News

“Rulers have lost ability to govern”

Published

4 years ago

2022/01/2

Sahan Weerasooriya

“Premature dissolution possible”

JVP demands an election

by Sirimantha Rathnasekera

The JVP, claiming current constitutional provisions enable a premature dissolution, last week called for immediate dissolution of parliament and holding an election since the ruling party has lost governing control of the country.

JVP Central Committee Member and Legal Advisor, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, told the Sunday Island that the government has proved to be a failure and it should hold elections so that the people could elect a party or an alliance which could rescue the nation from the present crisis.

He said that an election can be conducted after dissolving Parliament by passing a resolution with a simple majority under the 20th Amendment. He claimed 20A contained provisions enabling the dissolving of parliament and the forming of a new government at a time like this.

“In President J.R. Jayewardene’s time Parliament could be dissolved one year after a general election. That changed under the 19th amendment. Under 19A, Maithripala Sirisena couldn’t dissolve Parliament until four-and-a-half years of the previous election. But there was a small loophole that allowed Parliament to be dissolved before four and a half years. Parliament can pass a resolution to that effect. But that needs to be passed with a two-thirds majority. Only then can Parliament be dissolved,” Watagala said.

He said that the provisions relating to dissolving parliament were under Article 70 (1). “As per the latest amendments introduced to the Constitution under the incumbent government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President may, from time to time, by proclamation summon, prorogue and dissolve Parliament.

Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (d), the President shall not dissolve Parliament until the expiration of a period unless Parliament adopts a resolution requesting the President to dissolve Parliament,” he said.

“Under the 19th amendment, a two-thirds majority is needed (for that). Under the latest amendment, whenever the term two-thirds majority isn’t specified, it is interpreted as requiring only a simple majority,” Watagala said.

He said that if the President can’t run the country properly and if the Parliament is not accountable to the people, a dissolution and new election is possible (even) with a simple majority.

“Parliament should take this serious situation into consideration and do what is necessary,” Watagala declared.

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Landslide Early Warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya extended

Published

3 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya by the Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 0600 hrs on the 14th of February 2026.

Accordingly,
The Level II [AMBER] landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Walapane and Nildandahinna in the Nuwara Eliya district and

the Level I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district have been extended till 0600AM on Saturday [14]

News

Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” departs island

Published

10 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” which arrived in Sri Lanka for replenishment purpose, departed the island on 12 Feb 26.

In accordance with naval tradition, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a customary farewell to the departing ship.

Latest News

“We will not make decisions for rural level schools while sitting in Colombo” – PM

Published

11 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that aligning with the development activities carried out under the new education reforms, decisions at the rural level will not be taken from Colombo and plans should be sent based on the requirements of the rural level through the District Coordination Committees by structural committees. She further noted that all officials, from the Ministry of Education down to the school level, must commit to working efficiently and with a human-centered approach.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held with education authorities of the Hambantota District on Thursday [February 12] at the auditorium of the Hambantota District Secretariat regarding the new education reforms and prevailing issues in the education sector.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister provided an opportunity for education authorities including chief prelates of pirivenas, zonal education directors, teacher advisors, and principals to present the challenges they face and officials raised concerns including salary disparities among principals, developing school infrastructure, issues arising from the division between national and provincial schools, and uplifting pirivena education.

Further elaborating, Prime Minister stated:

“The new education reforms were initiated from 2025 through dialogue, consultations, and the collection of necessary data. As officials, you have extended your support to us during this process. We have embarked on a difficult and long journey, and we look forward to your continued cooperation.

We initiated these reforms in response to a strong social demand. Many have attempted such reforms at different times. Within our political vision, we understood clearly that if this country is to be rebuilt, an educational transformation is essential. The human resource is the most valuable resource of this country and it should be nurtured properly.

Solutions to many of the crises our country faces lie within the education system. Addressing the issues in economic challenges, social issues, drug abuse, violence, the breakdown of political culture, corruption, waste, and even the deterioration of human relationships all lie within the education.

In order to achieve the transformation we envision as a government, that an education transformation is necessary.

This education system should focus on reducing the pressures within the system, minimize school dropouts, increase employability, and instill confidence in children about their future.

There are disparities within the school system, between rural and urban schools, national and provincial schools, and difficult schools. This should not happen. All children must have equal opportunities.
⁣
Decisions regarding the establishment of schools or expansion of classes should not be political decisions. They must be decisions taken through Structural Committees. Those representatives understand their divisions, village economies, and population dynamics. Based on your decisions and assessments of needs, prepare the plans, discuss them with the District Coordination Committees, and submit them to us. We will then take steps to provide the necessary allocations and other support. We will not make decisions for the rural level while sitting in Colombo.

We are taking steps to minimize salary disparities. A Cabinet paper regarding the salary anomalies of principals has already been prepared for submission. Steps are also being taken to introduce new reforms in pirivena education through the Pirivena Committee of the Ministry of Education. We require the support of the chief prelates in this regard.

A significant number of teachers turn to human rights due to delays caused by inefficiency. Therefore, all officials from the Ministry of Education down to the schools must commit to working efficiently and in a humane manner”

The discussion was attended by Chief prelates of pirivenas, deputy ministers, Members of Parliament, zonal directors, principals, and other education sector officials.