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Oshada Senanayake has tendered his resignation as Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA).

Taking to Twitter, Senanayake stated that he tendered his resignation formally last week, owing to certain circumstances that contradicted with his own ethos and principles.

Senanayake was appointed as the Chairman of ICTA on 04 August 2021, following former Chairman Lalith Gamage's resignation.

At the time, Senanayake also served as the Director General of Telecommunictaions Regulatory of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). However he later tendered his resignation on 31 December 2021, which is due to come into effect at the end of this month.

“Dear all after almost 2.5 years of contributing for the digital journey of the country by taking a break from my private sector career which I firmly believe was the best way for the country’s economic revival, I have tendered my resignation formally last week from ICTA as well following my stepping down of TRC last Dec which could come in to effect from end of the month. Thank you for all the support for my work during stint which hopefully will go a step towards enabling the next generation. I’m sorry I could not do more but circumstances are such and as I always said I would vehemently stand by my principles and ethos I believe in", Senanayke tweeted.

His resignation comes amidst a major social media ban in Sri Lanka, where access to several social media platforms have been restricted on the order of the Ministry of Defence.

The price of a 50kg bag of cement has been increased by Rs. 500.

Accordingly, the revised price of a cement bag now stands at Rs. 2,350.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has called upon President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency.

Issuing a statement, the BASL urged the President to ensure the protection of several fundamental rights, including those concerning the freedom of expression, speech and publication and peaceful assembly.

Referring to these rights as "aspects of the sovereignty of the people", the BASL urged that they be"respected and protected and not violated by the State or its agents".

Expressing their grave concerns over the Extraordinary Gazette issued by Rajapaksa last night (01) declaring a state of public emergency in the country, the BASL was of the view that such actions were not the answer to the ongoing crisis.

Instead, they proposed that the Government make people aware of its policies and plans for the recovery of the economy in order to alleviate their suffering.

"These protests reflect the desperate situation of the people who are seeking to secure for themselves, and their families some of the most basic essentials in life", the BASL said.

Speaking in relation to the violence incited at the protest that took place near President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's residence in Mirihana on 31 April, the BASL noted that while such violent acts involving the destruction of property need to be condemned, "a distinction must be made between those engaged in peaceful protests exercising their constitutional rights and those who engage in violence".

"The BASL for its part is committed to protecting the rights of the people of Sri Lanka and will take all necessary steps for that end including the providing of assistance to those whose rights may be infringed during this time",

the statement concluded.

Given below is the full statement:

STATEMENT BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA ON THE DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) is gravely concerned by the declaration of a state of emergency by His Excellency the President on the night of April 1st, 2022.

Consequent to the declaration of a state of emergency the President is empowered to make Emergency Regulations which can override, amend or suspend the provision of any law, except the provisions of the Constitution.

The BASL is of the view that a declaration of a state of emergency is not the answer to the present situation in the country, including the spate of public protests which have occurred. These protests reflect the desperate situation of the people who are seeking to secure for themselves, and their families some of the most basic essentials in life.

Over the past several months the country has been heading towards a grave economic crisis and early warnings given by professionals and experts in the field both local and international have gone unheeded.

The BASL too issued a statement on the present plight of the economy on the 14th of January 2022 setting out the consequences of the impending crisis.

Unfortunately, those in authority have until very recently failed to understand the gravity of the situation and the grave impact the crisis has on the life of the people and the community. The unprecedented power cuts extending for over half the day, the fuel shortages, gas shortages, drugs shortages, the foreign exchange crisis and the escalating prices of essential items have all resulted in the people of this country being driven to desperation. There has been a failure to understand the aspirations of the people, and to empathize with the suffering of the people of the country.

The Government of Sri Lanka must make people aware of its policies and plans for the recovery of the economy in order to alleviate their suffering.

The BASL is firmly of the view that the right to protest and the right to dissent are important aspects of the fundamental rights of the people including the freedom of expression and the freedom of peaceful assembly.

These rights are of course subject to the restrictions set out in Article 15 of the Constitution including in the interests of public order. However, any restrictions that are imposed by law must be proportionate and reasonable.

If a peaceful protest becomes violent, that will only dilute the objective and purpose of a peaceful expression of dissent and strengthen the hands of those who seek to supress legitimate dissent. As such violent acts which occur during a protest and destruction of property whether public or private cannot be condoned and must be condemned. Similarly, those engaged in protests must take utmost care to ensure that such protests remain peaceful and must be wary of persons who might seek to cause violence and destruction during such protests.

However, whilst the authorities including the police have a right to deal with an unlawful assembly and to bring perpetrators of violence to book, a distinction must be made between those engaged in peaceful protests exercising their constitutional rights and those who engage in violence. The state ofemergency must not be used to stifle peaceful protests and dissent or to make arbitrary arrests and detentions.

In the recent case of U. N. S. P. Kurukulasuriya, Convenor, Free Media Movement, and J. K. W.Jayasekara, V Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation SCFR 556/2008 and 557/2008 decided on 17.02.2021,the Supreme Court quoted with approval the following passages found in several decisions of Sri Lankan courts:

“The right to support or to criticise governments and political parties, policies and programmes is fundamental to the democratic way of life; …and democracy requires not merely that dissent be tolerated, but that it be encouraged”

“Criticism of the Government, and of political parties and policies, is per se, a permissible exercise of the freedom of speech and expression under Article14 (1) (a).”

In the aforesaid the BASL calls upon His Excellency the President to forthwith revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency, and to ensure that the fundamental rights of the people such as the freedom of expression including the freedom of speech and publication and the freedom of peaceful assembly which are aspects of the sovereignty of the people are respected and protected and not violated by the State or its agents.

The BASL for its part is committed to protecting the rights of the people of Sri Lanka and will take all necessary steps for that end including the providing of assistance to those whose rights may be infringed during this time.

Representatives of the 'The Radical Centre', an apolitical movement launched by the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera says that protests are more successful if they are conducted in a peaceful manner devoid of any violence.

Protests should always be seen as a legitimate avenue towards policy change and influence, and one that must therefore professionalise to make politics more reflective of societies’ wants, needs and demands.

The group urged for restraint after a peaceful protest near the home of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa turned violent on Thursday evening.

Appealing to all those wish to join the nationwide protest on April 3, The Radical Centre stressed that our primal responsibility is to prevent the protests escalating into violence.

As Sri Lanka today is facing an unprecedented political, economic and social crisis, the country is gazing into the abyss at the edge of a precipice.

This is truly an existentialist moment for all Sri Lankans; each individual must make meaningful choices and the choices they make will define Sri Lanka's future for generations to come.

The statement released on behalf of the Radical Centre by Jayani Abeysekera - Harendran Krishnasamy - Keshal Jayasinghe - C.S. Kodithuwakku - Firo Farook further states:

"To the Attention of all those joining the nationwide protest on April 03.

It is our primal responsibility to prevent the protests escalating into violence.

If we leave space for that, then it will be for the fullest benefit of the oppressive government. So please consider the following points as you take to the streets.

1. As you arrive at the protest, talk to those around you and get to know them.

2. Appoint several leaders to lead the group.

3. Never be impulsive or aggressive. If someone near you is tempted to act aggressively, prevent him / her from doing so.

4. Do not damage anyone's property. Those who commit such acts in such a protest are traitors of the entire protest movement itself.

5. 5. Do not cause conflicts. Show by example that you are a civilized citizen in front of a government which behaves rudely.

   6. Always be attentive to your neighbour. If there’s anything that makes you suspicious, let the leadership know.

   7. This is not a struggle organised by any party or group. You as well as those around you are participating in this as independent citizens. Therefore, if someone around you attempts to do something you may not agree with:

   a. Try to prevent them from doing so b. If they continue to do so, stay away from them as much as possible c. If you feel that the protest space is no longer safe for you, leave.

   Remember that this is a struggle for the right of life, of yours and mine. Not a bloody struggle to lose lives.

   8. Cooperate cordially with police and security personnel whenever possible. Remember they are just as oppressed as we are."

   The Radical Centre

   01.04.2022

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued the Extraordinary Gazette declaring a public emergency in Sri Lanka with effect from April 01, 2022.

The Gazette has been issued considering the prevailing situation in the country and in the interests of public security, the protection of public order and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community.

President Gotabaya has issued the Gazette under the powers vested in him by Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance (Chapter 40), as amended by Act. No. 8 of 1959. Law No. 6 of 1978 and Act, No.28 of 1988.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved power cuts of 12 hours for tomorrow (April 01), as requested by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

The CEB had requested for 12 hours power cuts due to the limited supply of fuel for thermal power plants, the PUCSL said.

Accordingly, the power cuts will be imposed as follows:

Areas ABCDEF - 2 hours from 4am to 6am, 4 hours from 8am to 12pm and 6 hours from 4pm to 10pm.

Areas GHIJKL - 2 hours from 6am to 8am, 4 hours from 12pm to 4pm and 6 hours from 6pm to 12am.

Areas PQRS - 2 hours from 4am to 6am, 4 hours from 8am to 12pm and 6 hours from 4pm to 10pm.

Areas TUVW - 2 hours from 6am to 8am, 4 hours from 12pm to 4pm and 6 hours from 6pm to 12am.

Areas MNOXYZ - 3 hours and 30 minutes from 5.30am to 9am and 2 hours from 4pm to 6pm.

United National Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe urged the government to provide evidence to back its claims of extremist elements being behind the mass protest in Mirihana day before yesterday.

In a video statement, the former prime minister also called on political parties to stay away from peaceful public protests, and to instead engage in a process that finds solutions to the people’s problems through an apolitical process.

“Last night at Pengiriwatte in Mirihana, the public agitation reached boiling point due to the lack of solutions to their issues,” Wickremesinghe said further adding that this incident to be proof of a breakdown in the contemporary political system.

The government has failed to provide relief to the people’s problems, he added.

“The government is currently making allegations against various groups in connection with this incident, hence I urge it to provide proof and evidence to back these claims and expose these actors.”

The Court of Appeal has acquitted SLPP Parliamentarian Premalal Jayasekara alias "Choka Malli" and two others who were sentenced to death by the Ratnapura High Court.

The three suspects were sentenced to death on 31 July 2020 on charges pertaining to the fatal shooting incident in Kahawatte during the Presidential Election in 2015.

After considering the appeals filed by the defendants, the Court of Appeal ordered the three defendants to be acquitted.

The CEB’s request for 8 hours and 30 minutes power cut was approved by the PUCSL due to limited supply of fuel for thermal power plants, for today(02)

Groups ABCDEF

4 hours from 8am to 12pm 3 hours from 4pm to 7pm 1 hour & 30 minutes from 9pm to 10:30pm.

Groups GHIJKL

4 hours from 12pm to 4pm 3 hours from 6pm to 9pm 1 hour & 30 minutes from 10:30pm to 12am.

Groups PQRS

4 hours from 8am to 12pm 3 hours from 4pm to 7pm 1hour & 30 minutes from 9pm to 10:30pm.

Groups TUVW

4 hours from 12pm to 4pm 3 hours from 6pm to 9pm 1 hour & 30 minutes from 10:30pm to 12am.

Groups MNOXYZ 3 hours and 30minutes from 5.30am to 9am.

The Deputy Director General of Forest Conservation Thilak Premakantha has been appointed as the new Director General of the Department of National Zoological Gardens.

The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation stated that the appointment was made with the approval of the Cabinet.

The Ministry further stated that Shermila Rajapaksa, who was occupying the post, has been removed by the Cabinet with effect from the 28th of March.

The Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court granted bail to several protesters a short while ago.

Accordingly, several persons who were arrested over their involvement in the public protest that took place near President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence in Mirihana last evening were granted bail.

Six persons, however, due to be produced before an identification parade, were remanded till Monday (04).

Over 300 lawyers, including President’s Counsel’s Ikram Mohamed,Srinath Perera, Anura Meddegoda,Kalinga Indatissa, Saliya Pieris, Anuja Premaratne, Maithre Gunaratne, Thisath Wijegunawardane and Jagath Wickramanayake voluntarily represented the protesters.

A 13-hour power cut will be imposed tomorrow (31) due to the unavailability of fuel for thermal power plants.

Accordingly, localities within areas A to F will experience power-cuts lasting three hours from 3am to 6am, four hours from 12pm to 4pm and six hours from 6pm to 12am.

Those within areas G to L will have power outrages lasting three hours from 12am to 3am, four hours from 8am to 12pm and six hours from 4pm to 10pm.

Meanwhile, localities in areas P, Q, R and S will have power cuts of three hours from 3am to 6am, four hours from 12pm to 4pm and six hours from 6pm to 12am.

The power supply to areas T, U, V and W will be suspended for three hours from 12am to 3am, four hours from 8am to 12pm and six hours from 4pm to 10pm while areas M, N, O, X, Y and Z will experience power cuts lasting three hours and thirty minutes from 5.30am to 9am and two hours from 4pm to 6pm.