President Ranil Wickremesinghe is firmly of the opinion that the term of the President is 5 years, and the Election Commission is correct in taking steps to hold the Presidential Election in 2024, a media release issued by the President’s Media Division says.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe states that the said Chamindra Dayan Lenawa has not consulted the President or his lawyers prior to filing this Application in the Supreme Court, the statement adds.

It further notes : It has been brought to the attention of the Government that one Chamindra Dayan Lenawa has filed an Application in the Supreme Court under and in terms of Articles 126 read with Articles 12(1), 82(6), 3, 4, 118 and 125 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka praying, inter alia, for a declaration that Article 30(2) should not be interpreted to be amended ab initio by Section 3 of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution and accordingly the Election Commission shall hold the next presidential election taking into account that the term of the office of the President is 6 years and for an interim order restraining the members of the Election Commission from taking any further steps in conducting a Presidential Election in 2024 until the Supreme Court determines this Application.

“This would jeopardise the delivery commitments of the local manufacturers to international brands, further damaging our economic reputation and future trade prospects”

The Joint Chambers of Commerce yesterday expressed strong disapproval of the decision by the customs officers to work to rule, emphasising the urgent need to resume normal operations to avoid further harm to businesses.

The customs officers, who are planning a strike today and tomorrow, have already caused significant delays in clearing import cargo, disrupting the supply chains and delaying production and delivery.

“The delay in clearing goods has led to considerable costs, including port demurrages, yard charges, vehicle detention charges and liner charges. The importers, in particular, are bearing the brunt of increased costs and delays, due to this ongoing action,” said the nine key chambers in a joint statement yesterday.

The chambers voicing their concerns include the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, Joint Apparel Association Forum, National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, National Chamber of Exporters, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka and Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

The chambers cautioned that the prolonged disruption would have a ripple effect on the exports, as the delays in clearing cargo would lead to vessels bypassing Sri Lanka altogether.

“This would jeopardise the delivery commitments of the local manufacturers to international brands, further damaging our economic reputation and future trade prospects,” it said.

Among the cargo at the port are perishable food items, medicines and other essential goods. Continued delays could result in shortages of these supplies.

Any strike action, as planned for July 4 and 5, will only exacerbate the situation, leading to further hardships for businesses and the broader economy.  

Asserting that at a time when the country is beginning to show signs of recovery and growth, actions of this nature would only dampen such positive momentum, the joint chambers called on the customs officers to reconsider their current actions in the context of the national economy and welfare of the public.

“We recognise that the grievances, if any, must be resolved through discussion and not by resorting to strike or work-to-rule actions,” the joint chambers said, while emphasising that the duties of the customs officers must be carried out with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, prioritising the nation’s interests above personal considerations.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Speaker – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, and Premier Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday (July 03) paid their final respects to the late Opposition leader – R. Sampanthan, in Parliament.

Angajan Ramanathan, Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Ministers, Members of Parliament, former Members of Parliament were present to pay their respects.

MP Wajira Abeywardana representing President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Chief Opposition Whip – MP Lakshman Kiriella representing the Leader of Opposition – Sajith Premadasa, were present to pay their last respects to the late MP.

Furthermore, former President and Member of Parliament – Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Speaker – Karu Jayasuriya were also present to pay final respects.

The Parliament secretariat headed by Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament, Ambassadors, government officials, staff affiliated to the Parliament, former staff members and relatives of the Hon. Sampanthan were present at this occasion.

Upon the arrival of the hearse carrying the remains of Rajavarothiam Sampanthan at the main steps of the Parliament complex where at around 2.00 p.m., the dignitaries including the Speaker, the Premier, the  Deputy Chairperson of Committees, party leaders, Parliament Secretary General – Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament – Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, received the remains of the late MP.

Thereafter the Serjeant-at-Arms, Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms and Assistant Sergeant-at- Arms escort the remains received, along the red carpet which was kept at the special ceremonial hall located in the front hall of the Parliament building.

The Speaker and the Prime Minister signed a note of condolence following paying their last respects. Party leaders, former Presidents, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, the Secretariat and other dignitaries also joined to pay last respects and to sign a note of condolence.

(Pics : Parliament Media)