Parliament

75th Independence : “Simple celebration to showcase sovereignty to our youth”

The Government has decided to celebrate the 75th year of Independence in order to showcase the importance of sovereignty to future generations, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said in Parliament, yesterday.

The Premier said that it is also important to pay tribute to the heroes and the Maha Sangha who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the country.

The Premier noted that a special programme will be held for youth to emphasize the importance of independence and he requested all political parties and activist organizations to support this educative programme.

Prime Minister Gunawardena made these observations in reply to a question raised by MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera under Standing Orders 27/2.

“This year’s Independence Day celebrations will be held on February 4 at the Galle Face Green, and religious activities have also been organized from the previous few days. Similarly, the committee has decided to hold Independence Day programmes in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed us to manage the expenses while maintaining the importance of the programme. A simple ceremony will be held,” Prime Minister Gunawardena said.

The Premier also said a special programme aiming at a sustainable paddy harvest will also be launched in keeping with the Independence Day celebration programmes.

He also said that a special Dalada Maligawa perahera would be organized in keeping with the celebration too.

 

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Three non MPs for Constitutional Council named

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday presented the names of three non-members of Parliament to the Accordingly, Dr. Pratap Ramanujam, Dr. Dilkushi Anula Wijesundara and Dr. Weligama Vidana Arachchige Dinesha Samararatne have been nominated to the Constitutional Council.

Persons who are not Members of Parliament can be nominated by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition to the Constituent Assembly under sub-article (e) (iii) and sub-articles (04) and (5) of Article 41A of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that it is unfair to present three names and seek Parliament approval. “Without knowing at least the basic information how can we approve those names,” he said.

In response to that, the Speaker pledged to provide a description of each member to the NPP Leader.