By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): The Election Commission has confirmed its readiness to conduct the long-overdue 2023 Local Government Elections, which are set to take place soon after the conclusion of the upcoming General Elections.

In an official statement, the Commission announced that the exact dates for the Local Government polls will be disclosed after the General Elections are completed.

This development comes after a series of legal battles and financial negotiations surrounding the allocation of funds necessary for the election process.

The Commission assured that they have engaged in preliminary discussions with key stakeholders to ensure the smooth execution of the elections.

The delay in the Local Government elections has been a point of contention, with various political and public entities calling for clarity on the matter.

The Commission has now confirmed that all preparatory work has been finalised, paving the way for the elections to proceed without further setbacks.

The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a transparent and efficient electoral process, highlighting that all the logistical and administrative groundwork has been laid.

This announcement will likely ease concerns over the extended delay, as many local bodies have been functioning without elected representatives for a considerable period.

The public eagerly anticipates these Local Government elections, which will play a critical role in revitalising local governance and addressing community-level issues.

October 03, Colombo (LNW): The Ninth Parliament of Sri Lanka, which commenced on 20 August 2020, officially dissolved on 24 September 2024, marking a notable period in the country’s political history.

Over its four-year tenure, the Parliament experienced a total of 19 vacancies, four prorogations, and held 390 sitting days.

According to a statement released by the Parliament, the vacancies were filled in accordance with Article 66 of the Constitution. In total, 16 new Members of Parliament were appointed across 18 different occasions to fill the vacant seats.

During this time, 241 individuals represented the Ninth Parliament, reflecting significant shifts in its composition.

Amongst these changes, Jayantha Katagoda, initially elected from the national list, resigned, paving the way for Basil Rajapaksa to take his place.

Following further resignations, Katagoda was reappointed, replacing Ajith Nivard Cabral. Similarly, A.H.M. Fowzie replaced Mujibur Rahman after the latter’s resignation, only for Rahman to be reappointed when Diana Gamage’s seat was vacated by a court ruling.

Despite these shifts, no replacement was made for the seat vacated by Harin Fernando.

One of the most significant events during this parliamentary term was the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, which culminated in Ranil Wickremesinghe’s election as the 8th Executive President of Sri Lanka.

Wickremesinghe’s ascension to the presidency created another vacancy in Parliament, which was subsequently filled by a new appointee.

The Ninth Parliament also saw four prorogations, two initiated by Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his presidency and two by his successor, Ranil Wickremesinghe. These prorogations marked important intervals in the legislative process, highlighting the shifting political landscape during a time of economic and social challenges in Sri Lanka.

Throughout its five sessions, the Ninth Parliament convened for a total of 390 days. The first session spanned from August 2020 to December 2021, followed by successive sessions held through to September 2024.

Each session contributed to the legislative and governance efforts amid a backdrop of political turbulence, economic challenges, and public scrutiny.

As the Ninth Parliament dissolves, it leaves behind a legacy defined by significant political transitions, ongoing reform efforts, and a determination to address the country’s pressing issues.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has confirmed that the trial concerning former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and the former Chairman of the State Printing Corporation, Jayampathi Bandara Heenkenda, will proceed on November 29, 2024.

This decision was reaffirmed during a hearing before High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka, where Rambukwella made a personal appearance in court.

The case, brought forward by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), alleges that the two individuals misappropriated public funds during Rambukwella’s time as Minister of Mass Media.

Specifically, the charges relate to the misuse of Rs. 230,000 from the State Printing Corporation to cover Rambukwella’s personal telephone bill between March and April 2012.

The accusations have sparked significant public interest, given the scale of the alleged financial misconduct and the high-ranking positions of the accused.

The Bribery Commission’s investigation seeks to hold those in power accountable for their actions, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to tackling corruption at all levels.

Rambukwella, who held the Mass Media portfolio at the time of the alleged incident, faces growing scrutiny, with calls for greater transparency in the handling of public funds.

By: A Special Correspondent

October 03, Colombo (LNW): In a staggering turn of events, the Law Education Council has decided not to exert a service extension for Dr. Athula Pathinayake, who served as the Principal of the Law College for the past three years contributing to a massive development of the school.

The Council’s refusal to extend Dr. Pathinayake’s term has sparked a wildfire within the Colombo lawyers’ community, in what they described as highly unfair given his reputation within the College.

Dr. Pathinayake’s programme within the College aiming the modernisation of the obsolete managerial structure, timely conduction of examinations, and opening of international opportunities for law students has widely been appraised for, evident within both the legal and educational sectors of Sri Lanka.

Recently, various allegations and slander campaigns have been levelled against Dr. Pathinayake by parties hiding inside the conduit of anonymity, only to meet gradual decimation upon being proven false.

All six lawyers serving the Law Education Council as representatives of the Minister in Charge have not informed Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who also serves as the Minister of Justice, nor has the Ministerial Secretary attended the decision making process leading to Dr. Pathinayake’s dismissal, further complicating the situation, sources within the government told LNW.

The situation has escalated frustration amongst law students as well as the community, who expect nothing but the well-being of the Law College.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his dedication to empowering public servants who prioritise efficiency and a citizen-focused approach, ensuring they are protected from political retaliation.

Unlike previous administrations, he assured that officials working in the public’s interest would be shielded from any form of political interference.

The President made these statements during a meeting with key ministry officials, after taking office as Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources.

The session involved an in-depth review of the ministry’s current standing and future strategies, with President Dissanayake highlighting the pivotal role of agriculture in combating rural poverty.

He underscored that the performance and commitment of government officials would be central to achieving this goal.

Reflecting on the recent presidential election, Dissanayake noted that the public had clearly rejected the old political culture, seeking a new direction in governance.

The economic hardships faced by citizens and growing dissatisfaction with public services were instrumental in this shift, he said, signalling a transformative period for the nation.

The President expressed his firm commitment to developing a modern, efficient public service that places people at its core. He emphasised that the government is committed to tackling widespread fraud and corruption, which the public views as key contributors to the nation’s economic decline.

This new mandate, according to Dissanayake, is focused on transparency and preventing such destructive practices.

In his address, he called on public servants to earn the trust of the people by acting with integrity and dedication. The President stressed that the fight against corruption rests heavily on the moral responsibility and commitment of government officials, urging them to play a proactive role in the country’s renewal.

This, he stated, is a pivotal time for the public service, with the nation looking to its officials to deliver on their promises with honesty and efficiency.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, the Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, has voiced serious concerns regarding the mysterious disappearance of the Presidential Commission’s report on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

According to Fr. Gamini, the report, which was handed over to the President and subsequently passed to the Attorney General’s Department, has now gone missing.

Speaking at a public event held at the BMICH, Fr. Gamini revealed that the missing report contained crucial evidence that could implicate several high-ranking politicians.

He expressed his belief that if the contents of the report were made public, it could lead to the prosecution of individuals involved in the attacks, emphasising the urgent need for a transparent investigation by the current administration.

Fr. Gamini also brought attention to a figure named ‘Abuhind,’ who was allegedly in direct communication with Zahran Hashim, the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday bombings.

He identified Abuhind as a key individual responsible for orchestrating the attack, urging the authorities to delve deeper into his involvement.

Additionally, the priest pointed out that the newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne, holds vital information about the attacks.

Fr. Gamini’s statement has intensified calls for further scrutiny and investigation into the government’s handling of the aftermath of the attacks.

Following the election of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, two special committees were formed to investigate various aspects of the Easter Sunday bombings. The first committee, established on 11 September 2023, was tasked with probing allegations made by the UK’s Channel 4, which implicated the Sri Lankan military in the attacks. Chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge S.I. Imam, alongside retired Air Force Commander Jayalath Weerakkody and President’s Counsel Harsha A.J. Soza, the committee submitted its final report to the President on 25 June 2024.

A second committee, appointed on 12 June 2024, focused on investigating the failure of intelligence agencies to act on prior warnings of the attack. This committee, chaired by retired judge A.N.J. Alwis, presented its findings on 14 September 2024.

Both committees were expected to offer vital insights into the coordination, failures, and potential complicity in the events leading up to the devastating attack.

The uncertainty surrounding the report’s whereabouts has added fuel to the ongoing controversy surrounding the handling of the Easter Sunday attack, which continues to resonate deeply with the Sri Lankan public.

As pressure mounts, the government will likely face increased scrutiny to deliver answers and ensure justice for the victims of the tragic event.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, has confirmed that no Sri Lankan workers in Israel have been affected by the recent missile attack launched by Iran.

On Tuesday, approximately 200 missiles were fired towards Israel, but no reports have indicated injuries or harm to the 12,000 Sri Lankans currently employed there.

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Additional General Manager, G. S. Yapa, clarified that the situation is being closely monitored.

Despite the escalating tensions, no immediate decisions have been made to halt the deployment of Sri Lankan workers to Israel.

Yapa emphasised that any future changes regarding worker deployments will be made in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Bandara reassured that Israel’s defence systems successfully intercepted the incoming missiles before they could inflict damage on the ground.

He also affirmed that the Sri Lankan Embassy remains prepared to assist any nationals if necessary.

Although Israel’s main airport was briefly closed in response to the attacks, normal operations have now resumed, and flights are once again taking off and landing, minimising disruption for travellers.

The Sri Lankan authorities continue to assess the situation in Israel, ensuring the safety of their citizens while maintaining essential labour migration pathways.