News
EC asked if President’s CoS can function as national organiser of a political party ?
Journalist Lasantha Ruhunage has requested the Election Commission to inquire into former UNP MP Sagala Ratnayake’s role in President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s presidential election campaign.
In a letter dated March 23, 2024, addressed to EC Chairman R. M. A. L. Ratnayke, Ruhunage has pointed out that as the President’s Chief of Staff (CoS) Sagala Ratnayake cannot campaign in his current capacity as a public servant.
The ex-Public Security Minister addressed the inaugural UNP presidential polls rally held at Kuliyapitiya on 10 March 1. Referring to the relevant Constitutional provision, Ruhunage has questioned the EC whether a public servant who didn’t enjoy such political rights could also function as the National Organiser of the UNP.
Ruhunage told The Island that the EC was yet to respond to his letter.
In his letter to EC Chairman Ratnayake, Ruhunage has urged the Commission to look into President Wickremesinghe’s declaration at the Kuliyapitiya meeting that benefits of Aswesuma social security scheme would be doubled.
Ruhunage said that it would be the responsibility of the EC to ensure a level playing field for all political parties at the forthcoming national election. (SF)
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
PM returns to the island
Navy divers restore sluice gate of Bomburuella Reservoir
Gujarat Giants comfortably overcome sloppy UP Warriorz
After fall from grace, Asalanka aims to bat on for Sri Lanka
PM holds High-Level meetings with EU, UNDP, and corporate leadership at World Economic Forum
Trump withdraws Canada’s invite to join Board of Peace
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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