News
SJB asks govt. to accept its draft 21st Amendment
By Saman Indrajith
The SJB yesterday urged the government to put its draft 21st amendment to vote in Parliament.
Addressing the media at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo, Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella said the government too had made proposals for constitutional reforms. “They have said a draft has been made and submitted to various people and organisations. But we have not seen it yet. It has not yet been submittted even to the Cabinet of Ministers.
They are talking about a proposal which has not yet been finalised. Suppose they will submit it to the next Cabinet meeting on 06 June and get it approved. Then it has to come to Parliament and be gazetted. Thereafter, it will go to the Department of the Legal Draftsmen and then to the Justice Ministry. Even if it will get the Cabinet’s approval next Monday, it will take at least three more months to complete its process to come back to Parliament for vote. On the other hand the government says that constitutional reforms are urgent. If it is so urgent, then there is a 21st Amendment that we have submitted to Parliament in the form of a Bill. That is the one and only draft that people have seen so far. The government can take our draft if it is in such a hurry for constitutional reforms” Kiriella said.
He said that the SJB had submitted the 21st Amendment to the Constitution by its General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara on April 21 as a private member motion. “It was gazetted, it went before the Legal Draftsman’s Department. There are petitions before the Supreme Court to ascertain its constitutionality. The Supreme Court judgment is to be given by 15th of this month. The government could use it,” Kiriella said.
The Chief Opposition Whip said that the SJB proposal contained many progressive proposals to ensure upholding of democracy and mechanisms to restore the rule of law. “Our Bill contains provisions to abolish current executive presidential system, to make the cabinet of ministers continuously accountable and responsible to parliament, to reduce the maximum number of cabinet ministers to 25, not to increase the number of ministers in the event of a coalition government, stringent provisions to prevent corrupt crossovers, establishment of Constitutional Council and independent commissions including Audit and Procurement Commissions, constitutional recognition of the National Security Council and establishment of a State Council to obtain advice of experts/public representations on matters of public importance,” Kiriella said.
He said that SJB reforms will put an end to the prevailing political culture of making governments by buying over MPs from other parties. “We call on the government to put our proposals into a vote in Parliament so that it will understand that the majority of MPs approve it by voting.”
SJB MP Imthiyaz Bakeer Markar also addressed the press.
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
Latest News
The Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 03 May 2025, valid for 04 May 2025.
The public re warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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