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Parliament announces budget debate schedule

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is also the Minister of Finance, will present the NPP government’s first Budget to Parliament on Monday (17 February) at 10.30 am.

The debate on the Appropriation Bill (Budget Debate) is scheduled to be held from 18 February to 21 March, 2025.The Second Reading debate is scheduled to be held for seven days from 18 to 25 February. 

The vote on the Second Reading of the Bill is scheduled to be held on 25 February at 6.00 p.m.

The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held for 19 days, including 4 Saturdays, from 27 February to 21 March. The vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill will be held on 21 March 21 at 6.00 pm.

During the budget period, the time from 9.30 am to 10.00 am has been allotted for five Questions for Oral Answers, and the Budget Debate will be held from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Also the time from 6.00 pm to 6.30 pm has been allotted for Motions at the Adjournment Time on all other days, except for 25 February and 21 March, when the votes are taken.

The Appropriation Bill for the year 2025 was presented to Parliament for the First Reading on 9 January 2025.

(sundaytimes.lk)

(This story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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President AKD meets German Minister for Economic Cooperation & Development

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake, currently on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, met this afternoon (June 13) with the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Ms. Reem Alabali-Radovan, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Berlin.

The discussion focused on the shared economic challenges both countries face in the context of emerging global economic trends. The two sides engaged in a comprehensive dialogue on potential areas for further strengthening economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Germany.

The President acknowledged the longstanding history of bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Germany, highlighting Germany’s significant contributions to vocational training institutions such as the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI), as well as to sectors like healthcare. The President conveyed his profound gratitude for this assistance. The discussion also focused on the importance of enhancing such contributions into mutually beneficial partnerships in the future.

Joining the meeting were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany Varuni Muthukumarana and Director General for Europe and North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sugeeshwara Gunaratna along with other officials..

(President’s Media Division)

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SL urges Lankans in Israel & Iran to remain vigilant

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A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism in Sri Lanka has urged both Israel and Iran to ‘exercise restraint, engage in dialogue and pursue diplomatic initiatives to de-escalate the tense situation.’

“Sri Lanka is deeply concerned by the recent developments between Israel and Iran. We urge both countries to exercise restraint, engage in dialogue and pursue diplomatic initiatives to de-escalate the tense situation,” the statement notes.

“The Sri Lanka Missions in both countries are closely monitoring the situation and remain in contact with the Sri Lankan nationals in the respective countries. They are advised to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant, the statement adds.

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Controversy over President AKD’s nomination of Justice Laffar to SC?

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has nominated Acting President of the Court of Appeal – M.T. Mohamed Laffar, to fill an upcoming Supreme Court (SC) vacancy set to arise on June 20 with the retirement of Justice Gamini Amarasekara.

The nomination, sent to the Constitutional Council on June 09, has raised concerns among legal experts, as such appointments are typically made only after a vacancy becomes official.

Meanwhile, it is also reported that Justice Laffar is to retire just 02 days before the vacancy occurs, turning 63 on June 18.

This also prompts speculation that the President had aimed to secure the appointment before Laffar’s own retirement.

According to Article 41(c) of the Sri Lankan Constitution, the Constitutional Council is required to obtain the views of the Chief Justice when making decisions related to appointments to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal but it is said that the CJ’s directive is also yet to be secured in this case.

Earlier this year, when 04 Supreme Court vacancies were filled, Justice Laffar was not among those recommended by the Chief Justice, despite his seniority.

Instead, Senior judges Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Menaka Wijesundera and less senior Appeal Court judges Sampath Wijekoon and Sampath Wijeratne were appointed to the SC, on the Chief Justice’s recommendations.

(Source: Anidda Newspaper)

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