News

Cost of living and fight against crime: the population’s expectations from the new government

Published

1 year ago

2025/03/2

Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando

(Agenzia Fides) – “The people of Sri Lanka are waiting for a change in the new government, especially on the economic level, with measures that reduce the cost of living and lower taxes on essential goods such as food and medicines,” said Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, priest in Colombo and director of the Catholic weekly newspaper in the Sinhalese-language “Gnartha Pradeepaya” (“The Light of Knowledge”), in an interview with Fides, while a public debate is underway in the nation on the issue of tax reform. “Patience is required because the government has only been in power for a few months. People have confidence in the current President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, elected last September, and believe that he will work to improve the socio-economic conditions of the population,” reports Father Fernando, while a nationwide signature campaign is underway in the country, calling on the government to significantly reduce taxes on basic food, medicine and school supplies.

Believers of all religions, including Catholics, have participated in the signature collection. Father Jeewantha Peiris, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Badulla who works for social justice, is among those in favor of the necessary reduction, noting that “the tax cut was announced by Dissanayake during the election campaign and is therefore one of his commitments.”

Fr. Fernando adds other elements in his interview with Fides: “As I recently wrote in my editorial in our Catholic weekly, it is the government’s duty to side with the poorest and meet their needs: this is one of the expectations of today’s people.” In addition,” he continues, “a second problem that must be addressed is that of organized crime, with the proliferation of groups active in drug trafficking, which puts our young people at risk”. On the other hand, he concludes, “the government is struggling with the phenomenon of corruption: this too is a key issue in the management of public affairs. Of course, these are issues that take time and must be considered in the long term. The president, who has only been in office for a few months, still enjoys the trust of the population. Our position is: we must wait to see how he will move, what political choices he will make, how and if they will really benefit people’s lives”.

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

Published

1 hour ago

2026/04/21

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
at 3.30 p.m. on 20 April 2026, valid for 21 April 2026

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

Latest News

Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.

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.

News

Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister

Published

8 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.

Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.

During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.