News

Judiciary independence affected by certain MPs’ statements – BASL

Published

2 years ago

September 12, 2023

editor

A group of members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) including its President – Attorney at Law Kaushalya Navaratne met the Speaker – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena at Parliament yesterday (11).

During the meeting Mr. Navaratne stated that the Bar Association has identified that the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary are being affected by the statements made by certain Members of Parliament, inside and outside the chamber regarding the judiciary, the cases in the court and the judges, during the recent past. They said that the Bar Association expresses its regret over this situation as it was also seen that statements were issued mentioning the names of currently serving judges.

Therefore, the President of the Bar Association requested the Speaker to pay attention to this matter and handed over a written request to the Speaker.

The speaker Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena assured that he will always stand to protect the honor of the judiciary including the judges. Therefore, the speaker stated that it is expected to draw the attention of honorable members in this regard.

Deputy President of BASL – Attorney at Law Nalinda Indratissa, Secretary – Attorney at Law Isuru Balapatabedi, Treasurer – Attorney at Law Chamath Jayasekara, Assistant Secretary – Attorney at Law Mehran Karim were also present in this meeting.

News

Bahrain makes Meningococcal vaccine mandatory for foreign workers

Published

4 hours ago

March 24, 2025

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The Ministry of Health has announced that the Meningococcal vaccine is now mandatory for all foreign workers entering Bahrain, including Sri Lankans.

The Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, in coordination with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bahrain and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will implement the vaccination program based on guidelines from Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Meningococcal disease, caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacterium, is a severe infection with a high mortality rate if untreated.

The GCC recommends vaccination to prevent outbreaks, especially in regions with large migrant worker populations.

Bahrain remains a key employment destination for Sri Lankans, with over 4,000 workers departing for Bahrain in 2024 alone.

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A’pura hospital rape : Suspect further remanded

Published

4 hours ago

March 24, 2025

editor

The suspect arrested in connection with the sexual assault on a female doctor of the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital has been ordered to be further remanded until March 28, 2025.

This order was issued after he was produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today (March 24).

Meanwhile, the suspect’s identification parade, which was rescheduled for today, had been cancelled after the victim had not attended.

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High Posts committee approves 3 appointments

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2025

editor

The Committee on High Posts, which met in Parliament recently (March 21), has approved the nominations to appoint two Ambassadors and a High Commissioner.

The Committee also approved the nomination to appoint the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York.
Accordingly, the nominations of Mr. Ratnayake Mudiyanselage Mahinda Dasa Ratnayake, to be appointed as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Cuba and Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, to be appointed as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan were approved by the Committee on High Posts.

The nomination of Mr. Senadheera Dumunnage Nimal Upali Senadheera, to be appointed as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was also approved by the Committee on High Posts.

Furthermore, the Committee on High Posts approved the nomination of former Chief Justice Jayantha Chandrasiri Jayasuriya P.C to be appointed as the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York, the United States of America.