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SC dismisses another FR petition against DDR

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The Supreme Court today dismissed another Fundamental Rights petition that was filed against the inclusion of the EPF and ETF in the scope of domestic debt restructuring.

The Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Janak de Silva and Gamini Amarasekara, refused to grant leave to proceed with the petition after hearing all parties for two days.

M.A. Sumanthiran PC, who appeared for the petitioner told court that the invitation to extend the time period of the Bonds (loans) acquired by the State from superannuation funds (EPF and ETF) violates the Fundamental Rights of the members of the Funds as it is unequal, unreasonable and arbitrary and against the Constitution.

The petitioner had named the EPF, ETF, Monetary Board and Public Debt Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka as respondents in this application.

Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted to court that the court has no jurisdiction to hear the matter according to the Constitution.

Senior Counsel Eraj de Silva, representing the ETF, argued that in accordance with Articles 4 and 148 of the Constitution, Parliament wields complete control over the nation’s public finances. Hence, the judiciary should not intervene in decisions sanctioned by Parliament.

De Silva also highlighted to court that the Domestic Debt Restructuring regarding the EPF and ETF is ultimately designed to safeguard the funds of the people. If the State were to default on repaying the Bonds, it would result in turmoil, leaving nothing for the Fund’s members. He emphasized that the evaluation should not solely consider the current circumstances, but rather the potential outcomes in the event of default or increased money printing leading to inflation.

De Silva further brought to the court’s attention that the petitioner failed to disclose his affiliation with the NPP (National People’s Power) and his previous candidacy in an election on behalf of the NPP. He argued that the NPP’s stance against the Domestic Debt Restructuring process was pertinent information that the petitioner should have divulged.

“It is evident that the petitioner’s affiliated party aims solely to derail the debt restructuring process without providing a viable alternative,” De Silva remarked.

Eraj de Silva, with N.K. Ashokbharan, Daminda Wijeratne, Janagan Sundramoorthi, Shehan Chamika Silva, Zul Luthufi, and Naveed Ahamed, instructed by Dinesh Vidanapathirana, appeared on behalf of the ETF.

(dailymirror.lk)

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Mahinda, Sajith Join Indian HC At Mayurapathy Kovil Ceremony

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The procession of offerings for the Kumbhabhishekam Pooja began its journey from the Mayurapathy Kovil in Colombo, destined for the Seetha Amman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya.

A group of special representatives recently brought holy water from the Sarayu River in Ayodhya, India, considered the birthplace of Lord Rama, to Sri Lanka for the Kumbhabhishekam festival.

These offerings, including bowls containing the sacred water, were deposited at the Mayurapathy Kovil in Colombo yesterday.

Today, after a special pooja, the procession carrying the offerings began its journey.

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa were also present at this event.

The offerings are being taken to Seetha Eliya in a special procession.

The motorcade will travel to the Seetha Amman Kovil in Seetha Eliya, Nuwara Eliya.

It is believed that this temple is located in the jungle areas, where Princess Seetha was held after being brought to Sri Lanka.
(newsfirst.lk)

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Govt. to transform agriculture using modern tech – President

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the government plans to transform Sri Lankan agriculture using modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). The government is committed to support the private sector entrepreneurs interested in this initiative.

The President further mentioned that 100 Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been selected this year for the Agricultural Modernization Program. In the first phase, 25 Divisional Secretariat Divisions will receive the necessary facilities, while the second phase will extend modern agriculture practices to an additional 75 Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during an observation tour of the AiGrow Company’s greenhouse in Nelumdeniya, Kegalle this morning (17). The inventor of Vega Car and the Group CEO of Vega innovations Dr. Harsha Subhasinghe accompanied the President on this visit. The AiGrow greenhouse is the first in Sri Lanka to utilize artificial intelligence technology.

With over seven years of experience in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, the AiGrow Company applies AI in both greenhouse and open cultivation, utilizing automated methods to enhance efficiency and productivity

The company designs and constructs customized greenhouses to meet specific customer requirements, offering continuous service and maintenance support for these facilities.

The company’s inaugural greenhouse, located in Nelumdeniya, Kegalle, comprises three sections where tomatoes, bell peppers and lettuce are cultivated. Additionally, AiGrow operates a separate greenhouse for mushroom cultivation.

AiGrow exports a significant portion of its harvest and supplies its branded products to local supermarkets.

Furthermore, the green agricultural automation devices produced by this company are being promoted to both local and international markets.

Additionally, AiGrow collaborates with local universities to provide educational opportunities in the field of applying AI to modern agricultural practices.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe conducted a visit to the AiGrow Company’s Nelumdeniya, Kegalle Greenhouse this morning, where he observed first-hand agricultural operations and production activities carried out using the modern technology.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe also observed the electric three- wheelers and motorcycles developed by Dr. Harsha Subhasinghe.

Subsequently, the President participated in a discussion held at the premises, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to introducing modern agriculture to the country. He emphasized the government’s willingness to provide necessary financial support and training for this endeavour.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe instructed officials to propose a bank loan system to facilitate this initiative.

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3146 sailors advanced on 15th Victory Day anniversary

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Coinciding with the 15th Victory Day anniversary 3146 sailors have been advanced to their next higher rates by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, with the approval of Hon. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Sri Lanka’s security forces, including the armed forces, police, and Civil Security Department, played a critical role in defeating a nearly 30-year-long terrorism. Their selfless commitment, including those who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, were instrumental in a successful humanitarian operation that established sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

In a ceremonious display of honour, the Navy celebrated the 15th anniversary of Victory Day with the advanced of 3146 senior and junior sailors across naval rates belonging to regular and volunteer forces with the recommendation of Commander of the Navy.

(dailynews.lk)

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