News
99 percent election complaints about misuse of state power and resources
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Election Commission (EC) announced on Friday that it had already received 158 complaints of election law violations and 20 of these complaints had been filed within the 24 hours that ended at 9 am yesterday.
According to People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), 99 percent of these complaints are against the misuse of state power and resources. Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of PAFFREL, revealed that the government was in the process of recruiting 150 labourers to Lanka Mineral Sands in Pulmoddai. “We intervened, and the Election Commission halted the recruitment. However, 46 people had already been hired. These individuals were recruited after the election was declared, despite
no vacancies being available,” Hettiarachchi explained.Hettiarachchi also warned state officials that they could face severe legal consequences for their actions.
Election monitoring bodies are also closely scrutinising the use of the Waters Edge premises by President Ranil Wickremesinghe for election-related activities. Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) stated that a complaint has been lodged with the Election Commission, which has since taken a statement from the hotel’s manager.
“The manager informed the Commission that the line minister paid for the President’s meetings held there. We have filed a Right to Information (RTI) application to determine whether public funds were used to cover these expenses. If it is found that public funds were indeed used, we will pursue legal action,” Gajanayake said.
The Election Commission is also investigating a complaint regarding the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) allegedly issuing licenses to open gas stations to government supporters. Gajanayake noted: “Recently, several CPC gas stations have been transferred to individuals and companies, with some discrepancies noted. Some gas stations, previously operated by the CPC, were handed over to individuals free of charge. The President’s office is involved in this matter.”
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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