News
Ranjan’s writ application seeking to save parliamentary seat dismissed

by Chitra Weerarathne
The Court of Appeal yesterday (5) dismissed without costs a writ application filed by Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake. It said that there was no legal basis for it to issue notice on the Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake and the Chairman of the Election Commission cited as respondents.
Ramanayake, MP for Gampaha District was recently found guilty by the Supreme Court for Contempt of Court and sentenced to jail. The Supreme Court ruled the MP, as the then member of the UNP parliamentary group, had insulted the dignity of the judges, at a public gathering in Colombo 3.
The Supreme Court imposed a four-year rigorous imprisonment term on Ramanayake as punishment.
Consequently, the Secretary General of Parliament, took steps to inform the Elections Commission that Ramanayake should be replaced by another person of the same party, who contested the Parliamentary poll of August 5, 2020.
Ramanayake, subsequently filed a Writ Application in the Court of Appeal, seeking a mandatory order on the Secretary General of Parliament, preventing the latter from taking steps to unseat Ramanayake.
Faiz Mustapha President’s Counsel appeared with, M.A. Sumanthiran PC, Suren Fernando and Keerthi Tilakaratne for Ramanayake.
Additional Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva PC, appeared with Senior Deputy Solicitor General Nerin Pulle and Senior State Counsel, Dr. Avanthi Perera for the Attorney General.
The Court of Appeal bench comprised Justice Arjuna Obeysekera (President) and Justice Mayadunne Corea.
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Navy relief teams assist flood affected communities

In the wake of prevailing inclement weather in several areas in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, the Sri Lanka Navy on 04th June 2023 mobilized 04 relief teams to Bulathsinhala, Baduraliya, Lathpandura and Kalawana areas to extend flood relief to affected communities.
As a result, the Navy relief teams were able to assist a group of school children who were stranded in the Lathpandura area of Baduraliya, Kalutara district, due to flash floods and provided a boat service to transport the students who were scheduled to sit for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination.
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EC opposes govt. move to appoint its henchmen to monitor local councils

By Priyan de Silva
The Election Commission (ECSL) has opposed a move by the government to appoint representatives of the Chairpersons of the Regional Development Committee to monitor local government institutions.
ECSL Chairman Nimal G. Punchihewa told The Island that the government had informed the ECSL of its plan to appoint representatives of the Chairpersons of the Regional Development Committee to monitor the local government bodies and the ECSL had decided to write to the Ministry of Local Government opposing the move, he said. A Chairman of a regional development committee ESD a representative of a particular political party and it would be unfair by other parties for such appointments to be made, the EC Chairman said.
Punchihewa said that the administration of local government institutions could be done through Municipal Commissioners and Divisional Secretaries.Many political parties had complained against the government move, he said.
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