News

Time given to file election petition, extended

Published

1 year ago

September 15, 2023

editor

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Just and Law-Abiding Society took into consideration the Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) and Elections (Special Provisions) Bills at the recently held Committee meeting.

The said Bills were taken into consideration and approved at the Committee meeting held Chaired by W. D. J. Seneviratne.

According to Section 205 of the Code of Civil Procedure, these amendments were submitted in relation to the issuance of certified copies of the judgment and the judgment of the proceedings.

Accordingly, provisions are made to issue one certified copy of the judgment or the statement of judgment to the parties concerned free of charge. It also includes amendments to enable the relevant copies to be obtained subject to payment of fees.

Time given to file election petition, extended

By the Election (Special Provisions) Bill, the Regulation of Election Expenses Act No. 03 of 2023 amends the time given for filing an election petition within 21 days from the date of announcement of the election results from 21 days to 42 days.

According to the current law, political parties or independent groups or candidates must submit election expenses within 21 days from the date of declaration of election results, failing which an election petition has been provided. Thus, the period will be revised to 42 days.

Fines updated

Furthermore, this Bill will update the fines to match the current financial situation as the penalty amounts prescribed by the current election laws are not sufficient.

Members of Parliament – Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Isuru Udyoga Dodangoda and Madhura Withanage, were present at the Committee meeting held.

News

Arsenic contaminated tinned fish stock to be re-exported

Published

3 hours ago

October 12, 2024

editor

A consignment of canned fish, containing the toxic heavy metal ‘Arsenic’, has been found from the Customs storage complex in Orugodawatte.

In a statement, the Department of Government Information says that the consignment in five containers amounts to USD 215,000.

The toxic canned fish was inspected by the Secretary to the Ministries of Environment, Wildlife, Forest Resources, Water Supply, and Irrigation Prabath Chandrakeerthi yesterday (Oct. 11)

Mr. Chandrakeerthi has said that measures will be taken to re-export the stock instead of being destroyed in Sri Lanka.

“These canned fish were imported in May 2022. This contains toxic heavy metal ‘Arsenic’ beyond the stipulated weight level. Therefore, it is unfit for human consumption. It has been notified as usable as animal feed. As it is unfit for human consumption it clearly cannot be used as animal feed as well,” he said.

Further investigations are underway.

News

Luxury vehicle confiscated after CIABOC probe

Published

3 hours ago

October 12, 2024

editor

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the confiscation of a luxury vehicle seized by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage issued the order following a request made by CIABOC.

It is revealed that the vehicle, a Mitsubishi Montero jeep, belongs to a businessman from the Badulla area.

Investigations had uncovered that the vehicle was imported using falsified information provided to the Customs, resulting in the government being defrauded of more than Rs. 55 million in taxes.