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Members of independent commissions should be nominated – former EC member
Text by PRIYAN DE SILVA
Former member of the Election Commission, Prof Ratnajeevan Hoole, says members of independent commissions should be nominated by civil society, and other stakeholders, instead of being required to send in applications. “If we beg for such appointments, we will be under obligation and cannot be independent,” he said.
After media reported that former Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Deshapriya, had reapplied for the post, The Island asked Professor Ratnajeevan Hoole whether he, too, had applied.
Professor Hoole said he believed that civil society, and other stakeholders, should nominate suitable individuals, as intellectuals with even an iota of self-esteem, would not submit applications.Professor Hoole said every member should have an equal say in matters pertaining to the independent commissions although one of them is appointed chairperson.
Incumbent Chairman of the ECSL Nimal Punchihewa echoed Professor Hoole’s sentiments but said that he himself had reapplied for the post at the last moment because he was requested to do so by the stakeholders.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms to establish a new Commercial High Court to ensure expeditious disposal of the existing backlog of commercial matters.
The new Commercial High Court will be established at No.80, Justice Avenue, Colombo 12
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219.72 Hectares of land in Siyambalanduwa to be acquired and leased to Sustainable Energy Authority
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy on the recommendation of the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, to acquire 219.72 hectares of land in Siyambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat Division of Monaragala District and lease the relevant extent of land on a long-term lease basis for a period of 25 years to the Sustainable Energy Authority, with relevant provisions to enable sub-leasing to a selected renewable energy developer.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Defense to make arrangements to regulate chemicals that could be misused, and to transfer the said regulatory role to the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Among the large number of different chemicals that are used in the country for peaceful purposes such as industrial, agricultural, medical and research activities it has been observed that among those chemicals, chemicals like Nitric acid, Chlorine, Hydrogen Peroxide, Potassium Cyanide, sodium cyanide, Nitro Methane and Sodium Azide are of dual use nature which can be used in many different industries such as milk, beverages, oil-related industries, water purification etc. can be used for harmful activities that threaten national security.
Cabinet nod for new Commercial High Court
219.72 Hectares of land in Siyambalanduwa to be acquired and leased to Sustainable Energy Authority
Chemicals to be regulated to prevent misuse
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