News

SJB lawmaker claims 19 A architects sought political asylum

Published

6 years ago

2020/08/29

Sahan Weerasooriya

… Jayampathy denies having fled

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Former lawmaker and constitutional affairs expert Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne yesterday (28) denied having fled the country following the change of government. Wickramaratne said that he had not received any threats from anyone over his involvement in the enactment of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

One-time LSSP stalwart said so when The Island sought his response to a recent claim by Samagi Jana Balavegaya lawmaker Rohini Kaviratne that he had fled the country and was granted political asylum in Switzerland.

Dr. Wickramaratne said he was abroad over some consultancy work.

“Then, I got an opportunity to conduct research on a comparative basis which I am using to work on the third edition of my PhD thesis ‘Fundamental Rights in Sri Lanka’. Over the past few years, I was asked by judges, lawyers and academics to revise it. The second edition was in 2006 and a revised edition has been long overdue.”

Dr. Wickramaratne said that he would definitely be back once he finished the assignment.

The LSSPer turned UNP MP in the last parliament functioned as the constitutional affairs advisor to then President Maithripala Sirisena before being accommodated on the UNP National List following the 2015 general election in terms of the agreement between the LSSP and the ruling party.

Dr. Wickramaratne quit his seat in January 2020 to take up an overseas assignment.

Addressing a public gathering at Wilgamuwa on Tuesday (25), Kaviratne alleged that architects of the 19th Amendment, Dr. Wickramaratne and J.C. Weliamuna, PC, who had been Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner at the time of the change of government had become political refugees in Switzerland and Australia, respectively.

As Weliamuna is yet to return in spite of being recalled, The Island raised the issue with the Foreign Ministry whether the government took it up with Australia and whether the envoy and his family had sought political asylum there. The Foreign Ministry has sent us the following response: “The Foreign Ministry is presently unaware whether the former High Commissioner and his family have received political asylum in Australia. He was a non-career diplomat and his services were terminated on 31.12.2019. His stay in Australia after termination of service, is not facilitated by the Government of Sri Lanka and once the diplomatic passport is surrendered the Ministry had no reason to take up the matter with the Australian authorities.”

Lawmaker Kaviratne alleged that if the new government succeeded in abolishing the 19th Amendment, the entire country would achieve refugee status overnight.

Kaviratne, who had been in the previous parliament that overwhelmingly voted for the 19th Amendment said that the abolition of the people-friendly law would fast-track intended authoritarian administration. She explained how the enactment of the 19th Amendment at the onset of the yahapalana administration transformed the country. Declaring that those who fought for democratic rights of the people couldn’t be deprived of their freedom, the lawmaker empahsised the responsibility on the part of the Opposition to oppose government project.

At the onset of her hard hitting speech, Kaviratne vowed that progressive of lawmakers wouldn’t give dictatorial powers to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the expense of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa by doing away with the 19th Amendment. The lawmaker explained how the 19th Amendment ended dictatorial power to dissolve parliament within one year after the first sitting. Now Justice Minister Ali Sabry was on record as having said that the law would be amended to enable the President to dissolve parliament when he wanted to so, Kaviratne said.

Kaviratne, who switched allegiance to Sajith Premadasa having represented the UNP in the parliament, said that the SJB would fight both in and outside parliament to protect the 19th Amendment.

She emphasized that contrary to reports, the SLPP never secured a two-thirds majority at the recently concluded general election and they wouldn’t allow reversing democratic gains made during the previous administration.

The lawmaker alleged that the government was seeking to deprive the public of basic rights. The abolition of the 19th Amendment would be the beginning of that despicable operation.

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Navy seizes a consignment of narcotics and apprehends 06 suspects in offshore operation

Published

9 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Answering to the call of the national mission ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy has tightened its grip on the island’s maritime boundaries.

Striking deep in the southern waters, a successful naval mission
resulted in the seizure of a local fishing trawler and six (06) suspects, foiling a major drug smuggling attempt.

The intercepted trawler, carrying 02 suspicious sacks, and suspects were escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today (08 Mar 26).

A specialised inspection conducted by the Police Narcotic
Bureau (PNB) confirmed that the sacks contained more than 102kg of heroin and over 900g of cocaine.

The detection was inspected on-site by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), alongside the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Minister emphasized that under the guidance of the President and the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, the Tri-Forces, Police, and intelligence
agencies have intensified the “A Nation United” national mission, leaving no stone unturned.

He noted that during 2025, the tri-forces and police, in coordination with domestic and international agencies, conducted numerous successful operations. Notably, the Navy seized over 75 billion rupees worth of narcotics.

Despite national disasters and the escalating global conflicts
and growing reports of vessel distress in Sri Lankan waters, the Sri Lanka Navy stands vigilant around the clock, tirelessly fulfilling its critical mission in alignment with international maritime conventions.

Accordingly, the Deputy Minister commended, on behalf of the President, the Navy’s vital role in ensuring public safety and protecting the youth from drugs.

Adding further, he declared drug trafficking has become a major menace, stressing that all of society, not just authorities, must help eradicate it. He urged traffickers and dealers to quit the trade, noting that drugs cannot enter the country by sea or air. Addicts were also urged to do away with the habit, as a huge amount of money is spent on their rehabilitation.

The Deputy Minister further stated that the toxic drugs seized will remain in highly secure custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings, and arrangements have been made to destroy a large quantity of toxic drugs and case exhibits for which legal proceedings have been completed.

He also emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been granted the opportunity to operate independently. Accordingly, the public was urged to provide information regarding drug
traffickers via the hotline numbers 1818 and 1997.

Additionally, the event acknowledged the responsible journalism carried out by media institutions and journalists in raising public awareness about the drug menace.

The multi-day fishing trawler, along with the haul of narcotics and 06 suspects was handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for further investigation and legal proceedings.

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Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity – PM

Published

21 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarsooriya in her message on International Women’s Day 2026 says that the governments goal is to build a Thriving Nation where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity.

The PM’s message:

“I extend my greetings to all sisters and daughters in Sri Lanka and around the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day.This year, the United Nations has declared the global theme for International Women’s Day as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the realization of rights, the delivery of justice, and meaningful action for all women and girls.

Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating women as mere beneficiaries and recognizing them as active partners in national development, ensuring that they receive the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Within our policy framework, special focus has been placed on women. We are committed to recognizing the economic contribution extended by women as housewives, promoting women’s entrepreneurship, and expanding access to the technical and financial support necessary for self-employment alongside strengthening the legal framework required to ensure women’s safety in public transport, workplaces, and within the family environment. Further, we are taking steps to create the environment to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies at national and regional levels. Special attention is also being given to implementing targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being.

Women are not a group seeking sympathy; they are vital social partners endowed with intelligence, resilience, and creativity. Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity

On this International Women’s Day, I sincerely hope that it marks the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of all women in our country are realized as they shine before the world.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

Published

21 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 07 March 2026, valid for 08 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.