News
Sirisena denies any profligacy as President
By Saman Indrajith
Ex-President and Polonnaruwa District MP Maitripala Sirisena, in Parliament, on Tuesday, denied media reports that he and Mahinda Rajapaksa, as former presidents, had spent colossal amounts of public money to maintain their personal staff.
Sirisena said that the amounts mentioned in the reports had been calculated wrongly.
The media reports on the basis of information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act revealed that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during his second term, 2010-2014, had spent Rs 638,107,941.84 for the maintenance of private staff. During the relevant period, his personal staff consisted of 2,578 people. They also revealed that Sirisena had spent more money on his personal staff than President Mahinda Rajapaksa. During the period, between 2015 and 2019, Sirisena had spent Rs 850,326,968.14 public money for the maintenance of his personal staff, consisting of 1,378 persons.
Sirisena said the figures were wrong because persons recruited by others had been bracketed with his team.
He said that he had implemented many projects as the President and no other president could match his record in terms of the number of projects. National Environment programme, National Kidney Disease Prevention Programme, Smart Sri Lanka programme, Daruwan Surakimu Programme and Grama Shakthi were some of them, Sirisena said. He added that those who had worked in those projects, too, had been considered as members of his personal staff.
The former President requested the Speaker to conduct an impartial investigation into his complaint and called on the media to publish his rebuttal.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
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 table below 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.
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