News

Breakaway SLPP group, SLFP to form alliance

Published

1 year ago

2024/09/26

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr. Ramesh Pathirana

‘Rebels won’t return to Pohottuwa fold’

By Shamindra Ferdinando

A breakaway group of former SLPP lawmakers is seeking an electoral agreement with the SLFP to contest the forthcoming presidential election.

General Secretary of Podujana Eksath Nidahas Peramuna (PENP) Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said that both parties were keen to reach consensus on a broad alliance within the next few days. “We have to be ready by the end of this month as nominations have to be handed over between Oct 4 and 11,” the former Health Minister said. The one-time SLFPer said so when The Island asked him about their preparations for the general elections.

Dr. Pathirana acknowledged that the outcome of the presidential election was quite disheartening.

Responding to another query, Dr. Pathirana said that two recognised symbols were under consideration.

The breakaway faction, under the leadership of the then Premier Dinesh Gunawardena, formed PENP in the run-up to the Sept. 21 presidential election. The largest of the SLPP factions backed President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s candidature.

The former Minister indicated that they wouldn’t return to the SLPP’s fold. Dr. Pathirana said that as many as 80 lawmakers who had served in the last Parliament would be in the proposed alliance. The SLPP won 145 seats at the last general election.

Dr. Pathirana declared that talks between PENP and the SLFP were underway. “Both parties understand the need for urgent consensus as the general election is just seven weeks away,” Dr. Pathirana said.

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Latest News

Bus fares increased by 12.19% from midnight today [23]

Published

3 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

Bus fares have been increased by 12.19% with effect from midnight today [23rd March 2026].

The minimum fare will be increased from Rs 27 to Rs 30 while the maximum fare of Rs2159/- will be increased to 2422/-

Latest News

Public will not be served as Computer system failure at Department of Registration of Persons

Published

4 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

The Acting Commissioner General of Registration of Persons has announced that due to an unexpected failure of the computer system of the Department of Registration of Persons, all services, including the one day service will not be held on Tuesday (24th March) at the Head Office and all Provincial offices.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya districts

Published

13 hours ago

2026/03/23

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 22 March 2026, valid for 23 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya 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 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.