Neil Bandara Hapuhinna: Latest News

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB Candidate for the post of Mayor of Colombo Mujibur Rahuman filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking a ruling that the circular issued by Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna on suspending the acceptance of bonds, had violated his Fundamental 35 factions including the Secretary to the Cabinet, the Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government Neil Bandara Hapuhinna, the Cabinet of Minister, the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Election Commission have been named as respondents. The petition notes that the circular issued by Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna while an election had been called for violated the Fundamental Rights of all the citizens.He also sought compensation of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Public Administration & Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has apologized to the National Election Commission for issuing a letter directing District Secretaries and Returning Officers to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Election.Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake in a statement to News 1st said that the Public Administration Secretary was summoned to the Election Commission to inquire about the letter.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna had told the Election Commission that he issued the letter as per a Cabinet decision and the powers vested in him, and after he realized that it was inappropriate he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out.He had further noted that he had no intention of interfering with the process of the Election Commission, and only executed a cabinet decision.He had noted that as he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out, there was no impact on the bond-accepting process, and it was further evident when 131 political parties and groups placed bonds the following day.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna apologized to the National Election Commission for causing any inconvenience.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has been summoned to the Election Commission on Friday (13) with regard to a letter he issued to all District Secretaries.The letter in question ordered all District Secretaries to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Elections.The circular contained the signature of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.Earlier this week, Ministry Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna noted that the Cabinet that met on Monday (9) had instructed him to order all the District Secretaries to refrain from accepting the bonds from candidates until further notice.However, the Commissioner General of Elections had ordered all District Returning Officers to continue to accept the bonds by the candidates, noting that as per the powers vested with the Election Commission via the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act Returning Officers have been appointed for the respective districts.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A letter claiming to contain an order made to all District Secretaries notifying them to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Elections is currently making its rounds on social media.The circular contains the signature of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.Ministry Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna noted that the Cabinet that met on Monday (9) had instructed him to order all the District Secretaries to refrain from accepting the bonds from candidates until further notice.However, the Commissioner General of Elections had ordered all District Returning Officers to continue to accept the bonds by the candidates, noting that as per the powers vested with the Election Commission via the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act Returning Officers have been appointed for the respective districts.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake slammed the government's efforts to delay the elections.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka's Women and Child Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna says that the project to provide nutrition packs for pregnant and lactating mothers was suspended due to the lack of funds.As per this project, pregnant and lactating mothers were entitled to a nutrition pack worth Rs.