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Minister Gammnapila made these remarks in response to the statement by the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Sagara Kariyawasam who demanded the resignation of the Energy Minister over the increase in fuel prices.

Noting that he wasn't insane to make such a decision, Minister Gammanpila pointed out that the decision to increase fuel prices was approved by the Treasury and that the decision to increase fuel prices as well as the date of implementation was given to him by the Ministry of Finance.

Gammanpila is scheduled to hold a press conference today (13) to reveal the details behind the fuel price increase.

The organisation in a press release today (09) said that Germany has released 30 million vaccines to be used by eligible countries, including Sri Lanka, two days after their request to secure much needed vaccines to the country, adding that they have been informed by the German Chancellor regarding their decision to release the vaccines.

The NMSJ thanked the Governments of Switzerland, France and Japan who have looked into the possibility of providing 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines and the respective resident Ambassadors and High Commissioners of those countries for supporting Sri Lanka at this difficult time.

The organisionation also stressed on the need to formulate and execute an efficient inoculation drive after receiving these vaccines

Sri Lanka should use modern fertiliser technology, manage risks and overcome challenges of using organic manure in a well thought out process instead of banning chemical fertiliser outright, agro technology researchers, practitioners and civil society activists said.

Widespread flooding in the south and east of Sri Lanka has forced thousands to leave their homes and killed at least 17 people, officials said on Monday.

Rivers in the southern and western provinces overflowed in the weekend and started flooding the low areas and thrust thousands of people into relief centers. Though water level is receding, the landslide warning issued for 10 districts is still in effect.

While nearly 100,000 buildings have lost electricity, according to a close observation done recently, nearly 12,177 families have been affected by this calamity.

The flooding disaster comes as the country is struggling to cope with a potential environmental disaster after a ship carrying 25 tons of nitric acid and raw materials for plastic caught fire and began to sink off its coast.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has expressed deep concern regarding the government's decision to regulate fake news on social media.

Issuing a statement on Friday (11) in response to the media release issued by the Sri Lanka Police titled “circulation of fake news, photographs, videos causing disunity, hate and obstructing the Covid-19 programme,” the BASL said that the provisions of the laws mentioned in the circular could be misused by police officers in order to stifle the freedom of speech and expression.

"Whilst the BASL has no objection to enforcing laws relating to hate speech and incitement to violence, it is important to ensure that authorities do not use such laws to stifle genuine expressions of dissent and criticism," it said.

Furthermore, the BASL is apprehensive of members of the executive including the police being allowed to decide on what is or is not fake news and on the basis of their subjective decisions to cause arrests and detention of persons.

"The BASL is deeply concerned that the provisions of the laws mentioned in the circular, could be misused by police officers in order to stifle the freedom of speech and expression which is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution. At the time where the country remains under travel restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic it is essential that the freedom of speech and expression of the people and their right to dissent and disagree are protected,"  it said.

The BASL cited judgements of cases before the Supreme Court in this regard where Justice Aluwihare with two other judges of the Supreme Court held that: “The judgements of the Supreme Court constitute a body of jurisprudence that has evolved cover the years, and the Supreme Court has recognized that the right to comment on public issues and criticize public officials and public institutions is essential for the exercise of civil and political freedoms so valued by democratic society.”

The 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).”

Given that the very prospect of being arrested for expressing harsh criticism or dissent can itself have a chilling effect that would erode the citizens’ freedom to openly share critical views or freely comment on important matters as members/stakeholders of society, utmost care and restraint should be exercised in causing the arrest of any person for an offence pertaining to alleged ‘fake news' prior to a full investigation of any complaint.

Furthermore, the BASL noted that it would be consistent with due respect for democratic values and freedoms, for any decision to arrest without warrant to be resorted to keeping in mind the spirit of preserving fundamental freedoms and the need to avoid suppressing or oppressing the right to free expression of views.

"In our view this would be better achieved, if any decision to arrest or charge any person is taken only after careful due consideration and professional assessment that there is a real and reasonable prospect of an alleged offence in law being committed, with advice from the Attorney General as may be warranted in the relevant context.," it said.

"Needless to say, enforcement of the law must be fair, even-handed and non-selective in its application, the importance of which we urge you to consistently uphold," it said, adding that they will continue to monitor any violations of the 'Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law' in respect thereof and will make further legal interventions where necessary.

U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Martin Kelly and Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. S.H. Munasinghe commemorated the donation of critically needed emergency supplies, including pulse oximeters, protective goggles, examination gloves, and KN95 masks.

The donation arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport on Saturday.

As the United States continues to stand with the people of Sri Lanka in the battle against the COVID-19 surge, the airlifted supplies were donated by the American people at the request of the Sri Lankan Government, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo said today (08).

“The United States and Sri Lanka have worked closely together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic since its outset,” said U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Martin Kelly.

“We recognize the serious personal toll of the pandemic.  At the Government’s request, we’re providing these urgently needed supplies to the Ministry of Health to ensure they reach those in need as fast as possible,”  he added.

The shipment of these emergency relief supplies follows the White House announcement last Thursday that the United States will make available nearly 7 million vaccine doses for countries in South and Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka.  

Since March 2020, the United States has provided USD 6 million, plus an in-kind donation of 200 ventilators, to control the spread of COVID-19, address the urgent health needs of the Sri Lankan people, and ultimately save lives.  

The Embassy said that this assistance has reached millions of people in all 25 districts and nine provinces of Sri Lanka to mobilize critical supplies and expertise to support the Sri Lankan Government’s response to the pandemic, adding that this funding will also help to mitigate the pandemic’s negative economic impacts and help the country recover.

"This Government's refusal to continue the positive measures introduced by the UNP Government has resulted in a growing financial burden being endured by the public," the UNP's Central Medias Unit said in a statement on Friday (11).

The Government yesterday increased fuel prices after 21 months that is bound to increase the cost of living amidst the worsening COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the price of 92 octane petrol has been increased by Rs. 20 per liter and 95 octane petrol by Rs. 23 per liter.

The price of a liter of auto diesel has been increased by Rs. 07 and the price of a liter of super diesel by Rs. 12.

The price of kerosene liter has been increased by 07 rupees.

Although global oil prices fell as low as USD 30.38 a barrel in May 2020, the SLPP Government had rejected the fuel price formula introduced by the UNP in 2018.

"This meant that the local fuel prices did not reduce to reflect the global prices. Savings which could have been incurred by the drop in global prices were not passed onto the consumers," the Party noted.

As the economy continues to stagnate in Sri Lanka while citizens' earnings reduce drastically due to the prolonged lockdown, the UNP said that this latest fuel hike will only increase the financial burden on the public, adding that "this is a key indicator of this Government's financial mismanagement."

At a time where the genuine vehicle importers, franchise holders and motor traders are on the verge of collapse due to import restrictions, the government's decision to allow assembly of cars using used imported spare parts and knocked down parts will push the country into further difficulties, Industry stakeholders said.

This will open flood gates for unscrupulous, dubious and fraudulent businessmen in the vehicle trade to continue their past practices unabated by cheating Sri Lanka Customs and the Department of Motor Traffic, they complained.

Issuing a special statement, the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) noted that it has been understanding of the Government’s decision to restrict vehicle imports in order to safeguard foreign exchange reserves and keep the currency stable in the wake of COVID-19 from early 2020.

However, the CMTA was disappointed to learn that a Cabinet proposal to allow assembly of vehicles with used parts was being considered and if passed would be violating many laws and regulations for vehicle assembly.

The CMTA has vehemently opposed this proposal, which raises many concerns over the safety standards, durability and reliability of vehicles assembled from used parts of questionable quality.

CMTA Chairman, Yasendra Amerasinghe said, “This proposal puts the potential owners of these vehicles, as well as the general public at grave risk. There are no practical means to ensure that the parts being used are without defects that could lead to road accidents, or even vehicles catching fire.

It also means that the Government will be defrauded of billions of tax revenue as this proposal will enable the assembler to pay only spare parts duty on the depreciated value of the used parts, which is only a small fraction of that of an imported car.”

Furthermore, the CMTA argues that it is extremely unfair to the motor industry to consider such a proposal while many LCs' that had been opened before the import restrictions are still on hold by the Government.

Moreover, in March 2021, the CMTA, at the request of President's Secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, had submitted a proposal on a quota system for a minimum level of vehicle imports that would allow the industry to survive without needing to resort to further job cuts.

The CMTA urges the government to prioritise and take necessary action regarding this critical issue faced by the entire motor industry, which is also affecting the general public who have been subjected to soaring vehicle prices due to the lack of supply of vehicles to the market.

Founded in 1920, the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) is the only Ceylon Chamber of Commerce affiliated trade body that represents vehicle manufacturers through their locally appointed franchise holders (commonly called ‘agents’).

Such vehicles are always provided with a full manufacturer’s warranty against manufacturing defects, for the complete peace of mind of vehicle owners.'

Travel restrictions been extended to 04 AM on 21st of June, said Sri Lanka’s Army Commander.

The Army Commander noted that even though the travel restrictions are extended apparel factories, construction services, essential services can operate.

In addition, economic centers in the country can only open on designated dates.

In a communication addressed to FAC Chair Representative Gregory Meeks (Democrat/New York) and Ranking Member Representative Michael McCaul (Republican/Texas), the Sri Lanka Government expressed itsconcern regarding the Resolution.

The Government vehemently opposes the contents of the resolution which contains allegations relating to Sri Lanka that are inaccurate, biased and unsubstantiated, raising grave suspicion regarding the intention of the resolution.

The communication was accompanied by a detailed analysis of the resolution, which laid out paragraph by paragraph, its prejudicial nature.It was observed that the proposed resolution which equates the LTTE – proscribed by the US since 1997 and named by the FBI in 2008 as “among the most dangerous and deadly extremists in the world.”

The branding of LTTE as an ‘armed independence organisation’, exposes the resolution’s origins and purpose, it said, adding that the Resolution encourages separatism and questions even the nature of the Sri Lanka State, by references to ‘Traditional Tamil Homelands’.

This not only misrepresents established historical facts, and present-day realities, but also contributes to supporting the dismemberment of Sri Lanka, which is the ultimate goal of the LTTE and its supporters.

Sri Lankan authorities were helplessly watching as an audience for two weeks until the Singapore-registered X-press ship had been on fire until its oil spill into the deep waters of the sea.