<ul><li>Says holding polls the answer, not community advisory comms., to oversee LG dev. projects</li><li>SJB backs same &amp; warns of legal action&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>The Election Commission (EC) has informed President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake and the other relevant authorities that it is better to hold the Local Government (LG) elections than establishing community advisory committees to oversee development projects under LG bodies.The Government recently announced plans to establish these committees, with the alleged intent of having them oversee development projects within LG bodies. Former LG representatives are also slated to be considered for inclusion as members of these committees.When contacted by The Daily Morning, EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake mentioned that the EC had examined the issue and sent a letter to the President's Secretary outlining important considerations for setting up the committees in question.&nbsp;“We recommended that candidates who have submitted nominations for the LG elections should not be included in these committees, given that the electoral laws are still in effect.” He noted that the need to establish these committees arose because the LG bodies currently lack public representatives due to the delay in holding the LG Elections. As a solution, he said that they (EC) recommended to the relevant authorities, including the President's Secretary, that holding the LG elections would be a better approach than establishing committees to fill the gap left by the absence of public representatives. When queried as to whom the relevant notification was made, Rathnayake said that it was informed to the President's Secretary, the Prime Minister's Secretary, the Provincial Governors and their Secretaries, and the District Secretaries.The Government’s preparation to establish community advisory committees has raised significant concerns, with the main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) alleging that the Government plans to conduct their election campaigns disguised as community advisory committees overseeing development projects in LG constituencies.&nbsp;“This move is an attempt to gain political advantage. Arbitrarily empowering Governors to form these committees could allow them to steer public resources toward their own political ends,” noted SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (8). “It's not the first time that we've seen this Government manipulate systems to its advantage,” he added, referencing a previous effort where power was prepared to be given to the former Mayors and Chairpersons of LG bodies — a strategy that he claimed was eventually withdrawn after legal challenges.&nbsp;Premadasa also questioned the true purpose of these committees, querying as to why their objectives could not be met through existing regional mechanisms like Divisional and District Secretariats, and District Coordination Committees. He also said that the SJB would legally challenge the establishment of these committees, raising concerns that candidates who had submitted nominations for the LG elections could be chosen to fill these committees’ roles.The LG elections were initially set for March 2023, but were delayed because the Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies Ministry and the General Treasury did not release the necessary funds. The EC rescheduled the elections to April 2023, but the funding issue persisted, resulting in the indefinite postponement of the LG elections.&nbsp;

EC writes to Prez Secy. on LG polls

Amidst various concerns being raised over the lack of regulation of the country’s lubricant market, the Ministry of Power and Energy awaits the decision of the committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers to set up a new regulator, The Daily Morning learnt.Recently, several parties attached to the petroleum industry have raised certain issues regarding the possibility of unauthorised entrants, particularly in the lubricant sector. The former regulatory authority, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), has ceased its functions in market monitoring, consumer and trade education, import inspection, and action against unauthorised operators and product adulterators.&nbsp;The parties have further raised concerns about the potential proliferation of unauthorised players and product adulteration in the absence of robust regulatory oversight, highlighting the risks posed to licensed players, consumers, and Government revenue.In this context, the Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, told The Daily Morning yesterday (8) that the PUCSL has not completely withdrawn from the regulation and monitoring process but still functions as a regulatory body together with the Ministry.&nbsp;“Currently, the Ministry and the PUCSL together regulate Sri Lanka’s lubricant market. None of these institutions have completely withdrawn from its functions, even though certain parties claim so,” he said. However, stating that the Cabinet has taken a decision to establish a new regulator for the industry, Dr. Jayawardana noted that the committee of experts appointed by the Cabinet has yet to make a final decision. “The Ministry awaits the decision of the said committee to implement a new regulatory process. Currently, there is no issue with the lubricant market regulation, and we are closely monitoring the market,” he stated.Commissioner of the PUCSL Douglas Nanayakkara was unavailable for comment.&nbsp;

Lubricant mkt. regulation: Power Min. awaits Cabinet appointed comm. report 

<ul><li>Mujibur tippled to fill vacancy&nbsp;</li></ul>The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday (8) declared that State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage is not legally qualified to hold a Parliamentary seat.The Court had concluded the hearing of an appeal filed challenging the Court of Appeal’s (CA) dismissal of a petition against Gamage’s Parliamentary Membership. Upon concluding the proceedings on 13 February, the three-Judge bench decided to defer its verdict indefinitely. Accordingly, delivering its verdict yesterday, the Court decided that Gamage is not eligible to hold the position of a Parliamentarian.Activist Oshala Herath had put forward the appeal two weeks after the petition he had filed against Gamage’s MP seat and citizenship was dismissed by the CA. Naming Gamage and several others as the respondents of his appeal, Herath said that he had previously filed a petition alleging that Gamage is unqualified to hold the position of a Parliamentarian in Sri Lanka, as she also holds dual citizenship.Former MP Mujibur Rahman of the main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), is tipped to fill the vacant MP seat as the SC declared that Gamage is not legally qualified to hold an MP seat. Speaking during yesterday’s Parliamentary session, the SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa announced that this appointment will be communicated to the Election Commission. In January 2023, Rahman decided to step down as an MP in order to vie for the post of the Mayor of Colombo in the postponed 2023 Local Government elections.

Diana can’t legally be a MP, SC rules  

The Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) is to go ahead with its decision to hold the Surgery Long and Short Cases segments in the Examination to Register to Practise Medicine (ERPM) (Part B), which took place at the Eastern University examination centre earlier this year, again.A group of medical graduates who have received their degrees from foreign universities recently urged the SLMC to revisit its decision to hold the said Examination again.When queried as to whether there would be any change to the decision, the SLMC Registrar, Dr. Hemantha Herath said that they are currently making arrangements to hold the Examination on the scheduled dates of 14 and 15 May.&nbsp;“All the relevant parties are well aware of the concerns raised by these students. So, they (the SLMC President and the Council Members) will have to make a decision and inform us whether to revise this decision or not. Unless and until a fresh decision is made, we will go ahead with the decision to hold this Examination again.”Since a group of affected students had recently met with Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and the Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala, The Daily Morning queried Dr. Herath as to whether the SLMC has received any directions from the Ministry, to which he replied: “The Ministry has referred the same complaint forwarded to me by a group of students. I have referred it to the SLMC President and the SLMC’s Examinations Unit.” When queried as to whether it has been forwarded to the Council Members, he said: “Communications with Council Members is usually done at the Council meeting, or by the SLMC President.”It is meanwhile learnt that Council Members have not been informed of the students' concerns, and that they are seeking a Council meeting to discuss the matter. Dr. Herath said that a Council meeting can be called by the SLMC President, or upon a request made by the Council Members.The group of candidates in question, in a recent letter addressed to Dr. Herath, said that the reason given for the SLMC's decision to hold the said Examination again is “the failure of the particular examination centre to conduct the Examination according to the guidelines stipulated by the Council”, but, noted that it is unclear as to what guidelines have been violated. They said that the decision of the Council and the guidelines which have allegedly been violated have not been posted on the official website of the SLMC or of the Department of Examinations, and added that there was nothing detrimental to them as candidates in the conduct of the said Examination.&nbsp;Emphasising that they prepare for and face examinations amidst severe constraints and obstacles, the group of graduates said that the decision of the Council serves to deprive them of the fruit of their hard work. They accordingly urged Dr. Herath and the SLMC to consider their grievances, set aside the annulment of the previously held Examination, and proceed to release their results.&nbsp;

SLMC to proceed with specific ERPM re-examination 

<ul><li>Int’l organisations including EU forward requests</li></ul>The Election Commission (EC) is to accommodate requests made by several international organisations such as the European Union (EU) to observe the upcoming elections including the Presidential Election, in a timely manner.Local election monitoring body, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections, had recently requested the EC in writing to urgently make necessary arrangements to invite a delegation of election observers representing the international community.When contacted by The Daily Morning, EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that several international organisations such as the EU had recently met him, and had expressed their willingness to observe the upcoming elections, particularly the Presidential Election.&nbsp;“A delegation from the EU and representatives of several other organisations met with us recently and handed over formal letters expressing their interest in coming as observers. They informed me that they would like to be informed once the election schedule is confirmed,” he said.He further said that requests received from several such organisations prompted them (EC) to plan a structured communication process with them. “We've taken the necessary measures to manage these requests. We’ve sent letters to those who reached out to us, letting them know that when the election date is announced, they will be informed in due time with formal notices.” While the exact timing of the elections is yet to be determined, he estimated that the country is “six to seven months away” from the polls.Since its inception, the EC has played a significant role in ensuring a fair and transparent election process. Among its key responsibilities are voter registration, processing nominations, managing logistics, and election monitoring. It usually invites both domestic and international observers to monitor the electoral process, with regard to elections, particularly the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

EC nods for int'l observer requests

<ul><li>Military notes lack of official Russian &amp; Ukrainian Armies membership/salary/citizenship/land/compensation</li><li>Says fate of extreme weather/minimal infrastructure facilities/lack of communication/injuries/death awaits&nbsp;</li></ul>Emphasising that war veterans who are Sri Lankan citizens cannot be allowed to be used as mercenaries in foreign lands and to place their lives at risk, the Defence Secretary, Retired General Kamal Gunaratne stated that the law will be strictly enforced against illegal human smugglers and traffickers, establishments and others involved in illegal activities, specifically illegal foreign employment agents who dupe war veterans.The Defence Ministry has learned that a number of retired war veterans have got caught in a scheme by some illegal foreign job agents and have been sent to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as members of mercenary groups. It is also revealed that a significant number of war veterans have died and sustained injuries in the battlefield. These war veterans have left to the Russian-Ukrainian war front as mercenaries after being duped by these human traffickers who had promised them the opportunity to join a foreign Army, a handsome salary, citizenship in those countries and other benefits.&nbsp;“Illegal foreign employment agents also promise to grant land in popular areas like Saint Petersburg if they join the war. Moreover, they pledge Russian citizenship for their families and more than Rs. 1 million in cash,” Gunaratne added. However, neither the serving nor the injured have received any salaries or benefits and these traffickers have not even given any sort of compensation to the families of those injured or the dead. Further, they have failed to provide any information of the whereabouts of those war veterans to their families as well.The Defence Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry are making efforts to obtain factual information about the war veterans and casualties at the Russian-Ukrainian war front.Gunaratne made a special request to the war veterans not to be caught in such illegal schemes and not to place their lives at risk by joining foreign mercenary groups and to also think of the plight of their families before doing so.&nbsp;The Criminal Investigations Department, the Police and the Intelligence agencies have launched extensive operations to arrest such illegal human traffickers and several people involved in it have already been taken into custody.Meanwhile, the Navy, shedding light on the issue of human trafficking associated with deployments for the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighted the deceptive practice of portraying retired military personnel as recipients of substantial salaries and benefits.A recent disclosure has uncovered a human trafficking scheme including retired military personnel from Sri Lanka's armed forces. These individuals were deceived into believing that they would receive significant benefits, including high salaries and citizenship, by joining the Russian and Ukrainian forces. They were sent on tourist visas and subsequently deployed for frontline combat in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;Former military personnel, lured to Russia and Ukraine on tourist visas, are being recruited into mercenary forces without offering the promised salaries or benefits. It is reported that they face extreme weather, minimal support infrastructure and are even without communication means. Reports also indicate serious injuries and some fatalities in the harsh war zones, lacking basic facilities.&nbsp;Hence, the Navy urges retired Naval personnel not to consider accepting such opportunities, as they would lead to jeopardising their hard earned privileges and assets. Also, choosing to reside far away from home without the support of near and dear ones can lead to challenging circumstances.Moreover, the Navy urged the public to reach out to the Navy Headquarters via 0117192142/0117192250 if they possess any information about individuals, active duty military personnel or any other person involved in this human trafficking act or aiding such activities.

Russia-Ukraine war: War vets. cautioned on foreign job traffickers  

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation has directed the management of the SriLankan Airlines to submit a report about the recent dispute between the pilots and crew of the SriLankan Airlines and the pilots and crew of the UL501 Air Belgium aircraft.When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (8), Secretary to the Ministry K.D.S. Ruwanchandra said that the Ministry has directed the management of the SriLankan Airlines to submit a report after investigating the incident. He also said that the Ministry is closely monitoring the other flights to prevent similar incidents.However, SriLankan Airlines Chairperson Ashok Pathirage told The Daily Morning that he is unaware of the matter since he is currently not in the country. Meanwhile, the SriLankan Airlines told the media that they had already commenced a probe into the incident.As is reported, the dispute occurred when the SriLankan Airlines pilots, who were expected to get onboard to be flown to other destinations, were informed at the check-in counter that they were not allocated seats in the business class as only one seat was remaining in that sector. According to news reports, when the pilots refused to get on board, it is alleged that the Air Belgium Pilot who was operating UL 501 subjected the pilots to racial abuse and said that if they did not get on board within a few minutes, the flight would proceed without them.The SriLankan Airlines leased two aircraft from Air Belgium to boost its fleet, which had been depleted by expiring leases and aircraft grounded due to engine manufacturing defects. The national carrier received the first wet leased Airbus A330-200 in December of last year (2023) and the second in mid-January of this year.&nbsp;

SriLankan-Air Belgium controversy: Aviation Ministry orders probe 

<ul><li>Suboptimal operation of Nat. Edu. Mgt. Info. System noted&nbsp;</li></ul>The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has noted that since problematic situations have arisen following arrangements being made to temporarily admit students to schools close to their residence due to economic difficulties and transportation difficulties in the context of the difficult situation in the country, the relevant officials should decide in this regard after discussing with the Minister in charge.The above arrangements were made based on a letter by the Director of National Schools bearing Number ED/1/6/1/10/2022 dated 6 June 2022.The COPA, which met recently, also focused on the current performance of the National Education Management Information System. The officials pointed out that although this data System was initiated in 2012, it has not yet reached the expected level of performance, and in turn, the COPA expressed displeasure at the data System not reaching the desired level. The COPA also pointed out that the necessary data pertaining to the school system is not available in this data System and not up to expectation.&nbsp;Furthermore, contrary to circular 2008/37, though the number of classes in schools should not be changed without the approval of the Structure Committee under the Ministry of Education, principals of 29 schools had started new classes for intermediate classes at their own discretion without the approval of the Ministry. Accordingly, the COPA Chair, State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna recommended to submit a full report on this before 17 May.Attention was also paid to whether there is a lack of enrollment of children in the first year and it was recommended to give a report to the COPA within two weeks, containing the information of the last 20 years.

School admissions: COPA wants closest school admission decision reviewed 

The Election Commission (EC) made the decision to increase the amount of the deposit for Presidential candidates after consulting all the relevant stakeholders and considering the requirements that emerged in the present circumstances, said EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (8), he also said that public and civil society organisations hold different views in this regard and that therefore, anyone can raise concerns over the positive and negative impacts of the decision. He said that many parties, including the election monitors, have stressed the importance of changing the amount of deposits and fines for misconduct related to elections, in view of rising election-related costs and other issues.&nbsp;He further stated that the EC consulted the Parliament, the Attorney General’s Department, and other public and private sector stakeholders prior to making the particular decision, stating that it was not a move taken solely by the EC. He also said that these changes are applicable to all elections, not only the Presidential Election. According to Rathnayake, the main objective of these changes is to transform the country’s election system according to the present situation.He made these remarks following a letter written by the Frontline Socialist Party to the EC, raising concerns about its decision to increase deposits that candidates have to place when contesting elections. In the said letter, the Party's Propaganda Secretary, Duminda Nagamuwa, said that the decision in question was taken by the Cabinet of Ministers to restrict politics to a particular class.&nbsp;According to Nagamuwa, a person contesting the Presidential Election from a registered party has to place Rs. 2.4 million as a deposit, which cost only Rs. 50,000 previously, while a person contesting the Presidential Election independently has to deposit Rs 3.1 million, which was only Rs. 75,000 earlier.&nbsp;

EC writes to Prez Secy. on LG polls

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