News

Notices issued on Cabinet over decision to send Toque Macaque to China

Published

7 months ago

May 12, 2023

editor

Subsequent to a writ petition filed by environmental organizations seeking an injunction order to prevent the implementation of the decision to send 100,000 Toque Macaque to China, the Court of Appeal yesterday (11) issued notices on the respondents including the members of the Cabinet and the Director General of Wildlife to appear in court on May 19.

After considering a petition submitted by 27 petitioners including the Sri Lanka Wildlife and Nature Protection Society, Matara Ananda Sagara Thera, Otara Gunawardena and Rukshan Jayawardena, Court of Appeal President Justice Nishshanka Bandula Karunaratne issued this notice.

President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, who appeared for the petitioners, informed the court that information has been revealed that the respondents have decided to send 100,000 Toque Macaques to a Chinese firm for animal testing.

Therefore, the counsel pointed out that there is a risk of exporting Sri Lankan Toque Macaques to China at any time.

He said that this decision is illegal.

The President’s Counsel pointed out that this move causes severe prejudice to the ecosystem in Sri Lanka and that it could even harm the animals. He said that this move is against the provisions of the Animal Cruelty Act as well as the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance

Therefore, the President’s Counsel requested the Court of Appeal to immediately issue orders preventing the implementation of the Cabinet decision.

The petitioners also requested the court to issue an order to the Director General of Wildlife to prevent the issuance of licenses for the export of wild animals.

Monkey business : Request was by pvt. company, not Chinese govt. – official

News

G.L. hints at Impeachment against President

Published

3 hours ago

December 11, 2023

editor

MP of the Freedom People’s Congress – Prof. G.L. Peiris has warned of a possible impeachment motion against President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Speaking at a media briefing today (Dec. 11) Prof. Peiris has said that an impeachment can be brought forth on the grounds of the constitution being violated by the President’s arbitrary interference in the affairs of the Constitutional Council.He also emphasized that the opposition will stand united against the President’s dictatorial rule.

Pointing out that 2024 is a year of elections with the Presidential election and General Election already announced, Prof. Peiris emphasised that it is of utmost importance that the Constitutional Council is allowed to function independently during elections.

He also said that there is a reasonable doubt that the vacancy at the Election Commission is not being filled with the objective of scrapping future elections.The MP also said that there is a possibility of Sri Lanka losing the GSP+ concession due to the violation of international conventions.

He further noted that the international community has already given Sri Lanka a red light due to the implementation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and has notified that democracy should be secured during the election period.