Says several incidents in last few days have severely undermined democratic principles
Calls on Govt. to reconsider some nominations for independent commissions
Following is the address by National Movement for a Just Society Chairman Karu Jayasuriya at a press briefing held on 10 December
We consider it our duty to draw the attention of the Government and the people to a number of pertinent issues that are of national importance. It should be noted that there have been several incidents in the last few days which have severely undermined democratic principles.
The Government abolished the Constitutional Council, which had been instrumental in strengthening democratic institutions and replaced it with the Parliamentary Council. This move empowered one individual to control all the important institutions in the country. However, the Government should realise that public opinion has not been favourable with regard to these developments today.
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By Uditha Jayasinghe
The Government appears to have changed track on scrapping the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) with moves being made to appoint new commissioners, a top official said yesterday.
Following the present commissioners decision to step down after a call from Treasury Secretary S. R. Attygalle on Tuesday, the Government is said to appoint a new set of commissioners shortly with the commission’s Chairman already earmarked. The decision to continue with PUCSL has been welcomed though some are wary about whether the regulatory body will be independent and effective. The move also came under heavy criticism by the Opposition, professionals and civil society.
In a welcome move abandons move to scrap regulatory body Public Utilities Commission
To appoint new Commissioners to replace those who stepped down
But stakeholders say forcefully removing Commissioners reduces PUCSL independence
Energy experts concerned new Commissioners will rubber-stamp controversial projects
By Uditha Jayasinghe
The Government appears to have changed track on scrapping the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) with moves being made to appoint new commissioners, a top official said yesterday.
Following the present commissioners decision to step down after a call from Treasury Secretary S. R. Attygalle on Tuesday, the Government is said to appoint a new set of commissioners shortly with the commission’s Chairman already earmarked. The decision to continue with PUCSL has been welcomed though some are wary about whether the regulatory body will be independent and effective. The move also came under heavy criticism by the Opposition, profe
Pledges to stand against move
By Asiri Fernando
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Nalin Bandara yesterday alleged the Government was exerting pressure on the Commissioners of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to resign, and pledged to stand against the move.
Speaking at a press conference, Bandara warned the move by the Government will rob the public of fair access to utilities and provide an opportunity for appointing henchmen who will support corruption. “We condemn this move by the Government. This will affect the rights of the people, and we will stand against it,” Bandara said. He was joined at the press conference by SJB Member and Weligama Provincial Councillor Rohan Jayawickrama.