<ul><li>To retain AG for representation&nbsp;</li><li> EC outlined multiple reasons for rejection</li></ul> The Election Commission (EC) is set to file an appeal before the Supreme Court (SC) against the recent order issued by the Court of Appeal (CA), which directed the election officials to accept nearly 37 nomination papers for the Local Government (LG) Elections that were previously rejected.Last week, the CA ordered the relevant Returning Officers to re-accept these rejected nomination papers submitted by candidates to contest for the LG Elections.When contacted by The Daily Morning, the EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that the EC would file an appeal before the SC against the CA's decision. “We discussed the matter with the Attorney General (AG), President's Counsel Parinda Ranasinghe Junior. We have the option of filing an appeal before the SC, and we will do so through the AG,” he said.The relevant order was issued by the two-Judge CA bench comprising the Acting President of the CA, Justice Thahir Mohammed Laffar and Justice K.P. Fernando after considering the writ petitions filed by several political parties and independent groups challenging the rejection of their nomination papers submitted in relation to multiple LG bodies including the Colombo Municipal Council.&nbsp;The nominations process for the 2025 LG Elections was conducted across 25 districts from 17-20 March. Out of the nominations submitted by recognised political parties and independent groups, a total of 425 had been rejected, after which some of the affected parties and independent groups resorted to legal action over the matter.Prior to accepting nominations, the EC had outlined several reasons for rejection, including submission by an unauthorised person, failing to meet the required number of candidates or exceeding the limit, not making the required deposit for a recognised political party or independent group, the absence of the party secretary’s or independent group’s leader’s signature, the failure to have their signature certified by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public, and not meeting the mandatory quota for youth and female candidates.&nbsp;

Nomination rejections: EC to appeal to SC against CA orders 

<ul><li> Domestic fishers to be consulted this month&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul> The Fisheries authorities are planning to hold a series of talks with local and Indian stakeholders with regard to the persisting tensions surrounding Indian fishermen violating international maritime boundaries to poach in Sri Lankan waters.According to the Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage, there are plans to hold talks with India mid-May. He told The Daily Morning that in order to prepare for these talks, this month (April), discussions will be held with North-based fishermen as well in order to understand their concerns at present. “In May, we expect to hold talks and reach an acceptable agreement,” Gamage said, stressing that if fishermen conducted their livelihood in their own territorial waters, there would be no clashes.When questioned about the concerns raised by Indian politicians recently about reclaiming the Katchatheevu Island, which belongs to Sri Lanka, Gamage added that at present, no discussions are being held specifically regarding the Island. He however added that the recent concerns were raised not by India as a country, but by South Indian parties.Indian media reported that South Indian politician M.K. Stalin had written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting for the retrieval of the Katchatheevu Island which was handed over to Sri Lanka in 1974 and 1976.

IUU Poaching: Talks with India in May

The Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) has announced the commencement of operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), of the Port of Colombo.&nbsp;Developed under a public-private partnership, the CWIT is operated by a consortium comprising India’s largest port operator, Adani Ports and SEZ, leading Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, under a 35-year Build, Operate, and Transfer agreement.&nbsp;As per a statement from Adani Ports and SEZ, the CWIT project represents a significant investment of United States Dollars 800 million and features a 1,400-metre quay length and 20-metre depth, enabling the terminal to handle approximately 3.2 million 20-foot equivalent units annually.&nbsp;According to the APSEZ, it is the first deep-water terminal in Colombo to be fully automated, designed to enhance cargo handling capabilities, improve vessel turnaround times and elevate the Port’s status as a key transshipment hub in South Asia.&nbsp;Construction began in early 2022 and has since achieved rapid progress. With the installation of cutting-edge infrastructure now nearing completion, the CWIT is poised to set new benchmarks in operational efficiency and reliability in regional maritime logistics, the release said.&nbsp;“The commencement of operations at the CWIT marks a momentous milestone in regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka,” said the Adani Group Chairperson Gautam Adani.&nbsp;“Not only does this terminal represent the future of trade in the Indian Ocean but its opening is also a proud moment for Sri Lanka, placing it firmly on the global maritime map. The CWIT project will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs locally and unlock immense economic value for the island nation,” Adani added.	(Asian News International)

Adani Ports and SEZ starts CWIT ops.

The main Parliamentary Opposition,&nbsp;the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), stated that if the import tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on goods imported from Sri Lanka can be reduced by reducing the tariffs imposed on goods imported from the US; Sri Lanka should pay attention to adopting such a strategy.This was noted by SJB Parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar, who claimed that while Sri Lanka earns about US Dollars ($) 3,500 million a year through the goods exported to the US, the value of the goods imported from the US a year is about $ 500 million. In a context where the gap is around $ 3,000 million, he added, Sri Lanka should take exports to the US more seriously. “The tariff imposed by the US places at risk an income of $ 3,500 million and the jobs of over 300,000 employees working at apparel factories. If the tariff imposed by the US results in us losing $ 3,500 million, that would be an unbearable loss to the economy,” he said while addressing a press briefing yesterday (7), explaining that if Sri Lanka loses export income from the US while also facing a risk of losing the US Generalised System of Preferences Plus facility, that would cost the country an income of about $ 8,000 million which he said would be unmanageable.He opined that the SJB’s stance is that the Government should resolve this issue through discussions, regarding which international relations are crucial. Adding that countries with foresight took precautionary measures to face the US’ new tariff-related policies, Marikkar added that countries like India and Israel had reduced tariffs on goods imported from the US.Meanwhile, Marikkar also spoke about bilateral agreements including those focusing on trade. He&nbsp;urged the Government to reveal to the Parliament and the country the nature of the agreements entered into with India during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka. While expressing support for beneficial agreements between the two countries, he further said that the Parliament however is yet to learn of the advantages and disadvantages of these agreements as the Government has not tabled any of these agreements in the Parliament. He added: “We don’t know what agreements were entered into, or the pros and cons of these agreements. Dealing with India does not mean giving Sri Lanka’s everything to India. These agreements should be beneficial to both India and Sri Lanka, and trade agreements should provide benefits to and open markets for both the countries. However, the country’s people have a right to know about these agreements. Therefore, reveal more information about these agreements to the country”.The Daily Morning’s attempts to contact the Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando to discuss whether the committee appointed to look into the recent tariff hikes by the US has reached any solutions to reduce the US’ decisions impacts on Sri Lanka, were not successful. However, on 6 April, the Government said that it had commenced the relevant discussion with a focus on several sectors most likely to be affected by the US’ decision including sectors related to textiles, plastics and rubber production, food preparation, metal-related products, and chemical-related products.

US tariff war: SJB suggests reducing tariffs on US imports 

<ul><li>Concerns raised on resurrection of Ranil-era regulatory powers handover deal</li></ul> The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) has called on the Minister of Health and Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa to reveal the contents of the health-related agreement signed during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka.The exchange of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between India and Sri Lanka took place during the Indian Premier's visit to Sri Lanka. The said MoUs included two MoUs between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka, and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority.Speaking to The Daily Morning, the MCPA President, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa claimed that there are growing suspicions that the current Government may have revived a controversial agreement proposed under the previous administration of then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe. At the time, he claimed that the then-Health Minister had submitted a Cabinet memorandum to grant regulatory powers over Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical supply to a selected Indian company. "The proposal included allowing medicines registered with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation of India to enter Sri Lanka without local inspection, to purchase a pharmaceutical drug manufactured in Sri Lanka from India, and to procure drugs to the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation from an Indian contraceptive manufacturer. However, the plan was withdrawn following strong objections." He further claimed that there was reason to believe that the same agreement may have been implemented under the current administration, and added that it was the Health Minister’s duty to clarify the matter and provide transparency to the public. “There is a stark difference between a Government-to-Government agreement and one that hands over regulatory powers to intermediary foreign companies. The public deserves to know whether the sovereignty of Sri Lanka’s healthcare system is being compromised.” Dr. Jayatissa and the Health Ministry's Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe were unavailable for comment.&nbsp;

Indo-Lanka MOUs: Docs want health agreement revealed 

<ul><li>Population 21,763,170, up by 1,403,731 from 2012&nbsp;</li><li>0.5% ‘slow’ annual growth rate during 2012-2024</li><li>841 roofless in WP with 536 in Colombo</li></ul> The Census of Population and Housing of last year (2024) has found that the latest population of Sri Lanka is 21,763,170.According to the latest data, which was released yesterday (7), this census has shown an increase of 1,403,731 compared to the population reported in the Census of Population and Housing 2012.The enumeration stage of the Census of Population and Housing 2024, the 15th census in Sri Lanka’s series of censuses, was conducted from October 2024 to the second week of February of this year (2025). The census moment was 00:00 hours on 19 December 2024. This report has been prepared based on islandwide data collected. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices. The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.During the 2001-2012 inter-census period, the average annual population growth rate was 0.7%. For the 2012-2024 inter-census period, the average annual population growth rate is 0.5%. This indicates that while the population growth rate in Sri Lanka has slowed, the population continues to increase.Meanwhile, the latest census has found that when considering the population by province – Western Province (WP) has the highest population, accounting for 28.1% of the total, while the Northern Province (NP) has the lowest, with 5.3% of the total population. When considering the population distribution at the district level, the Gampaha District has reported the highest population, with 2,433,685 persons. The Colombo District follows with a population of 2,374,461.&nbsp;Together, only these two districts have a population of over two million, the census report indicated. Apart from the Gampaha and Colombo Districts, the highest population is reported from the Kurunegala (1,760,829), Kandy (1,461,269), Kalutara (1,305,552), Ratnapura (1,145,138), and Galle (1,096,585) Districts, respectively, with each of these districts reporting a population of more than one million. As in the previous censuses, the Districts with the lowest population in the country this time are Mullaitivu (122,542), Mannar (123,674), Kilinochchi (136,434) and Vavuniya (172,257) in the NP.&nbsp;The highest annual growth rate of 2.23% has been reported from the Mullaitivu District. The lowest annual growth rate is recorded in the Vavuniya District (0.01%). As in previous censuses, the highest population density of 3,549 persons per square kilometre is reported in the Colombo District, while the lowest population density is reported in the Mullaitivu District, which has a population density of 50 persons per square kilometre.In the meantime, the highest number of persons living outdoors without a place of usual residence, identified as roofless, at 841, was reported from the WP, as per the latest census data. The lowest number of roofless persons, which was 73, has been reported from the Eastern Province.&nbsp;The highest number of roofless persons has been reported in the Colombo District, where 536 persons were recorded. Similarly, no roofless persons were reported from the Kilinochchi District.Meanwhile, the report of the ‘Census of Population and Housing 2024’ conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, has been officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat.The information gathered through the census is vital not only to the Government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress.

2024 Census:  Population shows 0.5% slow growth 

Former President Maithripala Sirisena recorded a statement with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (7).Sirisena, according to the Police, had been summoned to record a statement over investigations into the allocation of funds from the President’s Fund to several individuals including politicians.

CID grills Sirisena over Prez Fund allocations 

<ul><li>Slams Prez for abuse of Exec. power over P’ment overview</li></ul> United Republic Front leader Patali Champika Ranawaka warned that the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Governments of Sri Lanka and India during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could compromise national sovereignty and drag the country into geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean.The exchange of seven MoUs signed between India and Sri Lanka, including one on defence co-operation took place during Modi's visit to Sri Lanka.Speaking to the media, Ranawaka alleged that the current Government including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had once strongly criticised such agreements, but have now changed their stance after coming into power. “These MoUs with India should have been signed with the consensus of all parties in the Parliament. Instead, they have been signed using Presidential powers based on personal will and interest. The same party that vocally opposed the abuse of Executive power is now doing the same.” Commenting specifically on the security-related agreements with India, he warned that aligning with one power in the Indian Ocean could entangle Sri Lanka in future conflicts. He said that similar decisions made by then-President J.R. Jayewardene in 1977 led to long-term consequences. “President Jayewardene aligned with the United States (US), and India responded aggressively. That wrong foreign policy decision led to a 30-year war”. He further warned that Sri Lanka could again be caught in the middle of geopolitical struggles between India, China, and the US due to such agreements. "How would the Government handle future pressures from global powers? If the US demands another agreement or if China demands immediate debt repayment, how will Dissanayake and the Government respond? We cannot afford to be pawns in their power games.”Ranawaka also warned of adverse consequences through the possible transfer or sharing of Sri Lankan citizens' digital data through these agreements. “People’s data is national wealth. Handing it over to another country or a foreign company is a betrayal of the sovereignty and rights of the people. We don’t yet know the full content of these agreements because they haven’t been made public. Once we do, we will issue a formal response. But, what has happened so far is wrong.”

MOUs with India: PCR warns of imperiling sovereignty, geopolitics

<ul><li> Calls for objections by 5 May, counter-objections by 7 May&nbsp;</li></ul>The Court of Appeal (CA) yesterday (7) issued a stay order preventing any further action in relation to the conduct of Elections for several Local Government (LG) authorities, including the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).This order was issued after granting leave to proceed with writ petitions filed by several political parties and independent groups, challenging the rejection of their nominations.Accordingly, the Court directed that objections to the petitions be filed on or before 5 May.&nbsp;The petitioners were further instructed to file any counter-objections, if necessary, by 7 May.During the hearing, the Court scheduled the hearing of the petitions for 16 May, and ordered that the stay order will remain in effect until that date.The petitions have been submitted by political parties and independent groups seeking a declaration that the decisions made by the respective Returning Officers to reject their nomination papers – on the grounds that the submissions were not made within the prescribed time period – are unlawful.

Nomination rejections: EC to appeal to SC against CA orders

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