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Sumanthiran accuses police of using excessive force
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthiran told Parliament on Wednesday (20) that he had not seen any protesters unleashing violence.
The MP said that it had been only the police who used excessive force which was quite blatant, and that had resulted in the death of one person in Rambukkana.
“I saw a message from the President via twitter, in which he says “I urge all to refrain from violence as they protest”. Now I have not seen any protesters indulging in violence. It has been only the police who have used excessive force which is quite blatant, and that has now resulted in the death of one person. Death of only one person is confirmed. The fate of few others is not known,” he said.
Sumanthiran said that the people were protesting because the government had failed them. The people were asking the President to go home.
“There is a good reason why they are saying that. I also saw a message that says that the discussions with the IMF are at an early stage. The loan programme is at an early stage. And that any deal would require adequate assurances that the country’s debts can be put on a sustainable path. Now, this debt sustainability is a huge issue, because you have not rescheduled the debts,” he said,
For the IMF to assist the country, there should not only be political stability but also debt sustainability, the TNA MP said. Unless those two were achieved there would be no solution to the crisis faced by Sri Lanka, he said.
“People are crying out for relief; people are asking when their suffering will end. It is going to get worse. We know that even with the IMF assistance, it’s going to get worse for a while. But from the way it’s going under this government, there is no assurance that the programme will be successful,” he said.
The TNA MP also made an appeal to the International Monetary Fund. He urged the IMF to ensure that the Rajapaksas did not pocket some money received under a possible Rapid Finance Instrument.
“The rulers who have robbed this country are still in power and are refusing to go. When the IMF considers the Rapid Finance Instrument a very strict condition must be imposed that this money that is given does not go into the Rajapaksa pockets. That it must go directly to the people, directly to the poor, for medicine, for basic food, for poor welfare. Now, welfare programmes are designed to enrich corrupt politicians. That must be avoided. So this specific request to the IMF that when you consider the rapid finance instrument, and we need that, please ensure, please attach it to conditions, that’ll ensure that it’ll go directly to the people,” he said. (SI)
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. 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.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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