Speculations are raised on whether President Ranil Wickremesinghe is once again on the search for a two thirds majority in Parliament.
That is mainly due to media disclosures of recent pro-government discussions held to explore the possibility of holding a referendum in July.
Meanwhile, ‘Ada Derana’ has reported that two rounds of discussions were held at a well known hotel in the Battaramulla area.
During the discussion, legal experts have been asked whether the current government can proceed in the same way that former President J. R. Jayawardena held a referendum to extend the term of Parliament.
Reports also state that discussions have taken place on alternative action if the courts oppose this move.
Legal experts have been of the view that a referendum could only be held on two occasions.
One would be an instance of national importance that the President could present to the voting public.
The other would be through the Supreme Court accepting the fact that a relevant Act was passed by a two thirds majority in parliament.
Accordingly, it is said that more attention is given to the MPs’ request seeking duty free vehicle permits, in a bid to secure the two thirds majority.
Thus, providing duty free permits for the 79 first-time parliamentarians, would be given priority, reports say.
Monara TV, launched with much fanfare just a year ago under the Swarnavahini media network, has reportedly shut down operations.
Employees have been informed that the closure is temporary, citing the need to resolve certain administrative issues.
The channel, led by Buddhika Wickramadhara, was ceremonially launched on June 25, 2024, with a grand event at Waters Edge.
Producers who supplied teledramas to Monara TV say they are owed nearly Rs.200 million in unpaid dues.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the parent Swarnavahini TV channel is also reportedly grappling with a serious financial crisis, paying teledrama producers only after 60 episodes are broadcast.
Producers claim they are compelled to wait about 03 months to recover an investment of around Rs.15 million per teledrama. Even then, payments are made in small portions, covering just 05 episodes at a time.
Producers who supplied teledramas before the appointment of Mr. Susara Dinal as CEO say it is even harder to claim their outstanding payments, as they have been asked to recover the dues from former CEO – Udara Wijesinghe.
The Swarnavahini Media Network is owned by Subaskaran Allirajah – Chairman of Lyca Group, which also owns Lycamobile, a global telecommunications company.
A young woman was found in the Dewipahala-Dodam Ella area in Kuruwita, after being brutally attacked and her gold necklace stolen
According to the police, the victim was found collapsed on the roadside with severe neck injuries caused by a sharp weapon. She was rushed to the Ratnapura Hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after admission.
The victim has been identified as a 26-year-old.
Arrests are yet to be made and an investigation is underway.
