News

CPSL rising to occasion asks govt. to counter external interference

Published

1 year ago

2025/04/2

Sahan Weerasooriya

Weerasinghe

UK sanctioning ex-military top brass and Karuna:

The Communist Party of Sri Lanka has urged the National People’s Power (NPP) government to counter external interference while reaffirming its commitment to addressing the challenges facing the nation through dialogue, reconciliation and justice.

CPSL Secretary General Dr. G. Weerasinghe has issued the following statement: “CPSL expresses its deep concern over the recent sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom on retired Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, retired General Jagath Jayasuriya, retired General Shavendra Silva, and former Minister of National Integration Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, known as Colonel Karuna, and strongly condemns the action of Great Britain. These sanctions, justified by the United Kingdom as a response to alleged human rights violations committed during Sri Lanka’s 27-year civil conflict, must be viewed as a disturbing and arrogant interference in the affairs of a sovereign nation.

Britain occupied Sri Lanka for nearly 150 years, killing thousands of people and plundering the country’s resources, while subjugating and exploiting many countries around the world. By exploiting countries around the world, they built their own prosperity and now lead the way in protecting human rights for other countries around the world. During Britain’s brutal colonial rule, which implemented a historical strategy of divide and rule, discord was sown among Sri Lanka’s ethnic communities, a policy that led to the erosion of harmonious relations within the country and ultimately led to deep divisions. The profound impact of these policies contributed to civil conflict, but Britain has refrained from making any reference to or expressing regret for that role.

The CPSL highlights the blatant hypocrisy of Britain’s efforts to selectively target and punish individuals who played a significant role in ending the separatist armed conflict in Sri Lanka. While these individuals are accused of human rights violations, it cannot be hidden from the world that Britain participated in the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip, the illegal invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the killing of hundreds of thousands of people. It should also be noted that Britain is committing ethnic cleansing of the indigenous people of the Chagos Archipelago and illegally occupying it.

The CPSL acknowledges that Sri Lanka continues to grapple with unresolved ethnic tensions and challenges in its journey to build an inclusive Sri Lankan nation. These issues are deeply rooted in the country’s historical fabric and require thoughtful, proactive steps to address them. The CPSL urges the Government of Sri Lanka to take a more assertive and comprehensive approach in addressing these issues, ensuring acceptance, peace of mind and dignity for families affected by the civil conflict. The CPSL has consistently been at the forefront of efforts to address these issues, advocating for justice, reconciliation and fair treatment of all communities.

The CPSL stresses that this selective condemnation is driven not by genuine concern for human rights but by political expediency and the desire to influence sovereign nations. Furthermore, the CPSL expresses its disappointment with the Government of Sri Lanka’s response to these sanctions. Instead of strongly condemning Britain’s actions, the government’s response was cowardly and shameless, failing to protect the sovereignty of the nation and the dignity of its people. The CPSL calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to take a more resolute stance, rejecting external interference and reaffirming its commitment to addressing the challenges facing the nation through dialogue, reconciliation and justice.

Finally, the CPSL reiterates its commitment to building a united and prosperous Sri Lanka where all communities can coexist in harmony and equality. It calls on the international community to respect the sovereignty of nations and support efforts aimed at genuine reconciliation and development, rather than imposing measures that deepen divisions and hinder progress.”

All News Advertisement

Latest News

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

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern 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 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 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.

News

PHIs launch Vesak ‘Dansal’ safety registration drive

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have announced that registration of ‘Dansal’ organised islandwide in view of the upcoming Vesak Poya has already commenced.

President of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU), K.P. Boralessa, said that organisers intending to conduct ‘Dansal’ are required to inform and register with the PHI attached to the relevant area.

He said organisers must also provide details of the location and the type of ‘Dansal’ being conducted.

Following registration, PHIs will conduct awareness programmes for organisers on maintaining required health and safety standards during the conduct of such events, he added.

Boralessa warned that legal action would be taken against those who organise ‘Dansal’ without proper registration or in an unsafe manner.

He further said PHIs will inspect venues on the eve of each ‘Dansala’ to assess suitability, including waste disposal arrangements, availability of drinking water, quality of water used for cooking, and condition of equipment at the site.

In addition, those involved in food preparation and serving will also be inspected to ensure hygiene standards are maintained, he said.

“These measures are taken to ensure that food provided at ‘Dansal’ is safe and hygienic for the public. Special attention must be paid to the ingredients used, and only healthy ingredients should be utilised,” Boralessa added.