News
Opposition asks EC to comply with SC directive
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The Opposition expected the Election Commission (EC) to go ahead with preparations for the Local Government polls in line with the Supreme Court directive to Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana and Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam, PC, Prof. G.L. Peiris, MP, said yesterday (06).
Addressing the regular Nidahas Janatha Sandhanaya briefing at Nawala, the former External Affairs Minister emphasized that there couldn’t be any issue as the SC had prevented them from withholding funds allocated for LG elections.
Declaring that the EC couldn’t fail under any circumstances to act as per the Supreme Court directive, the lawmaker emphasized that there was absolutely no further requirement for EC to discuss this issue with the Finance Secretary.
Those who failed to comply with what Prof. Peiris called historic intervention made by the SC faced term of imprisonment for contempt of court.
Prof. Peiris pointed out that the apex court also issued another interim order preventing the misappropriation of money allocated to the Government Printer for the printing of ballot papers.
These interim orders were issued to the Finance Secretary named as respondent in the relevant petition, and the Attorney General, who was named on behalf of the President.
The order was given by the three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Janak de Silva and Priyantha Fernando. The fundamental rights petition was filed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, MP.
Prof. Peiris said that Finance Secretary and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage couldn’t take cover behind so-called cabinet directives and circulars issued at the behest of the executive as they had no option but to fulfill their obligations.
Prof. Peiris said that in addition to the Finance Secretary and the Government Printer, IGP C.D. Wickremaratne, too, worked overtime to undermine the EC. The SLPP rebel said that if those responsible make further attempts to delay the process, the Opposition would move court against them.
The ex-minister said that the Opposition expected EC Chairperson Nimal Punchihewa to announce the date for LG polls when a delegation of Opposition MPs meet him today (07).
The top Opposition spokesperson said that political parties in writing requested the EC to conduct LG polls before March 19. Interestingly, the JVP has joined for the first time other political parties to pressure the EC.
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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