News
Mujibur files FR against Deshabandu

SJB Deputy General Secretary Mujibur Rahman on Thursday filed a fundamental rights petition before the Supreme Court aiming to secure an order restraining President Ranil Wickremesinghe from appointing Deshabandu Tennekoon as the Inspector General of Police.
The petitioner highlighted that the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attacks of 2019 identified multiple cases of significant negligence and lapses, implicating various public officials, including Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon, within the Sri Lanka Police. He also noted that based on its findings, the commission recommended disciplinary action against Tennekoon and others.
The petitioner also maintained that Tennakoon, despite having a significant police presence and the authority to utilise emergency regulations, failed to prevent the mob attack on unarmed citizens at the Galle Face Green on 9 May 2022 even though he was physically present at the location.
The petitioner argued that appointing Acting IGP Tennakoon as the permanent IGP under the current circumstances would constitute a direct assault on the Rule of Law. Such an appointment, the petitioner contended, would consequently deprive both the petitioner and the citizens of Sri Lanka of the right to equal protection of the law, as guaranteed by Article 12(1) of the Constitution.
The petitioner additionally requested an interim order preventing the Constitutional Council from providing approval to the President, according to Article 41 C of the Constitution, for the subsequent appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the Acting IGP. The petition was filed through Attorney-at-Law Sithara Sampath Wijewardena.
A petition citing similar facts was filed also by National People’s Power (NPP) lawyer Harshana Nanayakkara on 11 January. At least four petitions against Tennekoon on his possible impending appointment as IGP are currently before the Courts. They were filed in December 2023 by Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, three victims of the 2019 Easter Attack, a protester from the ‘Aragalaya’ and the Truth and Justice Lawyers’ Association.
News
Secretary to the President meets with heads of the Health sector

A special discussion between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the heads of the health sector was held on Tuesday (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the meeting, it was discussed that a committee would be formed to explore possible steps that could be taken through the President’s Fund to reduce the number of patients on long waiting lists for surgeries in government hospitals.
The committee is expected to submit a report on the matter within one month. Based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, as indicated by the Secretary to the President.
The discussion highlighted the significant number of patients, including those requiring cardiac, ophthalmic, and paediatric surgeries, who are currently awaiting procedures on long waiting lists at government hospitals.
Attention was also given to the potential support that could be provided by the President’s Fund and other relevant sectors to address the challenges faced by these patients.
Additionally, discussions were held regarding the possibility of conducting surgeries after regular working hours at government hospitals. The challenges faced by doctors and staff were also thoroughly discussed during the meeting.
The discussion was attended by several key officials, including Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Additional Secretary (Public Health Services) Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, along with directors and specialist doctors from major hospitals across the country.
News
Govt. plan to boost revenue with taxes on vehicle imports unrealistic, warns Harsha

By Saman Indrajith
SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.
“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”
Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.
“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”
Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.
News
SLN receives shallow water multi-beam echo sounder from Australia

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.
The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.
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