News
SJB: JVP’s call for RW’s participation in proposed debate diversionary tactic
By Saman Indrajith
The SJB yesterday said the JVP-led NPP’s call for the participation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the proposed debate on the economy was a diversionary tactic.
The SJB has challenged the NPP’s economic council members to a debate on how to resolve the economic crisis. The NPP has challenged SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa to a debate with its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the economy.
National Executive Committee Member and MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, on Monday, said a debate between presidential candidates would not be complete without the participation of President Wickremesinghe, who is the presidential candidate of the UNP.
Addressing the media at the party headquarters on Monday, Dr Amarasuriya said that the country would face a presidential election and the candidates of main parties should take part in a debate and reveal their plans to resolve the economic crisis.
“In response to a call by SJB to field a team of economic council members from our party, we pointed out that the most prudent thing to do was to have a debate between the presidential candidates of both parties – Anurua Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa. This would not be complete if the UNP candidate is not there. As such President Ranil Wickremesinghe, too, should participate in this debate with the other two candidates,” Dr Amarasuriya said.
“If the SJB is not willing to field their leader, then we can consider the second option of holding the debate between the economic council members of the two parties. For that also we can invite their counterparts in the Pohottuwa and the UNP. The best option is to have the debate among Anura, Sajith and Ranil.”
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
Belgian prince loses bid for benefits on top of £300k royal allowance
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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