NDF MP Ravi Karunanayake has called for the savings from MPs’ insurance coverage and allowances to be redirected to a relief fund for the public.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo on Thursday, Karunanayake stressed that the coverage reserved for MPs should be withdrawn and the funds transferred to a welfare and disaster relief fund. He mphasised that money allocated for double-cab vehicles for politicians should also be diverted to the national reconstruction fund at this critical time.

Highlighting the country’s ongoing economic and crisis situation, Karunanayake said that public representatives and senior state institutions must make significant sacrifices, and the perks and insurance benefits of MPs should be used for the welfare of the people.

He underlined that the task of rebuilding the country must start with the politicians themselves.

Commenting on state institution inefficiencies, he stated:

“Bonuses and allowances paid to officials of loss-making institutions such as SriLankan Airlines must be immediately stopped. Those funds should be redirected for the welfare of ordinary citizens currently under severe hardship—this is the responsibility of the government.”

Regarding Sri Lanka’s current foreign currency reserves, Karunanayake pointed out that, relative to their expenditure, there is no mechanism in place to replenish them—a serious problem. He urged that export performance be increased rapidly. He also suggested that renewable energy be used instead of oil-based electricity generation to save foreign exchange.

Karunanayake further revealed that, given the country’s ongoing disaster conditions, sufficient foreign aid has not yet been received. He recalled that the sixth tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was due to be received in December and stated that obtaining relief in installments would be more beneficial to the country than seeking emergency loans.

On dealing with the IMF, he added:

“Even if the IMF comes through under Ranil Wickremesinghe, we must ensure we engage properly and clearly with them. We must stick to our terms and execute them without confusion or compromise.”

Kandy Police are investigating a second bomb threat targeting the Kandy District Secretariat, following an earlier warning.

The threat was made via email on Friday at 4:00 pm, warning that the Secretariat building would be blown up. Police have referred the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, a senior official at Kandy Police Station confirmed.

The first threat was received via email on the morning of December 23, followed by a reminder email warning of a bomb explosion at the same premises on Friday morning.

As a precaution, all parcels and disaster relief goods sent to the Secretariat have been secured. Specially trained police dogs have been deployed to inspect the premises for explosives. Security has been tightened, with the Army, police, and STF officers providing protection while the building undergoes thorough inspection, Acting SSP G. B. A. S. B. Gannagewa said.

In addition, heightened security measures have been implemented across Kandy city and at sensitive locations.

Under the supervision of Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake, several special police units are actively involved in the investigation and search operations at the District Secretariat.Authorities have urged the public to remain calm while investigations are ongoing to ensure the safety of the area.

By S.K. Samaranayake ✍️

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has warned that a plan to introduce age-appropriate sex education in schools from 2026 risks eroding the country’s cultural and religious foundations and undermining parental authority, according to a report published by UCAN.

Cardinal Ranjith also criticised the government while addressing a gathering at St. Joseph’s Church in Hanwella on Dec. 20, continuing his campaign against the sex education programme, according to the UCAN report.

The prelate said the proposed sex education programme contradicts traditional teachings on marriage, family life, and morality. It reportedly supports the rights of sexual minorities, birth control methods, gender equality, and women’s sexual freedoms.

It “teaches children from six to adulthood wrongful behaviors as acceptable, undermining married life and parental rights. This education reform is something we cannot accept,” the cardinal said.

The government plans to roll out the revised curriculum in phases, beginning with Grade 6 in 2026. The government says the goal is to empower children, prevent sexual abuse and misconduct, and modernize the education system as part of broader 2026–2029 reforms to cultivate globally competitive citizens.

The proposed reforms draw on the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education — a framework developed jointly by UN agencies such as UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women and the WHO.

Critics of the reforms, including Ranjith, cite this as evidence of UN influence on curriculum direction and warn that ideas promoted in the program run counter to Sri Lanka’s long-standing social values.

Ranjith accused international organizations, including United Nations agencies, of influencing reforms in ways that weaken family structures and parent-child relationships.

“It would be disastrous to subject our society to foreign values introduced through international agencies.”

Critics also include leaders of other religions.

In September 2025, chief Buddhist prelates from all three major chapters publicly opposed what they described as government efforts to promote LGBTQ-related activities, warning of potential social consequences.

Activists opposed to the reforms argue that sex education initiatives supported by UN bodies are being used to advance same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights under the banner of human rights.

Sri Lanka’s penal code, dating back to 1883 and amended in 1995, provides for up to 10 years’ imprisonment for what it terms “carnal intercourse against the order of nature,” a provision long criticized by rights groups.

Sujeewa Fernando, a Colombo-based activist, praised Ranjith’s stance, arguing that incorporating teachings on same-sex marriage and adoption into school curricula could harm children.

“How can two men or two women get married and have children when adoption can be damaged by unnatural relationships?” he told UCA News.

Others, however, defended the proposed reforms.

Nirupama Sadani, a government school teacher, said education must address discrimination faced by sexual minorities.

 “Society threatens, harasses and assaults sexual minorities while disregarding their rights and humanity,” she said, adding that schools should foster respect for marginalized communities.

Sadani said the reform is intended to modernize education, promote global leadership and expand opportunities for Sri Lankan students, arguing that inclusive education is essential in achieving those goals.