Today, the Supreme Court ruled that State Minister Diana Gamage lacks the legal qualifications to retain her parliamentary seat. The decision follows the court's consideration of an appeal challenging the dismissal by the Appeals Court of a petition contesting Gamage's parliamentary membership.
The court had initially deferred its verdict indefinitely after concluding the hearings on February 13. Social activist Oshala Herath lodged the appeal two weeks subsequent to the dismissal of his petition against Gamage's parliamentary seat and citizenship by the Appeals Court.
In his appeal, Herath named Gamage and others as respondents, reiterating his previous petition's claim that the lawmaker, by holding dual citizenship, is ineligible to hold a seat in the Sri Lankan parliament.
The price of a 12.5 kg domestic Litro LP gas cylinder will reduced by Rs.175 from midnight today, Litro Gas said.
Accordingly, the new retail price of a cylinder of 12.5 kg LP gas will be Rs.3,940
The 5 kg cylinder of LP gas will be reduced by Rs. 70 and the new retail price will be Rs.1,582
The 2.3 kg cylinder of LP gas will be reduced by Rs.32 and the new retail price will be Rs.740.
Tense situation at BIA over delay in issuing visa on arrival
Last night, chaos erupted at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) following a contentious transition in the on-arrival visa issuance process to an Indian company. This move, fraught with controversy, saw the Indian firm imposing an additional $25 charge, contrasting with the smooth management of the process by the Immigration and Emigration Department over the years.
This transition occurred without requisite cabinet approval, raising pertinent questions about the authorization behind such a decision. Moreover, alongside the standard $75 fee, the Indian company implemented this supplementary charge.
In response to inquiries, Controller General Harsha Illukpitiya of the Immigration and Emigration Department disclosed that control over the visa issuance process reverted to their jurisdiction due to the private company's incapacity to ensure operational efficiency.
Footage circulating on social media vividly portrayed extensive queues at the airport. A Sri Lankan citizen was captured expressing frustration towards the Indian visa officers, alleging the cancellation of his wife's on-arrival visa. He vehemently contested the authority of Indian personnel to dictate visa status for Sri Lankan citizens, asserting his rights and taxpayer status, emphasizing his annual contribution of approximately Rs. 4 million. He vocally criticized the decision to outsource visa issuance to an Indian entity, contending that numerous capable Sri Lankan firms could have managed the task.
Simultaneously, he questioned the Indian visa officer's jurisdiction to address him in such a manner and accused the Sri Lankan government of neglecting local employment opportunities by allowing Indian companies to operate in the country.
Additionally, foreign travelers reported enduring lengthy waits exceeding two to three hours for visa processing, further exacerbating the chaotic situation.
SLFP selects Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as Presidential candidate
Former President Maithripala Sirisena said today that Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe will be the Presidential candidate representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
He made this revelation during the commemoration ceremony of the late T.B. Ilangaratne.
The former President said that Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has the support of the majority of party members.
Sirisena said he has previously served as President and pledged not to contest for the Presidency again.
"Wijayadasa Rajapakshe will run for the upcoming Presidential election and we will offer him our full support," he said.
ජනපතිවරණයට මෛත්රී ඉදිරිපත් කිරීම මම කරපු ඵෙතිහාසික වැරැද්දක්
In a surprising admission, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga publicly expressed remorse today, labeling the decision to endorse former President Maithripala Sirisena as the Presidential candidate for the 2015 election as a mistake.
Speaking at a press conference, Kumaratunga openly acknowledged her regret regarding the support extended to Sirisena, indicating a shift in her stance since the pivotal election.
Kumaratunga, who played a pivotal role in introducing Sirisena as the Presidential candidate of the UNP-led 'Yahapalanaya' Government, emphasized her disillusionment with her past decision-making.
Furthermore, she quashed any speculation about her son, Vimukthi Kumaratunga, venturing into politics, firmly ruling out his involvement in the political arena.
Addressing speculation surrounding her potential ascension to the SLFP Chairmanship, Kumaratunga clarified that she harbored no interest in assuming the role. Instead, she advocated for a younger individual to take up the mantle, signaling a desire for rejuvenation within the party's leadership.
