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SJB tells govt.:Elections not prerogative of President

Published

3 years ago

2023/06/19

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) lawmaker Harshana Rajakaruna yesterday (18) said that calling of regular elections couldn’t be under any circumstances the prerogative of any President.Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), still the party with the largest group in Parliament, should be ashamed of its response to President Ranil Wickremesinghe putting off the Local Government polls indefinitely, the SJB MP said in response to The Island query regarding Chief Opposition Whip Prasanna Ranatunga, MP, backing the indefinite postponement of the LG polls.

MP Ranatunga, over the weekend, declared that President Ranil Wickremesinghe would hold what he called, an election suitable for the country at an appropriate moment.The Gampaha District MP, who is also Urban Development and Housing Minister, said that they should continue with the rebuilding process of the national economy

until President Wickremesinghe decided on an appropriate election.The Minister said so, addressing members of the Gampaha District SLPP operations committee at the Reggie Ranatunga Commemorative hall, Udugampola, Gampaha.

MP Rajakaruna pointed out that postponement of the LG polls couldn’t be justified against the backdrop of the Supreme Court ruling issued on 03 March, this year, pertaining to a fundamental rights application filed by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara.

The former UNP MP said that the appointment of Cabinet ministers was the prerogative of President Wickremesinghe, hence the delay in expanding the Cabinet-of-Ministers though the SLPP submitted a list of nearly a dozen names last July. But, the President couldn’t decide when to conduct elections, MP Rajakaruna said, adding that the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government obviously felt uncomfortable holding the election.

MP Rajakaruna asked the SLPP whether it wanted President Wickremesinghe to decide on presidential and parliamentary polls without adhering to the election map. Referring to President Wickremesinghe’s declaration at the National Law Conference at Nuwara Eliya that the people weren’t interested in elections at the moment, MP Rajakaruna alleged that the powers that be seemed to be conspiring to side-step elections.

“LG polls were sabotaged against the backdrop of all Provincial Councils being under the executive rule by way of Governors running the show. Now, President Wickremesinghe has appointed new Governors for four of the Provinces,” MP Rajakaruna said, warning of possible moves to put off presidential and parliamentary polls. The MP referred to reports that the UNP may consider a referendum to extend President Wickremesinghe term.

UNP leader Wickremesinghe received appointment as the 8th executive president with the SLPP’s backing in July last year to complete the remainder of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s five-year term won at the November 2019 presidential election.

MP Rajakaruna questioned the rationality in Minister Ranatunga’s claim that the JVP led the campaign for LG polls. The Chief Government appeared to have quite conveniently forgotten that the SJB sought Supreme Court intervention to hold LG polls. In fact, most of the Opposition, including the rebel SLPP group, wanted LG polls as soon as possible, MP Rajakaruna said,

Responding to another query, MP Rajakaruna said that President Wickremesinghe’s reluctance to face the electorate at the moment is quite understandable. Having been reduced to just one National List slot in the 225-member parliament, the UNP feared elections at any level, MP Rajakaruna said.

“The UNP is in a deepening dilemma. Can UNP leader Wickremesinghe depend on the SLPP, especially against the problematic environment caused by their failure so far to reach consensus on Cabinet appointments,” MP Rajakaruna said.

Referring to continuing controversy over several Bills, including one on broadcasting regulatory commission and counter terrorism law, MP Rajakaruna emphasized the government was seeking to consolidate power outside the electoral process. Those Bills, if enacted, posed quite a challenge to democratic Opposition, MP Rajakaruna said, urging the government to release funds required to conduct the long delayed LG polls or face the consequences.

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Related Topics:Elections Featured Government MP Rajakaruna Ranil Wickremesinghe SJB Slpp

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The book “Intimidated?” presents a significant and timely contribution to understanding challenges, resilience, and innovation in the modern world, offering valuable insights for education, research, and social transformation – PM

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the book launch of “Intimidated?” authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Head of Department at the National University of Singapore, held on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Lotus Hall of BMICH.

Authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the book “Intimidated?” reflects on contemporary global and personal challenges, innovation, and the importance of resilience, offering readers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective grounded in academic experience and global exposure. The publication, along with its English translation, was ceremonially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Congratulating the author on this important publication, the Prime Minister stated that such scholarly work plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, particularly students and young researchers, to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation in shaping a progressive and inclusive educational environment in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also ceremonially launched the programme to distribute 5,000 copies of the book free of charge to students and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of making knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, family members of Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, university Vice Chancellors, professors and lecturers, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, and invited guests.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

It is the government’s objective to create an education system that provides every child with access to modern technological opportunities — Prime Minister

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held on Saturday (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.

A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and over 500 students, presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.

Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.

Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork”,

Sri Lanka participated in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, which marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 March 2026, valid for 30 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.