News
Ranjan’s writ application to save his seat will be called on March 31
By Chitra Weerarathne
The Application for a Writ of Mandamus filed by Ranjan Ramanayake, in the Court of Appeal, will be next called on March 31.
It was called before the Court, yesterday, and all parties said that written submissions had been filed on schedule.
SJB MP Ramanayake was convicted by the Supreme Court for contempt. He was sentenced to four years rigorous imprisonment.
Ramanayake filed a Writ in the Court of Appeal, seeking a Mandatory Order on the Secretary General of Parliament, restraining the latter from informing the Commissioner of Elections that he had vacated his seat in Parliament, consequent to the conviction for contempt.
The Court of Appeal has said that the status will remain as at now until the next date of calling of the civil petition.
Faiz Mustapaha, President’s Counsel, appeared with M.A. Sumanthiran PC, Suren Fernando PC and Keerthi Tillekeratne for Ramanayake.
Indika Demuni de Silva Additional Solicitor General, PC, appeared with Nerin Pulle, Senior Deputy Solicitor General and Dr. Avanthi Perera, Senior State Counsel for the respondents, the Secretary General of Parliament, and the Commissioner of Elections.
The bench comprised Justice Arjuna Obeysekera (President).
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.
Latest News
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!”
News
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.
-
Business7 days agoAitken Spence Travels continues its leadership as the only Travelife-Certified DMC in Sri Lanka
-
Latest News5 days agoNPP win Maharagama Urban Council
-
Business7 days agoLinearSix and InsureMO® expand partnership
-
Features2 days agoSAITM Graduates Overcome Adversity, Excel Despite Challenges
-
Business5 days agoJohn Keells Properties and MullenLowe unveil “Minutes Away”
-
Sports2 days agoASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships from Monday
-
News2 days agoDestined to be pope:Brother says Leo XIV always wanted to be a priest
-
Foreign News3 days agoMexico sues Google over ‘Gulf of America’ name change