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Karu Jayasuriya to Chair Former Parliamentarians’ Caucus

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The first meeting of the Former Parliamentarians’ Caucus was held at Parliament recently under the Chairmanship of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.

Former Speaker – Deshamanya Karu Jayasuriya, was unanimously appointed as the Caucus Chair.  His name was proposed by the former Deputy Speaker – Thilanga Sumathipala and former MP Mrs. Sumedha G. Jayasena.

Apart from the said, former member of Parliament Shantha Premaratne was appointed as the convener of the Caucus unanimously.

The Secretary General of the Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera and Assistant General Secretary Mr. Hansa Abeyratne were also present at this meeting.

There was a discussion at length regarding issues faced by the former members of Parliament, and Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, the Secretary General of the Parliament stated that the Secretariat of the Parliament is working to resolve such concerns.

The Speaker pointed out the importance of contributing knowledge and experience of former parliamentarians for the future development of the country.

Accordingly, the Members of Parliament also agreed to form a constitution for the Caucus and to form sub-committees to contribute to the development of the country by utilizing the international relations and political experience of former parliamentarians.

Accordingly, sub-committee on welfare affairs, sub-committee on constitutional affairs, sub-committee on political affairs and sub-committee on economic and international affairs were formed.

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Eight individuals claim ownership rights to Jaffna’s Presidential Palace

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A recent investigation by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing has uncovered that the so-called ‘Presidential Palace’ in Jaffna was constructed before the government had fully secured legal ownership of the land.  

The property, consisting of eight residences, was developed during the administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, while the land acquisition process was still underway. 

Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman Eng. L.B. Kumudu Lal confirmed the findings in an interview with weekend paper.  

“The construction of the five houses—often referred to as the ‘Presidential Palace’—was carried out before the legal acquisition process was finalized. We are now working to complete the remaining legal formalities,” Lal stated.  

The disputed land, located in Kankesanthurai, spans approximately 30 acres, with buildings occupying around 15 acres. 

The Sri Lankan military undertook the construction between 2010 and 2015, at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.5 billion.  

According to the UDA Chairman, ownership disputes are expected to be fully resolved by the end of 2025. Once cleared, the government plans to open the property to investors for redevelopment into a project that benefits the local community.  

The investigation highlights that the construction proceeded despite pending legal challenges—a process that has taken nearly a decade to resolve. However, officials remain hopeful that the remaining issues will be settled within the next year, paving the way for a more publicly beneficial use of the site.  

As the legal process nears completion, the future of the controversial property may soon shift from a symbol of political excess to a resource for Jaffna’s development.  

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Fishing boat capsizes off Tangalle, Two fishermen missing

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Another boat accident has been reported in seas off Tangalle.

According to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), a total of six fishermen were onboard the vessel when it met with an accident off the coast of Paravi Wella Beach in Tangalle.

Four of the fishermen have been rescued while two others remain missing.

Steps have been taken to locate the missing fishermen.

Meanwhile, three other boat accidents were reported yesterday in seas off Galle, Kalutara and Hikkaduwa.

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SSP Shani Abeysekara appointed as CID Director

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Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shani Abeysekara has been appointed as the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), police say.

The appointment has been made with the approval of the National Police Commission (NPC).

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