News
Question mark over compatibility of pacts among political parties with constitutions endorsed by EC
by Shamindra Ferdinando
The Election Commission (EC) yesterday said it did not scrutinise the agreements various political parties entered into in the run-up to the presidential election.
A top EC official said so when The Island asked whether such agreements were perused by the EC as the registration of political parties required the acceptance of their constitutions and their compatibility with the country’s Constitution.
Both President and independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe and SJB candidate Sajith Premadasa entered into agreements with several recognised political parties, represented in Parliament, in support of their presidential polls campaigns.
Political sources said that against the backdrop of the largest single switching of allegiance in political history – about 100 SLPP MPs pledging their support to President Wickremesinghe – the EC seemed to have lost control of the situation. The ruling SLPP is the worst affected party with almost 130 of its 145 elected and appointed MPs switching allegiance to President Wickremesinghe, SJB leader Premadasa and the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP).
Sources pointed out that so far only the SJB constituent, the SLMC, had initiated disciplinary action with a view to unseating members, Ali Zahir Moulana and H.M.M. Harees for closing ranks with President Wickremesinghe in definace of the SLMC’s decision to back Sajith Premadasa’s candidature.
Meanwhile, MP Wimal Weerawansa’s National Freedom Front (NFF), which reached an electoral pact with Dilith Jayaweera’s MJP has been reduced to three members after three MPs, namely Mohammed Muzammil (National List), Jagath Priyankara (Puttalam District) and Nimal Piyatissa (Nuwara Eliya District) deserted the party. Nimal Piyatissa has joined President Wickremesinghe’s camp, whereas Jagath Priyankara and Muzammil have pledged their support to the President, through a New Alliance comprising members of the SLFP and SLPP.
Former Minister Weerawansa has been left with only Deputy Leader Jayantha Samaraweera (Kalutara district) and Gamini Waleboda (Ratnapura district).
Early this year, the NFF lost one member when actor-turned-politician Uddhika Premaratne (Anuradhapura district) resigned, paving the way for a SLPPer to fill the vacancy.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will represent Sri Lanka at the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican City, the Ministry said.
The funeral is scheduled for today.
About 50,000 people came to pay their respects to the late Pope on Thursday, the Vatican news service said.
“Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, an ancient tradition of nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of the late Pope’s soul,” according to the Vatican news service.
“The Novemdiales Masses will be held each day at 5:00 PM (GMT +2) in St. Peter’s Basilica, except for the Mass on Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 27, which will take place at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square.”
An underworld hitman who attempted to break into a house in the Andiambalama area of Katunayake to kill a businessman was arrested in Rajanganaya by the police and the Special Task Force (STF) on Thursday night after the attempt failed and he escaped by jumping over a wall.
Investigations have revealed that this individual is connected to a number of murders, including the recent killing of a businessman known as “Indikatu Jude” in the Seeduwa area a few weeks ago, as well as several other criminal activities.
Police said that the suspect was responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a man sleeping in a three-wheeler in the Gampaha area and attempting to assassinate another person at the Negombo market.
The suspect arrived in Andiambalama with another underworld assassin to murder a businessman engaged in money lending from his residence.
At the time of the incident, the businessman attempted to close his electric gate. The contract killer and his accomplice tried to shoot the businessman, but their weapon malfunctioned and did not fire. A struggle ensued between the businessman and the two assailants, after which the assailants tried to escape by jumping over the wall of the house as the would-be victim ran into the house.
During the escape, one of the suspects fell from the wall and fractured a bone in his leg. Local residents captured him after assaulting him and handed him over to the police.
The other contract killer managed to flee the scene but was later apprehended in the Rajanganaya area.Investigations are being carried out under the supervision of Negombo Division SSP Ashoka Dharmasena.
By Hemantha Randunu
The Committee of Inquiry investigating IGP T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon over alleged gross abuse of power has formally requested the Acting IGP to nominate a police investigation team to assist its work. The request was made during the Committee’s second meeting, held yesterday (25 April) in the Parliamentary complex.
The Attorney General has appointed Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris, and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, to support the Committee’s proceedings.
At the session, the Committee held initial discussions on how to proceed with the investigation and involve key stakeholders. It was agreed that the next meeting will be held on 28 April, 2025, to decide on the next steps.
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