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Opposition asks govt. to make new Constitution

Published

6 years ago

2020/09/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

Instead of adopting piecemeal measures

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB)-led Opposition, yesterday (29) pledged to work with the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) to scuttle the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution.

General Secretary of the SJB Ranjith Madduma Bandara made the pledge on behalf of its leader Sajith Premadasa, at a meeting chaired by NMSJ Chief former Speaker Karu Janasuriya at Hotel Janaki in Colombo 5.

The Opposition grouping reached a consensus on a common action plan to oppose the 20th Amendment both in and outside parliament.

The SLPP commands a two-thirds majority in Parliament whereas the main Opposition consists of 54 members.

The Opposition held the meeting as the Supreme Court began hearing petitions filed against the 20th Amendment. The audience was informed that as many as 39 cases against the government had been filed.

Jayasuriya declared that they had the backing of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Thamil Makkal Thesiya Kuttani (TMTK), the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) as well as the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU).

However, the JVP wasn’t represented at the meeting. Defeated Gampaha District candidate Arjuna Ranatunga represented the UNP, while lawmakers Mano Ganesan and Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam addressed the gathering on behalf of the Democratic People’s Front and Ahila Illankai Thamil Congress, respectively.

The former Speaker recently succeeded Prof. Sarath Wijesuriya, who took over the civil society organisation in late 2015 following Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera’s demise.

Alleging that the 20th Amendment would grant dictatorial powers to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Jayasuriya strongly criticised the proposed law on six specific reasons, namely (1) the parliament would be reduced to a puppet in the hands of the President (2) the executive wouldn’t be answerable to the parliament, the judiciary and the people. Those institutions coming under the purview of the President wouldn’t be subjected to the auditing process (3) politicisation of the entire election process (4) facilitating waste, corruption and irregularities by abolishing the Audit Service Commission and the National Procurement Commission (5) weakening of the judiciary and (6) enabling dual citizen to enter parliament.

Both Jayasuriya and Maddumabandara pointed out that the government project faced unexpected opposition with growing protests against the proposed law.

SJB MP Rajitha Senaratne told the gathering that they would conduct a countrywide protest campaign on Oct 5 against the 20th Amendment. It would be followed by a rally at Hyde Park on Oct 8, where all political parties represented in parliament and civil society groups were scheduled to participate.

MP Senaratne found fault with the media for not vigorously campaigning against the 20th Amendment.

Jayasuriya led the call for the government to abandon the hasty bid to enact 20th Amendment and take tangible measures in consultation with all stakeholders, both in and out of parliament to introduce a new Constitution acceptable to all communities.

The government was warned of dire consequences of unilateral efforts to enact 20th Amendment that would deliver a knockout blow to democratic way of life. Dr. Senaratne alleged that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s recent declaration that public servants should accept his verbal directives as circulars, signaled an extremely dangerous trend.

MP Mano Ganesan said that the urgent requirement today was to address the national question. Declaring that the national issue couldn’t be addressed by enacting the 20th Amendment, he urged the government to abandon the project. Instead of 20th Amendment, the government should initiate immediate action to bring in a new Constitution, he added.

Among those present on the occasion were civil society activists Constitutional Council member Javid Yusuf and Prof. Rohan Samarajeeva.

The Opposition fiercely attacked the SLPP bid to do away with State auditing process. “How could the SLPP justify abolishing the audit process?” MP Ganesan asked, claiming that many government members were disappointed at the way the ruling party handled the 20th Amendment. Opposition speakers insisted the SLPP couldn’t justify 20th Amendment by claiming the 19th Amendment had been introduced to keep the Rajapaksas at bay.

The NMSJ said that it was ready to lead a high profile campaign similar to the one which had paved the way for the change of government in 2015. The NMSJ said that the SLPP shouldn’t misrepresent the mandates it received at presidential and parliamentary polls, in Nov 2019 and Aug 2020 to bring about a dictatorship.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

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Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

8 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

8 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)