News

Interim order against Sports minister’s gazette

Published

2 years ago

February 27, 2023

editor

The Court of Appeal has issued an interim order preventing the implementation of a gazette notification issued by the Minister of Sports in relation to the regulation of activities of sports associations including Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), until the hearing of the writ petition filed by the SLC and several sports associations is concluded.

The order was issued by the two-member appellate court bench consisting of the President of the Court of Appeal Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice A. Marikkar when a writ petition filed by several sports associations including the Sri Lanka Cricket was taken up for consideration today (Feb. 27).

Accordingly, the Court of Appeal also ordered the respondents of the case including the Minister of Sports to file objections related to the petition on or before April 27, if any.

Further, the petitioning party was ordered to file any relevant contradictions before June 12, whereas the petition was ordered to be recalled on June 22.

The petitions point out that the Minister of Sports has issued a series of regulations on December 14, with regard to the matters including the Tenure of Sports Associations, holding elections, term of office of the positions held in sports associations and age limitations.

President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva and other attorneys, who presented facts before courts on behalf of the petitioning party, mentioned that these regulations issued by the Minister of Sports are beyond his authority.

The attorneys of the petitioning party also stated that the Minister has violated the power of the Parliament by enacting the laws, pointing out that the relevant regulations are against the law.

President’s Counsel Uditha Egalahewa, who appeared for the responsible Sports Minister, expressed that the Government’s Auditor General has also conducted an investigation and submitted a report on the alleged corruption irregularities carried out in the SLC.

He further emphasized that the Government’s Auditor General has recommended that a criminal investigation be conducted on such suspicious activities, adding that the Minister proceeded to issue the series of relevant regulations after taking all those facts into consideration.

The President’s Counsel also alleged that the petitioners have tried to conceal the facts through these petitions.

(adaderana.lk)

News

SL athletes shine at Taiwan Open: Lekamge claims silver, Yodhasinghe takes bronze

Published

2 hours ago

June 8, 2025

editor

Sri Lankan athletes delivered strong performances at the 2025 Taiwan Open Athletics Championship, with Nadeesha Lekamge securing a silver medal in the women’s javelin throw and Chamod Yodhasinghe earning bronze in the men’s 100m sprint.

Lekamge’s Season-Best Throw Secures Silver

Nadeesha Lekamge recorded a season’s best throw of 56.62 meters, finishing just behind India’s Annu Rani (56.82m), who took gold.

Lekamge’s performance highlights her consistent form ahead of upcoming international competitions.

Yodhasinghe’s Speed Earns Bronze in 100m

Chamod Yodhasinghe clocked 10.38 seconds in the men’s 100m finals, securing third place behind Australia’s Jiseph Ayoade (10.34s) and Japan’s Bruno Dede (10.36s).

The Sri Lankan sprinter had earlier impressed in the heats with a 10.29-second run, showcasing his potential on the international stage.

News

Philippines grants 5-year residency visas for Sri Lankans married to Filipinos

Published

2 hours ago

June 8, 2025

editor

In a major relief for Sri Lankans married to Filipino citizens, the Philippine government has officially begun issuing 5-year Temporary Residence Visas (TRVs), replacing the previous 2-year permits.

The move follows years of advocacy by the Sri Lankan community in the Philippines, who faced difficulties due to frequent renewals and prolonged passport retention by authorities. Many struggled with travel restrictions, especially for business and emergencies.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Chanaka Talpahewa, prioritized the issue upon assuming office, engaging in high-level discussions with top Philippine officials, including the Vice President, Foreign Secretary, and key ministers. His persistent efforts led to the policy change, easing bureaucratic hurdles for binational families.

The extended visa validity reflects deepening Sri Lanka-Philippines relations, offering stability to Sri Lankan expatriates. Previously, the short-term TRVs caused financial and logistical strain, with families facing repeated paperwork and delays.

News

Over 3,000 Sri Lankan troops arrested!

Published

14 hours ago

June 8, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Defence says that approximately 3,000 members of the Sri Lankan armed forces have been taken into custody for failing to report for duty without formally resigning.

The arrests were made during the period from February 22 to the present, as part of a coordinated operation conducted jointly by the tri-forces and the police.

Among those detained, 2,261 are members of the Sri Lanka Army.

The Ministry stated that the operation aims to enforce military regulations and ensure discipline within the armed forces by taking action against those who have gone absent without leave (AWOL).