The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised concerns over the process of promotions of Judicial Officers, Judges of the High Court and the Court of Appeal in Sri Lanka, drawing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s attention to the matter.

In a letter addressed to the President, BASL pointed out that traditionally, promotions within the Judiciary have been granted on the basis of seniority, but in the recent past, however, there have been occasions where this principle has been departed from.

If seniority has been overlooked on the basis of merit, it is observed, presently there are no clear or established guidelines governing the assessment of merit in granting such promotions in the Judiciary. This absence of transparent criteria risks undermining the fairness and consistency of the process, it warned.

The BASL further emphasized the importance of a transparent and fair system in the granting of promotions and appointments in the Judiciary. Such a system is vital to maintaining public confidence in the Judiciary and ensuring that the administration of justice remains impartial and credible.

The BASL stressed that promotions must continue to be made on the basis of seniority, in keeping with the longstanding practice, until such time as there are objective and defensible guidelines governing the assessment of merit.

Accordingly, seniority may only be disregarded where there exists a specific and recognized demerit in respect of the particular Judge concerned or such other known compelling circumstances that are objectively identifiable. This approach will safeguard both the integrity of the Judiciary and the trust reposed in it by the public, it pointed out. 

As such, the BASL requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take these considerations into account when deciding upon future promotions in the Judiciary. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday warned Parliament that Sri Lanka is now facing a dangerous evolution of organised crime, where drug traffickers, armed criminals, corrupt state officials, political actors and even segments of the media have converged into a single network of influence.

The President said that what began decades ago as small village-level thuggery had grown into a powerful, well-financed criminal ecosystem through political protection, contracts, and later, large-scale drug trafficking.

He said the political culture of the late 1970s enabled this transformation. “After 1977, every MP had a thug next to him. That is when these individuals obtained political protection. They were no longer the small-time characters from the village,” he told Parliament.

According to the President, once these groups entered the drug trade, the huge financial gains allowed them to infiltrate the state mechanism. “They bribed Police officers, the RMV, Immigration and Customs. Money brought them social respect, and those rejected by society created alternative power through wealth,” he said.

The President said the influence later extended into legitimate businesses and media organisations. “Some businessmen even started investing money in the media,” he said, adding that this created a coordinated structure combining political authority, drug financiers, armed criminals, corrupt state officials and a media network.

He noted that the intelligence services will soon reveal links between certain media networks and the drug underworld.

“This is no longer just a drug seller or a thug. It has become an organised entity with international links,” he said, referencing global incidents such as the assassination of the President of Haiti and targeted killings in Mexico linked to drug cartels.

The President warned that criminal networks in Sri Lanka have now evolved into a “ring of thieves” capable of influencing society, politics, state institutions, and public opinion. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reviewed the final draft of the 2026 Budget Proposal at the Presidential Secretariat last night (05).

According to the President’s Office, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Harshana Suriyapperuma, also participated in the review session.

This marks the second budget presented by the current government.

President Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, is scheduled to present the proposal to Parliament tomorrow (07). (Newswire)

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Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning for bilateral discussions during his official visit to the country.

The visit aims to deepen cooperation between the two nations, particularly in defence and regional security.

President Dissanayake updated Marles on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery efforts and the government’s ongoing measures to combat corruption. He also thanked the Australian government for its continued support in maritime safety, countering human trafficking, terrorism, and the illicit arms trade.

Marles reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to strengthening its 70-year partnership with Sri Lanka and said Canberra looks forward to enhanced collaboration across key sectors, the President’s Media Division said. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake became the first individual to file tax returns for the 2024–2025 assessment year, marking the launch of the Inland Revenue Department’s new online tax platform.

The digital platform, officially launched this morning, now serves as the sole channel for submitting tax reports beginning with the 2024–2025 assessment year. President Dissanayake’s filing was received symbolically as the first submission.

Speaking at the inauguration of National Tax Week at the Presidential Secretariat, Dissanayake said measures will be introduced to reduce expenditures within the President’s budget, aiming to safeguard public funds.

He said the government remains committed to protecting taxpayer contributions and described the initiative as a key step in preventing misuse of public money.

“We’re charging an 18% VAT. While that might seem fair from a state revenue point of view, right now, it’s hard to justify asking low-income earners to pay that amount. Even with 18%, we’re still not bringing in the tax revenue we should be. That’s because the system is full of loopholes and complications that people keep using to dodge taxes,” the President said adding that the present culture is to avoid tax rather than paying it.

The President also outlined plans to expand digitalization across public services to improve efficiency and dismantle what he described as entrenched irregularities within the state system. Dissanayake also stressed on the need to uphold the rule of law and ensure equal accountability for all citizens. (Newswire)

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The Defence Ministry has refuted reports that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake used Sri Lanka Air Force aircraft during his recent visit to Jaffna.

Issuing a statement, the Ministry said that false reports claiming that the President used three aircraft during his visit were circulating on social media.

Stating that no aircraft were used during this visit, the Defence Ministry said that the President only used his official vehicle. (Newswire)

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Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath says warnings must be issued for matters that require it, responding to claims that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had recently threatened to reduce security for former Presidents.

Addressing a public meeting in Kalutara recently, the President said nearly Rs. 700 million is being spent to provide security for former Presidents.

Stating that a decision was taken to downsize the security offered to former heads of state to 60, the President warned if they keep complaining then he would not hesitate to remove those security personnel as well.

When inquired if the President was making a threat, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath speaking during a televised programme said that the decision to reduce the security offered former Presidents was made by an expert committee based on intelligence reports.

Minister Herath said that there was a law regarding the privileges afforded to former Presidents, but decisions regarding their security detail is made based on reports by the Intelligence Unit on the level of risks to the former leaders.

Minister Herath also said that the expert committee was also of the view that some former Presidents did not require a security detail.

“Warnings have to be made in matters that require it. Some people are taking this as a joke and making the government look like it is incapable of making stern decisions. We can make stern decisions, “ he said.

Minister Herath said that in order to ensure fairness the government decided to provide a security team of 60 personnel per former president.

He further added that the government was not required to provide security to persons who are attempting to create sympathy by claiming threats to their life, in order to receive these privileges. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says he hopes to visit the Middle East in February this year.

The President said he has already received invitations from some Middle Eastern countries. 

President Dissanayake revealed that discussions were ongoing with these countries regarding obtaining petroleum. 

He further said that discussions are underway to acquire petroleum through government-to-government cooperation.

The President said as such, to ensure the success of these discussions, there are plans to visit the Middle East next month.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made the remarks while addressing an NPP meeting in Beruwala, Kalutara. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived at the Beijing International Airport today (14) on his first state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

President Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Chinese military, and he was formally received by China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.

The route taken by President Anura Kumara Disanayake was elegantly decorated on both sides with the national flags of both nations, symbolizing mutual respect and diplomacy, the President’s Media Division said.

During this state visit, the President is scheduled to participate in several key engagements, including field visits focused on technological and agricultural development, as well as initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. The visit also includes high-level business meetings and discussions.

Furthermore, several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and China are expected to be signed during the visit.

The delegation accompanying President Dissanayake includes Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake Ambassador of People’s Republic of China in Colombo Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador Majintha Jayesinghe. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake refuted claims that Sri Lanka will face bankruptcy in 2028 when debt repayments resume.

Addressing Parliament, the President assured that his administration is taking steps to prevent a recurrence of the economic crisis experienced in 2021 and 2022.

“Remember, even in 2028, our government will be in power, and we will never allow a period like 2021 and 2022 to happen again,” President Dissanayake said, adding that foreign reserves are expected to reach USD 15.1 billion by 2028, a target his government is actively working toward.

The President highlighted recent progress in debt restructuring, stating that USD 12.55 billion in debt, including USD 1.7 billion in defaulted payments, has been restructured.

He also noted that USD 11.55 billion of the restructured debt originated from loans taken between 2015 and 2019.

“If this advice had been given during that time, we might not have faced bankruptcy. So, this advice comes too late,” he remarked. (Newswire)

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Former President Ranil Wickremsinghe has commended President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his government’s decision to move forward with certain developments envisaged under Wickremesinghe’s administration.

Issuing a statement, Wickremeisnghe said the joint statement issued by Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a welcome development which further deepens Indo-Lanka cooperation.

“I also commend President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for going ahead with the
Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement and the development of
Trincomalee as a regional energy and industrial hub,” Wickremesinghe said.

In the joint statement, the Indian and Sri Lankan governments announced that the two countries will continue discussions on the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement.

Acknowledging ongoing cooperation on the development of the Trincomalee Tank Farms, the statement said that both leaders agreed to support Trincomalee’s development as a regional energy and industrial hub. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is on his first official state visit to India offered prayers at the historic Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya today.

The President was accompanied by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on a three-day state visit to India, participated in discussions with leading Indian business representatives in New Delhi on Monday (Dec 16).

The forum organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), brought together some of India’s most prominent entrepreneurs, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

President Dissanayake highlighting the investor-friendly environment in Sri Lanka, invited Indian entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in the country.

“Engaged in productive discussions with Indian business leaders in New Delhi today (16). Highlighted Sri Lanka’s investor-friendly environment and invited them to explore opportunities in key sectors like tourism, IT, and renewable energy. Together, India and Sri Lanka can strengthen economic ties!” President Dissanayake said on ‘X’.

The conversation also explored expanding investment opportunities in Sri Lanka by leveraging trade between the two countries.

During the meeting, Indian business leaders expressed their willingness to invest in Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lankan government pledged to provide necessary investment facilitation.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando also shared his insights during the discussion. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says an environment suitable for investment has been created under the political stability in the country at present.

The President assured that there will be no political influence in granting new investment opportunities, such as those based on political affiliations. 

He further said that the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) would be granted full autonomy to attract clean investments that are beneficial to the country. 

The President made these remarks during a discussion held with senior officials of the BOI at the Presidential Secretariat today (05 Dec). 

During the discussion, President Dissanayake emphasized the importance of achieving both political and financial stability in the country, adding that the BOI bears a significant responsibility in this regard. 

The President further stressed that the BOI must remain committed to fulfilling its assigned duties effectively, assuring that the BOI would be granted full independence to attract investors who can bring meaningful benefits to the nation. 

Additionally, the President announced that the upcoming budget would prioritize provisions to enhance the BOI’s efficiency and that plans are also underway to establish five new investment zones across the country next year. 

Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka Arjuna Herath, Director General Renuka M. Weerakone, and a group of officials also attended the meeting. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed officials to follow a proper mechanism when issuing excise licenses. 

These instructions were given during a meeting with senior Excise Department officials at the Presidential Secretariat today (05 Dec). 

During the meeting, the President stressed the importance of not abusing power to act unlawfully, emphasizing the need to consistently uphold the law, and also urging officials to ensure timely tax collection. 

The discussion highlighted challenges in collecting excise taxes and the irregularities that arise in the process. New strategies were explored, including collecting overdue taxes, revoking licenses of blacklisted institutions, and addressing entities that fail to collect taxes properly. 

The discussion also covered the shortcomings of the existing rules and regulations regarding tax collection. The President was made aware of the issues arising in the tax collection process, as well as the weaknesses in the recruitment system for excise officers. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted the public’s negative perception of the Excise Department and stressed the importance of managing these institutions in a way that supports the country’s economy. 

Officials also briefed the President on challenges in the production and packaging processes, highlighting the negative impact of artificial toddy on the public.

Commissioner of Excise Rohana Senarathna, Deputy Commissioner R.V.S. Tissa Kumara, Assistant Commissioner M. J. De Silva, Chief Financial Officer G. A. Chandani, Chief Accountant W. R. Paranagama, and other senior officials of the Excise Department participated in the discussion. (Newswire)

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Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to congratulate the NPP on the electoral victory.

HC @santjha called on President & Leader of NPP @anuradisanayake to congratulate on NPP’s victory in #ParliamentaryElections2024. As a fellow democracy, welcomes the mandate & remains committed to further strengthening bilateral ties for the benefit of our peoples. pic.twitter.com/1qMEBn3uSO

— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) November 15, 2024

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By Former BASL President, Saliya Peiris

From the election results so far, it is apparent that the National People’s Power (NPP) is on the threshold of obtaining a two-thirds majority in Parliament or falling slightly short. 

If the NPP gets a two-thirds majority, it is the first time under the Proportional Representation system that one party has got a two-thirds majority in Parliament. 

In 2010 the People’s Alliance and in 2020 the SLPP fell just short of two-thirds and had to get the support of some opposition members to get a two-thirds majority.

The only parallel for this victory is the Presidential elections of 1994 when Prime Minister Chandrika Kumaratunge was elected President.

The NPP has also made significant gains in the North and East which will enable the President to be a leader who can unite the diverse communities in Sri Lanka. 

The result will also pave the way for the NPP Government to quickly honour its promise to abolish the Executive Presidency.

The landslide win is a testament that most people are happy with the direction of the country since the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, especially the change in political culture.

However, the NPP must be wary of the pitfalls that come with great power. 

As the President himself had said yesterday in the past political forces used a two-thirds majority to enact laws which violated people’s democratic rights. The NPP will have to resist the temptation to enact laws and measures which will erode democratic rights and freedoms. 

The new regime will have to manage the extraordinary expectations of the electorate who expect it to develop the economy, uplift their lives, control inflation, tackle corruption, address the issues of national reconciliation, enact constitutional reform and uphold democracy and the rule of law. 

The NPP leadership will have to ensure that its new and relatively inexperienced MPs and Ministers do not stray away from the principled positions that the party has espoused so far and that they and their supporters do not violate the trust that the people have placed in them. No doubt the NPP leaders will remember the fate of past governments elected by the people with large majorities.

We must hope and wish that the new Government will be successful. Sri Lanka cannot afford for its Government to fail again. (Newswire)

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Control prices of rice will remain unchanged, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said during a meeting with rice millers and officials from the Department of Agriculture.

He also highlighted that plans are underway for a long-term program to create an organized agricultural plan, which would provide greater benefits to farmers, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The discussion focused on prices of consumer goods, where participants had stressed on the importance of controlling the price of rice, the PMD said.

The President noted to the rice millers that they had purchased paddy from farmers after the controlled price was established, adding that he believes it is unfair to alter the price of rice at this stage.

The President also stressed on the need for a formal mechanism that ensures farmers receive a fair price for their rice while enabling consumers to purchase rice at a reasonable cost.

President Dissanayake noted that the price of rice has been artificially inflated, attributing this price instability to the long-term lack of enforcement of controlled prices.

During the discussion, the issue of stock hoarders was addressed, and the President instructed agriculture officials to register this group.

Dudley Sirisena, Nipuna Gamlath, Mithrapala Lankeshwara, Jayasiri Gunathilaka, Menaka Gamlath, and other businessmen representing the Rice Mill Owners’ Association, along with several officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, were present at the meeting. (Newswire)

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Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman claims President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has failed to change the practice of political appointees to state services, and was continuing it.

Addressing the media, Mujibur Rahman pointed out that the President’s recent appointments to state services are those who backed his election campaign.

“A large number of state sector workers voted for President Dissanayake. Postal votes prove this, as 60%- 70% of the votes were for the NPP. However, the state sector is facing an issue, as instead of suitable persons from the state services, those who backed the President are being appointed to senior positions,” the former MP said. 

Stating that the state sector did not expect this, he said they expected the President to get rid of the practice of political appointees to the state services and provide opportunities for deserving employees to move upwards in the sector. 

“The allegations raised by the NPP in the past on political appointees to the state services are being repeated by the new administration, without implementing changes as promised,” he said. 

Former MP Mujibur Rahman warned that this could result in a crisis within the State Sector in the future. (Newswire)

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In a message to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he expects the bilateral relationship between the two countries would deepen under the leadership of his Sri Lankan counterpart.

The Russian President’s message was conveyed during a meeting between the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan S. Dzhagaryan and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the Russian Ambassador called on President Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (Oct 01). 

During the meeting, Ambassador Dzhagaryan extended his warm congratulations to President Dissanayake on his recent election and delivered a personal message from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The discussions further focused on strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Russia. 

Both parties highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, culture, and education while reaffirming their commitment to deepening diplomatic ties for the mutual benefit of both nations. (Newswire)

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