News

FR against Lyca Group media acquisitions : Leave to proceed granted

Published

4 weeks ago

March 27, 2025

editor

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights (FR) Petition filed challenging Lyca Group’s acquisition of over 11 media institutions and broadcasting licenses.

The FR petition, filed by social activist Jamuni Kamantha Thushara, was taken up for consideration today.

The petitioner claims that the Lyca Group has violated the law of Sri Lanka in acquiring the 11+ media and broadcasting licenses, including the licenses formerly owned by EAP Group, pointing out serious national security threats.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising of Justice Janak de Silva, Justice Menaka Wijesundara, and Justice Sampath Abeyakoon, granted leave to proceed with the FR petition.

President’s Counsel Uditha Egalahewa with Attorney-at-Law N.K.Ashokbharan appeared for the petitioner.

Former Attorney General (Retired) Sanjay Rajaratnam, President’s Counsel Shavendra Fernando, President’s Counsel Chandaka Jayasundara, and President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris appeared for several Respondents.

Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardhana with Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena appeared for the State parties.

The petition is fixed for argument on 2nd December 2025.

(newswire.lk)

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

News

Weather advisory for severe lightning & heavy rain

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2025

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The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for strong lightning and heavy rain in several parts of the country, effective until 11:00 pm today (April 22).

Thundershowers accompanied by intense lightning are expected this evening and tonight in the Eastern, Uva, Central, and Northern provinces, as well as in the Hambantota and Polonnaruwa districts.

Temporary strong winds may also occur during these storms.

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News

Police appoints committee to study PCOI report on Easter Sunday bombings

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2025

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Sri Lanka Police have appointed a four-member committee to study the final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

According to Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga, the committee is headed by a Senior DIG, Asanka Karawita.

The remaining members consist of the DIG in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Director of the CID, and the Director of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID).

He added that several more sub-committees have been appointed under the purview of the main committee.

News

Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26

Published

5 hours ago

April 22, 2025

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Pope Francis’s funeral will take place on Saturday (April 26) at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST, 08:00 GMT), the Vatican confirms.

The funeral will take place outdoors in front of St Peter’s Basilica.

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the service.

At the end of the funeral, Re will deliver the final commendation – a concluding prayer where the Pope will be formally entrusted to God – and the body moved to St Mary Major for the burial.

The Vatican has also released images of Pope Francis in an open coffin, dressed in a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary in his hand.

He will be taken to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning (April 23), where his casket will remain until burial for the public to pay their respects.

The Pope’s coffin will be there until the burial for the public to pay their respects.

His body is currently laid out in a coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12-year papacy.

The pontiff’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from Catholics across the globe. From South Sudan to Argentina, Poland to the Philippines.

(BBC News)