February 24, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court has scheduled hearings for a series of Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions challenging the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The petitions, which raise concerns over the constitutional validity of Tennakoon’s appointment, were taken up by a five-judge bench today (24), with proceedings set to continue in May.

The petitions, filed by various parties, argue that the manner in which Tennakoon, who was previously the Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for the Western Province, was appointed to the post of IGP is unconstitutional.

The petitioners seek a court declaration stating that the decision to appoint Tennakoon is invalid.

Representing Tennakoon, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva presented evidence before the court, informing the bench that an interim injunction had been granted, barring his client from assuming the duties of IGP.

De Silva requested that the court expedite the hearing process, citing the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the appointment.

After reviewing the arguments and the circumstances surrounding the case, the five-judge bench, which includes Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Yasantha Kodagoda, A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Shiran Gunaratne, and Achala Vengappuli, decided to schedule the hearing of the petitions for May 06, 07, and 08.

The petitioners include a range of notable figures and organisations, including the Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, and the Young Journalists’ Association, alongside several other individuals.

They assert that the recommendations made by the Constitutional Council to appoint Tennakoon are unlawful, and therefore, the appointment itself is in breach of constitutional principles.

The petitions seek a ruling declaring that Tennakoon’s appointment, made on the basis of those recommendations, violates the law.

The case now moves into its next phase, with the Supreme Court set to examine the legality of the appointment, which has sparked significant public and legal debate.

February 24, Colombo (LNW): An immediate order has been issued for the arrest of all military personnel on awol before completing their required service.

The order has been issued by Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, asserting that all military deserters who have left their posts before completing their required service will be arrested.

This directive follows growing concerns over recent reports that some soldiers, particularly those with weapons training, have been involved in a rising number of criminal activities.

In a response to a journalist’s query regarding these troubling developments, the Defence Secretary acknowledged the Ministry’s alarm over the issue, stressing that military personnel who desert their duties are often more susceptible to involvement in criminal gangs.

He explained that investigations have shown a concerning trend, with many deserters, having received weapons training, becoming entangled with underworld elements.

“We have seen a significant number of arrests, and we are addressing the situation,” Thuyacontha stated. “This is not just an issue within the forces, but a wider social concern. Those who leave the military prematurely, often without completing their full term of service, have a higher propensity to get involved in illegal activities.”

The Defence Secretary further clarified that soldiers who undergo short-term weapons training are particularly at risk of engaging in criminal behaviour after their departure from the forces.

“These individuals are trained in the use of weapons for a period of one or two years, and when they leave, they are more inclined to turn to criminal activities,” he added.

To combat this, the Ministry has taken decisive action, instructing the military police to intensify efforts to apprehend military deserters.

The Defence Secretary confirmed that these individuals are being actively sought and that measures are in place to facilitate their capture.

The issue of military personnel abandoning their posts has grown into a significant social challenge, according to Thuyacontha.

In addition to addressing this matter, he stressed that the government would not tolerate any political protection for individuals involved in criminal enterprises. Legal actions are being swiftly pursued to tackle these activities head-on.

The Defence Secretary also revealed that an audit of firearms has been conducted, with a substantial number now under the Ministry’s control. This move aims to ensure that illegal weapons are accounted for and that they do not fall into the wrong hands.

During a special press conference on February 22, Thuyacontha further elaborated on the situation, acknowledging that there is a troubling trend of military personnel with weapons training deserting their posts and subsequently becoming involved in criminal gangs or underworld activities.

He assured the public that both the military and the police are fully equipped to track and apprehend these deserters swiftly.

When queried about the involvement of active-duty military personnel in criminal enterprises, Thuyacontha admitted that some soldiers had been found to have connections with criminal groups, often driven by economic hardship or addiction to illegal substances.

He pledged that efforts would be made to identify and arrest any such individuals in the future, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining discipline and integrity within the armed forces.

February 24, Colombo (LNW): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has recently destroyed nearly 6,800 plastic drinking water bottles that were found to be illegally branded with a forged logo of the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI).

This action follows a series of raids conducted last October, during which the CAA uncovered a private company based in Pugoda involved in manufacturing water bottles bearing the fake SLSI logo.

The fraudulent products, which were misrepresented as meeting the national standards for quality, prompted legal action against the company.

A case was filed, and the Pugoda Magistrate’s Court subsequently ruled that the company, along with a director and the manager of its affiliated tax-buying company, should each be fined Rs. 300,000 for their involvement in the deceptive practices.

In a further step to ensure public safety and consumer protection, the court recently ordered the destruction of the stock of counterfeit water bottles, which had an estimated market value exceeding Rs. 1 million.

On February 20, the bottles were emptied of their contents, and the empty plastic bottles were sent for recycling in compliance with the court’s directive.

In addition to the financial penalties, the company faces further legal consequences as the CAA has taken steps to prosecute the business under two charges related to misleading consumers.

The firm is accused of making false representations by unlawfully using the SLSI logo, which could have potentially endangered public health by misleading customers into believing the products met the necessary standards.

The CAA continues to prioritise the protection of public welfare by holding companies accountable for any attempts to deceive consumers.

February 24, Colombo (LNW): This month, Hambantota International Port (HIP) initiated a dredging operation to restore its harbour to its original depth.

The maintenance, which began in early February, is expected to last for about two months.

The primary objective is to return the port to its designated depth, thereby ensuring the safety of vessel navigation and the efficient operation of the harbour.

Over time, silt tends to accumulate in harbours, which necessitates regular dredging. HIP’s navigation channel is meant to be 17 metres below sea level, but silt deposition has gradually reduced this depth in certain areas.

To maintain operational safety and efficiency, dredging is required to restore the harbour to its intended specifications, allowing for the safe passage of large vessels. As Capt.

Ravi Jayawickreme, CEO of Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS), explained, this process is essential for the continued safe operation of the port.

Before starting the dredging work, a detailed bathymetric survey was conducted in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy’s Hydrography Service.

This survey identified specific areas where silt had accumulated. Following the survey, a tender process was held to select the best-suited contractor for the job.

The dredging operation is being carefully managed, with all necessary environmental permits in place from the Central Environmental Authority, Marine Environmental Protection Authority, and the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department.

The dredged material is being dumped 11 nautical miles offshore, ensuring minimal impact on local fishing activities. The Port Control unit is closely monitoring the operation to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Datta Gunasekara, Chief Specialist Engineering at HIP, noted that while silt accumulation is typical for coastal areas, the port is prioritising the restoration of its declared depths as quickly as possible.

The dredging contractor is using advanced equipment to collect the silt, which is then transferred onto barges for disposal. The dredging schedule is flexible and will be adjusted to accommodate incoming vessels, ensuring their safe navigation.

Environmental considerations are a key aspect of the project, with initial tests confirming that the dredged material is largely sand and mud, without harmful substances.

Once the dredging is completed, another survey will be conducted to confirm the harbour’s depths have been restored.

HIP, which opened in 2010-2011, remains committed to upholding high standards of operational safety, environmental protection, and sustainable development, ensuring its continued role as a vital maritime hub.

February 24, Colombo (LNW): The parliamentary debate on the second reading of the Budget Appropriation Bill 2025 will continue for the sixth day today (24).

This critical debate is being held as part of the ongoing discussions that have been taking place over several days in Parliament.

The session is set to begin at 9.30 AM today, with lawmakers continuing their deliberations on the proposed budget for the year.

The second reading, also referred to as the budget speech, was delivered last week by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his role as the Minister of Finance.

During his speech, the President outlined the government’s fiscal priorities and economic strategies for the coming year, marking the presentation of Sri Lanka’s 79th national budget.

The second reading debate is scheduled to last for a full seven days, beginning on February 18 and concluding on February 25.

This period of discussion allows Members of Parliament to scrutinise the budget and present their views on the proposed fiscal measures.

Following this phase, attention will turn to the Committee Stage Debate, which will commence on February 27 and continue until March 21.

This stage will involve detailed examinations of the budgetary provisions, with discussions taking place over 19 days, including four Saturdays.

This stage is critical for MPs to propose amendments and seek clarifications on specific aspects of the budget.

The final vote on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled for March 21 at 6.00 PM.

This will mark the conclusion of the parliamentary process for the 79th budget, with the government hoping for its approval to move forward with its fiscal plans for the year.

February 24, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic will be held for the public following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations.

The event, which has not taken place in the past 16 years, will offer a rare opportunity for people to pay their respects to one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred symbols.

The President shared details of the forthcoming exposition following discussions held with the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters earlier today.

During these talks, the government formally requested the Mahanayake Theras to facilitate the organisation of the exposition, and they have agreed to do so after the April festivities.

The arrangements for the event have already begun, with the involvement of key stakeholders, including the Governor of the Central Province, the Kandy District Secretary, and other relevant government officials.

Additionally, the Diyawadana Nilame, the chief lay custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, will also be part of the planning process to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

The Sacred Tooth Relic is housed at the historic temple in Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most venerated religious sites. President Dissanayake visited the temple earlier today, where he paid his respects to the relic and received blessings.

This symbolic gesture of reverence underscores the significance of the relic in Sri Lankan culture and religious life.

With the last public exposition having taken place over 16 years ago, this event is expected to attract a large number of devotees from across the island, offering them a chance to experience the spiritual and cultural importance of the Sacred Tooth Relic in person.

By: Isuru Parakrama

February 24, Colombo (LNW): Rainy weather is expected over Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces and in Hambantota district, from tonight (24) for the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today.

Showers will occur in Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces and in Hambantota district in the night.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night.

Fairly strong winds of (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, Eastern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Matale and Hambantota districts.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather: