By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): The adoption of the Anti-Corruption Bill (ACB) in Parliament is significantly important and decisive in the occurrence of corruption which affects the country’s economic bankruptcy, and causes various forms of social injustice, said Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ), former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya in a statement.

The new ACB, therefore, is essential to eliminate corruption, and it is the responsibility of every citizen who seeks a fair society to pay continuous attention to this matter, the former Speaker emphasised.

Full Statement:

It is well known that acts of corruption affect the country’s economic bankruptcy, and they also cause various forms of social injustice. While powerful politicians and officials have been accused of corruption, several parties have been demanding the introduction of laws and regulations to eliminate all forms of corruption.

That is why the adoption of the ACB in the Parliament is significantly important and decisive. It is our strong belief that the ACB should be passed at this point, until the deficiencies in it are addressed in the future.

In order for a fair society, a democratic pattern of politics and a progressive country to be established, all forms of corruption from the top to the bottom must be eliminated, and for that, it is important that the necessary legal provisions are introduced in a timely manner.

At this crucial point, taking steps to pass the ACB is a responsibility that cannot be avoided by any Parliamentary group. We, as the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ), request everyone to fulfill that responsibility without a second thought. We would also like to note that it is the responsibility of every citizen who seeks a fair society to pay continuous attention to this matter.

Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has granted its approval to the proposal on revising water and sewerage charges, in the backdrop where the financial viability and sustainability of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) are at a crisis.

Taking into account the proposal put forward by the Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, the Cabinet has approved the revision of charges that will be minimising the impact of low-income groups and the social security base provided in connection with educational, religious and public water supplies.

By: Isuru Parakrama

Colombo (LNW): Government employees of the Eastern Province have taken a stand against Minister of Environment Naseer Ahamed who was accused of publicly threatening several government officials, including the Education Secretary of the Province.

Ahamed was seen threatening the said officials by babbling that “he can sack anyone as he pleases overnight,” in what public servants described as a direct blow in the head against the honour of the public service.

The Minister’s comments will only provoke anger among all public servants in the country, and one of such authority cannot act as if Sri Lanka’s public service is his personal property, one official on the condition of anonymity told LNW.

Ahamed who was elected to Parliament as a member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) the main Opposition being submissive to his craving for a ministerial post in the government simply betrayed the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and its allied parties, he reminded, stressing that government employees are not ready to serve in such double standards.

The Environment Minister is at the centre of criticism from government officials to even MPs over his threatening comments in Kattankudy. Ahamed was seen threatening the officials by babbling, “I can sack anyone as I please overnight because this is my area, I will not let anyone walk freely on the road.“

Ahamed’s comments appear in a provocative manner instigating racial disharmony between Sinhala and Muslim people, and the petty political agenda the Minister has resorted to has already met with severe condemnation by the public servants and MPs alike.

A renowned trade union told LNW that they are appealing to President Wickremesinghe over Ahamed’s conduct, and a massive strike action will be launched with the support of public officials, should he fail to take an immediate action.

Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation has requested for permission from the Food Advisory Committee to release the egg stocks imported from India to the local market, Corporation Chief Asiri Valisundara said.

Following discussions with the Department of Animal Production and Health, eggs will be released to the supermarkets in Sri Lanka, he added.

However, the eggs imported from India are yet to be released to the market, Valisundara noted.