Lekakadhikari of the Matara District Sasanarakshaka Balamandala, Ven Paraduwa Jinarathana Thera pointed out with examples that there are some discrepancies in the implementation of the law according to race, religion, and status and stressed the need for a law that treats everyone equally.

The Presidential Task Force for “One Country, One Law” commenced public consultations in the Southern Province at the Dickwella Divisional Secretariat Auditorium yesterday (22).

Religious representatives and plantation workers also expressed their views and opinions before the Task Force Committee, while some submitted written proposals.

In the past, Sri Lanka was a country where one law was enforced. It changed with different foreign invasions. Ven. Jinaratana Thera appreciated the President’s efforts to change this situation and establish one law in one country.

It is the responsibility of the Presidential Task Force, Chaired by Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, to study the views and opinions of various factions on the implementation of the concept of ‘One Country, One Law’ in Sri Lanka and make proposals. The Task Force commenced its first public consultations from the Northern Province.

Subsequently, the general public representing various parts of the country expressed their views and opinions before the Task Force Committee at the office located in the Bandaranaike Conference Hall in Colombo as well as in the Eastern and Uva Provinces.

People in the Southern Province can submit their views at the Tangalle District Secretariat today as well.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force, Rajakiyapanditha Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, members of the Task Force Prof. Shanthi Nandana Wijesinghe, Attorney at Law Sanjaya Marambe, Mr. Eranda Navaratne, Mr. Pani Wewalage and Secretary Ms. Jeevanthie Senanayake were also present.

The Inland Revenue Service Association states that it strongly opposes the government’s decision to remove the administration of the Special Goods and Services Tax from the Inland Revenue Department.

Joint Secretary of the Inland Revenue Services Association Mr. H. A. L. Udayasiri said that the government is preparing to impose a new tax called GST on a number of areas administered by the Inland Revenue Department and hand over its administration to a specialized unit of the Treasury.

He also said that due to this move by the government, the tax system administered by the Inland Revenue Department, which is functioning under the supervision of the Auditor General, will be phased out.

He also said that it was questionable whether the taxes received by the special unit of the Treasury would be credited to the Consolidated Fund.

Two persons were killed in an accident that took place this morning (23) in the Matikumbura area in Polgahawela on the Colombo-Kurunegala main road.

Ten others were injured and hospitalized.

Two passengers of an SLTB bus were killed when it collided with the back of a tipper truck.

Police investigations into the accident are ongoing.

The Ceylon Electricity Board says that there will be a power cut from Tuesday.

Acting General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board Dr. Susantha Perera says that it depends on the availability of fuel today and tomorrow.

He was speaking at a special media briefing at the Ceylon Electricity Board.

However, he said there would be no power cuts today and tomorrow.

He said that with the non-availability of fuel oil, the situation has been at risk since Tuesday and the public will be informed in advance if there is any power cut from Tuesday.

Speaking further Acting General Superintendent Susantha Perera said,

“Kelanitissa still has diesel for only five days. Sapugaskanda ended at 12 noon today.
It currently has no capacity. There will be no power cuts today and tomorrow and capacity will be reduced by Monday. This problem will not happen if we get fuel on Monday. Problems will arise if the fuel is not available on Tuesday at the maximum request. People are being informed as before. It is informed to cut power when there is a shortage of peak demand at night. If fuel is not received by Tuesday, power cuts will have to be made due to the shortage of fuel. Electricity will be cut off without informing the people. Hydro power plants have reached their peak. The advice of the Public Utilities Commission is sought before cutting off electricity. There will be a power cut from Tuesday. We have to use electricity carefully to reduce the demand. “

Journalists have also inquired about the trade union action against the Acting General Manager.

He explained that it was not appropriate for such a trade union action to take place at a time when people were suffering.

“My appointment is a temporary appointment by a court order. I have been appointed by the court because I want to run the company in times of crisis. The board of directors can change me if they want to.”