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Sajith slams critical social media at Matale

Published

3 years ago

2023/02/5

ECONOMYNEXT –Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa Thursday rapped social media critics of himself and his party and accused such critics of defeating him in the 2019 presidential polls against ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Premadasa is facing increased social media criticism over his speeches and policies since his party began campaigning for the March 9 local government polls.He was criticized by social media users last week for his criticism of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s blind acceptance of all conditions laid by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility.

Speaking at a campaign rally in the Matale district on Thursday, Premadasa said he and his policies are derided by a small group of people through social media. Some of his comments in 2019 were posted using only parts of the speech.

“During the (last) presidential election, social media activists quoted me out of context and reviled us helping Gotabaya’s victory,” he told a campaign meeting. “The result is the country is bankrupted with no money in the hands of people who are skipping meals and poverty is emerging everywhere,” he said.

“A minority of the country who does not know our proposals have started crticizing us via sharp social media practices as in the 2019 presidential elections,” Premadasa said referring to the latest criticism over his party policies which he had been explaining to the public.

Premadasa, the 56-year old son of slain former president Ranasinghe Premadasa, split with the current President Wickremesinghe’s UNP before the 2020 parliament polls and became the second largest party in parliament with 54 seats in the 225-member legislature. Wickremesinghe’s UNP won only one seat through the National List with Wickremesinghe himself losing his own seat at the election but taking the National List seat his party was entitled to.

Premadasa who has been in parliament since 2000 is considered by some to be a strong candidate at the next presidential election. His party and some political analysts believe that the SJB has an opportunity to win the upcoming local government polls by a landslide if the election take place as scheduled.Alleging that big money is being spent by some political parties on social media platforms, he said his party did not do that.

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Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM

Published

20 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April

Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.

Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.

The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM

Published

20 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.

Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

20 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 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, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

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 the 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.