Today’s News Digest: Your go-to summary of the key events and headlines that shaped the day. From major developments to breaking news, we bring you everything that happened today, all in one quick and easy read.
Parliament passes President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill
Parliament passed the third reading of the President’s Entitlements (Repeal) Bill today without amendments, aiming to abolish special benefits granted to former Presidents, their widows, and retired MPs. The second reading earlier in the day passed with 151 votes in favour and only MP Chamara Sampath Dasanayake voting against. The Supreme Court ruled the Bill is not inconsistent with the Constitution and can be enacted with a simple majority.
LOD : Watagala challenges Namal to file case within 14 days
Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala said he is prepared to respond to a Rs. 1 billion defamation claim filed by MP Namal Rajapaksa, who alleged that a recent statement linked him to the drug trade. Speaking in Parliament, Watagala said he has not yet received the notice but welcomes the case, as it would allow him to cross-examine the MP in court. He listed several personal and political questions he intends to raise and warned that if Rajapaksa does not proceed, he will file a cross-appeal seeking compensation.
Makandure Madush’s wife seeks probe into his death in custody
The wife of slain underworld figure Makandure Madush has requested an investigation into his death in police custody, submitting a letter to IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya. Speaking to the media, she expressed doubts about the circumstances surrounding his death, calling it a killing rather than a lawful punishment. Five years after the incident, she urged authorities to deliver justice and questioned whether his death was linked to associations he had at the time.
SJB warns of NCM against Speaker
SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara warned in Parliament that the opposition may move a No-Confidence Motion against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne for allegedly failing to uphold democratic principles. The remarks followed the Speaker’s rejection of a No-Confidence Motion against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, citing a lack of constitutional provision for such a motion. The opposition had submitted the motion in August, raising concerns over Jayasekara’s alleged conflict of interest in the 2019 Easter Sunday attack investigations.
TPA, CWC oppose Govt’s move to abolish Malaiyaha Authority
The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) and the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) have opposed the government’s reported plan to abolish the New Villages Development Authority for Plantation Region (NEVIDA). TPA Leader Mano Ganesan, in a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urged reconsideration, stating NEVIDA plays a vital role in addressing the complex needs of the Malaiyaha Tamil community. CWC General Secretary Jeevan Thondaman also criticized the move, calling it unacceptable and highlighting NEVIDA’s role in providing essential services and development support to plantation workers.
