News

SC orders immediate LG elections; cites voter rights violation

Published

3 weeks ago

August 22, 2024

editor

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ordered the Election Commission to immediately proceed with the postponed Local Government Elections.

The court also determined that the delay in holding the 2023 Local Government Elections violated voters’ fundamental rights.

In its verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that the President, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, along with the members of the Election Commission, were responsible for this violation.

The verdict was issued following the consideration of petitions filed by several groups, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), National Peoples’ Power (NPP), and the People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), challenging the postponement of the Local Council elections.

Originally scheduled for March 9, 2023, the Local Government elections were first postponed to April 25, 2023. However, the elections were further delayed, with the government citing a lack of funds due to the ongoing economic recovery.

(sundaytimes.lk)

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

News

BASL accuses its president of making baseless claims

Published

38 mins ago

September 11, 2024

editor

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has alleged that its President, Kaushalya Nawaratne PC, had made certain unfounded allegations regarding the Special Committee Report related to the JICA-BASL Programme, which was unanimously adopted by the Bar Council and some members of the Special Committee.
BASL Acting President Anura Meddegoda and Secretary Chathura Galhena have issued a statement to clarify the BASL’s stance on the alleged misrepresentations and falsehoods published by Kaushalya Nawaratne PC in the media.

News

Harini seeks Rs. 100 mn. from Tissa Attanayake

Published

43 mins ago

September 11, 2024

editor

National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Harini Amarasuriya today (Sep. 11) filed a defamatory action before the Colombo District Court against Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP – Tissa Attanayake claiming Rs.100 million as damages for allegedly making a false and defamatory statement during a recent election rally.

Harini Amarasuriya alleges that on August 19, 2024, the defendant Tissa Attanayake made a public statement during an SJB Presidential campaign meeting in Mawanella, claiming that an NPP government would halt the Kandy Dalada Perahera and the plaintiff has also made a statement regarding this matter.

This plaint has been filed through Attorney-at-Law Shanika Silva.

News

Measures sought against using children in election campaigns

Published

5 hours ago

September 11, 2024

editor

Measures have been sought against children being used in election campaigns.

The ‘Surakimu Daruwan’ National Movement has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission today (Sep. 11) in this regard.

Convener of the movement – Priyantha Herath has said, “Children are being used in canvassing and advertisement… Children cannot be used for political purposes. We have complained to the National Child Protection Authority… Nothing was done. Therefore, we complained of this to the Election Commission.”

The Election Commission itself has informed all parties not to use children in their political campaigns.

Election Commissioner General – Saman Sri Ratnayake has reminded that the candidates have a responsibility to work for the future generations without making the sovereign power and people’s vote, a mere commodity.

He had further added : “Voters too have a responsibility to think about how to use their vote. It is also the responsibility of the NCPA to look into these matters. It is not something that needs to specially reminded by the Election Commission.”