News
SJB to challenge 20A in Supreme Court
By Akitha Perera
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya was planning to move the Supreme Court against the 20th Amendment (20A) ‘to safeguard the mechanisms introduced by the 19th Amendment to ensure independence of the judiciary and the public service”, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said yesterday.
Addressing the media at the SJB head office, in Pitakotte, MP Kiriella said the proposed 20A would deprive the people of their democratic rights and they would to all out to obstruct what he called the government’s march towards dictatorship. The first step in that battle would be going before the Supreme Court against the proposed amendment, Kiriella said.
Kiriella said: “People have not forgotten how they held elections to the Wayamba Provincial Council. There were numerous malpractices and irregularities including the mobilising of police and public service officials to support the ruling party rig that election. The judiciary was also influenced. Those actions paved the way for a public debate and it was agreed that the police, judiciary and public service be made independent.
“It was as a result of that discussion, the 17th Amendment to the Constitution was introduced with independent commissions.
All parties voted for it. That amendment introduced independent commissions and a Constitutional Council was set up to make appointments to those commissions. That council had the powers even to reject a name sent by the President.
“What happened thereafter? They brought in the 18th Amendment which concentrated all powers in the hands of the President again. The 17th Amendment was abolished. People asked for strengthening the state institutions and making them independent. As a result we introduced the 19th Amendment to the Constitution to prune down some draconian powers vested of the executive presidency. We re-established independent commissions which ensured democracy. Now, the incumbent government has brought in another amendment to do away with those democratic mechanisms and to consolidate powers in the hands of the president.
The proposed 20th Amendment will vest some powers in the hands of the executive presidency including that to appoint judges. This will pave way for a dictatorship.
One of the excuses they give is that they introduced this amendment to ensure stability of the government. That is a blatant lie. As per the provisions of the proposed amendment, the president could dissolve parliament one year after the formation of a government. Does it ensure stability?
We will go before the Supreme Court and hope that the court will help save democracy in this country,” MP Kiriella said.
SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva also addressed the press.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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