News

President instructs to draft stringent laws to prevent child abuse

Published

12 months ago

May 15, 2023

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a directive to the legal departments, instructing them to prepare a stringent legislation aimed at preventing child abuse, the President’s Media Division says.

A PMD media release issued in this regard further notes :

The President has stressed the urgency of addressing the on-going issue of child abuse perpetrated by teachers, elders, and various segments of society. To combat such acts effectively, he has emphasized the necessity of implementing a legal framework that imposes severe punishments on offenders.

The President’s decision to take action was prompted by recent incidents, including the tragic death of a 16-year-old girl who jumped from a hotel in Kalutara, as well as the abuse of 16 children by a tuition teacher in the same region. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has specifically highlighted the need to introduce a separate set of laws dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of the nation’s children. To achieve this, he has called for amendments to be made to existing legislation, underscoring the importance of careful consideration during the process.

Significant adjustments are needed in the field of education. The President also highlights the importance of initiating a new discussion and raising awareness about the economic and social implications of parent-child interactions and mental health within households.

In addition to the enactment of strict laws for child protection, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also directed his attention toward implementing a separate program in both public and private institutions. This program aims to foster an understanding of a child’s mind set and cultivate a society that embraces a broader perspective. The President believes that developing such attitudes within the community will contribute to the well-being of children.

News

Bill suspending Parate Law, passed

Published

6 hours ago

May 7, 2024

editor

The Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Bill, which was amended to facilitate legal provisions for the suspension of Parate Law until December 15, 2024, was passed in Parliament without amendments today (May 07).

This amendment introduces legal provisions for the suspension of the Parate Law until December 15, 2024.

News

Mervyn granted bail

Published

7 hours ago

May 7, 2024

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Colombo Additional Magistrate Tharanga Mahawatta today (May 07) ordered the release of former Minister Mervyn Silva on bail over the SLRC assault incident in 2007.

He was ordered to be released on a surety of Rs. 500,000.

Silva was accused of threatening and assaulting a former journalist of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.

The Magistrate also ordered to immediately arrest former municipal councillor – Lal Peiris, who was named as the third suspect in the case, and produce him before the court.

The Magistrate also banned him from travelling overseas.

(Source : Lankadeepa)

News

Appeals Court rejects Wijeyadasa’s petition against interim order

Published

7 hours ago

May 7, 2024

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The Court of Appeal today dismissed the petition filed by Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe seeking to suspend the interim injunction issued by the Colombo District Court preventing him from functioning as the Acting Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was appointed as the Acting Chairman of SLFP during an executive committee meeting held on April 21, by the party’s faction led by former President Maithripala Sirisena.

On April 24, the Colombo District Court issued an injunction order preventing Minister Wijeyadasa from functioning as the Acting Chairman of the SLFP.

The court has also issued an injunction order preventing MP Sarathie Dushmantha Mithrapala from functioning as the General Secretary of SLFP.

Meanwhile, the court had issued another injunction preventing the implementation of the decisions taken by the SLFP Acting General Secretary.

The Colombo District Judge issued these injunctions after considering a plaint submitted by Ministers Mahinda Amaraweera, Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Member of Parliament Duminda Dissanayake.

It was mentioned in the order that these injunctions will remain in effect until May 08, 2024.

However, Minister Rajapakshe had later filed a petition with the Court of Appeal seeking to invalidate the recent order issued by the Colombo District Court preventing him from functioning as the Acting Chairman of SLFP.

(adaderana.lk)

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