News

Ex-EC Chief slams govt. over PC polls delay

Published

2 months ago

2026/06/22

Deshapriya

Former Chairman of the Election Commission, Mahinda Deshapriya, on Saturday, strongly criticised the continued postponement of local government elections, declaring that every day without elections constitutes a violation of both the Constitution and democratic principles.

Speaking during an interview with journalist Bhanuka Rajapaksa, on Hiru TV, on Saturday, Deshapriya described the current administration of local government institutions by unelected officials as fundamentally undemocratic and contrary to the spirit of representative governance.

Deshapriya said local authorities, across the country, are presently being managed by secretaries and bureaucrats rather than elected representatives, depriving citizens of their democratic right to be governed by individuals, chosen through the electoral process.

“If the Constitution recognises and provides for local government institutions, then it is the responsibility of the State to ensure that elections are held and that these bodies are administered by representatives, elected by the people,” he said.

Deshapriya rejected attempts to justify the prolonged delay, arguing that responsibility for the situation rests with the government.

He noted that while various political parties have publicly stated their readiness to face elections, the ruling administration possesses the authority to resolve any issues relating to the electoral system.

The former Election Commission chief pointed out that the government enjoyed a two-thirds majority in Parliament, enabling it to enact any legislative amendments required to facilitate the conduct of elections. Instead, he said, successive committees and review processes had been used to postpone a final decision.

He also referred to efforts by opposition legislators who have moved motions seeking to address concerns relating to the electoral framework and expedite the holding of local government polls.

Deshapriya warned that any attempt to appoint a fresh delimitation committee could further delay the electoral process, making it unlikely that local government elections would be held within the current year.

He also dismissed claims that financial constraints have prevented the conduct of elections. Expressing surprise at such assertions, he questioned how funding shortages could be cited as a reason for postponement while expenditure continues in other sectors.

According to Deshapriya, the existence of laws establishing local government institutions imposes an obligation on the State to ensure that those institutions are populated through democratic means.

“The legal framework exists. If elected representatives are not appointed through elections and institutions continue to function under unelected administrators, that is a failure of the State,” he said.

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Advisory for High Waves for the sea areas extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle, Matara and Hambantota

Published

4 hours ago

2026/08/26

Priyan

Advisory for High Waves
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre Issued at 03.30 p.m. on 26 August 2026 Valid for the period until 03.30 p.m. 27 August 2026

An advisory for high waves has been issued for the sea areas extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle, Matara and Hambantota and naval and fishing communities engaged in activities in the aforementioned sea areas, as well as coastal communities living in the aforementioned nearshore areas, are advised to remain vigilant in this regard

The swell waves (about 2.0 m – 3.0 m) height (This is not for land area) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle, Matara and Hambantota. There is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Beruwala to Matara via Galle, may experience surges due to swell waves.

News

We must create social awareness to ensure the physical and mental well-being of children with disabilities – PM

Published

6 hours ago

2026/08/26

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, given their particular vulnerability children with disabilities require protection, and stressed the need to foster social awareness to protect them from negative social influences while promoting their physical and mental well-being. She emphasized the need to implement awareness programmes for parents, teachers and other members of society towards this end.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on Tuesday [August 25] while visiting and observing the National Institute of Special and Inclusive Education – Shishyodaya, located in Veniwelkola.

The purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit was to observe the institutional structure and gain an understanding of the areas that require further development.

The Prime Minister emphasized that a systematic mechanism should be established to transform the institution, which was established in 2019 outside the basic standards and plans for Inclusive Education, into an institution that provides quality education to children and fulfills the targeted objectives of inclusive education. She also proposed appointing a special committee to make the necessary recommendations in this regard.

The Prime Minister further stated that steps would be taken in coordination with the Ministry of Health to address the shortage of therapists and medical professionals required to provide clinical services to students at the institution. She also stressed that the maintenance of equipment and buildings should be carried out properly using the financial allocations provided for such purposes.

The Prime Minister further noted that finding sustainable solutions to the issues faced by the institution is essential, while immediate interventions should be made to address issues that can be resolved without delay. The welfare of the teachers serving at the institution was also discussed during the visit.

Member of Parliament Anura Panagoda, Chairman of the Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha Kasun Rathnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, ministry officials, parents and students were present.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Govt. determined to press ahead with 22A: Justice Minister

Published

15 hours ago

2026/08/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Nanayakkara

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said yesterday that the government would proceed with both the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill, because the government could not achieve its goal by increasing the retirement ages of a section of the judges.

The Attorney-at-Law declared that the government would go ahead with both Bills, whatever the obstacles. The Minister was responding to The Island query whether the government would go ahead with the Judicature (Amendment) Bill that hadn’t been so far challenged in the Supreme Court, pending the decision on the controversial 22nd Amendment facing tough legal challenge.

Nanayakkara emphasised the importance of the enactment of both Bills. The 22nd Amendment seeks to increase the retirement ages of Supreme Court judges to 67 from 65 and Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65. The Judicature (Amendment) Bill seeks to increase the retirement ages of the High Court judges to 63 from 61, and that of the District court judges and and Magistrates to 62.

Minister Nanayakkara said that the enactment of both Bills simultaneously would make a significant contribution to improve the overall situation, particularly dealing with a backlog of 1.1 million cases.

Joint Opposition and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), too, acknowledged that petitions against the Judicature (Amendment) Bill were yet to be filed.