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Trade Minister and Rahuman clash over Sathosa tender

Published

11 months ago

2025/06/5

A heated exchange erupted in Parliament yesterday as Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe dared SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman to resign if he could not substantiate explosive claims that a key advisor to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had been awarded a controversial Sathosa tender.

During a debate on Anti-Corruption Act regulations, Rahuman accused the government of double standards, stating that while it aggressively pursued past corruption cases, it turned a blind eye to alleged wrongdoing within its ranks.

He listed several scandals, including the release of 323 containers from the Colombo Port without due process; irregular awarding of the Mannar wind power plant tender, the sale of luxury vehicles below market prices at the Presidential Secretariat and no action against an NPP-linked tuition teacher accused of involvement in the Kotahena schoolgirl suicide case, despite public outrage.

“If this organiser had belonged to any other party, he would have been arrested,” Rahuman charged.

Deputy Public Security Minister Sunil Watagala countered, stating that the child suicide case was under active investigation, with court submissions already made.

Rahuman then said an advisor to President Dissanayake had secured a Sathosa tender through his private company, leading to a sharp rise in salt prices from Rs. 130 to Rs. 350 per kilo.

“The President promised clean governance, yet his own advisor benefits from state contracts?” Rahuman questioned, citing the advisor’s TV interview where he reportedly admitted to winning the tender.

Trade Minister Samarasinghe vehemently denied any link between the presidential advisor and the Sathosa tender, daring Rahuman to provide proof.

“If you can prove this allegation, I will resign. But if you can’t, you must resign!” Samarasinghe declared, escalating the confrontation.

Rahuman fired back, insisting that the advisor’s own admission on TV was proof enough, and challenged the government to come clean on the tender process.

Rahuman also accused President Dissanayake had violated his election pledge to respect the rule of law by not taking any action against NPP supporters who blocked the Expressway during May Day and an attempt to appoint a politically connected outsider as Auditor General, potentially interfering with upcoming corruption probes against the government.

“From December, investigations into this government’s first six months begin. Is the President trying to install his own man to control the outcome?” Rahuman questioned.

By Saman Indrajith

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

Published

40 mins 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

6 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

7 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.