News

SC declares Gender Equality Bill inconsistent with SL constitution

Published

1 year ago

June 7, 2024

nipuni

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has determined that the promulgation of the Bill titled “Gender Equality” is inconsistent with Article 12 of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court has determined that the Bill as a whole cannot be enacted into law, unless the appropriate procedure laid down in Articles 83 and/or Article 84 and read with Article 80 of the Constitution which requires that the number of votes cast in favor thereof must amount to not less than two-thirds of the whole number of Members of Parliament (including those not present), and is approved by the People at a Referendum.

The speaker of parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced the determination to the house on Friday (7)

“I wish to inform Parliament that I have received the Determination of the Supreme Court in respect of the Bill titled “Gender Equality” which was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.

In the said determination, the Supreme Court has determined the Constitutionality of the Bill as follows:—

-The Supreme Court held that the promulgation of this Bill is inconsistent with Article 12 of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court also has held that the objects of this Bill in Clause 2 read with Clause 3, Clause 4 would be inconsistent with Article 9, 10, 12, 14(1)(e) and27(1)(g) of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court has also held that Clause 4, 7, 17, 18, 25, 26 and 27 are inconsistent with Articles 9, 10, 12(1), 14(1)(e),14(1)(f), 27(1)(g) of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court has held that power being vested in the Council set up under Clauses 5 and 6 read with clause 7 are inconsistent with Articles 9, 10, 12(1), 14(1)(e),14(1)(f) and 27(1)(g) of the Constitution.

Therefore,clauses 17 and 18 of the Bill which set out the requirement of the office of “Gender Focal Point” and the provisions in Clauses 8 to 16 and 19 to 24 of the Bill, which are incidental provisions for the existence, management and exercise of powers and duties of the Council are also inconsistent with Articles 9, 10, 12(1),14(1)(e), 14(1)(f) and 27(1)(g) of the Constitution.

-The objects of the Bill are inconsistent with Articles 3,4(d), 9 & 10 of the Constitution, and they are inseparable from the other provisions of the Bill. Therefore, the Supreme Court has determined that the Bill as a whole is inconsistent with Articles 3, 4(d),9 &10 of the Constitution.

-The Supreme Court has determined that the Bill as a whole cannot be enacted into law, unless the appropriate procedure laid down in Articles 83 and/or Article 84 and read with Article 80 of the Constitution which requires that the number of votes cast in favor thereof must amount to not less than two-thirds of the whole number of Members of Parliament (including those not present), and is approved by the People at a Referendum.

I order that the Determination of the Supreme Court be printed in the Official Report of today’s proceedings of the House.”

(newsfirst.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by newsfirst.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

IMF Executive Board approves Sri Lanka’s fourth review

Published

2 minutes ago

July 2, 2025

editor

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw about US$350 million, said Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.

This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed so far to about US$1.74 billion.

“The EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka was approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2023 in an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion). The program supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to durably restore macroeconomic stability by (i) restoring fiscal and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, (ii) safeguarding price and financial sector stability, (iii) rebuilding external buffers, (iv) strengthening governance and reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and (v) enhancing growth-oriented structural reforms.”

News

Cabinet approval for online traffic fine payment system – Bimal

Published

10 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake has said that Cabinet approval has been granted to implement an islandwide online traffic fine payment system.

He made this statement during a media briefing near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, following a public awareness programme on mandatory seat belt use for vehicles travelling on expressways.

“The Cabinet approved the proposal today. At present, the online fine payment system is available only between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Now, we’re providing all police units with mobile devices, so that from this year, traffic fines can be paid from anywhere via mobile phones… Rather than paying fines, we urge everyone to drive carefully, wear seat belts, and avoid violations. Our core message is simple, travel safely,” the minister has said.

News

Indian entrepreneur delegation meets President AKD (Pics)

Published

10 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Indian entrepreneurs state that they are currently directing their attention towards new investment prospects in Sri Lanka, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, the digital economy, tourism and agriculture, as well as on enhancing entrepreneurial capacity.

A delegation of around 20 Indian entrepreneurs, comprising heads of several prominent Indian companies, is currently engaged in an active programme in Sri Lanka, coordinated by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with the aim of further developing existing investment opportunities and exploring new prospects. These comments were expressed during the delegation’s meeting with President Anura Kumara Disanayake this afternoon (01) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The delegation is visiting Sri Lanka following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake during his recent official visit to India. The Indian delegation held discussions with several Sri Lankan Ministers and with officials from key government institutions, including the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.

President Disanayake emphasized that the country has now established a more favourable environment for investors, owing to the current economic stability.

The President briefed the Indian business representatives on the constructive measures implemented by the government to create a supportive economic climate and conditions conducive to investment. He further noted that the government has strengthened the legal framework and institutional system necessary to attract and sustain large-scale investments. He assured that under the present administration efforts have been made to eliminate the losses and corruption previously associated with investments.

The President also emphasised that special attention has been given to attracting regional investors and providing them with the necessary facilities. He pointed out that numerous new business opportunities have opened up between India and Sri Lanka across various sectors.

The Indian entrepreneurs stated that Sri Lanka’s strategic location is of great appeal to investors. They appreciated the President’s explanation regarding the current situation of the country, noting that it had inspired confidence and renewed hope in them.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, along with officials from the Indian High Commission, were present at the occasion. Also in attendance were former Chairman of CII and Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited, Sanjiv Puri, and heads of several other major Indian companies.

(President’s Media Division)