News
Udaya to raise privilege issue against Speaker
‘Misinterpretation’ of SC ruling
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila has given notice to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena that he intends to raise a privilege issue regarding the conduct of the Speaker and his Media Secretary Indunil Abeywardena pertaining to the Supreme Court determination on the Bill titled ‘Central Bank of Sri Lanka.’
Speaker Abeywardena announced the Supreme Court determination on 04 April. In addition to Gammanpila, MPs Gevindu Cumaratunga and Ven. Atureliye Rathana Thera have alleged that Speaker Abeywardena has misled Parliament as regards the SC determination.
MP Gammanpila told The Island that Speaker Abeywardena had conveniently refrained from informing Parliament that the SC had rejected 1/3 of the clauses in the Bill, declaring those should be approved by a two-thirds majority in Parliament or required a two-thirds majority in Parliament and people’s endorsement at a referendum. What the Speaker said was totally contrary to what was stated on page 54 of the SC determination.
In a letter dated April 17 addressed to Speaker Abeywardena, Attorney-at-Law Gammanpila requested an opportunity for him to raise a privilege issue when Parliament meets on 25 April after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday.
MP Gammanpila said that he had raised this issue as one of the seven petitioners who moved the Supreme Court against the Bill. Those who opposed it in the SC had been branded as saboteurs, the former Power and Energy Minister said.
The Speaker had failed take note of the fact that the Attorney General had made a staggering 80 amendments to the proposed Bill, Gammanpila said.Declaring that the Bill titled ‘Central Bank of Sri Lanka’ was the worst Bill prepared in respect of the Central Bank and such a flawed document had been submitted to parliament for approval, MP Gammanpila said.
The rebel SLPP MP said that the Speaker’s declaration had brought the SC into disrepute and humiliated the lawyers who represented the petitioners.
MP Gammanpila said as he had not been able to contact Speaker Abeywardena and therefore informed the latter’s son, Chameera Abeywardena, Coordinating Secretary to the Speaker. MP Gammanpila said that however, Indunil Abeywardena, in his capacity as the Media Secretary of the Speaker had issued a statement condemning him over his 04 April media briefing.
Latest News
Landslide Earyly Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.
Accordingly,
LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.
News
INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.
On departure the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.
The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A
dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.
Latest News
Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21
A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.
This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.
Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.
It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.
The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.
The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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