News
LSSP marks 89 years, calls for revival of welfare state and economic justice
The Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) celebrated its 89th anniversary this weekend, reaffirming its commitment to addressing poverty, promoting social justice, and reviving the welfare state in Sri Lanka.In a message marking the occasion, party leader Prof. Tissa Vitarana highlighted the global decline of capitalism and its devastating impact on both developed and developing nations, including Sri Lanka.
Prof. Vitarana said that the capitalist socio-economic system is in its final phase of decline, citing global examples such as Volkswagen’s closure of major plants in Germany, job losses, and wage cuts. “This decline is exacerbating economic disparities worldwide, with poorer nations bearing the brunt of exploitation,” he said.
In Sri Lanka, 63% of families live below the poverty line, unable to meet basic needs such as food and medicine. Malnutrition among children, which stood at 14.3% two years ago, has now risen to 30.7%, Prof. Vitarana noted. He warned of dire consequences for the next generation, including stunted physical and mental development, unless urgent measures are taken to provide essential nutrients at affordable prices.
The LSSP leader called on the government to reintroduce targeted welfare programs, including free or subsidized food distribution through cooperatives, as implemented by former LSSP leader Dr. N. M. Perera during the 1972/73 economic crisis. He also urged the removal of indirect taxes burdening the poor and their redistribution to wealthier segments of society.
Prof. Vitarana criticized the government’s adherence to International Monetary Fund (IMF) policies, arguing that they increase foreign debt and undermine essential public services. He cited the erosion of Prof. Senaka Bibile’s National Medicinal Drug Policy as a key factor behind medicine shortages and rising healthcare costs, which disproportionately affect the poor.
On international issues, Prof. Vitarana condemned what he described as the “barbaric actions” of Israel in Gaza, accusing the United States of enabling such actions to maintain its global dominance. He argued that the U.S. economy, heavily reliant on the arms industry, promotes conflicts worldwide to sustain demand.
Prof. Vitarana also highlighted the emergence of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as an alternative to Western-led economic systems. He advocated for Sri Lanka to join the BRICS alliance, which he sees as a pathway to economic sovereignty and reduced dependence on Western powers.
Turning to domestic industrial policy, Prof. Vitarana called for greater utilization of existing resources, such as the SLINTEC nanotechnology center and the Vidatha Centres, which have supported over 12,000 small and medium enterprises. He stressed the need for innovation and digital technology to drive industrialization and create a sustainable economic future.
Addressing climate change, he underscored the importance of proactive planning to mitigate its impacts while warning against potential threats from international agreements like the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which he claims undermine national sovereignty.
Prof. Vitarana concluded by reaffirming the LSSP’s commitment to fighting for the rights of the poor and marginalized, emphasizing the party’s historical role in championing social justice and its vision for a welfare-oriented future.
Latest News
Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The landslide early warning center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has extended the Level III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale until 1600hrs on 11th December 2025.
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED landslide warnings issued to the the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Kundasale, Pasbage Korale, Medadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Pathadumbara, Doluwa, Panvila, Gangawata Korale, Ududumbara, Akurana, Yatinuwara, Harispattuwa, Deltota, Thumpane, Poojapitiya, Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Minipe and Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district, Aranayaka, Yatiyanthota, Rambukkana, Bulathkohupitiya and Mawanella in the Kegalle district, Mallawapitiya, Mawathagama and Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, and Rattota, Laggala Pallegama, Ukuwela, Matale, Wilgamuwa, Pallepola, Naula, Yatawatta and Ambanganga Korale in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Warakapola, Galigamuwa, Kegalle, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Polgahawela and Alawwa in the Kurunegala district, Kothmale East, Walapane, Thalawakele, Nuwara Eliya, Kothmale West, Nildandahinna, Mathurata, Ambagamuwa Korale, Hanguranketha and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district. and Kolonna, Godakawela and Kahawaththa in the Ratnapura district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Divulapitiya, Attanagalla and Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Kiriella, Eheliyagoda, Balangoda, Kaltota, Openayake, Nivithigala, Imbulpe, Ayagama, Kuruwita, Kalawana, Elapatha, Pelmadulla and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.
News
“We cannot allow flooding to become a part of the daily lives of the people in the Colombo District” – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that unauthorized constructions within the Colombo District, nor any form of residential developments that endanger the public carried out under the guise of development agenda will not be allowed.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the media at the conclusion of the Colombo District Disaster Management Committee meeting held on Tuesday [December 09] at the Colombo District Secretariat.
Addressing further, the Prime Minister stated:
“The Colombo District has become vulnerable to this extent due to the constructions carried out without any proper planning or understanding of regulations, along with personal and politically motivated decisions that have placed both the district and its people at risk.
Compared to the districts that suffered severe loss of life and property due to the recent cyclone, the damage to the Colombo District has been relatively lower. However, special intervention is being carried out together with the relevant institutions to manage the potential future flood risks in the district.
This matter was also given special attention during today’s District Disaster Management Committee meeting. We cannot allow the flooding to become a regular part of the lives of the people in Colombo. All relevant institutions will come together to put forward a common plan for flood control in the district.”
The Prime Minister further stated that discussions are already underway to provide sustainable solutions for the people living in high-risk areas within the Colombo District.
The discussion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Deputy Minister of Mass Media Kaushalya Ariyaratne, and Colombo District Members of Parliament Aruna Panagoda and Chandana Suriyarachchi.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The handover of 35 tonnes of Russian Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka, recently affected by the cyclone «Ditwah», took place at Katunayake today (10th December)
The shipment was welcomed at the Katunayake airport by Ambassador of Russia Levan Dzhagaryan, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka and Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).
Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan: said “This delivery is a reflection of long-term friendly relations between Russia and Sri Lanka and reaffirms Moscow’s commitment to support countries in a difficult humanitarian situation.”
The supplies brought by the EMERCOM (Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations) aircraft comprised a movable 60 kW electric power station, Pumping equipment for water drainage, Summer tents (10-person capacity) and Food supplies (sugar, vegetable oil, rice)
The total cargo weight is 35 metric tonnes. The aid will be distributed among the most affected regions.
Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
“We cannot allow flooding to become a part of the daily lives of the people in the Colombo District” – PM
Russia gifts 35 tonnes of Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka squad named for ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup
Hospital CCTV helps clear long jumper of doping
Tickner and Rae bowl West Indies out for 205 to give New Zealand the edge
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News3 days agoOver 35,000 drug offenders nabbed in 36 days
-
News7 days agoLevel III landslide early warning continue to be in force in the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale
-
Business5 days agoLOLC Finance Factoring powers business growth
-
News5 days agoCPC delegation meets JVP for talks on disaster response
-
News2 days agoCyclone Ditwah leaves Sri Lanka’s biodiversity in ruins: Top scientist warns of unseen ecological disaster
-
News5 days agoA 6th Year Accolade: The Eternal Opulence of My Fair Lady
-
News3 days agoRising water level in Malwathu Oya triggers alert in Thanthirimale
-
Features23 hours agoFinally, Mahinda Yapa sets the record straight