News

Bar Council demands immediate resignation of BASL President

Published

8 months ago

August 31, 2024

editor

The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has unanimously called for BASL President Kaushalya Navaratne to resign from office after a five-member committee appointed to investigate into the JAICA fund controversy, found that the BASL President had failed to act with transparency.

Until then, Kaushalya Navaratne was directed by the Bar Council not to exercise the powers and functions of the President of the BASL.

In its report, the five-member-committee found that BASL President Kaushalya Navaratne PC had failed to act with transparency in relation to the contract entered into by the BASL with JICA. The committee further held that the BASL President had violated the trust reposed in him as the President of the BASL.

President’s Counsel Anura Meddegoda was elected as the Deputy President of the BASL to succeed Nalinda Indatissa PC who resigned from that office.

In the meantime, Mr Amila Palliyage proposed to amend the Constitution of the BASL making minimum 25 years at the Bar as one of the requirements to contest for the post of Presidency of the BASL. Bar Council decided to refer the matter to the Constitutional amendment committee of the BASL for appropriate steps after reviewing the suggestion and views of the members.

News

Heat Index expected at ‘Caution’ level

Published

3 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ tomorrow (April 16) at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts, the Meteorology Department warned.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

Accordingly, people at jobsites are urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.

Also, constant checks should be made up on the elderly and the sick.

Adults are advised to not leave children unattended and limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.

The public is also urged to wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

HEAT20250416 Download

News

Heavy traffic on Ella-Wellawaya road

Published

4 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported along the Ella-Wellawaya road due to continuous rainfall.

According to the police, vehicle queues had stretched up to five kilometres.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid the traffic congestion.

News

Govt. needs a plan to face US taxes – RW

Published

8 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Former President – Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the Sri Lankan government needs to unveil a plan to face the situation created by the US reciprocal taxes.

Making a special statement, Mr. Wickremesinghe points out that although the taxes have been paused at the moment, it will not be scrapped altogether as it is a part of Trump’s manifesto.

As a direct consequence of these taxes, around 100,000 jobs are at risk, he warned, adding that the consequences would ripple across the broader economy.

“Even if the taxes imposed on Sri Lanka are slashed, we will be compelled to pay taxes of 25% – 30%, resulting in exports still declining” he said.

Noting that Sri Lanka will have to generate funds to start setting its debts by 2028 as per the debt restructuring programme, Mr. Wickremesinghe emphasizes that the Government will have to treat this as an emergency situation and come out with a plan to face the situation.

He emphasizes that firstly, discussions must be held with the US and secondly, it must be planned how to solve this issue domestically.