News
Proposal for recruiting lawyers as CIs discarded
Justice and Public Security Ministers, Sabry, PC, and Public Security Minister, Sarath Weerasekera, having talks. (pic courtesy Public Security Ministry)
Sarath-Ali Sabry powwow:
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Public Security Minister, retired Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera, and Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC, yesterday (18), against the backdrop of a controversial proposal to recruit a group of 150 lawyers as Chief Inspectors, and discussed ways and means of coordinating their efforts against crimes, corruption, etc.,
Sources told The Island that during the discussion the Ministers discarded the proposal for recruiting Tamil-speaking lawyers as Chief Inspectors as that didn’t find favour with many, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.
Sources revealed how the proposal, that originated from the police, had caused quite a controversy due to a media statement that it was an initiative by Minister Sabry.
The matter was put to rest at yesterday’s meeting. In addition to the ministers, Justice Secretary M. M. P. K Mayadunne, Public Security Ministry Secretary Major General Jagath Alwis, IGP Chandana Wickremaratne and DIG (Legal) and police spokesman Ajith Rohana attended yesterday’s meeting.
Among the issues discussed were coordinated action against narcotics trade and extradition of those drug dealers and other wanted persons living abroad, move the High Court in respect of child abuse cases and how to utilize expert evidence in the criminal justice system et al, special investigative measures regarding heinous crimes, proper implementation of laws as well as addressing shortcomings and exercising of powers by an ASP pertaining to the anti-money laundering law.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to submit the following notification / order / rule published in the government gazette notification to the Parliament for its concurrence:
• Notification on the revision of tax limit of luxury on motor vehicles under the Finance Act No. 35 of 2018 published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 41 dated 31.01.2025.
• Rule issued under the Production Levy (Special Provisions) Act No. 13 of 1989 on revision of production levy rate for vehicles operated with electricity published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 42 dated 31.01.2025
• Order issued under the Finance Act No. 25 of 2003 on extension of the period on which the 50% relief is active which is given to the deviation levy published in the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2421 / 30 dated 31.01.2025
Although there are legal provisions for the right to publish, technical planning, right of patent, trademarks and enterprises etc, in the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003, there are no provisions for securing the rights of plant species (relevant to breeders, researchers and farmers).
In addition, no patents can be issued for flora and fauna according to the provisions of the intellectual rights act. Therefore, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 22.05.2024 to introduce a new act for securing the rights of plant species.
Wherefore, the Legal Draftsman has pointed out that policy approval of the new Cabinet of Ministers should be taken to complete the drafting of the new flora species rights securing act.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposals submitted by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation for the preparation of the said draft bill.
Latest News
National minimum monthly salary for private sector employees raised to Rs. 27,000/-, minimum daily wage to Rs. 1080/-
Parallel to salary hike of public sector officers by the budget proposals 2025, it has been proposed to increase the salaries of private sector employees as well.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Labour to revise the national minimum monthly salary and national minimum daily wage and follow other legal actions as follows:
• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 9,500/- from rupees 17,500/- to rupees 27,000/- with effect from 01.04.2025
• To raise the minimum national daily salary by rupees 380/- from rupees 700/- to rupees 1,080/- with effect from 01.04.2025
• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 3,000/- from rupees 27,000/- to rupees 30,000/- with effect from 01.01.2026
• To raise the minimum national daily salary by rupees 120/- from rupees 1,080 /- to rupees 1,200/- with effect from 01.01.2026
Submission of gazette notifications for the concurrence of the Parliament.
Cabinet approval to prepare new Act for securing the rights of plant species
National minimum monthly salary for private sector employees raised to Rs. 27,000/-, minimum daily wage to Rs. 1080/-
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