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SJB irked by football tournament held in contravention of Covid-19 guidelines

Published

5 years ago

2021/11/22

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) lawmaker Mujibur Rahuman says the Director General Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena owed an explanation as to how Football Sri Lanka (FSL) recently conducted the inaugural quadrangular invitation soccer tournament, at the Race Course grounds with the participation of over 2,000 spectators, in violation of Covid-19 guidelines.

Colombo District MP Rahuman asked whether the DGHS felt that mega events, organised by the government, wouldn’t pose a threat, though the Opposition was repeatedly advised against public gatherings. Congratulating the Seychelles team for winning the four-nation tournament, 3 to 1, in penalties, lawmaker Rahuman quoted Dr. Gunawardena as having told him when inquired that his Office was not asked for permission nor informed of the tournament.

MP Rahuman said: “We understand the DGHS’s dilemma as Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attended the final along with Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa. If the Health Ministry is unable to properly implement guidelines, it should stop blaming the public for irresponsible conduct.”

MP Rahuman said that it would be interesting to see whether spectators would be allowed at the Sri Lanka vs West Indies cricket matches. Did FSL receive special status due to the direct involvement of Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa in this endeavor, MP Rahuman asked.

Responding to another query, MP Rahuman pointed out the recent unveiling of Sandahiru Seya built to invoke blessings on the armed forces, that took place amidst a large gathering in Anuradhapura.

The top SJB spokesperson said that the much touted ‘One Country, One Law’ concept was nothing but a joke when the government flouted its own guidelines. The MP alleged that after the unveiling of Sanda Hiru Seya, several hundred persons were invited to the President’s House, Anuradhapura for Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa’s birthday celebration.

MP Rahuman emphasized that there couldn’t be a different set of guidelines for the SLPP and another for the rest of the country. The former UNP said that police headquarters issued daily statements of preventive measures taken by law enforcement authorities to curb the epidemic. However, the police provided security to the inaugural quadrangular invitation soccer tournament and facilitated the gathering of VIPs.

The Covid-19 Task Force, too, should look into this matter, the MP said, urging the government to set an example. Asked whether the SJB protests undermined current health guidelines, MP Rahuman said that the SLPP could not exploit the epidemic to suppress political dissent. The government and the Opposition could agree on a moratorium on major public activity, the MP said, alleging that the SLPP seemed only interested in curbing the Opposition whereas it continued with public events.

Health authorities have repeatedly warned of a fresh outbreak of the epidemic unless the people followed health guidelines. They point out that the daily average of about 500-600 new cases indicate a possible major threat.

MP Rahuman said that recently State Minister Dr. Jayasumana declared that the December could be quite dangerous against the backdrop of expert reports that weakening of efficiency of some of the vaccines administered here.

MP Rahuman said that those above 60 received a booster dose as all realized Covid-19 posed. The MP said that the government also considered making vaccination mandatory for all those entering public places. If the government was aware of the danger of another wave, it shouldn’t have allowed gathering of crowds at the Race Course for soccer matches, MP Rahuman said.

The SJB MP recalled how the government ordered inoculation of a selected group of Hambantota voters (20-30 years) with Pfizer much to the dismay of youth in other districts. The government went ahead with its plans regardless of GMOA’s opposition, the MP said.

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INS Udaygiri makes port call in Colombo

Published

2 hours ago

2026/09/8

Priyan

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today, 8 September 2026, where it was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-
honoured naval traditions.

INS Udaygiri is a 149.02m long Frigate, Commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.

Captain Sood served as the Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
During their stay in the island, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in several goodwill events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.

The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.

Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, and will conduct onboard training during its stay.

News

22A: Exclusion of 8 petitions questioned, action filed against SC Registrar, others

Published

10 hours ago

2026/09/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Supreme Court has been petitioned seeking an explanation as to how eight petitions filed against the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution were not listed for hearing . Two of the petitioners, namely Dias Bandaralage Ajith Shantha Kumara Jayathilaka and Gunathilakage Dakum Dulara Gunathilaka, have requested an opportunity to examine the official Registry and parliamentary records so that all material facts may be objectively established. They said that their petitions that had been registered by the Supreme Court should have been heard along with other petitions.

The Registrar of the Supreme Court, Secretary General of Parliament, Speaker and the Attorney General have been named as the respondents.

The five-member bench that heard the petitions consisted of Chief Justice P. Padman Surasena, Achala Wengappuli, J, Arjuna Obeyesekere, J, Sampath B. Abayakoon, J and K.M.G.H. Kulatunga, J.

The petitioners sought the explanation in the absence of any judicial order dismissing, rejecting, striking out, terminating or otherwise disposing the said petitions. They have requested the disclosure of the complete procedural history of the unlisted cases.

The second petitioner Gunathilaka has referred to a speech by Jaffna District Independent MP Ramanathan Archuna in Parliament, on 21 August, 2026, regarding X-Press Pearl, a container carrier that sank off the port of Colombo, and related matters.

They have sought leave to proceed under Articles 17 and 126 of the Constitution and asked for a full Bench of the Supreme Court, or the widest Bench, constitutionally permissible.

They also requested that the Chief Justice and Achala Wengappuli refrain from participating in the hearing and determination of their application, having regard to the objective-appearance issue arising from their prior constitutional and judicial participation in matters forming part of the factual subject matter now requiring examination.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of Vinivida Foundation, Nagananda Kodituwakku, has requested the Supreme Court Registrar not to proceed with the determination of 22nd Amendment process, pending the hearing of fundamental rights petition filed by Chairman of the Vinivida Foundation lawyer, Sugandhika Fernando, seeking a full bench, excluding Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, to hear the petitions challenging the 22nd Amendment Bill. She also requested that the hearing be suspended immediately until the matter was fully heard and determined.

Among the respondents are Chief Justice Surasena, the first respondent, and Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe. Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Shiran Gooneratne, Achala Wengappuli and Priyantha Fernando.

(SF)

News

Thailand shuts door on undesirables from Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

2026/09/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sri Lankan passport holders travelling to Thailand wouldn’t be eligible for visa-free entry from 15 September, 2026, according to a new visa notice issued by the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo.

Under the new measures, all Sri Lankan travellers will be required to obtain a Thai visa before departing for Thailand. Visa applications must be submitted online through Thailand’s official e-Visa system.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo has also clarified that it will not accept visa applications submitted in person or in physical form.

According to the Embassy, tourist visa applications submitted by Sri Lankan passport holders are expected to take approximately 3–7 working days, calculated from the date on which all required documents have been duly completed and submitted.

Processing times for Non-Immigrant Visa and DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) applications may take longer.

Foreign nationals residing in Sri Lanka or the Maldives who hold valid work or residence permits may also require additional processing time.

The Embassy has cautioned applicants that it reserves the right to request additional documents or information when necessary. Applicants may also be asked to attend a visa interview on a case-by-case basis.

The new requirement represents a significant change for Sri Lankan travellers, who will need to complete the visa process before travelling to Thailand from September 15 onward.

The Embassy has urged applicants to rely only on its official communication channels for the latest visa requirements, procedures and updates.