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Ranil submits motion calling for PSC to probe MV X-Press Pearl disaster
UNP Leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has submitted a motion for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the MV X-Press Pearl disaster.
The motion, included in the latest addendum to the Order Book of Parliament, identifies the MV X-Press Pearl incident as the worst marine ecological disaster in the country and says that a PSC should be appointed “to look into and report its recommendations on the damage caused to the Sri Lankan marine environment and marine life, persons whose livelihoods have been lost, and the impact on the national economy by the sinking of the MV X–Press Pearl ship on June 22, 2021 off the coast of Sri Lanka.”
The motion reads: “The sinking of MV X-Press Pearl, off the coast of Colombo on 22 June 2021 is Sri Lanka’s worst marine ecological disaster; and whereas, this disaster has destroyed marine and animal lives and caused a massive economic loss; This Parliament resolves that a Select Committee of Parliament be appointed to, (a) Quantify the economic damage caused as a result of the sinking of MV X-Press Pearl; (b) Estimate the number of persons whose livelihoods have been affected; (c) To recommend financial relief and other compensation to be awarded to the people so affected; and (d) The extent of (i) marine and animal lives and (ii) the undersea environment affected by this disaster. 2. (a) That the Chair and the Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Speaker; and (b) The Committee shall report to Parliament within six (6) months of its first sitting or such extended period that the Parliament may grant.
The PSC shall have the power to (a) fix its quorum; (b) summon in person to appear before it, to require in person to procure or record, to procure and receive such evidence, written or oral, as the Committee may think it is necessary for the fullest consideration of the matters referred to above; (c) obtain the services of Specialists and Experts in the relevant fields to assist the Committee; and (d) make interim reports from time to time and sit, notwithstanding any adjournment of Parliament, the motion by the UNP leader said.
Pope Leo XIV appealed for “no more war” in a message to world powers during his first Sunday address at the Vatican.
Reflecting on current conflicts, the newly selected pontiff called for a “lasting peace” in the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and welcomed Saturday’s agreement to end recent hostilities between India and Pakistan.
He said he was “deeply hurt” by events in Gaza, expressed hope for a “lasting accord” between India and Pakistan, and wished for a “authentic, true and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
The Pope also recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, to the crowd in St Peter’s Square.
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May this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings – PM
In her Vesak day message, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya wished that this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings
The full text of the prime ministers vesak day message:
“It is an honor to extend my Vesak day message to all citizens of the nation during this sacred period in which Buddhist community across Sri Lanka come together to pay homage to the Lord Buddha, upholding both material and spiritual offerings and commemorating the threefold sacred events of the Lord Buddha’s life.
Since ancient times, the lives of the Sri Lankan people have been deeply rooted by the teaching of the Lord Buddha and this is a greater inheritance we have received through the Dhamma. In our country, where people of diverse ethnicities and religions coexist in harmony, the collective celebration of a major religious festival such as Vesak stands as a powerful testament to that unity.
This year Vesak day celebration marks the first to be celebrated under the current government, which was established with the vision of “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” I believe that this Vesak season is a particularly a time to heal the hearts and minds of humanity, especially as our nation embarks on a path of meaningful transformation. Through this message, I take this opportunity to invite all of citizens to unite in mind and spirit, bound together by mutual respect and compassion.
I join all Sri Lankans in praying that the flames of war burning in various parts of the world at this moment may be extinguished, and that all people across the globe may be blessed with lives of happiness and peace.
May all of you have a blessed Vesak!”
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Special waste management programme launched under “Clean Sri Lanka” during the State Vesak Festival
Parallel with the State Vesak Festival that commenced on Saturday (10) in the Nuwara Eliya District, a special waste management initiative has been launched under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme to enhance facilities for devotees and ensure proper waste disposal in the city of Nuwara Eliya.
With hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit Nuwara Eliya during the Vesak Week, from May 10 to 16, this initiative is aimed at preserving the cleanliness and beauty of the area.
The programme will focus particularly on areas around the Gregory Lake, a key tourist attraction, and the Nuwara Eliya International Buddhist Centre, the venue for the State Vesak Festival.
In addition, the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative urges visiting devotees to refrain from bringing non-biodegradable material such as polythene and calls on all citizens to act responsibly by properly disposing of waste only at designated locations, while maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the environment.
Pope Leo appeals for no more war in first Sunday address
Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage as part of efforts to reach Gaza ceasefire
May this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings – PM
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