News

Sports Minister Harin Fernando says he has signed a Gazette notification revoking the earlier decision to appoint an interim committee for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Taking to ‘X’, Minister Fernando said the Gazette was signed today with an aim to lift the ban imposed on Sri Lanka Cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The Sports Minister further revealed that he has also written to the ICC, seeking their observations on the Auditor General’s report on Sri Lanka Cricket.

Minister Fernando added that the advice of the Attorney General’s Department has also been sought for future actions.

An escalating spat between former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and the current SLC administration resulted in the ICC imposing a ban on Sri Lanka Cricket, citing political interference.

The former Sports Minister had appointed an interim committee headed by former cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga, claiming that the Auditor General’s report has confirmed financial malpractice related to the SLC.

Following the appointment of the interim committee, the SLC wrote to the ICC on the matter, while a Parliament vote was also held suspending the office bearers of the SLC.

Taking into consideration the developments, the ICC imposed a ban on Sri Lanka Cricket citing political interference.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also stepped in sacking Roshan Ranasinghe from all his ministerial portfolios, including Sports, to which he appointed Minister Harin Fernando.

The postal workers have decided to resort to a 48-hour token strike from 04.00 p.m. today (Dec. 10), the United Postal Trade Unions’ Front says.

The Co-convener of the association Chinthaka Bandara said that more than 27,000 postal workers will join the relevant strike.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has conveyed his sincere appreciation for the positive outcomes resulting from the productive discussions held with President Ranil Wickremesinghe in August.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the Singaporean Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation in a cordial letter addressed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

PM Lee Hsien Loong expressed his dedication to enhancing ties between Singapore and Sri Lanka across political, economic, and people-to-people dimensions.

The assurance of strengthened collaboration signifies a shared commitment to deepening the bilateral relationship for mutual benefit.

In extending his well wishes, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong conveyed hopes for President Wickremesinghe’s good health and continued success in steering the nation’s progress.

The Singaporean Prime Minister also expressed anticipation and eagerness towards visiting Sri Lanka in the near future, further solidifying the commitment to sustaining and advancing the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

A massive signboard collapsed on Bauddhaloka Mawatha near BMICH in Colombo today, causing traffic disruptions in both directions.

As a result, traffic congestion is reported in the area as the vehicular movement in both directions of Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07 is disrupted.

Parliamentarian Vadivel Suresh has been appointed as the Co-Chairman of the Divisional Coordination Committees in the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Passara and Lunugala in the Badulla District.

Accordingly, the MP has been tasked with monitoring all development activities implemented by the Government in Passara and Lunugala D/S divisions, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

The relevant appointment has been made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Earlier this month, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Badulla District MP was appointed as an Advisor to President Wickremesinghe on the full integration of up-country Tamils into Sri Lankan society.

That role will centre around overseeing the comprehensive integration of Hill Country Tamils, particularly focusing on the districts of Badulla, Nuwara Eliya and Rathnapura.

In a significant diplomatic encounter, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions with a diverse delegation representing the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) and esteemed Buddhist monks.

The meeting took place at a pivotal juncture, where the Joint Himalayan Declaration was formally presented to the President.

The Joint Himalayan Declaration, a collaborative effort between the Global Tamil Forum and the Buddhist delegation, advocates for a pluralistic Sri Lanka that actively promotes the well-being of all its communities. Emphasizing the importance of learning from the nation’s historical missteps, the declaration underscores the necessity for implementing measures that ensure accountability.

The joint delegation comprised esteemed Buddhist monks, including Ven. Dr. Madampagama Assaji Tissa Thero, Anu Nayaka of Ambagahapitiya Chapter, Amarapura Nikya, Ven. Siyambalagaswewa Wimalasara Thero, Chief Sanganayaka of Northern & Eastern Provinces, Malwatta Chapter of Siam Nikaya, Ven. Kithalagama Hemasara Nayaka Thero, General Secretary, Siri Dharmarakshitha Chapter, and Chief Sanga Nayaka of Western Province, Ven. Prof. Pallekande Rathnasara Thero, Acting Mahanayaka of Vajirawansa Chapter of Amarapura Nikaya, Ven. Kalupahana Piyaratana Thero, Former Member of SL Human Rights Council 2023, Chairperson of Human Development Edification Centre, Ven. Narampanawe Dhammaloka Thero, Chief Sanganayaka of Pathathumbara of Central Province, Asgiriya Chapter of Siam Nikaya and Ven. Wadduwe Dhammawansa Thero, Deputy General Secretary, Ramagngna Nikaya.

Additionally, the delegation included international representatives Suren Surendiran – (UK), Dr. Kannappar Mukunthan (Australia), Bhavan Bhavaguhan (UK), Prakash Rajasundram (Australia), Velupillai Kuhanendran (UK), Raj Thavaratnasingham (Canada) and Dr. Elias Joseph Jeyarajah (USA).

The handover of the Joint Himalayan Declaration marks a significant step towards fostering dialogue and collaboration for a harmonious and inclusive Sri Lanka.

The President expressed his appreciation for the initiative and committed to considering the recommendations outlined in the declaration. The diplomatic discourse sets the stage for continued efforts towards national reconciliation and progress.

Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali, who is accused of large-scale financial fraud, has been acquitted and released from the case in which she was accused of allegedly issuing a cheque from a bank account with insufficient funds to purchase a vehicle worth Rs. 8 million.

Accordingly, Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige issued the relevant order when the case was taken up today (11 Dec.).

The relevant case was filed by the Attorney General, accusing Priyamali of committing criminal breach of trust by allegedly issuing a cheque from a bank account with no funds to purchase a vehicle worth Rs. 8 million from an individual.

The main bus stands in Colombo Pettah are to be shifted to a single location near the Fort railway station.

Transport ministry secretary M.M.P.K. Mayadunne said talks are underway with the Urban Development Authority to develop the proposed facility as a multi-purpose transport hub, similar to the one already in operation at Makumbura.

At present, SLTB buses are parked at three different locations at Pettah and the private buses at Bastian Mawatha and Gunasinghepura.

The land thus vacated will be utilized for commercial purposes under the plan to beautify Colombo city.

This plan and the Beira Lake development were elaborated on at a meeting chaired by president's chief of staff Sagala Ratnayaka at the Presidential Secretarait on 04 December.

The meeting focused on various aspects, including the development of identified land around Beira Lake for public activities in collaboration with the private sector.

The discussion also addressed on-going efforts to prevent sewage pipes from being diverted into the Beira Lake, aiming to reduce the percentage of bacteria and algae in the lake.

The third reading of the Value-Added Tax (Amendment) Bill was passed with amendments in Parliament today.

Accordingly, 100 Parliamentarians voted in favour of the bill, while 55 MPs voted against it.

Earlier this evening, the second reading of the Value-Added Tax (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament with a majority of 57 votes.

During the vote, 98 Parliamentarians had voted in favour of the Bill, while 41 MPs had voted against it.

MP Roshan Ranasinghe who was recently sacked from his ministerial portfolio voted against the Value-Added Tax (Amendment) Bill.

The debate on the Value-Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, which was adjourned yesterday due to a lack of quorum, was held this evening.

The government in its Budget for the fiscal year 2024 has proposed to increase VAT to 18% effective from January.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that government-owned land would be allocated for enhancing facilities of Sri Lanka Law College. He made the announcement during a deliberation held at the parliamentary complex yesterday (06).

Sri Lanka Law College celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024.

Highlighting the historical significance of Sri Lanka Law College, president Wickremesinghe emphasized its noteworthy contribution, having produced three presidents.

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said a plot of land owned by the Urban Development Authority will be provided to Sri Lanka Law College in accordance with the presidential directive.

President Wickremesinghe directed the relevant authorities to promptly formulate plans for the immediate enhancement of the Law College’s facilities.

In the initial phase, a 40-perch plot will be allocated, with the remainder to be provided as per the requirements outlined in the comprehensive plan, following consultations with the Ministry of Justice.

Dr. Atula Pathinayake, the Principal of the Law College, expressed gratitude during the event.

He noted that in the school’s 150-year history, no land had been allocated to improve student facilities.

He thanked president Wickremesinghe for the special attention given to this matter.

The IGP is to be handed over investigations into the alleged sexual harassment of female parliamentary housekeeping staffers by their superiors.

After inspecting the relevant files, the attorney general had advised that there was adequate evidence that permitted a probe.

A spokesman for parliament said all those files would be handed over to the police chief in a matter of days.

Complaints by more than 20 staffers

The assistant housekeeper and another officer have been suspended following complaints by more than 20 female staffers that they were sexually harassed.

An internal inquiry took place first and several other officers have been mentioned as suspects.

SJB MP Vadivel Suresh has been appointed as an advisor to president Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The Badulla district MP will advise the president on the full integration of up-country Tamils into society.

Suresh was removed from his position as the SJB’s Passara organiser after he voted in favour of 2024 budget.