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Brig. ordering recruits to vote for Ranil: Military denies NPP’s allegation

Published

7 months ago

2024/09/7

Thilina Walpola

Rohana Hettiarachchi

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The Defence Ministry and Army Headquarters yesterday (06) denied the NPP’s allegation that a senior officer, based at the Wahera Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) training centre, Kurunegala, had ordered recruits to vote for President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sept. 05, the second day of the three-day postal voting period.

Over 700,000 public servants, including the members of the police and military, are eligible to exercise their franchise through postal voting.

Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Rasika Kumara and Defence Ministry Spokesman Colonel Nalin Herath said that as soon as this matter was brought to their notice, inquiries had been made. The officer, whom the accusations had been made against, held the Brigadier’s rank, they said.

Executive Director of PAFFREL (People’s Action for Free and Fair Election) Rohana Hettiarachchi confirmed the position taken by the military. The military said that Police Emergency, too, had responded, following a tip-off regarding alleged interference by the officer named by the NPP.

Retired Senior DIG D. Gajasingha, head of the JJB observation mission, said that he wasn’t aware of the current status of the complaint lodged by the party. According to the complaint lodged with the Election Commission (EC) by the NPP, the Brigadier in charge of the training facility had summoned recruits to his office and demanded that they exercise their franchise for President Wickremesinghe.EC said that those who couldn’t vote on Sept 4th, 5th and 6th would be able to do so on Sept 11th and 12th.

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“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/8

Priyan

The book “Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” ,authored by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, was officially launched this morning (08) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

The first copy of the publication was formally presented to President Disanayake by Mr. Siriwardana during the event.

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Former state minister arrested by CID

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/8

Priyan

It has been reported that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pilleyan’ has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

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President meets with senior officials of SriLankan Airlines

Published

2 hours ago

2025/04/8

Priyan

A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and senior officials of SriLankan Airlines was held this afternoon (April 8) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The discussions mainly focused on proposals to transform SriLankan Airlines into a more profitable state-owned enterprise. Special attention was also given to possible short-term and long-term solutions for the airline’s debt management.

The talks further explored new investment opportunities for the airline. The President instructed the officials to take all necessary steps to transform SriLankan Airlines into a profit-making entity.

Although the airline has recorded operational profits, due to past mismanagement and poor decision-making, it remains one of the leading loss-making state enterprises. The current government has decided to reverse the previous administration’s decision to privatize the airline. Instead, it plans to continue operating it as the national carrier while introducing a new management structure to ensure its profitability moving forward.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, President’s Senior Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Sarath Ganegoda along with several senior officials of SriLankan Airlines, were present at the meeting.