News
Lack of transparency in HRCSL appointments blamed on 20A
Govt. urged to introduce Constitutional Amendment
Asserting that the appointments made to the Human Rights Commission by the Parliamentary Council established in terms of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution lacked transparency, the HRCSL has called for an urgent Constitutional Amendment.
Issuing a media statement yesterday (15) the HRCSL said that in case a constitutional amendment wasn’t feasible at the moment, the government could (a) formulate regulations stipulating the criteria that should be adopted regarding appointments made in section 3 of the Human Rights Commissions Act 19 of 1996, and publish the said criteria through a gazette notification.
The HRCSL comprises Justice Rohini Marasinghe, Ven. Kalupahana Piyarathana Thera, Dr. M.H. Nimal Karunasiri, Dr. Vijitha Nanayakkara and Anusuya Shanmuganathan.
The HRCSL issued the statement having had meetings with the Colombo-based diplomatic community on 08 and 09 Feb., at their office.
The HRCSL stated that their recommendation would ensure that such appointments complied with the principles relating to the status of National Institutions (Paris Principles) adopted by General Assembly Resolutions No.48/ 134 of 20th December 1993.
The Commission has further said that the definition of ‘human rights” should be extended to cover all Covenants absorbed into law.
The HRCSL head said those amendments should be placed before a Parliamentary Select Committee under section 10(d) of the HRC Act.
The HRCSL has explained to the diplomatic community that though the Commissioners were appointed in terms of the Constitution by the President on the observation of the Parliamentary Council, their removal could only be done after an address and a vote in Parliament.
The powers of investigation and recommendations stipulated in the HRC Act were a complete detachment to the executive arm of the government, the diplomats have been told (SF)
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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