News

Bar association concerns over arbitrary arrests and rule of law

Published

11 months ago

January 6, 2024

editor

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised alarm about what it said was a rise in arbitrary arrests and criminal activity.

“Our legal system provides for investigation, inquiry, trial, and punishment by proper authorities which is the base of democracy and the Rule of Law, and, the credibility and transparency of such process, must be diligently and fiercely preserved.”

In a statement, the BASL’s Executive Committee firmly condemned the regrettable shooting incident that transpired in Weligama, resulting in the tragic demise of a Police Sergeant and the injury of a Sub Inspector from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). “This incident purportedly occurred within the context of an operation aimed at apprehending a group allegedly engaged in illicit drug activities.”

The BASL also underscored the utmost significance of adhering to due process and upholding the rule of law.

The association deemed police raids, including the demolition of property carried out without valid search warrants and/or valid search orders, whilst flagrantly violating established legal protocols, render them unlawful.

It noted that such unwarranted actions not only undermine the bedrock principles of justice but also erode public confidence in the integrity of law enforcement agencies.

“In terms of Article 13 (4) of the Constitution, no person shall be punished with death or imprisonment except by order of a competent court. Hence, even a convicted criminal has a right not to be arbitrarily deprived of his life except in accordance with procedure established by law.”

The prospect of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests presents a deeply disconcerting opportunity for the abuse of power, the statement read further.

The BASL’s statement further read: “Our collective legacy will harshly judge us if we remain silent in the face of such grave transgressions. It is imperative that the authorities act in full accordance with the law, ensuring that justice is served for both the victims and the accused parties involved.

“Moreover, we express deep concern over recent statements made by the Minister of Public Security, which implicate certain lawyers as conspirators with drug offenders. The absence of police accountability and the grant of unchecked impunity create an environment where no individual can feel secure.

“BASL underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of the rights of all individuals engaged in legal proceedings.

In light of these disconcerting developments, BASL calls upon the authorities to promptly rectify these issues, hold the responsible parties accountable, and restore public trust in the justice system. It is only by steadfastly upholding the principles of due process and ensuring the primacy of the rule of law that we can establish a society that is equitable and just for all its members.”

Source – adaderana

News

President sets maximum retail and wholesale prices for rice

Published

11 hours ago

December 8, 2024

editor

Following a discussion with rice traders, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed new maximum retail and wholesale price limits for various rice types, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

President Dissanayake has directed rice traders to sell Nadu rice to consumers at a wholesale price of Rs. 225 per kilo and a retail price of Rs. 230 per kilo.

The President also instructed the officials Consumer Affairs Authority to closely monitor the situation over the next ten days and strictly enforce the law against rice mill owners who fail to comply with the fixed prices.

President Dissanayake made these remarks during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, along with rice traders, at the Presidential Secretariat today (07), the PMD said.

The President highlighted that the largest investments in the country are allocated to the Ministry of Highways, followed by the Irrigation and Agriculture sectors, with substantial subsidies provided to farmers.

The President further pointed out that low-interest bank loans have been provided to traders for the purchase of paddy and urged rice traders not to undermine the public’s right to access affordable rice.

As a result, the following rice prices are to be implemented:

• Wholesale price of a kilo of Nadu Rice: Rs. 225, Retail price: Rs. 230
• Wholesale price of a kilo of White Rice: Rs. 215, Retail price: Rs. 220
• Retail price of a kilo of imported Nadu Rice: Rs. 220
• Wholesale price of a kilo of Samba rice: Rs. 235, Retail price: Rs. 240
• Wholesale price of a kilo of Keeri Samba: Rs. 255, Retail price: Rs. 260

The President also strongly criticized rice mill owners for frequently changing rice prices on a daily basis and instructed the Consumer Affairs Authority to monitor the daily rice production and distribution by mills.

Furthermore, President Dissanayake urged the rice traders to collaborate with the government in resolving the rice-related issues in an amicable manner, the statement added.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development A. Wimalenthirajah, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation D.P. Wickramasinghe, Director General of the Department of Development Finance Malarmathy Gangatharan, Acting Director General of the Department of Agriculture Dr. S.K. Wasala, Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority Hemantha Samarakoon, Chairman of the Paddy Marketing Board A.M.U. Pinnalanda, Director of the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agricultural Research and Training Institute A.L. Chandika, among other officials.

–PMD

News

Rameswaram fishermen protest seeking fishers’ release from Sri Lankan custody

Published

11 hours ago

December 8, 2024

editor

Hundreds of fishermen went on a strike in Rameshwaram on Saturday condemning the arrests of 14 Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and the seizure of their boats.

More than 500 boats have been docked at the Rameshwaram harbour. According to a Maalaimalar report, Mechanised Boats Fishermen’s Association held a meeting on Friday where they decided to go on strike and decided not to engage in fishing activities on December 7.

Recently, 14 Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and sent to Vavuniya Prison.

The associations condemned the unfair activities of the Sri Lankan Navy and demanded the immediately release of the arrested fishermen.

Source: DT Next
–Agencies

News

Vote on Account for first four months of 2025 passed in Parliament

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2024

editor

The resolution for the Vote on Account, ensuring government operations and debt servicing for the initial four months of 2025, was passed in Parliament yesterday (6) without a vote.

The debate on the resolution, initially presented on 3 December, spanned two days.