News
Sumanthiran stresses need for proper laws to tackle public health emergency
By Saman Indrajith
TNA Jaffna District MP MA Sumanthiran told Parliament yesterday that the issues related to importation of rapid antigen test kits were due to the absence of proper laws to deal with public health emergencies.
Participating in the adjournment debate on COVID-19 second wave, the MP said that the health sector, particularly the public health sector, had often asked for laws that could help deal with such situations. “I heard state minister Jayasumana used the phrase ‘public health emergencies’ several times in his speech.
We don’t have a law to deal with public health emergencies. We have outdated laws like the Auarantine Act. etc. Laws are insufficient to deal with the current crisis. I will deal with only one example, the issue of this quarantine curfew. On May 3 I wrote to the Human Rights Commission expressing the view that lockdowns and curfews were necessary at certain times, times like this. But we don’t have sufficient glows to deal with this and what is being done is not lawful.
“On June 8 the Human Rights Commission wrote to the Secretary to the President and sent me a copy of that letter making certain recommendations. In that letter, they have very clearly stated that what is being imposed in the country calling it curfew is not lawful. We need laws.”
The government has been advised under the Human Rights Commission Act section 10 officially. They analysed all the laws in the country at present and made certain recommendations.
“There is no proper law to deal with this public health emergency. Even with regard to the importation of rapid antigen test kits, and all of that, all these issues have arisen because there are no proper laws.
Finally, this is the month of November in which the people in the world over remember fallen heroes who have participated in wars. Our country has also had to unfortunately go through a three-decade war. But our parents are not allowed to remember their dead. I urge the government in this debate because I believe the authorities are using Covid-19 as a ruse to stop people from visiting the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried.”
News
Students of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College Kandy visit Presidential Secretariat and President’s House
A group of students from Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy visited the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s House and Colombo Port City today (09).
This program, organized by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education, and the Mass Communication Division of Parliament, offers schoolchildren the opportunity to explore important sites, including the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s House, Colombo Port City, and the Parliament. The students from Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy were fortunate to participate in this program.
During their visit, the students learned about the history of Parliament after touring the old Parliament building.
Director General (Legal) of the Presidential Secretariat Advocate J.M. Wijebandara, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath (Retd), and Principal of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy Mrs. Nilakshika Hapugoda along with several teachers were present on this occasion.
Most Reverend Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the Vatican Ambassador to Sri Lanka, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (09).
During the meeting, the Vatican Ambassador congratulated President Dissanayake on his recent election victory, conveying heartfelt greetings from His Holiness Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State.
Ambassador Udaigwe also extended best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of Sri Lanka under the new President’s leadership. In his remarks, Dr. Udaigwe expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s future, stating that positive developments were forthcoming in line with the people’s aspirations. He commended President Dissanayake’s commitment to the welfare of the country and its citizens, offering the Vatican’s support in realizing the President’s vision for Sri Lanka.
Dr Udaigwe also lauded President Dissanayake’s initiative to conduct transparent and credible investigations into the tragic Easter Sunday bombings and assured the fullest cooperation of the Vatican in supporting the President’s efforts to bring justice and healing to the victims and their families.
In line with the forthcoming 75th Army Anniversary (10 October) a solemn ceremony was held on 7th October 2024 at the Battaramulla War Heroes’ Monument (Ranaviru Smarakaya) to pay tribute to the heroic sacrifices of the nation’s fallen War Heroes.
The Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest, lending a significant sense of respect and prominence to the occasion. The event commenced with singing the National Anthem, followed by a two-minute silence observed in honour of the nation’s fallen patriots.
Thereafter, the Chief Guest, accompanied by several Senior Officers and Colonels of all regiments of the Sri Lanka Army laid floral wreaths and saluted paying a solemn tribute to the fallen War Heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sovereignty of the nation.
Students of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College Kandy visit Presidential Secretariat and President’s House
Vatican Ambassador meets President, conveys greetings from Pope Francis
Sri Lanka Army pays tribute to fallen War Heroes
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