<ul><li>Excise and copyright offences removed</li><li>References to tattoos, body marks, prior court approval for reporting deleted&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Changes to DOs issuance to be decided later&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul> The Attorney General (AG) has informed the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday (9) that amendments are to be introduced to the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, which has been presented to Parliament by the Government. The amendments are expected to be presented at the Committee Stage of Parliament, and a document containing the proposed amendments was also submitted to the SC.&nbsp;The AG has informed that it has been proposed to remove all offences relating to the Excise Ordinance included in the Bill. President’s Counsel and Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne, appearing on behalf of the AG, also stated that offences relating to copyright under intellectual property violations have been removed from the Bill. He further informed that amendments concerning the issuance of detention orders (DOs) would be considered at a later stage. The AG has informed that provisions relating to tattoos and body marks will be removed through amendments to the Legislation. The AG further informed that a clause requiring prior court approval to publish information relating to cases involving serious crimes would also be withdrawn. The AG informed that the provision permitting a person to be detained for up to 72 hours will be amended to reduce the detention period to 48 hours.These submissions were made when the petitions filed challenging the Constitutionality of certain provisions of the Bill were taken up before the SC yesterday. The SC commenced hearing the petitions filed challenging certain provisions of the Bill, on the grounds that they are inconsistent with the Constitution, yesterday. The hearing is conducted before a three-Judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath B Abayakoon. When the petitions were taken up previously, the SC had directed the petitioners to submit any proposed amendments to the Bill through written submissions. Accordingly, the attorneys representing the petitioners submitted their written submissions to the SC on 5 November. A total of 26 petitions have been filed before the SC challenging the Bill. The SC has concluded its consideration of the petitions and announced that its confidential Determination on the Constitutionality of the Bill will be communicated to the Speaker of the House.

Organised Crimes Bill: AG submits major amendments

<ul><li>Kotte Chief Prelate seeks arrangements for re-robing ceremony</li></ul> A Fundamental Rights (FR) petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the prison authorities to produce the Bodu Bala Sena organisation’s General Secretary Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, who is currently serving a prison sentence, before Court while dressed in his monastic robes.&nbsp;The petition was filed by Dr B A Rathnapala. It further seeks an order restraining the authorities from presenting Gnanasara to the media or the public in civilian attire or prison clothing, or while handcuffed, until the petition is taken up for hearing and a final determination is made.&nbsp;Additionally, the petition seeks an interim order prohibiting the photographing or video recording of Gnanasara, as well as the circulation or distribution of such images or footage, or granting permission for such activities, beyond the limits permitted under Section 156(2) of the Prison Rules.Meanwhile, Chief Prelate of the Kotte Chapter of the Siyam Sect, Ven. Dr Ittepane Dhammalankara Thera, has written to the Commissioner General of Prisons seeking arrangements to re-robe Gnanasara Thera.In his letter, the Chief Prelate has said that the process of allowing Gnanasara Thera to wear robes again must be carried out in accordance with the Dhamma and Vinaya (Buddhist teachings and monastic discipline).He has informed the Commissioner General that a delegation of 10 Buddhist monks, including himself, is expected to visit the prison to carry out the necessary religious proceedings.Accordingly, he has requested that the necessary facilities be arranged for the visit and that he be informed once the arrangements have been made.He has also asked the Prisons Department to provide a suitable date and time for the proceedings.

FR petition seeks to have Gnanasara Thera produced in robes

<ul><li>Animals natural behaviour disturbed</li><li>Damage to protected areas outside designated roads</li></ul> Against the backdrop of night safari activities being strictly prohibited in the country, the Panama Safari Jeep Association in Ampara accused certain safari operators in the Kumana National Park of conducting night safaris, disturbing the natural behavioural patterns of animals and damaging protected areas by driving outside the designated roads to reach the animals.&nbsp;The accused safari jeep drivers, unlike those who conduct regular safari rides where animals are observed in their natural habitats and behaviours, allegedly provoke animals and remain near them for extended periods to attract the attention of wildlife watchers, The Daily Morning learnt.The Secretary of the Association, Priyantha Pushpakumara said that safari operations are managed by local residents in a manner that protects both their livelihoods and the animals.&nbsp;However, he claimed that a new group is gradually destroying the Park. "There’re a few jeep drivers who bring tourists and locals on safaris. But, we’ve noticed their practices disturbing the animals. Usually, if there’s a leopard sleeping, we wouldn’t stay there for more than 10 minutes before leaving the place.&nbsp;But, these people drive near them, wake them up and stay near the same animal for hours, sometimes the whole day and they promote themselves as offering safaris that provide the best experience," he said.&nbsp;He also added that although night safaris are strictly prohibited in the country, these groups continue to engage in such activities. "In the morning, we see the tire marks and know that this has been happening for a while.&nbsp;Yet, at night, we can’t stay in the Park, and we can’t prove it without getting ourselves into trouble. However, one of the safari drivers accidentally leaked a video of a night safari, but the authorities are still delaying action," he said.&nbsp;According to him, night safaris disrupt the natural patterns of animals. "Some animals hunt at night, and when they go in search of prey, these jeeps become a disturbance. Also, with these strong flashlights, they wake up sleeping animals.&nbsp;There’re also places such as grasslands where we don’t drive our jeeps. But, we frequently see tire marks in these areas too. We have complained several times, but no investigation has been conducted so far," he said.&nbsp;According to Pushpakumara, when the Association requested the authorities to stop those conducting safaris inside Kumana due to the alleged destruction, they were allegedly told that anyone in the country could operate a business wherever they wanted.&nbsp;He added that the Department of Wildlife Conservation's (DWC) Director General Ranjan Marasinghe had not granted the Association an opportunity to discuss the matter with him, hence the Association is in the process of drafting a letter outlining all the allegations.Attempts to contact the Park authorities and the DWC’s 24-hour hotline, 1992, introduced to receive wildlife-related complaints, were unsuccessful.

Night safaris at Kumana under fire 

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) will stage a protest outside the Colombo National Hospital today (10), demanding solutions to several issues affecting doctors and the country's healthcare system.&nbsp;GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr Chamil Wijesinghe announced this at a media briefing held yesterday (9), stating that representatives from the Association's District branches across the country are expected to gather in Colombo. He clarified that the protest would not involve a trade union (TU) strike and that routine medical services would continue at all hospitals without disruption.&nbsp;The GMOA has raised concerns over alleged cuts to doctors' salaries and allowances, unresolved issues relating to official quarters and security concerns affecting medical professionals. Dr Wijesinghe said that the Association expects the Government to address these issues through the upcoming Budget. He noted that doctors had been waiting for solutions for the past two-and-a-half years and warned that the planned protest would mark the first step in further TU action if their concerns remain unresolved. He also criticised what he described as attacks against doctors on social media, stating that concerns over professional security and welfare had added to dissatisfaction among medical professionals. The GMOA further warned that the failure to address the concerns of doctors and specialists would raise questions about the Government's commitment to maintaining the country's free healthcare system. Dr Wijesinghe expressed hope that the Government's third Budget under the National People's Power administration would provide concrete solutions to the issues raised by the medical community.Meanwhile, Deputy Health Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni responding to the GMOA's decision to strike told The Daily Morning that the Union had a proper opportunity to submit its budget proposals in May and June, just like other trade unions (TUs). “Instead of doing so at the right time, they’ve waited until the last minute and are now creating unnecessary drama, with just two days left before the Budget”. He said that the Government has already considered the proposals submitted on time and has a clear understanding of the doctors' concerns. “There’s no need for panic. The Government is committed to providing what doctors deserve. However, the priority should be patients, not protests. Hospitals are already short of doctors, and any further disruption will directly affect patient care. If doctors are needed in hospitals, they should be there looking after patients rather than joining protests in Colombo. Doctors' concerns deserve attention, but, patients should never be made to suffer because of TU politics”.

GMOA to protest today 

The importation of 39 drones and related equipment by Opposition Parliamentarian Nalin Bandara Jayamaha has raised questions over the approvals required to bring such equipment into the country, with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) saying that the necessary approval had not been obtained by the MP in question.Speaking to The Daily Morning, Jayamaha said yesterday (9) that the issue concerned lapsed Ministry approval, while the other required approvals were in place. He said that the drones had been imported for an online business operated by his family, which sells cameras and drones. "Most of these are small drones, almost like toys," he said, adding that the equipment was being held by the Customs until the outstanding approval was obtained. Jayamaha said that he had submitted the other documents to the Customs yesterday morning and expected to receive the renewed Ministry approval within another two or three days.&nbsp;However, Ministry Spokesperson, Brigadier Franklin Joseph told The Daily Morning that Jayamaha had not obtained the proper approval required to bring the drones and related equipment into the country. He said that importing such equipment without the required approval, or with an expired licence, constituted an offence. The Ministry would not conduct a separate investigation into the matter, he said, adding that Customs would have to take the necessary action.Meanwhile, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) clarified that it issues a no-objection letter for the Customs clearance of drones only after checking whether their operating frequencies comply with the approved frequency bands. A TRCSL representative said that the Commission could issue such a letter only after the necessary approvals had been obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry and the Import and Export Control Department.&nbsp;

 Seized drones: MP admits expired licence, delayed approval-seeking  

<ul><li>Transparent mechanism for pricing, supplier competition&nbsp;</li><li>Suggests targeted assistance to financially vulnerable groups&nbsp;</li></ul> The Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has highlighted the need for an independent regulatory mechanism to ensure transparency in fuel pricing and fair competition among fuel suppliers.&nbsp;The issue was discussed at a Committee meeting Chaired by Opposition Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva at the Parliamentary complex, where concerns were raised over differences in fuel import costs between the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and private fuel companies.Officials explained that the CPC produces part of the country's fuel requirements through its refinery, while private fuel companies import all their refined petroleum products.The Committee observed significant differences between the landing costs incurred by the CPC and foreign fuel suppliers. However, private companies are required to determine their prices based on the fuel prices announced by the CPC.&nbsp;This raised concerns about possible competitive imbalances in the petroleum market and the need for a transparent and independent mechanism to regulate fuel pricing.The Committee also discussed the existing fuel pricing formula, import costs, and taxes and distribution expenses, emphasising the importance of ensuring a level playing field for all fuel suppliers.In addition, members highlighted the need to move away from blanket fuel subsidies and instead introduce targeted assistance for financially vulnerable communities and the public transport sector.The broader discussion also covered the introduction of new standards for imported vehicle tires and proposed changes to the Aswesuma welfare benefits programme.

COPF seeks independent fuel regulator 

<ul><li>Steadfast on not amending NCM or presenting anew&nbsp;</li></ul>The Opposition Parliamentary group is to meet tomorrow (11) to discuss its future course of action against the Government’s continued refusal to allow the no-confidence motion (NCM) against the Speaker of Parliament Dr Jagath Wickramaratne to be debated and the Speaker’s refusal to allow Opposition Parliamentarians to raise related privilege questions in Parliament, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunatilleka said.He said that the Government is continuously refusing to allow the NCM to be debated, while the Speaker is also preventing Opposition MPs from raising privilege issues in Parliament. He charged that the conduct is completely contrary to Parliamentary traditions and democracy.&nbsp;However, Karunatilleka said that the Opposition had no intention of withdrawing or replacing the NCM already submitted. “We have absolutely no intention of amending the NCM or presenting a new motion. If the Government really wants it, we can remove the word ‘Honourable’ from the words ‘Honourable Speaker’ in the motion that has already been submitted.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The NCM in question was submitted on 9 October by 44 Opposition MPs representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, the New Democratic Front and independent groups. It alleges violations of several laws, including the Constitution, the Anti-Corruption Act, the Right to Information Act and the Standing Orders of Parliament.&nbsp;Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih meanwhile informed Parliament on 6 November that five privilege questions submitted by Opposition MPs in relation to the NCM had been rejected. The requests, including by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, were found not to establish a prima facie breach of Parliamentary privilege, he said. He said that matters concerning Parliamentary procedure, the Order Book and the scheduling of proceedings could not be treated as breaches of privilege. He also said that no amended version of the NCM had been submitted within the stipulated period after the Committee on Parliamentary Business allowed the Opposition to remove matters considered sub judice.

Opposition to discuss anti-Speaker NCM’s fate

The Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court has ordered Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and four others, who are staging a Satyagraha near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya, to appear before Court on 20 November. The order was issued by the Anuradhapura Magistrate.Despite a Court order directing them to vacate the area encompassing the Seya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, a group of demonstrators, including Buddhist monks, continued its Satyagraha for the third consecutive day yesterday (9).&nbsp;The Satyagraha was launched on the morning of 7 November at the dansal grounds near the Seya by a group of monks and laypersons led by Kassapa, in protest against the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan. Tensions arose at the site when the demonstrators attempted to construct a temporary hut.&nbsp;Following a report submitted to the Court by the Anuradhapura Headquarters Police Inspector, the Court issued an order directing the participants in the Satyagraha to vacate the area, including the premises surrounding the Seya and the Bodhi.&nbsp;However, the monks and other demonstrators have remained at the site. Officers from the Anuradhapura Division Crimes Investigation Bureau arrived at the location on 8 November night to record a statement from Kassapa.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ongoing Anuradhapura Satyagraha: Court summons Balangoda Kassapa Thera, others 

In the wake of the Government announcing plans to introduce new legislation to abolish the manpower labour system, National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) member and trade unionist Anton Marcus said that employing workers through manpower agencies for permanent work is already illegal under the existing law, but that the relevant provisions are not being properly enforced.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (9), Marcus, also the head of the Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and General Services Employees Union, said that the Government did not need to introduce a new law to prohibit the practice, as existing Legislation already prevented employers from continuously using temporary workers for permanent work.&nbsp;“Under the law currently in force in our country, the manpower system isn’t legal. We, trade unions, previously secured an Amendment to Section 59(b) of the Wages Boards Ordinance, which prevents workers from being continuously employed on a temporary basis for permanent work in an institution. The non-implementation of these provisions is the issue."&nbsp;He referred to a case involving a company at the Biyagama FTZ, where workers were employed through a manpower arrangement despite performing work that was permanent in nature. “We made a complaint to the District Labour Office. The Labour Commissioner in charge of the Law Enforcement Division subsequently instructed the Colombo Central District Labour Office to issue an order declaring the employment of workers through the manpower system unlawful."&nbsp;Once such an order is issued, Marcus said that the company has to act accordingly, and, if it does not, the Labour Department has the power to take legal action through the relevant court.&nbsp;"However, the Office hasn’t yet issued the order. When we asked them about it, they said that there could be problems if other companies found out about it. We told them that if other companies are also using this system, what’s wrong with them finding out about it? In any case, they aren’t taking the necessary action.”Multiple attempts to contact the Labour Ministry Secretary S M Piyatissa, the Department, and Office proved futile.Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, who is also a trade unionist, said on 7 November that the Government is drafting legislation to abolish the manpower labour system and that it did not support the practice of paying an intermediary for workers engaged in direct employment.

Organised Crimes Bill: AG submits major amendments

FR petition seeks to have Gnanasara Thera produced in robes

FR petition seeks to have Gnan ...

Night safaris at Kumana under fire

Night safaris at Kumana under ...

GMOA to protest today

GMOA to protest today

Seized drones: MP admits expired licence, delayed approval-seeking

Seized drones: MP admits expi ...

COPF seeks independent fuel regulator

COPF seeks independent fuel re ...

Opposition to discuss anti-Speaker NCM’s fate

Opposition to discuss anti-Spe ...

Ongoing Anuradhapura Satyagraha: Court summons Balangoda Kassapa Thera ...

Ongoing Anuradhapura Satyagrah ...

Proposed manpower employment ban: NLAC wants existing ban implemented

Proposed manpower employment b ...

FR petition seeks to have Gnanasara Thera produced in robes

FR petition seeks to have Gnan ...

Night safaris at Kumana under fire

Night safaris at Kumana under ...

GMOA to protest today

GMOA to protest today

Seized drones: MP admits expired licence, delayed approval-seeking

Seized drones: MP admits expi ...

COPF seeks independent fuel regulator

COPF seeks independent fuel re ...

Opposition to discuss anti-Speaker NCM’s fate

Opposition to discuss anti-Spe ...

Ongoing Anuradhapura Satyagraha: Court summons Balangoda Kassapa Thera ...

Ongoing Anuradhapura Satyagrah ...

Proposed manpower employment ban: NLAC wants existing ban implemented

Proposed manpower employment b ...

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FR petition seeks to have Gnanasara Thera produced in robes

FR petition seeks to have Gnan ...

Night safaris at Kumana under fire

Night safaris at Kumana under ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

GMOA to protest today

GMOA to protest today

Seized drones: MP admits expired licence, delayed approval-seeking

Seized drones: MP admits expi ...

COPF seeks independent fuel regulator

COPF seeks independent fuel re ...

Opposition to discuss anti-Speaker NCM’s fate

Opposition to discuss anti-Spe ...