News

The vote on the no-confidence motion against Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, was defeated in the Parliament today (21), following a three-day debate.

The Speaker survived the no-confidence motion, moved by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), by a majority of 42 votes.

A total of 117 lawmakers had voted against the motion while 75 voted in favour.

Accordingly, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena will continue to function as the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The third day of the parliamentary debate on the no-confidence motion against the Speaker commenced at 09.30 a.m. this morning.

The parliamentary debate on the no-confidence motion tabled by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) was initially slated to be held for two days, however the Committee on Parliamentary Business later decided for it to be debated for three consecutive days.

The debate commenced in the Parliament on Tuesday (March 19).

The motion brought forth by the opposition against the Speaker was officially handed over to the Deputy General Secretary of Parliament on March 05.

It had been signed by 44 parliamentarians including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella and MPs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Rohini Kumari Wijeratne, Hesha Vithanage, Mano Ganesan, Rishad Bathiudeen, M.A. Sumanthiran, S.M. Marikkar, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Thalatha Atukorale, Vijitha Herath and Chandima Weerakkody.

The no-confidence motion alleges that the Speaker had ignored the Supreme Court’s recommendations pertaining to Sections 13, 17, 20, 33 (6), 34 (1), 35 (1), 21, 22 and 33 of the Online Safety Bill.

The Speaker is also accused of allowing the third Reading of the Online Safety Bill to be passed without a vote and disregarding the Chief Opposition Whip’s call for a division at the Committee Stage.

Further, the opposition MPs claim that the Speaker had ‘unconstitutionally and unlawfully’ used his decisive vote to affirm the appointment of IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon when the other members of the Constitutional Council were divided on a tie on the matter. It was reported that four members had voted in favour of the appointment while 2 voted against and 2 others abstained. However, considering the 2 abstentions as votes cast against, the Speaker had used his vote as the deciding vote to go ahead with the appointment, they allege.

(adaderana.lk)

Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha says that school principals will be informed through a circular to organise the inter-house sports meets and sports events of their respective schools after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays.

The minister pointed out that it has been observed that many schools have organised inter-house sports meets regardless of the prevailing hot weather conditions across the island.

Minister Susil Premajayantha said that since the first school term will continue even after the New Year holidays, it is possible to hold sports meets and other outdoor sporting events during that period.

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology says the heat index, the temperature felt on the human body, is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in North-western, North-central, Eastern, Western provinces and Monaragala, Mannar, Rathnapura and Vavuniya districts tomorrow (18).

MP Dilan Perera has also decided to resign from the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), becoming the 11th member to do so.

Earlier, Eran Wickramaratne, Gamini Waleboda, Prof. Charitha Herath, Dayasiri Jayasekara, S. M. Marikkar, Hesha Withanage, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Wasantha Yapa Bandara, Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Duminda Dissanayake had quit the committee membership, to remonstrate the appointment of new COPE chairman.

At the first COPE meeting of the Fifth Session of the Ninth Parliament convened on March 07, Rohitha Abeygunawardena was elected by majority votes to serve as the new chairman. His name had been nominated by MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage and seconded by MP Sanjeewa Edirimanna.

Meanwhile, the first COPE meeting under the chairmanship of Abeygunawardana was convened at the parliament complex on Tuesday (March 19) despite the string of member resignations.

(adaderana.lk)

A meeting was convened at the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday (15) chaired by Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, to discuss the launch of a new mobile application “Beach Clean-up Coordination APP” aimed at enhancing the cleanliness and waste management on beaches.

The introduction of this mobile application is facilitated through the intervention of the Coastal Conservation Protection Authority. It aims to formalize coordination among institutions and organizations engaged in the sustainable development of coastal and marine environments.

Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka emphasized the importance of commitment from all institutions responsible for ensuring the sustainability of ocean and coastal areas in maintaining cleanliness. He highlighted that the new mobile application will serve as a tool to facilitate these activities effectively.

Emphasized the necessity of expanding current education and awareness programs concerning coastal cleanliness and preservation Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka noted that such efforts would significantly contribute to the government’s initiative to promote tourism in coastal regions.

The Coastal Conservation and Protection Authority highlighted the severe pollution of coastal and marine resources caused by waste flowing from rivers and canals, sewage discharge, and waste dumped near fishing ports and other marine areas. They emphasized the importance of clean-up efforts involving public and private institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations. The introduction of the mobile application is expected to enhance the coordination of these activities for more effective waste management.

In attendance at the discussion were Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Prabhath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, W.S. Satyananda, along with other government officials, the Navy Commander, Inspector General of Police, Heads of Security Division and representatives of non-governmental organizations.

The leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) Anura Kumara Dissanayake left for Canada today (21) for a visit.

Dissanayake is scheduled to participate in two major rallies organized by the Canadian Committee of the NPP on March 23 in Toronto and on March 24 in Vancouver.

He will also participate in several friendly meetings with the Sri Lankan Tamil and Muslim communities in Canada.

An emergency hotline, ‘107’, dedicated primarily to the Tamil-speaking public in Vavuniya has been launched by Sri Lanka Police.

According to Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa the emergency hotline has been introduced under the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

He further said that the emergency hotline was declared open by Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon.

the Police Media Unit said the emergency hotline will be operated in all three common languages of Sinhala, Tamil and English, but is dedicated primarily to the Tamil-speaking people of the area.

The Media Unit further said that the public in Vavuniya has been encouraged to contact the new hotline in case of any form of emergency.

The World Bank has recognized Sri Lanka's 1990 Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service for strengthening Sri Lanka’s primary healthcare system and giving a second chance at life to the millions who are critically injured.

Martin Raiser, the Vice President for the South Asia Region of the World Bank Group recognizing the 1990 Suwa Seriya noted that the ambulance service has tapped into this potential by leading digital innovation in health and emergency services.

Its trademark speed and efficiency come from digital integration into its processes and operations—from using specific algorithms to identify the fastest ambulance that can be deployed to an emergency, to tracking callers’ locations through an app, to digitally tracking fuel levels in its vehicles.

The World Bank says Suwa Seriya’s success is an example of how technology can help revolutionize service delivery in developing countries.

Since its launch in 2016, 1.8 million Sri Lankan citizens in distress have dialed 1990 , and a Suwa Seriya ambulance has rushed them to the nearest hospital or primary care facility within 12 minutes of their call, one of the fastest response rates in the world for an ambulance service.

In these seven years, Suwa Seriya has saved countless lives—providing citizens the highest level of pre-hospital care, reducing complications caused by delayed care, and enabling them to get back into the workforce in record time—making a positive contribution to the country’s economy.

Initially funded by a grant from India, 1990 Suwa Seriya has since been supported by the Sri Lankan government.

However, it deliberately seeks private donors and sponsors to fund its digital innovations so as to not rely solely on public funding in a resource-constrained environment.

In its largest fundraiser yet, Suwa Seriya raised an impressive LKR 750 million in private funding via its “adopt an ambulance” campaign.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the critical importance of fortifying the extensive trade and economic ties between Sri Lanka and India promptly to ensure mutual advantages for both nations.

He expressed these views during his presence at a special commemoration ceremony organized by the Sri Lanka India Society in Colombo yesterday (14). This event was arranged to mark the 76th Independence Day of Sri Lanka and the 75th Republic Day of India, signifying the historical and diplomatic significance of the occasion.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe were the  chief guests at this event. Their attendance was complemented by the presence of Mr. Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, who graced the event as a special guest, underscoring the warm relations between the two neighbouring nations. This gathering of notable personalities served as a symbolic representation of the shared values and concerted endeavours dedicated to enhancing the bond between Sri Lanka and India, reflecting a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.

Addressing the gathering, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said;

“There is a profound religious and cultural bond between Sri Lanka and India, and we share a common heritage. One of the notable aspects of this year’s 75th anniversary is the “Joint Vision” statement that was signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and me.
Throughout our discussions, we have consistently focused on the cultural and religious ties between our two countries, as well as the fact that we are both democracies with a shared British legal system. However, we have unfortunately overlooked the trade and economic relationship between Sri Lanka and India.

It’s important to remember that our relationship extends beyond cultural connections. Historical evidence suggests that even during the time of the Mohenjodaro civilization, ships sailed from India to Sri Lanka. Particularly in South India and Sri Lanka, the four kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Thanjavur, Madurai, and Kanchipuram either formed alliances or were embroiled in conflicts based on their economic interests.

The Trincomalee harbour played a crucial role as a major harbour for three Indian kingdoms to access eastern countries around the world on numerous occasions. The discovery of a substantial number of coins in shrines like the Munneswaram temple, Ketheeswaram temple, Mantai, Naguleswaram temple (constructed for people from Jaffna, known as Dambakolapatuna), Koneswaram temple, and Trincomalee vividly illustrates the extensive trade relationship and activities between India and Sri Lanka.

Moreover, coins issued by South Indian trade organizations have been unearthed in certain areas during excavations of ancient villages in Anuradhapura. This archaeological evidence indicates that well before the agreement on the use of the Sri Lankan Rupee and the Indian Rupee was signed, people in the past utilized a common currency for conducting trade transactions.

Therefore, our immediate focus should be on enhancing these relations. We aim to foster comprehensive ties between our two nations, particularly in the realms of transportation and energy. Furthermore, we must strategically leverage Sri Lanka’s advantageous position to benefit South India. Our efforts are concentrated on revitalizing Trincomalee, especially as Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal regions experience growth. The increasing strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal area has led to improvements in the utilization of the Colombo Port. Our objective is to secure advantages for Sri Lanka and provide additional renewable energy resources for South India.

In terms of the tourism industry, it’s noteworthy that we see a significant influx of tourists from India visiting Sri Lanka, while many Sri Lankans frequently travel to India. Notably, a considerable number of Sri Lankan tourists visit destinations like Thirupathi, Ayodhya, and Guruvayur, mirroring the interest of Indian tourists who visit Sri Lanka.

If we collaborate effectively, our country will prosper alongside the development of the Indian Ocean. Our goal is to achieve economic integration, as there is no alternative path forward. We must learn from the mistakes made by Britain during its time in the European Union, which ultimately led to their decision to leave.

Despite this, Britain is currently seeking a free trade agreement with India, although the outcome remains uncertain. Nonetheless, we must recognize the opportunities before us and strategize on how to progress together with India. It is important to note that this process can be relatively straightforward.

For instance, a person from Bangalore can easily plan a vacation in Sri Lanka compared to traveling to Rajasthan. The proximity and accessibility are evident, with a one-hour flight to Sri Lanka compared to a two-hour flight to Rajasthan. Additionally, there are prospects for establishing supply chains across various sectors, including industrial activities, amidst the growing development of the Indian Ocean.

The Indian Ocean region is experiencing significant growth, with countries like India, Indonesia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia rapidly advancing in various aspects.

The Indian Ocean region is poised to become a significant economic hub in the next 50 to 60 years, especially as the African region undergoes development. It is imperative that we initiate this endeavour now. Given the existing political relations between our two countries and our proximity in various sectors, it is crucial that we collaborate and progress together. Such cooperation will yield benefits for both nations.

I extend my gratitude to the Sri Lanka-India Society for their efforts in strengthening the relations between our countries through last year’s program. I am optimistic that the “Joint Vision” statement we have unveiled will be effectively implemented moving forward.

Ministers Manusha Nanayakkara and Vidura Wickramanayake, along with State Ministers Aravind Kumar, Shehan Semasinghe, and Suren Raghavan, as well as Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and diplomatic officers were among the dignitaries present at this event. Additionally, the official board of the Sri Lanka India Club and its members, along with representatives from the business communities of both countries, were also in attendance on this occasion.

MPs Prof. Charitha Herath and S.M. Marikkar have also decided to resign from the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), bringing the total number of opposition members to quit the parliamentary committee thus far to four.

In a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), former COPE chairman Prof. Herath said he has officially communicated his decision to the Speaker of Parliament today (19).

SJB parliamentarian Marikkar also announced his decision to step down today.

Their resignation comes after SJB parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne and MP Dayasiri Jayasekara also decided to quit the committee.

Wickramaratne announced his decision to resign yesterday and in his letter of resignation explained that no credible action had been taken on those who were found to have been complicit in corrupt practices or mismanagement despite the COPE reports submitted to the parliament time and time again.

He also took issue with the appointment of Rohitha Abeygunawardena, a ruling party MP, as the COPE chairman despite the previous government adopting a practice of appointing an Opposition member to chair the committee to strengthen the principle that the legislature must be a check and balance on the executive arm of government.

In addition, Wickramaratne highlighted that it is dissatisfying that members who have been appointed to COPE have allegations against their personal conduct, particularly on financial transactions and that this also contributes to the citizen’s loss of confidence in Parliament.

(adaderana.lk)

The bail application filed by former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella has been fixed for Monday, March 18, 2024.

Former Minister Rambukwella submitted the bail application to the Colombo High Court today requesting an order to release him on bail.

The request comes after the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court yesterday refused bail for Rambukwella over the case regarding the importation of substandard Immunoglobulin vaccines during his tenure as the Health Minister.

The Court refused bail for Keheliya Rambukwella and five others until the conclusion of the case.

In his bail application to the Colombo High Court, Rambukwella states that the magistrate’s decision to reject the bail requests of those remanded under the Public Property Act is against the law.

He further requested the court to, therefore, issue an order to release him on bail on any condition.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne has resigned from the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) with effect from today (Mar 18).

The opposition MP has served on COPE in previous Parliaments and was reappointed a member of COPE after the recent prorogation of Parliament.

“COPE has been established to ensure the observance of financial discipline in Public Corporations and other semi-governmental bodies in which the Government has a financial stake. By appointing a ruling party member as its Chairman, the committee fails to meet its objectives of keeping a check on the executive arm of the government,” he said in a statement.

MP Wickramaratne pointed out that to this end, the 2015-2019 government followed a best practice of appointing the Chairmen for the two key Committees COPE and COPA from the opposition.

“The duty of the Committee is to report to Parliament on accounts examined, budgets and estimates, financial procedures, performance and management of Corporations and other Government Business Undertakings. 45 years since its establishment, COPE has come to be a redundant committee. Mismanagement and corruption have largely gone unchecked due to limitations in Standing Orders. Standing Order should be widened, where irregularities and fraud when in light, should reach the Attorney General directly and Bribery Commission proceeding to act. The government blocks the process by limiting Standing Orders, thereby the effectiveness of COPE is now in question,” he said.

Stating that appointees to COPE as part of its 31-member team or Chairperson, must not be associated with allegations and/or convictions, the SJB MP said a committee that has an overview of checks and balances must have clearly outlined qualifications and disqualifications for its members.

MP Eran Wickramaratne said he is of the view that it is high time to revisit the scope of COPE and expand Standing Orders enabling the committee to do impactful work and embrace good governance practices moving forward.

“It is evident that the present government that lacks legitimacy compounds the fact by appearing to cover up and defend mismanagement and corruption by the more recent appointments,” he added.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the need to expand the tourism industry beyond coastal areas to strengthen the country’s economy.

The President highlighted the significance of the South in driving tourism promotion within the country, particularly outlining plans to develop Galle into a major tourist city.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks while handing over “Serin River Park” the ecological park in Holuvagoda, Galle to the public this afternoon (13).

Construction on this park, which commenced in 2021, has transformed a 14-acre fallow field into a vibrant recreational space.

Initiated by Minister Ramesh Pathirana, the project plans were crafted by the Urban Development Authority, with construction executed by the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation Corporation.

The project, estimated at LKR 440 million, encompasses various features such as a lake, walking paths, iron bridges, children’s park, market stalls, and ecosystems, with electricity sourced from solar lighting.

Furthermore, a program aimed at marketing the agricultural crops and other products of the local community to visitors will also be launched as part of this initiative.

In the future, a boat service will be established from this park to Wakwella, Wataraka and Galle, with a primary focus on promoting tourism.

Additionally, this park will serve as a flood control measure to alleviate the long-standing flood issues faced by the residents of Holuwagoda and Opata areas over many decades.

The President also bestowed tokens of appreciation upon individuals who made notable contributions to the successful construction of this environmental park.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, also expressed:

“This project serves as a cornerstone for economic development. It’s imperative that we prioritize initiatives like this. Galle has emerged as a prominent tourist hotspot today, and we must further enhance its development. By doing so, the residents of these areas stand to gain substantial income opportunities.

As we advance in tourism development, it’s imperative to prioritize environmental preservation. In line with this, I suggest introducing a dedicated act to safeguard the environment within this region. Without a thriving natural environment, the appeal of these areas would diminish significantly.

Our focus must remain on tourism development, particularly in the Southern Province, which holds a special significance. We’re committed to relocating government offices from Galle Fort to facilitate tourism promotion. Additionally, we’re actively engaged in strategic city planning efforts to elevate Galle into a premier tourist destination. Through these endeavours, Galle is poised to emerge as the primary tourist hub of our nation.

Tourism stands out as a sector capable of swiftly generating income for our nation. It’s crucial that we strive to attract not only more tourists but also those who are inclined to spend more during their visit.

Just a couple of years ago, the notion of revitalizing our country’s collapsed economy seemed far-fetched. We faced shortages of fuel, fertilizer and medicine. However, today, we’ve overcome these challenges, witnessing resurgence in these essential supplies. As a result, our people are earning livelihoods once again.

It’s crucial to emphasize the cultivation of cinnamon. By cultivating tea in areas suitable for tea crops and cinnamon in other regions, we can secure substantial income.

Moreover, we have devised plans to establish technical education institutions in these areas. We firmly believe that these initiatives will spur significant development in Galle.

Minister of Health and Industry, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, highlighted:

“Previously, such therapeutic gardens were exclusively found in the capital. Today, the residents of Galle can relish the tranquillity of an ecological park. It’s evident that during past economic crises, development stagnated. However, thanks to the economic initiatives led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the nation’s economy is experiencing stabilization once again.

We’ve ensured the purification and daily release of 10,000 litres of water to meet the water consumption needs of the people of Galle. Additionally, efforts have been dedicated to reconstructing the city of Galle, which had remained untouched for 65 years. Notably, the construction of the region’s only co-health faculty is underway, alongside the completion of 80% of the court complex, slated to open next June.

The construction of the Helmut Kohl Memorial Maternity Hospital in Galle, initiated in 2012, has reached completion, with its grand opening scheduled for the 27th, under the patronage of the President. Additionally, a significant allocation of LKR 1000 million is earmarked for the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital to establish a new kidney unit. This year, an allocation of LKR 800 million has been dedicated to enhancing the heart unit and CT scan facilities.

Despite economic challenges, the public is reaping the rewards of development projects, thanks to the comprehensive program spearheaded by the President.

Minister of Plantation Industry and Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera,

Minister Richard Pathirana did a great service to Galle city as well as to education. Minister Ramesh Pathirana is working with great commitment to continue that endeavour.

In particular, President Ranil Wickremesinghe took over the country in the face of an economic crisis. At a time when people are dying in fuel queues, when farmers are protesting on the roads without fertilizer, he has taken the responsibility of building the country’s economy. Today he has given the required amount of fuel to the country, provided the required fertilizer to the farmers and sent the farmers back to the farmlands.

In 2022, Sri Lanka faced the necessity of rice imports. However, by 2023, we achieved self-sufficiency in rice production, enabling us to meet our domestic consumption needs.

In line with the commitment to bolster cinnamon cultivation in Sri Lanka, the President has issued directives to establish a dedicated department for this purpose. Currently, preparations are underway for the setup of this department.

We hold firm belief that the President will diligently address the economic crisis and foster a conducive environment for the well-being of the people.

Southern Province Governor Willie Gamage, along with Members of Parliament Wajira Abeywardena, Sampath Athukorala, and other political representatives from the province, graced the event with their presence.