Divi Neguma Bill:

Govt will abide by court ruling says Yapa

Priyanka KURUGALA

The Economic Development Ministry in compliance with the Supreme Court order, will obtain the consent of all Provincial Councils to pass the Divi Neguma Department Bill, Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

He said certain sections were trying to create the impression that the government was challenging the court decision.

“The government always respects the courts and will not go against court orders,” he said. “Certain elements, some NGOs and trade unions are trying to show that there is a conflict between the government and the judiciary. The government will always abide by the court verdict,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Abeywardena commenced a programme to educate Samurdhi officers at district level about the Bill.

Awareness programmes have been conducted in Colombo, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura and Kegalle.

Awareness programmes are also to be held in Moneragala and Hambantota under the direction of the Economic Development Ministry, Abeywardena said.