Colombo (LNW): The Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka (JSASL) raised strong concerns over the proposed appointment of Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Tikiri Jayathilaka and another official at the Attorney General’s Department to the High Court, in a letter addressed to the President dated May 26, 2023.
The Union reminded that Jayathilaka previously served as a Magistrate since 2006 until he resigned to take over his appointment as an Assistant Secretary to the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and that his request to assign him to the parliamentary staff as a secondment was refused by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for apparent reasons.
“As such, his exposure to non-legal institution was deemed to be disqualification to reassume duties as a member of the judiciary at any future stage. Consequently, his candidacy to re-enter the judiciary is quite contrary to the prior JSC decision that has already been taken concerning Mr. Jayathilaka’s reoccupation in the judiciary,” the JSASL said.
The Union warned that the President’s decision on the matter was detrimental to the independence of the Judiciary, especially the independence of the judges of the trial courts.
It added that it believes that the President may pay immediate and close attention to this issue concerning the functioning of the judiciary without interference.
Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places over the island during the evening or night, and showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts in the morning too, announced the Department of Meteorology in its daily weather forecast today (29).
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain: Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds: Winds will be south-westerly over sea area around the island and speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed may increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areasoff the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
State of Sea: The sea areasoff the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Kalutara to Pottuvil via Galle and Hambantota will be fairly rough at times. The other sea area around the island will be slight to moderate.
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Colombo (LNW): Ven. Rajangane Saddhatissa Thero who came to spotlight via social media has been arrested by the Police, over the allegation of making derogatory comments against religious harmony.
The Thera was arrested based on a complaint lodged by Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero.
The Thera is to be produced before the Fort Magistrate Court today (29).
Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Magistrate Court has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to obtain DNA samples of the mother of businessman Dinesh Schaffter who died in mysterious circumstances last year, in order to confirm the samples obtained from the deceased during the second post-mortem examination.
The late businessman’s remains were exhumed on May 25, based on a request made to the Court by the Committee of Medical Experts appointed investigate his death. Subsequent to the exhuming of Schaffter’s remains, Police security had been provided around his grave at the Borella Public Cemetery.
On December 15, 2022, Schaffter was found with his hand tied and strangled inside his own car near the Borella Public Cemetery and was pronounced dead after being hospitalised.
His death was speculated to be murder, but the claim still remains inconclusive.
The Homicide and Organised Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is conducting investigations into the death of Schaffter.
Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya ordered the CID to obtain DNA samples of the late businessman’s mother in order to confirm the samples obtained from him during the second post-mortem.
Colombo (LNW): Stand-up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya, who was arrested yesterday (28) over allegedly making a ‘disrespectful remarks’ involving Buddhist philosophy and culture, was remanded till June 07 as ordered by the Fort Magistrate.
Edirisooriya was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) earlier yesterday at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) based on multiple complaints lodged by several concerned individuals.
The stand-up comedian was dragged into hot water after making controversial remarks about Buddhist philosophy and culture at a stand-up comedy show known as ‘Fool’s Pride.’
Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management Chairman Shirantha Peiris says all Sri Lankan hotels are operating with less than 50% of the required staff: explains that during the pandemic, some employees found other means of employment while others went overseas creating a huge vacuum.
National Institute of Education Director General Sunil Nawarathna says the Education Ministry plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence to the school curriculum in 2024 with an emphasis on robotics, machine learning, data mining, computer vision and related technologies.
JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence says the Apparel industry has been experiencing a reduction of around 20% in orders due to a global slowdown for the past 7 months: also says the slowdown may continue for another 5-6 months: notes some retailers are not placing new orders as they already have excessive inventories accumulated during the pandemic period.
Self-styled Prophet Pastor Jerome Fernando issues another apology for his recent remarks about Lord Buddha and other religious figures which stirred controversy in the country: on May 15, President Ranil Wickremesinghe ordered the CID to launch an immediate investigation into the matter.
Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera says the weekly fuel quotas will be increased from midnight on Tuesday (30), as follows: registered taxi 3-wheelers increased to 22L: other 3-wheelers & motor-cycles to 14L: cars and vans to 40L: buses and lorries to 125L.
Fort Magistrate remands stand-up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya, who was arrested over her allegedly disrespectful remarks on Buddhist philosophy and culture, until June 7.
Commissioner General of Examinations says Ordinary Level Exam (2022) will commence today at 3,568 centres islandwide, with 472,553 candidates sitting the exam.
Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya orders CID to obtain DNA samples of the mother of the businessman Dinesh Schaffter who died in mysterious circumstances in order to confirm the samples obtained from the deceased during the 2nd post-mortem examination.
Cricket selectors pick Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne to return for white-ball cricket for the upcoming 3 match ODI series against Afghanistan: Karunaratne also expected to retain his place for the World Cup qualifiers later next month in Zimbabwe.
Top SL sprinter Yupun Abeykoon’s participation at this week’s Wanda Diamond League 2023 in doubt after an injury to his hamstring during the International Meeting Citta’ Di Savona earlier this week: Abeykoon to decide his participation in the June 2 race after a second MRI scan on Monday.
Quite apart from the challenge of guiding Sri Lanka through tempestuous economic and political waters, the government has the additional and unenviable task of combatting a three-headed monster: Dengue, Drugs and Sexual Crimes.
The Government is clearly concerned. The relevant warnings have been issued. Committees have been appointed. The problem seems to be in execution. This has long been one of the biggest issues to plague Sri Lanka. There have been leaders. There have been decision-makers. However, when it comes to putting plans into action things seem to fall apart.
The right people are not in the right places. There is expertise but it is not being mobilised. Incompetent or slothful individuals are given the task of executing. There’s a woeful lack of empathy for the suffering of the masses.
While officials twiddle their thumbs seemingly oblivious to what’s happening and utterly unconcerned by the tragedy that’s unfolding around them, the people continue to be tormented by these three threats. The rising incidence of Dengue is nearing pandemic proportions, drugs and drug-related crime and violence are rampant, and every single day there are reports of sexual violence especially crimes perpetrated against children. The last, let’s not forget, falls under the category of the least reported of crimes. The true story would be of tragic proportions. Unfortunately, it seems to be felt only by the victims and their loved ones and not those who are mandated to prevent it from happening in the first place.
One must ask ‘where is law enforcement?’ ‘Where is the justice system?’ Just the other day, a lawmaker, no less was nabbed trying to smuggle in millions worth of gold bars and electronic devices. A lawmaker, let me repeat!
The overall outcome of this sloth or incompetence or both is a society where the most vulnerable segments are further exposed to wanton violence. Small wonder, then, that professionals want to leave the country. Why should anyone who has half a chance of migrating remain in a country where they and their loved ones are at risk? It’s not the economic issues alone that’s driving this new emigration wave.
Not everyone can leave. Parents are understandably anxious. There are in fact at their wit’s end. What’s the plan, they want to know. Where’s the execution, they want to know.
The laws are in place. The plans are in place. Things are not getting done. And yet, things are not totally hopeless. There’s nothing to stop the President from empathising with those who are suffering and those whose anxieties have reached a critical point. Words will not do it. What’s needed are sound plans executed by professionals. If this is not done right away, the three key monsters at the gate, namely drugs, dengue and sexual abuse, will wreck havoc on one and all. Obviously this will have serious repercussions on the government and the political leadership.
Let me repeat: dengue, drugs and sexual abuse. Three key factors that have a corrosive impact on Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans. The danger is clear. What’s done or not done will determine what Sri Lanka’s future will look like. Right now it doesn’t look at all rosy.
Harsha de Silva, MP, delivered a poignant speech in Parliament three days ago (25) building on the speech by President Ranil Wickeremasinghe at the Nikkei Asia Forum in Tokyo earlier in the day. He called for a change of mindset in the legislature and argued for greater trade integration for debt sustainability.
He started by acknowledging Japan’s significant contributions during the crisis and highlighted several key areas of support. Among them, he mentioned that Japan supplied $46 million worth of diesel to hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services. Additionally, Japan provided $6.5 million of food aid, supplementing the previous $30 million already given. MP Harsha commended Japan’s efforts in assisting women and other micro-entrepreneurs who faced hardships by extending $1.5 million in aid, as well as providing $4.5 million of free fertilizer to aid 250,000 farmers. Furthermore, he acknowledged Japan’s provision of $4 million through the UNDP for agriculture.
Building on the President’s comments at the Nikkei Conference in Tokyo, Japan, regarding trade integration and debt sustainability, MP Harsha emphasized the need for Parliament to move beyond petty politics and gazettes. He called for all Parliament members to unite in determining the future of the country, raising three key points. Firstly, he asserted that trade integration and debt sustainability are strongly correlated, highlighting the importance of greater trade integration for stronger debt sustainability. Secondly, MP Harsha dispelled the myth that severe import restrictions and export encouragement are the solutions, stating that Sri Lanka is currently one of the most closed countries in the region. He stressed the failure that would result from closing borders and implementing high tariffs and duties. Finally, MP Harsha emphasized the significance of trade integration in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), advocating for Sri Lanka to become a partner in producer-driven global production networks by vertically integrating into complex production with investments from established brands. He expressed deep concern over Sri Lanka’s lack of progress in comparison to its neighboring countries, which successfully transitioned from the apparel industry to electronics and biotech sectors. MP Harsha attributed this stagnation to the detrimental consequences of past consumption-driven loans and ill-conceived projects, which ultimately burdened the nation with significant foreign debt.
MP Harsha also highlighted Japan’s critical role as an investment partner in Sri Lanka’s fledgling electronics and electrical components sector. Citing Professor Premachandra Athukorale, he noted that it is Japanese investments that are driving the fledgling mid-sized electrical and electronics component industry, adding that export volumes had reached $500 million according government statistics but could be closer to $1 billion if categorized more appropriately.
Shifting focus to the strained relations between Sri Lanka and Japan, MP Harsha pointed out specific instances that have contributed to this situation. He criticized the government for unilaterally canceling agreements without consulting the Japanese, particularly the $2.2 billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. The government at the time justified its decision by deeming the project costly and unsuitable for metro Colombo. However, he questioned the government’s sudden change in stance, highlighting that the minister responsible for urban development now acknowledges the LRT as the best transport solution for Colombo. This contradiction raises concerns about whether political support or personal interests influenced the government’s decisions.
MP Harsha further expressed disappointment regarding the Eastern Container Terminal, which was intended to be a tripartite agreement between India, Japan, and Sri Lanka. However, the government unilaterally canceled this agreement as well, mirroring the pattern seen with the LRT project. He noted that the President’s current meetings with former and current Prime Ministers of Japan as well as the Nikkei forum to seek investments are undermined by the government’s previous actions, which have strained relations with Japan.
Citing a recent media response by the Japanese Ambassador, MP Harsha highlighted the issue of governance and transparency in economic policies. The Ambassador had expressed concerns about frequent changes in policies that have caused a loss of trust among Japanese businesses. He specifically mentioned the incident involving the Minister of Aviation, who was initially sacked due to corruption allegations but later reinstated to the same position. Such incidents undermine trust and confidence, both among the Japanese business community and on an international scale.
In conclusion, Dr Harsha de Silva expressed his gratitude to the Japanese people for their assistance during the crisis. However, he emphasized that for long-term debt sustainability and economic growth, Sri Lanka needs to prioritize trade integration, break down protectionist barriers, and build trade and investment bridges not only with Japan but also with countries like China, India, the EU, and the US. He emphasized the necessity of a change in mindset and ideology, urging politicians to think beyond marginal changes and embrace a broader perspective for the betterment of Sri Lanka’s future.
Colombo (LNW): The National Fuel Pass QR System allocated fuel quotas will be increased from midnight next Tuesday (30), revealed Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara.
Accordingly, registered taxi three wheelers will receive 22 litres per week, and other three wheelers will receive 14 litres per week.
Adding, motor bikes will receive 14 litres per week, and cars will receive a quota of 40 litres per week.
Increased new fuel quotas will be made available from midnight Tuesday, the Minister added.
Meanwhile, the fuel quota for lorries which had been 75 litres per week has been increased up to 125 litres per week.
The National Fuel Pass QR System allocated fuel quotas will be increased.
Registered Taxi 3 wheelers will receive 22 liters per week, other 3 wheelers 14 liters per week & Motor Bikes 14 liters per week. Cars will receive a quota of 40 liters per week.
