15 opp. MPs willing to back crucial Bill by President

Published

12 months ago

May 6, 2024

editor

Around 15 Opposition MPs are ready to support a Bill that would include legislation related to rapid development of the country and the agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Bill is to be presented to Parliament by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on May 08.

Speaking in this regard during the recent May Day celebrations of the United National Party, the President urged the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and National People’s Power (NPP) to support this.

Talks to seek support for the Bill within the Opposition ranks had also begun with 10 – 15 Opposition MPs willing to support it after considering it as a nationally important and valued draft.

It is reported that these MPs had also held a discussion with the President recently.

Although these Opposition MPs were prepared to join the UNP May Rally, the President had prevented this.

Meanwhile, speaking a fortnight ago. MP Thalatha Athukorala had also stated that 15 MPs of the SJB are taking a tough stance.

It was also notable that several MPs including Thalatha Athukorala, Rajitha Senaratne, Rishad Bathideen and Rauf Hakeem were absent from this year’s SJB May Day rally.

“Reports of Wijepala – Nissanka meeting, fake”

Published

4 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Public Security Ministry has denied media reports claiming that the Public Security minister – Ananda Wijepala had met Nissanka Senadhipathi.

The Minister’s media secretary had clarified this in a letter to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya.
Adding that the neither the Minister or a representative had ever met Senadhipathi as claimed, the letter calls for proper investigations into the fake news and legal action against those responsible.

News

Special allowance for policemen on duty at ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’

Published

9 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

A special transport allowance and a combined allowance will be provided to police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of devotees attending the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa) in Kandy, the police said.

The measure has been taken over the instructions of the Acting IGP, in consideration of the fact that these police personnel will be on continuous day and night duty for over 10 days, away from their regular stations and incurring additional personal expenses.

News

Ravi K’s Bill to repeal Online Safety Act, gazetted

Published

9 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Bill to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, and other regulations concerning the Act, has been gazetted.

The Online Safety Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on Jan. 24, 2024.

The Bill that has been gazetted was submitted by opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.

On Feb. 28, 2025, MP Karunanayake submitted a private member’s Bill to the Parliament Secretary-General, aiming to repeal the controversial Online Safety Act.