<ul><li>Says will not be swayed by politicos prophesying&nbsp;</li><li>Notes that funds already allocated via Budget</li><li>Hauls politicos over coals for inappropriate statements</li></ul> In the wake of recent remarks by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna General Secretary, Tilvin Silva, that Provincial Council (PC) Elections cannot be held this year, the Election Commission (EC) stated that statements made by various individuals, including politicians, do not matter to the Commission and the Elections would be held once the relevant legal issues are cleared.When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (25), EC Chairperson&nbsp;R M A L Rathnayake said they do not take such statements seriously and act only according to the prevailing legal situation. “It is not appropriate for politicians to make statements on this. Statements made by various individuals don't matter to us either. What we do is act according to the legal situation.”He said that a committee has already been appointed by Parliament to study the matter and recommend solutions regarding the conduct of the long-delayed PC Elections.Rathnayake also rejected claims pertaining to financial allocations for the PC Elections, noting that financial allocations for the Elections have already been made through the national Budget process. “Every year, we request financial provisions for elections. Last year (2025) too, funds were allocated through the Budget. The Treasury releases the required money when elections are held,” the Commission said.Speaking to the media in Jaffna, Silva said recently that funds had in fact been allocated last year for the conduct of the PC Elections, but that those funds had later been diverted following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. “We allocated money for the PC Elections in last year’s Budget. Then, Ditwah happened. Around Rs. 500 billion had to be allocated for disaster-related expenses, and the money that had been set aside for the Elections had to be used for that purpose.”&nbsp;&nbsp;He further said that legal complications surrounding the PC electoral system, which emerged during former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure, were another reason for the continued delay. “PC Elections have been postponed due to legal issues that arose during Wickremesinghe’s period. We have now appointed a committee to recommend under which law the Elections should be conducted. Once their report is received, we think that the Elections can be held next year (2027) if other issues don't arise,” he added.An 11-member Special Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) was recently appointed by Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne to examine the electoral system under which the PC Elections should be conducted. The Committee is Chaired by Minister Vijitha Herath and has been tasked with studying the most suitable electoral framework and submitting recommendations to Parliament.PC Elections have remained stalled for more than a decade due to legal complications linked to amendments introduced between 2015 and 2020. Although a delimitation report required for the Elections was completed and presented to Parliament, it was rejected at the time, resulting in the prolonged delay in holding the Polls.

Delayed PC Polla: EC vows to stick to the law 

<ul><li>Says 6 boxes were destroyed, 12 cleared and released&nbsp;</li></ul> Director General (DG) of Agriculture, Dr W A R T Wickramaarachchi, defended the decision to release part of a consignment of Chrysanthemum flowers imported from India despite white fly insects being detected in several boxes, stating that local and international regulations had been followed and the fly in question is already present in the island.Responding to queries from The Daily Morning, he said yesterday (25) the flower shipment had been imported legally with the required import permit, phytosanitary certificate and fumigation certificate issued by the Indian authorities.He said that 18 boxes of flowers, which arrived in Sri Lanka on 12 January, were subjected to document checks and physical inspection at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Twelve boxes were found to be free of insect pests and diseases and were therefore released. However, six boxes were found to contain life stages of the white fly and were subsequently destroyed under the Plant Protection Act.&nbsp;Wickramaarachchi said however the white fly is already present in Sri Lanka and is considered a common pest found in local cultivations. He said that therefore it is not classified as a quarantine pest under plant quarantine regulations. “Even though the insect is already present in Sri Lanka, we don't allow imported insects to be released freely into the environment.That is why the affected boxes were destroyed,” he noted.&nbsp;He further pointed out that the inspection and clearance process had been carried out in accordance with both local laws and international standards, including guidelines issued under the International Plant Protection Convention. He noted that the monitoring and control of insect pests formed part of the Department’s routine work and that no special investigation was required as no procedural lapse had occurred.He added that insecticides as well as biological control methods are being used to manage white fly populations in Sri Lanka.The issue was brought up in Parliament by Opposition Parliamentarian D V Chanaka, who alleged that local food crops are being destroyed by “white fly insects” that had been detected in imported Chrysanthemum flowers.Efforts made to contact the Deputy subject Minister and the Secretary to the Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Ministry proved futile.

White fly pest: Agri DG defends Indian chrysanthemum imports

<ul><li>Issues in updating 1st stage data, ongoing census process&nbsp;</li></ul> The Association of Divisional Secretaries (DSs) and Assistant DSs has urged the Government to rectify several shortcomings in the implementation of the Aswesuma welfare benefits programme, warning that continuous technical and administrative issues are affecting both the beneficiaries and public officials engaged in the process.In a letter addressed to President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake on 23 May, the Association stated that there are a series of problems linked to the updating of first-stage Aswesuma data and the ongoing census process. The Association claimed that the relevant integrated workplace management system (IWMS) continues to operate despite long-standing flaws and claimed that responsibility and accountability for the resulting issues are being unfairly shifted onto DSs and Assistant DSs.Among the concerns raised was the failure to pay the monthly allowance of Rs. 2,500 owed to officials engaged in Aswesuma-related duties at Divisional Secretariats from January to this month (2026), despite those officers playing a leading role in the data verification process. The Association also stated that practical problems faced at the ground level had not been resolved and that the Welfare Benefits Board continues to place pressure on field officers carrying out Aswesuma duties. According to the letter, the use of external groups such as university students and volunteer organisations during the first-stage census had resulted in inaccurate data being entered into the system, causing some ineligible families to receive benefits whereas eligible families had been left out. The Association further claimed that repeated requests to address flaws in the IWMS had not received adequate attention. They highlighted several technical and operational issues affecting the programme, including errors when marking the geographical location of the houses through mobile applications, delays in updating the system to allow officials to act on information, slow system performance, the disappearance of uploaded data, and difficulties faced by newly approved beneficiaries in opening bank accounts due to system-related errors. The letter also noted that there is still no properly designated and accountable group officially assigned to carry out Aswesuma field duties, despite welfare legislation identifying Samurdhi Development Officers and Grama Niladharis (GNs) as the primary officers responsible for such work. The Association stressed that assigning various office staff to Aswesuma duties on an ad hoc basis would not solve the problem and called for a formal mechanism with clearly assigned responsibilities and accountability. It also objected to a proposal to prioritise the “Severely Poor” and “Poor” categories during the census process, stating that the prevailing fuel shortage, rising fuel prices, and quick response code-based fuel restrictions had already created severe obstacles for field officers travelling across GN divisions to collect data.Among the recommendations submitted to the President are the appointment of specifically designated officers for Aswesuma field and office duties, the rectification of defects in the IWMS and increasing its capacity, and integrating databases maintained by institutions such as the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Motor Traffic Department, agrarian service centres, and tax authorities, to improve the accuracy of beneficiary selection.Attempts to contact the Deputy Finance Minister Dr Anil Jayantha and the Presidential Secretariat proved futile.

In letter to President: DSs seek Aswesuma issues resolution 

<ul><li>NLAC receives requests</li><li>Labour Dept to consider on case-by-case basis</li><li>No final decision on work-from-home&nbsp;</li></ul> The National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) has received requests from parties to introduce a four-day work week, Labour Ministry Secretary S M&nbsp; Piyatissa told The Daily Morning. According to him, the NLAC has been asked to permit the four-day work week model, and the Labour Department has been advised to consider these requests on a case-by-case basis before determining the next steps.&nbsp;However, he added that no final decisions had been made regarding the reintroduction of work from home arrangements at the time of the Ministry's contact with the Labour Department. His remarks came in response to a question about whether work from home would be brought back as a measure to conserve fuel and energy.&nbsp;On social media platforms, claims have been circulating about a possible return to work from home. Unofficial reports also suggest that, in an effort to mitigate the economic risks stemming from the Rupee's depreciation against the United States Dollar and rising import bills, the Government is considering reintroducing work from home for both public and private sector employees -&nbsp; similar to the approach taken during the Covid pandemic. It had been predicted that such an announcement would be made today (26). The work from home strategy is widely seen being implemented in countries including India as a means of conserving energy to mitigate future scenarios where citizens could face energy shortages due to global tensions limiting access to resources. In Sri Lanka also, the module was introduced in a couple of instances including the pandemic season. Attempts to contact the Secretary of the Public Administration Ministry Sumana Aloka Bandara proved futile.

4-day work week sought

National Freedom Front Party Leader and former Minister Wimal released on a surety bail Weerawansa, who was arrested by the Thalangama Police earlier yesterday (25), has been granted bail by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. He was released on a surety bail amounting to Rs&nbsp; 500,000.Weerawansa was arrested yesterday morning after arriving at the Thalangama Police Station to provide a statement regarding a recent incident that occurred near the National War Heroes’ Monument in Battaramulla.&nbsp;On 18 May, Police stated that legal action would be taken against a group, including Weerawansa, over allegations of obstructing rehearsals held in preparation for the National War Heroes’ Day commemoration. During rehearsals and preparatory arrangements for the main ceremony, a group of approximately 35 individuals, including Weerawansa, allegedly attempted to enter the Monument premises without authorisation, thereby disrupting official duties and scheduled rehearsal activities.&nbsp;Officers present at the scene reportedly prevented entry and subsequently removed the group from the location. The authorities confirmed that legal action will be pursued against those involved. Meanwhile, a heated situation arose between the Police and Weerawansa when he arrived at the Monument near Parliament to pay floral tributes. He, along with a group comprising Party activists, visited the site on 18 May to commemorate fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the humanitarian operation.&nbsp;However, a dispute occurred after security officials denied access to the Memorial area for the laying of floral tributes, resulting in heightened tensions at the site. Video footage also captured Weerawansa falling to the ground during an attempt to move forward as officers attempted to push the group back. Subsequently, two individuals present at the scene were arrested and placed in a Police vehicle. Weerawansa also entered the vehicle, after which the arrested individuals were later released by the Police.

Wimal bailed in War Memorial incident case 

The Government Radiological Technologists’ Association (GRTA) yesterday (25) expressed concerns over the procurement of radiation protection equipment for hospitals, stating that the process is being carried out using outdated specifications.GRTA President, Chanaka Dharmawickrema alleged the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) had called tenders in March to purchase radiation protection coats and other safety equipment for use in radiology units. The value of the procurement is reported to be over&nbsp; Rs&nbsp; 400 million. The radiation protective gear includes protective aprons, goggles, thyroid collars and hats, he said. Dharmawickrema said that the equipment is used in hospital units such as cardiac catheterisation laboratories and operating theatres, where doctors, radiological technologists and other staff are exposed to radiation during medical procedures.He said that the current tender is based on specifications prepared by the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) of the Health Ministry, which he claimed were outdated and failed to reflect modern technology.He said that modern radiation protection equipment is lighter, safer and more durable, and would provide better protection and ease of use for hospital staff working long hours&nbsp; Although concerns had been raised over a long period, the specifications had not been updated to reflect the newer technology, he lamented.Under the tender, the authorities are expected to purchase 670 radiation protection aprons, 250 protective head covers, 260 safety glasses and 500 thyroid shields, among other items, Dharmawickrema further explained.He said that his outfit had urged the Health Minister to intervene and ensure that modern equipment is procured to improve staff safety and working conditions. According to information, he said that the procurement process is continuing under the current tender based on the existing specifications.He said that his Association had re-appealed for urgent action to be taken on the issue.However, the Deputy Health Minister, the Director of the MSD nor the Chairperson of the SPC were available for comment at the time.

Outdated protective tech: Radiology techs concerned 

A death row inmate convicted in the high-profile abduction, gang rape, and murder of Jaffna schoolgirl Sivalloganathan Vidya has reportedly died by suicide while in custody at the Jaffna Prison.The deceased was identified as 46-year-old Poobalasingham Jeyakumar, who had been serving a death sentence in connection with the 2015 murder that triggered widespread public outrage across the country.According to the Police, the inmate had taken his own life on the night of 24 May while being held at the prison. The Prisons Department also confirmed the death, stating that the incident had occurred inside the Jaffna Prison premises.Police said that further investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding the death.Jeyakumar was among several accused convicted over the abduction, gang rape, and murder of the 18-year-old schoolgirl in Punkudutivu, Jaffna, in May 2015.Earlier this month, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the death sentences imposed on four accused, including the main suspect known by the alias “Swiss Kumar”, after dismissing their appeals seeking acquittal and release.The judgment was delivered on 6 May by a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.The Court upheld the death sentences handed down by a three-judge Trial-at-Bar of the High Court against four defendants, including Jeyakumar, while acquitting two others by removing their death sentences.At the time the Supreme Court judgment was delivered, three of the accused sentenced to death, including Jeyakumar, had appeared before the Court proceedings via Zoom from prison custody. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available for immediate support:&nbsp;- For emergencies, contact the National Mental Health Helpline 1926- Sumithrayo: 0112682535/0112682570&nbsp;- CCCline: 1333 (toll free)

 Vidya murder case: Death row inmate found dead 

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has decided to examine the ongoing legal proceedings and matters relating to the protection of the girl involved in the sexual abuse incident reported from the Anuradhapura area.This decision was taken during the Caucus meeting chaired by Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, held in Parliament yesterday (25).&nbsp;Accordingly, a special discussion has been scheduled for 5 June with the participation of the relevant institutions including the Police, the Attorney General’s Department, the National Child Protection Authority and the Probation and Child Care Services Department.In addition to the incident, the discussion is also expected to focus extensively on strengthening the laws and empowering the institutions required to prevent all forms of violence against women and children.Meanwhile, it was also decided to appoint a subcommittee under the Caucus to oversee the future legal proceedings relating to the Anuradhapura girl’s case and to identify the institutional and legal reforms required to eliminate violence against women and children.

Women MPs to probe Anuradhapura child abuse case

The Plantation Ministry has announced that it will soon address the situation of women in the private plantation sector who do not receive full wages of the day from pregnancy through childbirth and up to six months after delivery. The assurance comes following reports that some pregnant tea plucking women and mothers of six-month-old infants are being paid only half a day’s wage if they fail to meet the daily plucking target. When contacted, Deputy Plantation Minister, Sundaralinga Pradeep told The Daily Morning that all women in the State sector are already receiving full wages. “Those who don't receive it will be identified and will be given the full wages soon,” he said. He further added that private sector tea plucking women who do not receive wages on the days that they attend clinic appointments will also have the matter resolved, and that they will be paid for those due dates. The concerns arose after the Convenor of the Civil Collective for Malaiyaha Reconstruction organisation Selvaraja Rajasegar claimed that some pregnant women on certain estates are being denied these rights. He detailed the hardships that pregnant tea pluckers face, including their inability to meet daily demands. “Unlike the other workers, we can't wander far or roam around to pluck leaves. We can't travel long distances. There are many wild animals like leopards and snakes roaming about, and wasp nests are found in almost every tree. They don’t clean the estates properly, nor do they apply the necessary fertiliser for the tea bushes. Yet, we are expected to pluck the exact quantity of leaves that they dictate,” he had documented their grievances with The Daily Morning. Rajasegar also highlighted the poor conditions of working places. He said that apart from the physical inconveniences of pregnancy, women are expected to work all day long, and that proper sanitation facilities for these workers have not been established to date.

Delayed PC Polla: EC vows to stick to the law

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White fly pest: Agri DG defend ...

In letter to President: DSs seek Aswesuma issues resolution

In letter to President: DSs se ...

4-day work week sought

4-day work week sought

Wimal bailed in War Memorial incident case

Wimal bailed in War Memorial i ...

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Outdated protective tech: Radi ...

Vidya murder case: Death row inmate found dead

Vidya murder case: Death row ...

Women MPs to probe Anuradhapura child abuse case

Women MPs to probe Anuradhapur ...

Pvt sector tea: Pregnant pluckers to receive benefits

Pvt sector tea: Pregnant pluck ...

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White fly pest: Agri DG defends Indian chrysanthemum imports

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In letter to President: DSs seek Aswesuma issues resolution

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4-day work week sought

4-day work week sought

Wimal bailed in War Memorial incident case

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Outdated protective tech: Radiology techs concerned

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Vidya murder case: Death row inmate found dead

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