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No election postponements over electoral reforms – Minister 

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Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe assured that the election amendment bills presented to Parliament are not anticipated to result in any postponement of elections.

The minister highlighted that promises to combat corruption and reform the electoral system have been made in presidential elections since 1994, but none have been fulfilled. He also noted that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has already submitted amendments aimed at tackling corruption and implementing a proportional election system.

Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister, President’s Counsel Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was addressing a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre yesterday (25) under the theme of “Collective Path to a Stable Country”.

Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, adding to his remarks, also stated:

As a critical democratic principle, it’s essential that people are informed about the laws being proposed in Parliament. Currently, our country’s law only recognizes rape as a violation against women. However, with the new amendments, the law can be applied irrespective of the victim’s gender. For instance, sexual violence perpetrated by a husband against a legally separated wife will be considered rape under these amendments. Furthermore, there’s a proposal to strengthen the penalties for coercion occurring in police custody, prisons, or under someone else’s control.

Furthermore, I want to mention that there has been a recent amendment to the law, which now stipulates a ten-year prison sentence for minors involved in corruption. These legal changes come after a thorough study conducted by a team of senior lawyers spanning approximately four years. It’s worth noting that several social activists are expressing their concerns and objections regarding these amendments. Additionally, certain parties have taken the step of challenging this bill in the Supreme Court.

I would like to highlight that along with other developments, an election amendment bill has recently been submitted to Parliament. Reflecting on historical context, in 1994, Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga ran as a presidential candidate and made three significant election promises. These included abolishing the executive presidential system, combating corruption, and abolishing the proportional voting system. Additionally, the bill suggests the appointment of councillors responsible for specific divisions. Despite several amendments to the constitution over time, no changes have been made to alter the electoral system as of yet.

The 19th Constitutional Amendment led to a notable decrease in the powers of the President. Previously, the President enjoyed immunity from prosecution, even in cases as serious as murder. However, the amendment altered this provision, removing presidential immunity. Consequently, the courts have ruled against four presidents, underscoring a shift in legal accountability for presidential actions.

Furthermore, a commission with legal authority has been established to combat corruption. This commission is empowered to oversee the assets and liabilities of individuals ranging from the president to the lowest-ranking officer. Numerous amendments related to this commission have been presented thus far, aiming to formalize the Corruption Perceptions Commission as an independent entity. Since 1994, each presidential candidate has pledged to address corruption during elections, yet none have followed through on these promises. However, under the leadership of President Ranil Wickemesinghe, an amendment has been proposed this year to implement a proportional election system and fortify measures against corruption.
In countries such as India, England, and America, the electoral systems include the constituency system, which aims to represent all segments of the population, including the marginalized. I believe that introducing a senate system would further enhance representation, ensuring that every constituency is adequately represented. Unlike in parliamentary elections where popularity often dictates representation, a senate system would allow for the appointment of talented individuals who may not be as widely known. This would lead to a more diverse and capable parliament, reflecting the varied expertise and perspectives of the population.

There has been speculation in society about the possibility of postponing elections due to the electoral amendments currently under discussion. However, it’s important to clarify that none of these amendments are intended to delay elections in any way. There are two upcoming elections, and candidates participating in these elections can also share their views on the proposed electoral amendments. This engagement will provide an opportunity for the public to contribute to the discourse on these amendments and have a say in shaping election processes.

(President’s Media Division)

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3 dead in Dunhinda bus accident 

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Three persons have died from the bus accident at Dunhinda in Badulla today (June 21), according to hospital sources.

A total of 34 individuals were injured when the bus toppled down a precipice this evening (June 21) at the 4th Mile Post area, near the Dunhinda bends on the Badulla–Mahiyanganaya road.

According to reports, the passengers were a group of pilgrims travelling from Badulla to Anuradhapura.

The injured persons have been admitted to the Badulla General Hospital. 

Police are conducting further investigations.

(Pic : Accident1st)

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11th International Day of Yoga celebrated in Colombo (Pics)

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The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the High Commission of India in Colombo and its cultural arm, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Sri Lanka at the historic Independence Square in Colombo today (June 21).

This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, highlighted the universal relevance of yoga in fostering harmony between humans and nature.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, joined the celebrations along with distinguished guests including Minister of Science and Technology – Dr. Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Labour and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka – Dr. Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Defence – Major General K. P. Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs – Gamagedara Dissanayake Deputy Minister of Sports – Sugath Thilakaratna, and other senior dignitaries.
The event began with a spiritual invocation through prayers by Most Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Nayaka Thera and the Maha Sangha, who offered blessings for peace and well-being. A dynamic and refreshing yoga and meditation session followed, conducted by experts from renowned yoga institutions in India and Sri Lanka. The event brought together hundreds of yoga enthusiasts, dignitaries, and students in a shared spirit of wellness and unity. As part of the celebrations, a specially curated Yoga Pendrive and a Sinhala translation of the Hatha Yoga Pradeepika were launched, aiming to make authentic yoga knowledge more accessible. Complementing the main event in Colombo, the Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna, along with the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, also organized special events – reflecting the enthusiastic and widespread participation in the 11th International Day of Yoga across Sri Lanka.

In a significant prelude to the main event, the Department of Ayurveda, Ministry of Health, Government of Sri Lanka and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre jointly organized a landmark, island-wide celebration of the International Day of Yoga on 19 June 2025, with simultaneous yoga sessions held in 113 Ayurveda hospitals and four universities across all nine provinces – marking the first time such a nationwide initiative has been undertaken in Sri Lanka in a unified fashion.
It may be recalled that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution piloted by India in 2014, proclaiming June 21 each year as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution was supported by more than 170 countries, with Sri Lanka being one of its proud co-sponsors.

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Mathews bows out of Test cricket

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Angelo Mathews ended his final Test innings today (June 21) after being dismissed during the Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Galle International Stadium.

Mathews was dismissed after scoring just 8 runs off 45 balls after being caught by Mominul Haque. The match also ended as a draw.

Mathews retires from the longest format of the game as he made 8,214 runs from 119 Tests at an average of 44.4, with 16 centuries and 49 half-centuries to his name. 

In 2013, Angelo Mathews was handed the leadership of the Test side for the first time in his career. He also became historic as the youngest Sri Lanka player to become Test captain. 

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