News
Wickremaratne remains IGP despite CC’s refusal to approve his extension
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The continuing controversy over the third extension granted to IGP C. D. Wickremaratne has taken a new turn with the Constitutional Council (CC) declining to approve President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recommendation. Extensions are granted subject to CC’s approval.
Wickramaratne, however, continues to hold the post of IGP.
Political sources said that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and civil society members of the CC had taken a strong stand against yet another extension to Wickremaratne when they met in Parliament on Tuesday (17). The CC has reiterated that a third extension couldn’t be granted under any circumstances. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena chaired the CC meeting.
Wickremeratne succeeded Pujith Jayasundera after the latter was sent on compulsory leave in the wake of the 2019 Easter Sunday carnage.
Some political sources however said there was no basis for reports that President Wickremesinghe had reinstated Wickremeratne after the CC removed him as the Head of State didn’t exercise such power. Interested parties misinterpreted a decision taken by the CC on Tuesday (17) to cause confusion, sources said, adding that the CC declined to endorse President Wickremesinghe’s recommendation as he had been previously informed of their decision not to grant a further extension.
The CC consists of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Premier Dinesh Gunawardena, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, MP Sagara Kariyawasam, Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Dr. (Mrs) Dilkushi Anula Wijesundera, and Dr. (Mrs) Dinesha Samararatne.
However, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Kabir Hashim were not present at Tuesday’s meeting when CC decided to reject the President’s recommendation.
Sources said that the CC promptly approved the first three month extension granted to Wickremaratne in April though he retired in late March. When the President granted a second three month extension, the CC had requested that a new IGP be appointed as further extension couldn’t be given, sources said. Therefore, the IGP remained in office contrary to the constitutional provisions in this regard as the CC has denied approval, sources said.
The two senior most officers in the department – Senior DIGs Nilantha Jayawardena and Deshabandu Tennakoon – are named in the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (P CoI) into 2019 Easter Sunday carnage.
Sources said that during Tuesday’s deliberations in Parliament some members of the CC asserted that approval shouldn’t be denied as both President Wickremesinghe and Public Security Minister Tiran Alles were out of the country. However, others had emphasized that they couldn’t go back on their earlier decision not to grant further extension, sources said.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
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Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The public are 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-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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.
Voting commences to elect members for 339 local government authorities
President holds talks with Vietnamese President
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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