News
PM confident of pushing through 20A ‘despite whatever opposition from any quarter’
BY NORMAN PALIHAWADANA
Expressing confidence of pushing through the 20th Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said the government is determined to ensure its safe passage.
“Whatever opposition there may be from any quarter, we will duly present the constitutional amendment to Parliament and see to its adoption as a progressive piece of legislation”, the premier told The Sunday Island.
Asked about opposition to the 20A from some members within the government’s own ranks, Rajapaksa replied, “anybody has the complete freedom to express their views freely”.
“We will definitely see to the adoption of the 20A”, he underscored, while adding, “there is no doubt about that”.
On the fresh outbreak of Covid-19 in the country, the Prime Minister said the emergence of a new cluster is now being addressed with counter measures in place to contain the situation.
Under the prevailing circumstances, it is imperative that the public strictly adhere to health safety guidelines, he emphasized.
“I am happy the people are cooperating with the government’s efforts to neutralize the threat”, Rajapaksa added.
Responding to another question, the premier said the government has reduced prices of some essential food items to grant relief to the masses.
The authorities are purchasing big onions directly from the farmers and selling the stocks through Sathosa outlets at subsidized prices, he continued.
“Through this mechanism, we have ensured a fair price to farmers, while also granting relief to the people by offering the produce at an affordable price”, the premier added.
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“Improve the quality of infrastructure and services provided to tourists visiting the country.” – President
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the necessity of providing high-quality infrastructure and services for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as the country has gained significant international recognition as an attractive tourist destination.
Accordingly, the President instructed officials to pay special attention to this matter and take necessary actions.
President Disanayake issued these instructions during a discussion held today (17) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Tourism.
During the discussion, officials briefed the President on the budgetary allocations designated for the Ministry of Tourism and the projects being implemented under those funds.
With the tourism sector taking a new step forward, Sri Lanka aims to attract three million tourists this year. The discussion also extensively covered the utilization of these budgetary allocations for the development of essential infrastructure to support this goal.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, along with a group of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, attended this discussion.
The French Navy Ship PROVENCE arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Sunday (16 Mar 25) morning.
She was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with the time-honoured naval traditions.
The 142.20m long Destroyer is Commanded by Captain Lionel SIEGFRIED and manned by a crew of 160 members.
During the stay in the island, crew members of PROVENCE will visit some tourist hotspots in the country and the ship is scheduled to depart the island on 20 Mar.
The Court of Appeal this [17] morning dismissed the writ petition filed by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, seeking an interim injunction to prevent the execution of the arrest order issued by the Matara Magistrate’s Court against him.
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