News

Sirisena assures Court: No future claims for SLFP chairmanship

Published

1 month ago

December 16, 2024

editor

Former President Maithripala Sirisena, through his counsel, informed the Court of Appeal today that he will not claim any rights to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) chairmanship in the future.

President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, appearing on behalf of the former President, informed court that the contempt of court application filed against his client for allegedly disregarding an order issued by the Colombo District Court concerning the SLFP chairmanship could potentially be resolved. He assured court that his client would refrain from claiming rights to the SLFP chairmanship in the future.

SLFP activist Montague Sarathchandra had filed this application, seeking an order to punish Maithripala Sirisena for the offence of contempt of court, alleging a violation of the interim injunction issued by the Colombo District Court on April 24, 2024.

When the contempt of court application was taken up before the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice Shashi Mahendran, President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne reiterated that the matter could be resolved. He emphasised that his client would not pursue claims to the SLFP chairmanship in the future.

Senior Counsel Shantha Jayawardena, appearing for the petitioner, endorsed the settlement and the court subsequently permitted the petitioner to withdraw the contempt of court application.

The Colombo District Court had issued an interim injunction on April 24, 2024 preventing former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as the chairman of the SLFP.

The petitioner alleged that despite the Colombo District Court’s interim injunction, respondent Sirisena purported to style himself and function as the chairman of the SLFP until May 12, 2024.

The petitioner stated that on May 12, 2024, Maithripala Sirisena had addressed a letter to Deputy Secretary of the SLFP Sarath Ekanayake citing his resignation from the office of chairman. The petitioner further stated that according to this letter Sirisena said that he discharged the responsibilities of the office of chairman of SLFP until his resignation on May 12, 2024. He further alleged that the respondent has brought the authority of the District Court and the administration of justice into disrespect or disregard.

(dailymirror.lk)

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

News

SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

8 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.

News

China pledges to back sovereignty, territorial integrity & independence of SL (Video)

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (Jan. 16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.

During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China – Majintha Jayesinghe, were also present at the event.

(President’s Media Division)

BIZ

SL President holds talks with globally renowned Chinese companies (Pics)

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

During his four-day state visit to China, President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a series of strategic discussions with several globally acclaimed leading Chinese corporations following his participation in an investment forum organized by both public and private sector entities in China.

Among the prominent companies involved in these discussions were the China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC), Huawei and BYD Auto.

President Disanayake highlighted the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka and assured these corporations that the government is committed to providing all necessary facilities and support to investors to foster a business-friendly environment.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also participated in these significant engagements.

(President’s Media Division)