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Constitutionality of bid to remove MP monk can be challenged – EC Chairman

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By Shamindra Ferdinando

Election Commission Chief Nimal Punchihewa says that National List MP Ven. Atureliye Rathana thera can move the Supreme Court against ‘Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya’ decision to remove him from Parliament.

Attorney-at-law Punchihewa said that Ven. Rathana could seek Supreme Court intervention within a month after Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake received a letter from the relevant political party informing him of their decision to remove a National List MP.

Responding to The Island queries, Punchihewa explained the Constitution barred the Secretary General from taking action for a period of one month. In case, the MP monk refrained from moving the court, the Secretary General could act according to the request made by the party, he said.

According to Punchihewa, ‘Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya’ has written to the Secretary General on 16 Oct with a copy to him. He said that he received a letter dated 15 Oct from that political party informing him of the decision to remove Ven. Rathana. “That letter has been copied to the Secretary General. I immediately advised the Secretary, Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya that the letter should be addressed to the Secretary General as he/she exercised the privilege to declare a vacant seat in Parliament,” lawyer Punchihewa said. “If a vacancy is created due to the resignation or removal of an MP, the Secretary General will have to bring it to our notice.”

Punchihewa served as the Director (Legal) of the EC prior to being appointed as its Chief. Punchihewa succeeded Mahinda Deshapriya. The Elections Chief explained that in case Ven Rathana thera challenged the party in court, the action sought by them would be stayed until the judiciary decided on the matter.

The new EC named on Dec 3, 2020 comprises S.B. Divaratne, M.M. Mohamad, K.P.P. Pathirana and J. Thyagarajah. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed them for a five year term in terms of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. However, Thyagarajah recently quit the EC to receive the appointment as Governor of the Northern Province.

Asked to explain the continuing crisis over the National List of ‘Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya,’ lawyer Punchihewa said that soon after the last parliamentary polls the then Secretary of that party, Wedinigama Wimalatissa thera wanted himself to be appointed the solitary National List member of the party.

Punchihewa said both Ven. Wimalatissa thera and Ven. Rathana thera battled for the seat. Some wanted Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara thera appointed as the National List MP of ‘Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya.’ However, Ven. Gnanasara couldn’t have been appointed as a person not in either a district list or a National List was automatically disqualified from receiving NL slot when original appointments were made, Punchihewa said.

Recalling Ven, Gnanasara thera had been on the rejected ‘Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya’ Kurunegala District list for the August 2020 general election, Punchihewa said that the EC was not aware of whatever the internal discussions regarding the appointment of Ven. Rathana, who contested the Gampaha district on ‘Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya’ ticket. The party failed to win a single seat though it repeatedly vowed to obtain over a dozen seats.

Ven. Rathana thera took oaths as an MP before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on January 05, 2021 after ‘Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya’ announced his appointment on Dec 18, 2020.

The Secretary General of Parliament didn’t answer his mobile phone.

Punchihewa acknowledged that two other National List appointments had been challenged in the Supreme Court. The EC Chairman was referring to public litigation activist Nagananda Kodituwakku complaining to the Supreme Court in respect of the appointment of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Basil Rajapaksa on the respective National Lists of the UNP and the SLPP.

Of the 29 National List slots, the SLPP secured 17 seats whereas the UNP managed just one.

Ven. Rathana thera couldn’t be contacted yesterday afternoon.

Having first entered Parliament from the Kalutara district on the JHU ticket at the 2004 general election Ven. Rathana thera switched allegiance to the UPFA subsequently and entered parliament from the Gampaha district on the UPFA ticket at the 2010 general election. Ven. Thera aligned himself with the UNP ahead of the 2015 presidential election and secured a UNP National List slot at the August 2015 general election. Soon thereafter, the Ven thera switched his allegiance to the then President Maithripala Sirisena but ended up with ‘Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya’ at the August 2020 general election. That party hadn’t represented parliament, provincial councils or Local Government authorities at least on one occasion prior to 2020 general election.

Punchihewa said that he sincerely wished the New Constitution would ensure clear guidelines in respect of the appointment of National List members. There couldn’t be ambiguity in this regard, Punchihewa said, adding that the country couldn’t afford to allow controversies to undermine the public faith in the Constitution and the electoral system.



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President Returns to the island concluding officiIal visit to Germany

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake returned to the island this morning (15) after successfully concluding his official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.

During the visit, the President held bilateral discussions with German President  Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Foreign Minister Dr. Johann Wadephul and Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Ms. Reem Alabali-Radovan. These discussions focused on exploring new avenues for expanding cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, the digital economy, investment and vocational training, in line with the priorities of the Sri Lankan government.

In addition, the President attended a special meeting with representatives of Germany’s Tourism and Travel Industry Associations.

President Disanayake also delivered the keynote address at a Business Forum organized by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) at its headquarters in Berlin.

During his official visit, the President also took time to meet with members of the Sri Lankan community residing in Germany.

He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with senior government officials.

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Cardinal slams govt. over Easter Carnage injustice

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Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith

Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has found fault with the incumbent government for failing to fulfil its promise to bring the true perpetrators of the Easter Sunday attacks to justice and accused the Attorney General Department officials of dancing to the tune of their political masters.

The Cardinal said on Thursday evening that despite the government’s assurances, those commitments had not been fulfilled.

Speaking at a religious ceremony at Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church in Colombo, Cardinal Ranjith expressed his disappointment at the government’s failure to fulfil its promises, saying, “I am still concerned about the government’s failure to honour its commitment regarding the investigation into the attacks.”

The Cardinal said that six years after the terror attacks, the investigation into the incident remained insufficient.

He said that more than two dozen recommendations had been made in the first volume of the Presidential Commission Report, but no political leader or party had taken any steps to implement them. “No proper framework or mechanism has been put in place,” he lamented.

Cardinal Ranjith criticised former Presidents, Prime Ministers, and senior officials of the police and security forces, saying they had failed to take any action to prevent the attacks despite having the responsibility to do so.

The prelate expressed concern over lapses on the part of the Attorney General’s Department, which had not taken any legal or disciplinary steps in relation to the findings of the report.

He said it was shameful that the Attorney General’s Department had done nothing regarding the attacks. “We are witnessing the actions of certain politicians and high-ranking officials of these departments and the government, who seem more interested in political manoeuvring than in fulfilling their duties,” he said,

adding that the Church was ready to expose the politicisation of some higher ups in the AG’s Department.

During the last election campaign, the government had promised to ensure thorough investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, appoint a special prosecutor and set up an office for that purpose. However, Cardinal Ranjith pointed out that this promise had also not been fulfilled.

He reiterated that despite being presented with a policy statement from the NPP, which outlined their commitment to investigating the attacks, the government had not initiated any fundamental steps in this regard. “This is something that deeply concerns us,” he said.

By Sujeewa Thathsara ✍️

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Army Commander visits Jaipur, holds talks with South Western Command officials

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Army Commander Lt Gen Rodrigo Sapta Shakti Command headquartered in Jaipur on Thursday

Jaipur, June 13 (IANS) In a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, is on a two-day official visit to the Sapta Shakti Command headquartered in Jaipur from June 12 to 13.

Upon his arrival, Lt Gen Rodrigo was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command.

The visit underlined the deep-rooted defence ties and mutual respect shared between the two neighbouring nations.

During his stay, Lt Gen Rodrigo held comprehensive discussions with Lt Gen Manjinder Singh and other senior officers of the South Western Command.

The dialogue focused on a wide range of strategic and operational issues, including regional security dynamics, joint training programs, capability enhancement, and the sharing of best practices. These discussions aimed to foster greater interoperability and understanding between the two armies.

A highlight of the visit was a dynamic display of military equipment and a live combat demonstration centered on counter-terrorism operations. The demonstration showcased the Indian Armys tactical acumen, operational readiness, and technological capabilities in dealing with modern security threats.

In addition to the military engagements, Lt Gen Rodrigo also explored Rajasthan s rich cultural and martial heritage. He visited key military landmarks and heritage sites, gaining insights into Indias historical military traditions and the valour of its armed forces.

Officials emphasized that the visit reflects the enduring commitment of India and Sri Lanka to deepen their defence cooperation. Rooted in decades of shared history and mutual trust, the partnership aims to promote regional peace, stability, and a collaborative approach to emerging security challenges.

This high-level military engagement is expected to further strengthen the camaraderie between the two armies, enhance capacity-building efforts, and expand avenues for future military exchanges and joint initiatives.

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