News
New Constitution: Talks put off indefinitely over corona fears
Committee still confident 6-month deadline can be met
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Meetings scheduled for last Saturday (23) to discuss proposed constitutional and electoral reforms couldn’t be held as political parties believed some of those expected to attend them, had been affected by Covid-19, well informed sources told The Island.
The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), the National Freedom Front (NFF), the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) and SLPP National List MP Tiran Alles sought postponement due to the fear of Covid-19 epidemic.
They were the first group of lawmakers to make representations to a 9-member committee led by Romesh de Silva, PC, tasked with preparing the new draft Constitution for parliamentary perusal.
The postponement was sought at the eleventh hour, sources said.
Sources said that President’s Counsel de Silva decided to put off meetings with lawmakers for the time being. Over a half a dozen lawmakers, including Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi have tested positive so far. The committee consists of Romesh de Silva, PC, Gamini Marapana, PC, Manohara de Silva, PC, Sanjeewa Jayawardena, PC, Prof. Naseema Kamurdeen, Dr. A. Sarveshwaran, Samantha Ratwatte, PC, Prof. Wasantha Seneviratne and Prof.
G.H. Peiris. Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC, named the committee in the first week of Sept. last year.
Asked whether the committee would find it difficult to finalize a proper document within six months due to postponement of meetings with political parties, authoritative sources said that regardless of the setback, the outfit was confident of meeting the deadline. Sources said that a delay couldn’t be justified. “If required, the committee can always depend on zoom,” a source familiar with the ongoing constitution making process said.
Sources said that the SLPP, the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya and the UNP hadn’t submitted proposals so far and their participation remained under a cloud. The JVP, too, refrained from submitting a set of proposals though the breakaway JVP faction, the NFF handed over its proposals several weeks ago.
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.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
Belgian prince loses bid for benefits on top of £300k royal allowance
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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