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Gevindu confident of President keeping his promise to unveil new draft Constitution before end of this year

‘Gammanpila initiated a new political culture by taking public into confidence’
By Shamindra Ferdinando
SLPP parliamentarian Gevindu Cumaratunga is confident a new draft Constitution will be presented to the country before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa completes two years in office in November.
Cumaratunga, who is also the Chairman of the Yuthukama civil society organisation told The Island that President Rajapaksa assured the government parliamentary group of his intention to do so before the enactment of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution last October.
The Parliament endorsed the 20th Amendment with an overwhelming two-thirds majority.
The 20th Amendment incorporated a key provision in the 19th that restricted both presidential and parliamentary terms to five years each.
A nine-member committee led by Romesh de Silva, PC, is in the process of formulating the new draft Constitution.
The grandson of Sinhala literary genius Munidasa Kumaratunga said that the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) led Opposition could quite rightly move a No-Confidence Motion (NCM) against the government if President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration failed to fulfill its mandate.
Responding to another query, Cumaratunga said that during his brief speech in Parliament on Monday (19), on the opening day of the two-day debate on the NCM moved against Energy Minister Attorney-at-law Udaya Gammanpila the issue was addressed.
Pointing out that the SJB lacked sufficient strength in Parliament to at least to challenge the government, MP Cumaratunga said that the SLPP received two strong mandates in Nov 2019 and Aug 2020 to introduce a new Constitution.
Referring to a relentless campaign undertaken by Yuthukama after the 2015 change of government, MP Cumaratunga emphasised that the government remained committed to introducing a new Constitution that guaranteed security of the State and equality in law. Lawmaker Cumaratunga said that the 1978 Constitution had been eroded by enactment of various amendments to appease those who had pursued agendas inimical to overall national interests.
The MP asserted that in spite of a delay in the new Constitution making process due to the eruption of Covid-19 epidemic the draft Constitution could be presented by Nov. Yuthukama leader expressed confidence in unveiling the draft Constitution at the completion of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s second year in office as the latter declared his intention to seek a second five-year term.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was responding to a query posed by Rupavahini Chairman Reginald Cooray, a former lawmaker who served as the Northern Province Governor during Maithripala Sirisena’s presidency.
Lawmaker Cumaratunga said that the SJB handed over its much-touted NCM against the Energy Minister to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, on June 15. However, the SJB as well as the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, in a statement issued on June 12 questioned the rationale in moving a NCM against the Energy Minister over the increase in fuel prices as it was decision subjected to Cabinet approval.
MP Cumaratunga said that the two-day debate on NCM against the Energy Minister was nothing but an utter waste of time and resources. When attacked over the announcement that he made on June 12, Minister Gammanpila quite intrepidly set the record straight.
The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader had no qualms in pointing out that the decision to increase the prices of fuel was taken on June 09 at the Cost of Living Committee meeting, chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and attended by several others, including Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Noting that Premier, in his capacity as the Finance Minister authorised the fuel price hike in writing, MP Cumaratunga said that the issue at hand should never be the basis for NCM.
Lawmaker Cumaratunga said that the country faced a daunting challenge in meeting the growing oil bill. Referring to Sri Lanka’s efforts to develop oil wells and natural gas site off the northwest coast, MP Cumaratunga underscored the importance in bolstering renewable energy sources.
The Yuthukama Chief said that Minister Gammanpila had set an unprecedented example by taking the public into confidence by telling them the unpalatable truth. Paying a glowing tribute to the PHU leader for initiating a new political culture, MP Cumaratunga said that the public shouldn’t be deceived under any circumstances. The MP pointed out that at the onset of attacks on Minister Gammanpila, the Presidential Secretariat on June 13 confirmed the crisis caused by the CPC and the CEB being in debt to Bank of Ceylon and People’s Bank to the tune of Rs 737 bn.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his address to the nation, about 10 days later admitted the challenge in meeting annual loan payments amounting to USD 4 bn, lawmaker Cumaratunga said.
Yuthukama leader said that fuel price changes effected on June 12 remained unchanged though some speculated about downward revision. The MP said that Minister Gammanpila proved that whatever the criticism he wouldn’t change his stance to appease the crowds.
In the wake of SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam demanding Minister Gammanpila’s resignation on June 12, a group of lawmakers issued a statement backing the PHU leader. Minister Gammanpila’s resignation was demanded on the basis he acted contrary to the government by increasing fuel prices.
News
India and Sri Lanka commit to more cooperation in education and skills training

To commemorate 60 years of capacity-building partnership between India and Sri Lanka, through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, the High Commission of India in Colombo celebrated ITEC Day 2025 on Wednesday (05).
High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Arun Hemachandra, graced the occasion. The event was attended by over 200 participants, including ITEC alumni from Sri Lanka, as well as officials and professionals from diverse sectors who have benefited from various training courses in India, under different ITEC programmes.
In his address, Arun Hemachandra lauded ITEC initiative for not only serving as a conduit for knowledge exchange but also as a bridge fostering strong bilateral ties built on historical, cultural, and economic affinities. The Minister highlighted India’s commitment to international cooperation through the ITEC programme, which focuses on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and skill development for partner countries. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for its unwavering support through the ITEC programme, which has been instrumental in empowering Sri Lanka’s professionals and enhancing public service capabilities. He also acknowledged the contributions of ITEC alumni, whose expertise strengthens bilateral relationships and enhances global collaboration.
Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner acknowledged the keen interest Sri Lankan officials have shown in the ITEC programme over the years. He emphasized India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s education sector, including higher education, through partnerships between academic institutions in both countries, and informed that in addition to the 402 ITEC slots currently allocated annually, 1500 Sri Lankan officers will be trained at the National Good Governance Centre (NGGC) in India. He reiterated that India, guided by the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family), will continue to play a leading role in capacity-building initiatives for Sri Lanka.
Senior officials reflected on their experiences with ITEC training in India, expressing deep appreciation for the programme’s comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. They highlighted the diverse range of training areas, including inclusive governance, climate change, renewable energy, digital transformation, startup ecosystems, artificial intelligence in governance, cybersecurity, quality management, quantum computing, information science, and fostering innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship. These programmes have equipped participants with valuable insights and practical skills, enabling them to drive progress and contribute effectively to their respective fields.
Launched in September 1964, ITEC is a flagship programme of the Government of India aimed at extending technical assistance and enhancing capacities in developing countries. It has become a key instrument in India’s contribution to human resource development, with over 200,000 individuals from 160 partner nations having participated in the programme. Sri Lanka currently benefits from more than 500 annual training slots under ITEC. ‘ITEC Day’ is celebrated each year by Indian diplomatic missions worldwide, underscoring this unique pillar of Global South cooperation.
News
Protesters slam Attorney General’s alleged moves to drop key cases

By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon and A.J.A. Abeynayake
Journalists, civil activists, lawyers, and members of civil organisations staged a protest on Thursday (06) to voice concerns over alleged moves by the Attorney General to withdraw from several high-profile cases, including one pertaining to the murder of The Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickrematunge.
Protesters displayed placards with slogans such as “Deliver justice for the slain Mahara prisoners,” “Justice for Lasantha,” and “Attorney General, go home,” and continued their demonstration for over an hour and a half.
During a media briefing at the protest, lawyers claimed that certain unlawful actions by the Attorney General’s Department, carried out in contravention of legal provisions, were encroaching on the rights of victims.
Among the cases highlighted were the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court inquiry into Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder, the case involving the killing of 11 inmates at the Mahara Prison, and the Balapitiya High Court case regarding the murder of Mahesh Indika, alias Poddi Indika, of Embilipitiya. Protesters alleged that the Attorney General had recently withdrawn or was preparing to withdraw from these matters.
Following the protest, a group of five representatives—including lawyers, journalists, and civil organisation members—visited the Attorney General’s Department to hand over a letter detailing their concerns.
News
Underworld fugitives nabbed abroad with Interpol’s aid

By Norman Palihawadana and Hemanta Randunu
A senior police officer told The Island that several underworld figures, involved in diverse criminal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion, who had fled to Dubai, are being apprehended with Interpol’s assistance.
Thus far, seven criminals, hiding in different countries, have been taken into custody.
Meanwhile, police confirmed that the identities of notorious criminals, listed in the police database, have been forwarded to the Department of Immigration and Emigration to prevent them from leaving the country.
A large number of underworld leaders had left the country in the past decades and manage their criminal empress from the safety of foreign nations.
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