, the President engaged in a cordial discussion with them. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, were also in attendance.