News

Sirisena remains defiant; SLPP-SLFP ties deteriorate

Published

4 years ago

2022/01/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

GL frowns on SLFP leaping to Susil’s defence

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The stage is set for a major clash between the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and its second largest constituent, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

SLPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (10) flayed the SLFP for the latter’s backing for Colombo District SLPP MP Susil Premjayantha, who was stripped of his portfolios following his criticism of the government.

Prof. Peiris told the regular weekly media briefing at the SLPP office at Battaramulla that the former President and the SLFP leader Maithripala Sirisena’s position that instead of disciplinary measures the government should rectify its mistakes and shortcomings, was not acceptable at all.

The SLFP group in Parliament consists of 14 members, including one National List MP. Of them, 12 members, including party leader Sirisena, have contested the last general election on the SLPP ticket and one (Dr. Suren Raghavan) accommodated on the SLPP National List.

While acknowledging the right to dissent, Prof. Peiris emphasised that public criticism wouldn’t be tolerated. The FM declared that those who had taken a different stand on a particular issue could raise such a matter at the government parliamentary group meeting, cabinet and party leaders’ level.

Polonnaruwa District MP Sirisena has repeatedly declared his support for Premjayantha, who was unceremoniously removed on 04 January, two days after his outburst at the Delkanda fair. One-time SLFP General Secretary Premjayantha lambasted Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane and Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage for having made disastrous policy decisions.

In addition to Premjayantha, several other lawmakers have strongly criticised the government. Three ministers, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Nanayakkara have even backed petitions against the controversial Yugadanavi deal, while State Minister Vidura Wickremanayake has lambasted the entire Cabinet of ministers. Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, recently levelled corruption allegations against the Chinese and the current political leadership.

Senior SLFP Vice President Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa said that the SLPP was not in a position to dictate terms to its constituents. Having behaved in unjustifiable manner and caused irreparable damage, the SLPP was now struggling to regain control, Prof. Piyadasa said. The warning issued to constituent parties looked silly as a section of the Cabinet had moved the Supreme Court against the Cabinet of ministers, Prof. Piyadasa said.

Responding to another query, Prof. Piyadasa declared that the SLFP wouldn’t succumb to pressure. Prof. Piyadasa who had served as the SLFP Chairman during the last presidential election campaign said that it would be a grave mistake for the SLPP to believe it could consolidate its position by threatening other political parties.

Prof. Piyadasa pointed out how two dozen lawmakers representing several political parties had taken a common stand against the Yugadanavi deal though only three lawmakers moved the court.

Prof. Peiris asserted that the failure on the part of the government to speak with one voice caused turmoil not only locally but internationally as well. The Foreign Minister explained how dissenting views could undermine government efforts to attract foreign investments.

Prof. Peiris asserted that those in the government couldn’t play double roles simultaneously. How could they perform the role of government and Opposition MPs at the same time? Prof. Peiris asked.

At the onset of the briefing Prof. Peiris countered the assertion that the government had been isolated internationally as a result of being ignored by some sections of the international community. Referring to the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit to Colombo over the weekend, Prof. Peiris briefed the media on his recent visit to Dubai and Seoul where the focus was on South Korean assistance and more employment opportunities to Sri Lankan workers there.

Prof. Peiris expressed confidence that as promised South Korea would increase the number of Sri Lankan workers employed there soon. He said that South Korea would make an announcement in that regard next month.

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Let’s build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, mutual respect by protecting the religious and cultural rights of others- PM

Published

12 hours ago

2026/01/15

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya in her ThaiPongal day message, called upon all Sri Lankans to build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, noble qualities such as mutual respect and the protection of the religious and cultural rights of others.

The full text of the PM’s message:

“I extend my heartfelt greetings to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and abroad who celebrate the ThaiPongal festival, marking a pride tradition that expresses gratitude for the dignity of labour and the protection bestowed by nature.

This noble festivity manifests the world the inseparable bond between human life and nature. We are all creations of nature. There is no path we can take in defiance of nature or beyond it. In that sense, showing respect and gratitude in return for the blessings we receive from nature can be regarded as one of the highest human virtues.

As a nation, we stand today at a decisive turning point. We bear the collective responsibility of steering the country towards a “new era of revival” by bringing about a transformation in attitudes through policy and structural reforms. As a government we have accepted this responsibility and embarked with determination on a new year dedicated to the advancement of our nation even amidst numerous challenges,

As the saying goes, “We can place rice on our plate only if the farmer steps into the mud,” the commitment we make today for the future prosperity of the country is akin to preparing fertile fields in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. This ThaiPongal festival, which honours and expresses gratitude to nature, serves as a guiding light in nurturing citizens enriched with cultural values.

On this ThaiPongal Day, let us all resolve together to build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, noble qualities such as mutual respect and the protection of the religious and cultural rights of others.

I sincerely extend my wishes that all the hopes and aspirations of the Tamil people celebrating ThaiPongal may be fulfilled, and that this new beginning may bring happiness and prosperity to everyone.”

News

Ambassador of the United States of America to Sri Lanka pays farewell call on PM

Published

13 hours ago

2026/01/15

Priyan

Ms. Julie Chung, Ambassador of the United States of America to Sri Lanka, paid a farewell call on the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on the 14th of January, marking the conclusion of her tenure in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the Ambassador and expressed sincere appreciation for her service and significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the United States during her tenure. The Prime Minister conveyed special thanks to the Government of the United States for the timely assistance extended to Sri Lanka during the emergency situation following Cyclone Ditwah.

Ms. Julie Chung expressed her gratitude to the new Government of Sri Lanka for the cooperation, support, and spirit of mutual understanding extended to her throughout her tenure, and reaffirmed the continuity of partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, discussions were held on ongoing cooperation under the Fulbright Scholarship Programme and the United States Peace Corps Programme, with both sides emphasizing their value in fostering strong people-to-people ties and long-term collaboration.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Jayne Howell, Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Menaka Nayyar, Counselor for Public and Cultural Affairs, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director General of the Europe and North America Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Pramuditha Manusinghe, Director of the Europe and North America Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Doctors threaten strike

Published

14 hours ago

2026/01/15

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

The Executive Committee of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has set a 10-day deadline for the NPP government to implement the agreement reached between them and Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa recently.

The GMOA yesterday (14) declared that the decision to launch a countrywide strike on 23 January had been taken at the EC meeting held on Tuesday (13).

GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said his Association had resorted to trade union action in the recent past against the failure on the part of the government to address their grievances through the 2026 Budget. However, the GMOA called off such trade union action after Dr. Jayatissa, in writing, assured that the Cabinet approval would be obtained to create a special category of public service as Sri Lanka Health Service to accommodate all categories of doctors and increase the doctors’ DAT (Disturbance, Availability, & Transport) allowance, resolve transport issues in terms of the 22/99 circular, transform additional allowance to a permanent allowance and resolve issues surrounding the research allowance.

The GMOA blamed Minister Jayatissa and the Health Ministry for the developing situation. (SF)