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Justice Minister urges Opposition not to malign judiciary without knowing the law

By Saman Indrajith
Justice Minister Ali Sabry on Saturday (27) urged Opposition MPs to be fair when they spoke about the judiciary as their speeches and innuendos could lead to an erosion of public faith in the judiciary.
Participating in the third reading debate on budget 2021, the minister said:
“I have noticed that some members in the Opposition make various remarks on some recent judgments. They really do not know the danger of what they are doing. Remember when you are in trouble and lose it all and nowhere to go, judiciary is the last resort. So, your ill-conceived comments will have a boomerang effect on you someday.
“It is incumbent upon all of us to protect the independence of the judiciary not for the sake of the government or the Opposition but for the sake of the people. Remember the judges would not give verdicts or rulings to make each and everyone happy. Not that all would be happy to hear some judgments. Those judgments are given after considering the evidence before them.
“They do not give rulings that make the government happy or the Opposition happy. Recently, decisions in several cases were given. The civil appellate court had given 67 judgments while the Court of Appeal gave 30 judgments. Some of those cases had been built on trumped up charges by several politicians of the former government. You created the FCID illegally. It was an illegal division, because the IGP is not empowered to create new divisions within the police. That power is with the minister as per the Police Ordinance. Then there was an anti-corruption unit.
“These outfits were created for political witch-hunts. They also set up new courts, not for the needs of the people but to advance their political agendas. So, the cases filed in such a manner will not stand judicial scrutiny. That was what exactly happened with regard to the case involving Lalith Weeratunga and Anusha Palpita. That was a case on fabricated evidence. That was why they had been acquitted. Even in the case of MP Pillayan the same happened. He was taken in five years back on a confession report. The court decided that confession was not true and legitimate. Once it was thrown out there was not a single bit of evidence against MP Pillayan. So, what is the purpose of keeping him further if there are no charges against him? Just because you do not like the decision you cannot blame the court. I do not mind anyone arguing or making speeches after reading at least the judgment in full.
“I table the judgments of Lalith Weeratunga and Anusha Palpita case and the MP Pillayan’s case so that the Opposition MPs could read them. I have been a lawyer for 25 years and for eight years I worked as a President’s Counsel, and, therefore, I know. That is why I am asking you to be careful when you make speeches about the judiciary. It is our duty as members of the legislature to protect the independence and the dignity of the judiciary.”
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“Improve the quality of infrastructure and services provided to tourists visiting the country.” – President

President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the necessity of providing high-quality infrastructure and services for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as the country has gained significant international recognition as an attractive tourist destination.
Accordingly, the President instructed officials to pay special attention to this matter and take necessary actions.
President Disanayake issued these instructions during a discussion held today (17) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Tourism.
During the discussion, officials briefed the President on the budgetary allocations designated for the Ministry of Tourism and the projects being implemented under those funds.
With the tourism sector taking a new step forward, Sri Lanka aims to attract three million tourists this year. The discussion also extensively covered the utilization of these budgetary allocations for the development of essential infrastructure to support this goal.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, along with a group of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, attended this discussion.
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French Navy Ship PROVENCE arrives in Port of Colombo

The French Navy Ship PROVENCE arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Sunday (16 Mar 25) morning.
She was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with the time-honoured naval traditions.
The 142.20m long Destroyer is Commanded by Captain Lionel SIEGFRIED and manned by a crew of 160 members.
During the stay in the island, crew members of PROVENCE will visit some tourist hotspots in the country and the ship is scheduled to depart the island on 20 Mar.
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