News

Cabinet recommends not to re-conduct Grade 5 Schol exam

Published

1 month ago

December 3, 2024

editor

The Attorney General yesterday informed the Supreme Court that the Cabinet of Ministers has recommended not to re-conduct the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination taking into consideration the mental stress students would undergo and the adverse effects it would have on the scheduled examination calendar.

Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne appearing for the Attorney General submitted to court that the Cabinet of Ministers has further recommended awarding three marks to each student who sat for the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination as a solution to the three leaked questions.

Solicitor General Dayaratne made these remarks when three Fundamental Rights petitions filed by several students and their parents, seeking to cancel the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, were taken up before the Supreme Court.

Dayaratne submitted to the Court that a Cabinet memorandum, submitted by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, in her capacity as the Education Minister explained the government’s position, indicating that three marks could be allocated for each student concerning the three disputed questions.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General has filed a motion before the Supreme Court seeking a fuller bench comprising five or more judges to hear the Fundamental Rights petitions. This request is to be referred to the Chief Justice.

A three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Achala Wengappuli and Mahinda Samayawardhena fixed the matter for argument on December 11.

On November 18, the Supreme Court issued an interim order preventing authorities from taking steps to release the marks and ranks of the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination held on September 15. The Court further issued an interim order staying the decision to award full marks to three leaked questions and thereby to commence the paper marking of Grade 5 Scholarship Examination.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Writ petition against Mannar Wind Power Project fixed for May 23

Published

14 minutes ago

January 17, 2025

editor

A writ petition seeking an order to prevent authorities from issuing any permits or approvals for carrying out the wind power plant project on Mannar Island was yesterday fixed for May 23 by the Court of Appeal.

The petition was filed by the President of the Sri Lanka Green Organization, Sanka Chandima Abhayawardena. Counsel appearing on behalf of the Attorney General informed Court that several important applications related to the matter are scheduled to be called before the Supreme Court in March.

The Attorney General’s Department further stated that the Government has not yet made a final decision regarding the project. Taking these facts into consideration, Court of Appeal Judge S. U. B. Karalliyadde scheduled the petition for May 23.

The Petitioner stated that the Cabinet of Ministers of previous regime, has purportedly decided to award the Construction and operation of the Mannar Wind Power Project (Phase-II) in the Mannar Island to Adani Green Energy Sri Lanka Limited (AGESL), as a Build, Own and Operate (BOO) project for a period of 25 years.

(DailyNews)

(This story, originally published by DailyNews has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.

News

China pledges to back sovereignty, territorial integrity & independence of SL (Video)

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (Jan. 16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.

During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China – Majintha Jayesinghe, were also present at the event.

(President’s Media Division)