News

21 A: Consensus on non-inclusion of provisions that required approval at referendum sought

Published

4 years ago

2022/06/6

Thilina Walpola

JVP to submit written proposals to Justice Ministry

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Some political parties, represented in Parliament, have stressed the need to ensure that the 21st Amendment to the Constitution does not include provisions that require public approval at a referendum.SJB’s Patali Champika Ranawaka, PHU leader Udaya Gammanpila and the leader of civil society group Yuthukama Gevindu Cumaratunga have taken that stand at recent meetings, chaired by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.UNP leader Wickremesinghe chaired meetings, on 27 May and 03 June at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, was present at both meetings which also attended by senior representatives of political parties.Of the 15 political parties, represented in Parliament, only the JVP led- Jathika Jana Balavegaya (JJB) declined to join the process spearheaded by Premier Wickremesinghe. The JJB parliamentary group comprises three MPs, including a National List member.

JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told The Island that they wouldn’t attend meetings chaired by the UNP leader. Having questioned the circumstances Wickremesinghe received the premiership, lawmaker Dissanayake said their submissions would be made to the Justice Ministry.SLPP National List MP Cumaratunga told The Island that the 21st Amendment should be prepared following consultations with all stakeholders to ensure the effort received the backing of political parties represented in Parliament. SLPP National List MP Kumaratunga said so speaking on behalf of eight political parties. Of them, seven contested the last general election on the SLPP ticket or received SLPP National List slots.The SLFP, the largest party in the rebel group with 14 seats in Parliament is not among the eight-party grouping.

Lawmaker Cumaratunga emphasized that the success of the project largely depends on preparing the proposed 21st amendment on the basis of consensus reached through the ongoing consultation process.In spite of the main Opposition party, the SJB submitting far reaching constitutional proposals by way of a private member’s motion that required both 2/3 and approval at a referendum, the party has been represented at both meetings. SJB General Secretary Ranjith Mandumma Bandara, MP, and Attorney-at-Law Suren Fernando, who had been a SJB National List nominee, represented the party.

Yuthukama leader Cumaratunga said that the Justice Minister explained the main issues at the discussions, including who would exercise power to make cabinet appointments and whether the President could remove the Prime Minister. The civil society activist said that reaching agreement on the 21st Amendment was a prerequisite for a wider discussion on a new Constitution. MP Cumaratunga stressed that the SLPP received mandates at the last presidential and parliamentary elections in Nov 2019 and Aug 2020 for the introduction of a new Constitution. That mandate couldn’t be ignored but the immediate requirement was to get the 21st Amendment enacted, MP Cumaratunga said, urging all political parties to compromise on their respective demands.

SLPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardena who represented the ruling SLPP at the June 03 meeting have stated that the President should retain the power to appoint and remove the Cabinet-of-Ministers. The SLPP has declared that the President should have the power to remove the Prime Minister, too. Having made the request in writing, Ministers Peiris and Gunawardena left the meeting.Political sources said that the TNA that hadn’t attended the May 27 meet chaired by Premier Wickremesinghe was present at the June 03 all party discussion. The TNA has strongly suggested the abolition of the executive presidency. The TNA’s stand has received the SLMC’s backing though several other political parties asserted that provisions that would require a referendum shouldn’t be included in the proposed 21st Amendment.

SLPP lawmaker Rear Admiral (retd) Sarath Weerasekera declared at a recent meeting jointly chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Premier Wickremeisnghe at the President’s House, he wouldn’t support the 21 amendment under any circumstances. Lawmaker Weerasekera has told the gathering that the proposed amendment was contrary to the two mandates received by the SLPP at the presidential and parliamentary polls.Responding to The Island queries, the former Public Security Minister challenged the President’s right to pursue strategies at the expense of political stability.

Meanwhile, the dissident SLPP group, in response to the Justice Minister’s request, has submitted its proposals in writing pertaining to the proposed 21 amendment. The rebels have asked for the inclusion of what they called essential proposals: (1) The people should receive the right to challenge in Supreme Court amendments to a Bill at the committee stage within a month after the Speaker endorses that Bill (2) All bilateral and multilateral agreements should receive the parliamentary approval (3) Structural changes in state enterprise should be subjected to parliamentary approval (4) Procurement Commission should be expanded to inquire into investments into strategic fields such as ports and airports. Agreements on such assets once cleared by the Procurement Commission should be subjected to parliamentary approval (5) The Prime Minister should be a member of the National Security Council (6) The President can hold only the defence portfolio and (7) Ministers should receive the right to inquire from the Police Commission and the Public Service Commission the basis on which a particular decision was taken. They have the privilege of receiving response from both commissions within two weeks.

The rebels have also suggested some critical changes pertaining to the 21st draft in its present form. In respect of (1) 41 A (1) e, the three persons (not members of Parliament) appointed to the Constitutional Council should consists of a businessman or a company director named by Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, nominee of professionals groups and a Professor appointed by the University Grants Commission on the recommendation of Vice Chancellors of Universities. (2) 41 B (3) Formulation of a procedure for the Constitutional Council to receive names of those to be recommended to the President for positions in various commissions. Members of Parliament should receive the right to nominate members to the commissions (3) 41 (B) (3) formulation of criterion for the nomination of members to various commissions (4) 44 (1) amended as with Prime Minister’s written agreement instead of Prime Minister’s advice (5) 44 (2) amended as with Prime Minister’s written agreement instead of Prime Minister’s advice (6) 45 (1) amended as with Prime Minister’s written agreement instead of Prime Minister’s advice (7) 45(2) amended as with Prime Minister’s written agreement instead of Prime Minister’s advice (8) 46 (1) amended as with Prime Minister’s written agreement instead of Prime Minister’s advice (9) 50 (1) amended as with Prime Minister’s written agreement instead of Prime Minister’s advice (10) 153 C (a) specific time for the Constitutional Council to fulfill its obligations that hadn’t been addressed previously (11) 155 G provision for Police Commission to investigate complaints received against police officers in case senior officers failed to do so (12) 155 H (3) Police Commission to fulfill its obligations that had been disregarded previously (13) 155 K (4) Police Commission to fulfill its obligations that had been disregarded previously (14) 156 (C)1criterion for the promotion of domestic production/services should be included in the overall procurement process (14) 156 (C)1 Procurement Commission to fulfill its obligations pertaining to the declaration of relevant regulations within a specific period (15) 35 (1) remove provisions relating to interim arrangements pertaining to the life of Parliament as well as the presidency as the proposed amendment didn’t deal with both issues and (16) 36 (b) abolition of parliamentary seat of dual citizens immediately after the enactment of the 21st Amendment.

The rebel group has pointed out that the 21st amendment in its present form would allow a dual citizen to retain both the seat and ministerial portfolios for a period of three months by not attending parliament.

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News

Diesel replacement costs up to Rs. 4.5 bn in April

Published

8 hours ago

2026/06/8

Thilina Walpola

Norochcholai Power Plant

Coal power generation falls by 27 GWh

A sharp decline in coal-fired electricity generation in April 2026, compared to the corresponding month last year, may have cost Sri Lanka more than Rs. 4.5 billion, as the country was compelled to rely on significantly more expensive diesel-powered generation to make up the shortfall, according to power sector data.

The coal-based electricity generation, in April 2026, was 27 GWh lower than in April 2025, a development that has sparked concern among energy experts and economists over the mounting financial burden on the country’s already strained power sector.

Industry calculations reveal that generating the lost 27 GWh through diesel-fired power plants would require approximately 8.1 million litres of fuel, based on a standard consumption rate of 0.3 litres per kilowatt-hour.

With fuel costs estimated at around USD 286 per barrel, or roughly USD 1.80 per litre, the replacement power would have cost approximately USD 14.57 million. At the prevailing exchange rate of about Rs. 315 to the US dollar, the bill exceeds Rs. 4.5 billion for April alone.

Energy sector analysts say the figure highlights the enormous economic value of maintaining high availability at coal-fired power plants, particularly at a time when Sri Lanka is seeking to reduce electricity costs and strengthen energy security.

“The financial impact of losing low-cost coal generation is substantial. Every unit not generated by coal has to be replaced by a much more expensive source, usually diesel or fuel oil, which ultimately affects the finances of the power sector and the wider economy,” a senior energy analyst said.

Even under a more conservative calculation, based on the average electricity generation cost of around Rs. 72 per unit recorded in 2025, the loss remains significant. The 27 million units not generated from coal would translate into an additional cost burden of nearly Rs. 2 billion.

The decline in coal generation comes at a critical juncture for Sri Lanka’s energy sector.

The government has repeatedly emphasised the need to maintain affordable electricity tariffs, while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and expanding renewable energy capacity.

Experts warn that any sustained reduction in low-cost baseload generation could undermine these objectives, increasing the need for costly thermal power and placing additional pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

The latest figures are expected to intensify scrutiny of generation planning, fuel procurement strategies and the operational performance of major power plants. They also underscore the importance of ensuring uninterrupted operation of coal-fired facilities until sufficient renewable and storage capacity is available to replace them reliably.

With the country striving to maintain economic stability and energy affordability, analysts argue that avoiding such generation shortfalls must remain a top priority for policymakers and power sector planners.

By Ifham Nizam

News

Sallay on hunger strike: Counsel warns CID

Published

8 hours ago

2026/06/8

Thilina Walpola

Sallay

Asith Siriwardena Counsel for former Director of State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay, detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) over the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, has called upion the Director of the CID, SSP G. S. Abeysekara, to transfer his client either to a private or government hospital to receive urgently needed teatment.

Sallay was on a hunger strike, claiming mistreatment by the CID, his wife said, after visting him, yesterday.

Siriwardena wrote to the CID Director yesterday (07) after Sallay was visited by his wife, son and brother.

The text of the letter: “The family observed that Mr. Sallay’s physical condition has deteriorated to an alarming and critical level.

“He is reportedly unable to attend the visitation without the physical assistance of two officers. During the visit, he informed his family that he had refused medication, saline, food, and water. He further expressed a belief that his death is imminent and requested that arrangements be made for the donation of his eyes. He also requested an immediate visit from his Attorney for the purpose of executing his last will and other related legal documentation.

“These statements, and circumstances, demonstrate a grave deterioration in his physical and psychological condition. It is apparent that he is no longer capable of making rational decisions concerning his own welfare, health, and survival.

The prolonged conditions, under which he is presently being held have, at the very least, created a serious and immediate risk to his life.

“The State assumes a non-delegable duty of care toward every person held in its custody. Once an individual is deprived of liberty, the responsibility for safeguarding that person’s life, health, and wellbeing rests squarely upon the authorities exercising control over that individual. Any failure to discharge that duty in the face of a known and imminent medical emergency is a matter of the utmost legal seriousness.

“You are hereby formally notified that Mr. Sallay requires immediate medical intervention by qualified independent medical professionals and urgent transfer to an appropriate hospital facility capable of providing comprehensive assessment and treatment. Any delay, refusal, or failure to act despite clear knowledge of his precarious condition may give rise to personal and institutional liability under the criminal and civil law of Sri Lanka

“Should General Sallay suffer irreversible injury or death while remaining in the present conditions despite this explicit warning, it will be open to the relevant authorities, courts, and investigative bodies to examine whether such conduct amounts to a deliberate disregard of a known and foreseeable risk to life. Those responsible for decisions concerning his continued detention and medical care may be required to account personally for their actions and omissions.

“Accordingly, I demand that:

1. Mr. Sallay be transferred forthwith to a government or private hospital equipped to provide urgent medical treatment;

2. He be examined immediately by independent medical specialists, including psychiatric professionals if necessary; His legal representatives and family be granted reasonable access to him;

3. A written update on his medical status and the measures taken for his protection be provided without delay. This letter constitutes formal notice. Any further failure to act despite knowledge of the circumstances set out herein will be relied upon in any future judicial, criminal, constitutional, or international proceedings arising from harm suffered by my client.”

News

Opp. questions why Rs 10 bn meant for Ditwah victims held in Treasury account

Published

8 hours ago

2026/06/8

Thilina Walpola

Sanjeewa

The Opposition says the NPP government should explain why the funds received by Rebuilding Sri Lanka haven’t been utilised to provide relief to those affected by Ditwah cyclone in late November last year.

The failure on the part of the government to utilise as much as Rs 10 bn, received from local and foreign donors, came to light when the National Audit Office (NAO) appeared before the Public Finance Commission recently.

The NAO told the House Committee that no statutory fund currently existed under the name “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” and the programme operated through an account maintained under the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury.

The NAO declared that no payments had been made through this account to date.

Former SLPP MP Sanjeewa Edirimanne said that until the disclosure made by the NAO the country had been led to believe the Rebuilding Sri Lanka fund provided post-Ditwah relief. Pointing out that JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva’s declaration in Jaffna that funds allocated to hold Provincial Council polls

had been utilised to assist Ditwah victims, Edirimanne said such blatant lies were propagated while the government held on to Rs 10 bn meant for the disaster victims.SJB MP Mujibur Rahman questioned the rationale behind keeping funds received specifically for Ditwah victims still living under extremely difficult conditions. (SF)