News

2 Bills passed in Parliament

Published

1 year ago

January 9, 2024

editor

The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation Bill debated in Parliament today (Jan. 09) was passed in Parliament by a majority vote.

The debate on the Second Reading of the Bill was held today from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm and at the end of the debate – MP G. G. Ponnambalam of Ahila Ilankai Thamil Congress (AITC) called for a division for the said Bill. Accordingly, in the voting held, 48 votes were cast in favor of the Bill and only 7 votes were cast against. Accordingly, the Second Reading of the Bill was passed by a majority of 41 votes.

Amendments were added to the Bill during the Committee and accordingly the Bill was passed with amendments.

Meanwhile, the National Hydrographic Bill, which was debated today, was also passed with amendments, without a vote with.

News

LG polls : postal voting dates revised

Published

2 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

The Elections Commission today (April 17) announced that the dates for postal voting of the upcoming Local Government elections, have been revised.

Making a special statement, Chairman of the Elections Commission R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that postal voting will take place on April 24, 25, 28 and 29.

Postal voting was earlier scheduled for April 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29.

Mr. Rathnayake also said that poll cards for all 339 local bodies were handed over to the Postal Department yesterday (April 16) distribution has already commenced.

Noting that distribution of poll cards will take place until April 29, he said that the public are requested to inquire from the relevant post office if they do not receive poll cards by then.

News

NTC receives 187 complaints on New Year bus services

Published

2 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has received 187 complaints over bus services during the recent New Year period.

NTC Director General Nayomi Jayawardena says that 63 of these complaints, made through the 1955 hotline, were related to bus operators not charging the approved fares.

She added that investigations into these complaints would be conducted once the New Year festivities conclude.

News

18 candidates arrested for flouting election laws

Published

3 hours ago

April 17, 2025

editor

18 candidates contesting the 2025 Local Government (LG) Election have been arrested over election-related complaints during the period from March 03 – April 16.

According to a statement issued by the Police Media Division, 62 political party supporters and 14 vehicles have been taken into police custody during this period.

Meanwhile, 38 criminal complaints related to the LG Election and 138 complaints of election law violations have also been reported.