News
PSC appointed to probe New Diamond and X-Press Pearl disasters
By Saman Indrajith
Speaker Mahinda Yapa yesterday announced in the House changes to be effected to the composition of several parliamentary committees with immediate effect.
The Speaker said that the following MPs under the Chairmanship of Dr. Ramesh Pathirana had been appointed to serve on the “Select Committee of Parliament to investigate into and to make suitable recommendations relating to the disasters caused by New Diamond and X-Press Pearl vessels in the Maritime Zone of Sri Lanka”: Dr. Suren Raghavan, Diana Gamage, Prof. G. L. Peiris, Rauff Hakeem, Vijitha Herath, Sarath Weerasekera, Niroshan Perera, Ajith Mannapperuma, Nimal Lanza, Thushara Indunil Amarasena, Dr. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardena, Akila Ellawala, Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda, and Madhura Withanage.
The Speaker also said that the following Members had also been nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve on each Sectoral Oversight Committee, in terms of the provisions of Standing Order 111 of the Parliament and the motion agreed to by Parliament on 21st November 2022: Kokila Gunawardene has been appointed for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Religious Affairs and Co-Existence, Marjan Faleel for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Reconciliation and National Unity, Johnston Fernando for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security, Madhura Withanage for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations, Sarath Weerasekera for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis, A. L. M. Athaullah for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Energy & Transport, C. B. Rathnayake for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Food Security & Agriculture, Jayantha Ketagoda for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Sustainable Development, Gamini Lokuge for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Foreign Employment & Labour, Muditha Prishanthi for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, S. M. M. Muszhaaraff for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Children, Women and Gender, Thisakutti Arachchi for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Media, Youth, Heritage and New Citizen, Jayantha Weerasinghe for the Sectoral Oversight Committee on An Open & Accountable Government .
Speaker Abeywardena announced that A. L. M. Athaullah had also been nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve in the Committee on Parliamentary Business, in terms of the provisions of the Standing Order 115 of the Parliament and the motion agreed to by Parliament on 10th February 2023.
Milan Jayathilake had been nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve in the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, in terms of the provisions of Standing Order 122 of the Parliament and the motion agreed to by Parliament on Feb 10 2023, the speaker said.
The Speaker said that notwithstanding the provisions of the Standing Order 118 of the Parliament and the motion adopted by Parliament on 10th February 2023, the following Members have also been nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve in the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, as per the motion adopted by Parliament on 26th May 2023: Johnston Fernando, R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara and Thalatha Athukorala have been nominated to serve in the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
News
Law will be enforced against all those who acquire assets illegally- State Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe
State Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, while addressing a public gathering held at the Raffles Hotel in Kotte on Tuesday [April 22] said that the law will be enforced against all those who acquire assets illegally.
He said that , if someone joins a municipal council receiving a modest salary and, within two to three years, builds a luxury house and acquires a vehicle, we will question how such wealth was amassed. If a satisfactory explanation cannot be provided, the law will be enforced and the measures will be taken to confiscate any illegally acquired assets.
The opposition frequently levels accusations against us, but we have not engaged in any wrongdoing. We have not misappropriated public funds, used undue influence to secure school admissions for our children, or interfered with law enforcement. We are dedicated to serving the people by upholding an ethical and responsible political culture.
If you wish to develop your community, I respectfully urge you to elect individuals of integrity who will not misuse public funds.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
It has been reported that prison officials and the police have brought the unrest among the 500 plus inmates of the Matara prison which commenced on Tuesday [22] under control by this morning (23)
It has been reported that the inmates had broken out of their wards after which the officials were compelled to fire in the air and use tear gas to bring the situation under control.
The inmates are being temporarily transferred to the Angunkolapelessa prison in groups to enable authorities to repair the the damage caused to the wards and cells within the premises.
The prison officials who were injured during the conflict are receiving treatment at the Matara hospital. 
Latest News
Local government authorities and Municipal Councils are the nursery of corrupt politics. – Prime Minister
The Prime Minister stated that the President has challenged all ministers to transparently and efficiently spend the funds allocated to each ministry through the national budget for the benefit of the people, and that the local governments and municipal councils have historically been the nursery grounds of corrupt politics.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a public gathering held at the Raffles Hotel in Kotte on Tuesday [April 22].
The Prime Minister further stated:
“All 159 of us in Parliament today did not enter through family or financial influence. We are ordinary citizens just like you and individuals who stand among you. Unlike in the past, our members do not behave disruptively in Parliament. When school children visit, there is no need for the Speaker to request their removal that our parliamentary members conduct themselves with dignity, adherence to the law, and political maturity.
This is the kind of Parliament we have always aspired to have. Today, it is you who has made this transformation possible. For a long time, we have not experienced the advantages of an efficient and properly functioning local government. You now have the opportunity to elect representatives who are truly committed to serving you and improving your local institutions.
The event was attended by Arosh Athapaththu, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Municipal Council candidate representing the National People’s Power, along with several other candidates and a large number of local residents.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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