News
20A: PM in the same boat as SJB– Kiriella
By Saman Indrajith
SJB Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella yesterday said that people had a right to know who had prepared the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and the government should reveal the names of its architects.
Addressing the media at the SJB Headquarters in Etul Kotte, MP Kiriella said: “Those who framed all Constitutions since 1948 are known. In 1948, we got a constitution that had been prepared by Lord Soulbury. The preparation of the Soulbury Constitution. All parties including delegations from Jaffna, Up-country and Southern provinces were given the opportunity to submit their proposals. There was a framer so others could contact him to make suggestions. That should be the procedure. After that in 1970, we had the Republican Constitution. It was framed by Dr. Colvin R. de Silva and others. We had a Second Republican Constitution in 1978 with President JR Jayewardene as its author. President Chandrika Kumaratunga tried to introduce a new constitution – Prof G. L. Peiris was its author. Thereafter, we brought in the 19th Amendment to the constitution. I presented it to the House. It was prepared by Dr. Jayampathy Wickremaratne.”
“Now, we have before us a draft amendment which has no architect. As MPs of the Opposition whom we to question on the content of the draft Bill? Everybody we have contacted in the government told us they were not aware of the content of the draft bill. Justice Minister too says that he did not draft it. We have a right to know who drafted it.”
The MP said that the government should explain to the people who had made the draft bill. “The Prime Minister too is in the same boat as regards the content of 20th Amendment Bill. So, how can the government defend this in Parliament or anywhere else? When the draft bill was presented to the Cabinet, the ministers had been notified that it was there to be approved and not discussed. It would not be that easy when the Bill is presented to Parliament.”
The People of Myanmar are facing immense hardships caused by the devastating earthquake on 28th March and as reported by the international media reports the death toll is over 2,700. Furthermore, it has been reported that many people are missing while, a large number of individuals have been injured and are receiving treatment.
Considering the long – term close relationship between the two nations as two Buddhist states, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to provide,
• A sum of United States Dollars One Million
• Transportation for the dry rations collected by Buddhist clergy and other donors
• To have a group of medical officers and health staff on standby for immediate departure to Myanmar if necessary
Latest News
Cabinet appoints ministerial committee to submit report on sanctions imposed on 04 Sri Lankans by the United Kingdom
Attention of the Cabinet of Ministers have been drawn on the decisions taken by the United Kingdom to impose sanctions on four Sri Lankan individuals recently, and have decided to appoint a committee comprised of three ministers to submit a report with recommendations on the further measures to be taken after studying the facts in the regard and to empower the committee to obtain the service of any officer/intellect deemed to have subject expertise in the relevant field and considered essential.
The committee will comprise of :
– Vijitha Herath Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
– Attorney – at – Law Harshana Nanayakkara Minister of Justice and National Integrity
– Aruna Jayasekara Deputy Minister of Defence
News
Revised Aswasuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme to be submitted for the concurrence of the Parliament.
Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 17.03.2025 to amend the Aswasuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme by increasing the value of the benefits already being payed under the scheme.
The revised Aswasuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme has been published by the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2429/02 dated 24.03.2025.
Accordingly, he Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Policy Plannng and Economic Development to submit the said revised Aswasuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Cabinet approves providing relief to the people of Myanmar
Cabinet appoints ministerial committee to submit report on sanctions imposed on 04 Sri Lankans by the United Kingdom
Revised Aswasuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme to be submitted for the concurrence of the Parliament.
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