A new date for the 2023 Local Government (LG) election will be announced at the beginning of next week, Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, Attorney-at-Law Nimal G Punchihewa stated.

Although initially scheduled to be announced today (03 March), announcing the new election dates was postponed following a meeting held by the members of the Commission this morning.

The postponement comes in the background of an order issued by the Supreme Court in this regard today, instructing that a date for the 2023 polls be announced before 09 March – the date on which the polls were initially scheduled to be held.

The court ordered that the relevant decision be reached following discussion with the Finance Ministry and all other relevant institutions.

On 24 February, the election body announced that the LG polls would not be held on 09 March as scheduled, owing to matters beyond its control.

On several occasions, the Election Commission held subsequent meetings to review the country’s economic situation and several other factors in order to decide on the new dates for the LG polls.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court issued a court order a short while ago barring the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance from withholding funds allocated for the LG polls through the 2023 Budget.

(adaderana)

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that a change of government can only be brought about through a parliamentary election and the streets is not an option for parliament.

He made this comment on Friday (3) while participating in the Air Force cadets and other officers Passing Out Parade at the Trincomalee Air Force Base today.

“When you passed out today, you had to take an oath under the constitution. You also undertook an oath of the Sri Lanka Air Force in public. These two oaths underline your primary responsibility. That is to protect the constitution, and protect the country. There is no constitution with no country. If there is no country, the constitution is just a piece of paper,” said the President.

“The constitution come into force because a country exists. The oath makes it clear that you would abide by the constitution and the law, and would be loyal to the republic. This constitution notes it is the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. First, we need to protect the country. For that, we need to be a sovereign, independent and free country. In addition, we need to protect the unitary state,” added President Wickremesinghe.

He noted that a change of government can only be brought about through a parliament. Governments can be decided only in Parliament, and the streets are not the alternative for a parliament.

“We need to protect the constitutional institutions and the economy. This is your responsibility. When we protect all this, we will have a country,” noted President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
(newsfirst)

Eggs ordered from India; arrival date not yet fixed

Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation General Manager Chamila Iddamalgoda said that it is not possible to announce the exact date of arrival of the ship carrying eggs from India to Sri Lanka.

She said that the samples of the egg stock have been sent for microbiology tests, and these tests will be completed in another three days.

The STC is importing two million eggs from India, and it earlier said that the stock of eggs was to be received by Sri Lanka on February 27.

On the 23rd, the STC said that the egg stock had been shipped from India.

Another scam similar to Sugar Tax Scam?

Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Thushara Indunil alleged that there is a large-scale tax fraud behind the importation of eggs.

He expressed these views following a discussion held with a group of small and medium-sector poultry businessmen in the North-Western Province.

The businessmen said that an egg can be sold at Rs.25 if the price of raw materials is reduced.

Govt. member requests Rs.75 million to import eggs!

Meanwhile, SJB MP Nalin Bandara alleged in Parliament that someone from the government has asked for Rs.75 million to import Indian eggs.

Responding to the allegations, MP Nimal Lanza said that they were completely false.

Bogus case against Egg Association Chairman!

Meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said that legal action will be taken against a large-scale egg farm and 3 medium-scale farms for selling eggs exceeding the maximum retail price.

According to the CAA, the farm of All Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association Chairman R. M. Sarath Rathnayake is among the egg production farms that have sold overpriced eggs.

However, Mr. Ratnayake denied the accusations. “Twenty eggs have been sold. There were no 20-rupee note to be given back as change. Therefore, a small egg has been given instead. However, the CAA says eggs have been sold for Rs 45. I will file a defamation case for tarnishing my reputation,” he said.