News

Govt. ready for horse-trading to raise numbers in Parliament in case of a split – Johnston

Published

4 years ago

2021/12/27

The government is ready for negotiations to increase its numbers in Parliament in case of any of its coalition partners pulling out, says Chief Government Whip Highways Minister Johnston Fernando.

“Our doors are open. Anyone can leave. We are not going to stop anyone because we can anytime take more than the required number of heads from the Opposition. We are ready to face any desertions of allied MPs. There are many in the Opposition side to join the government. They are ready to come to our fold by a single call,” the Minister said responding to a query on rumours of split within government ranks by a journalist during an inspection tour to review progress of constructing work of the Badagamuwa vehicle parking terminal and its health facilities centre recently.

“We do not want to see them leave us. We will never forget the allied party MPs who assisted us to build this government. Their leaving does not mean the government would collapse. The government is stronger than ever and has enough supply of MPs anytime we need from the Opposition. Our strategy is not to make announcements of the numbers ready to cross the Well of House to our side but to put into action an already arranged plan to replenish the number of MPs to keep our present composition in toto,” the Minister said.

Responding to a question on foreign exchange reserve crisis, the Minister said that there were speculations of loss of reserve and a resultant collapse of the economy and thereafter the government. “We would not let that happen. We are capable enough to steer our way out of the forex reserve problem. The Anura Kumara Dissanayake clique and the Sajith Premadasa gang in the opposition are happy to hear the dwindling of forex reserves and are daydreaming of a possible government collapse. They also seem to derive a perverted happiness to see temporary food shortages and price increases. They think that just because price increases people will turn to them and vote for their parties. They underestimate the intelligence of people who know that these sudden price changes were because of certain dents in our supply chains in the economy owing to the pandemic and recent closing downs. These are very temporary issues. Once the supply chain is error free it would function better than it was and none of these problems would exist. It is sad to notice that the opposition has a degenerate thinking that they do not see that the country’s economy should be protected because this is their country too. Their power hunger is so high that they do not care and it does not matter if they could grab power somehow even if it would be over the bodies of people. The rest of the country however hopes only that this problem will be over soon and the nation will prosper,” the Minister said.

Responding to questions on increases of prices of fuel and other essential items, the Minister said that cost of living indices of other countries too show similar trend and it is not a problem confined to Sri Lanka alone. “There are shortages and thereby price increases. We managed to hold the fuel prices down for a considerable time. We had to increase the prices as a temporary measure to keep the economy going. There would be further increases in prices of goods and services. People world over are facing this reality. Nobody likes price increases. If we did not increase fuel prices the CPC would have suffered a severe loss. To cover that loss taxes would have been imposed on all whether they use vehicles or not. We did not take that option,” the Minister said.

Asked to respond to the prevailing problems and issues pertaining to gas consumption, the Minister said that there was a problem pertaining to gas and it is being addressed on a priority basis. “We regret the inconveniences, but in the meantime, we are working fast to solve the problem. It is my personal hunch that this is a created-problem and there seems to be hands of sabotage. We as a government have the responsibility to find solutions and help people enjoy the festive season,” the minister said.

The Badagamuwa Vehicle Parking Terminal and health services centre are constructed by the Road Development Authority.

Associated with the Minister were ministry and RDA officials led by Secretary to the Ministry of Highways RWR Pemasiri.

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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

15 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 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

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

20 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

20 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)