News
Debate between NPP and SJB leaders stalled over date and sequence disagreement
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The proposed debate between the National People’s Power (NPP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leaders and the economic councils of the two parties remain in limbo as the two sides haggle over what debate should take place first and the date.
A few days ago, the NPP suggested that the debate between SJB and NPP leaders could take place on either 07, 09, 13, or 14 May.
SJB MP Nalin Bandara told The Island that he had sent a letter to NPP’s Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa on Wednesday (24) explaining the party’s stance on the debate. Bandara said he had been appointed by the SJB to coordinate the debates.
“NPP has sent us a letter on the debate. There is no mention on the debate between economic councils of the respective parties in the NPP letter. I asked Nalinda to tell me whether they want to take part in this debate or not,” Bandara said.
The SJB MP said he had asked Dr. Jayatissa to meet him in Parliament on Thursday or Friday to iron out the details.
The JVP’s General Secretary Tilvin Silva told The Island that they had offered four possible dates to debate the SJB leader.
“We assume that Sajith has prior arrangements and duties as opposition leader. That’s why we offered four possible dates. The SJB insists that this is a vital debate. Therefore, I can’t see why they can’t select one of the four dates. If Sajith has prior arrangements in all those days, they can give us some options,” Silva said.
The JVP stalwart said arranging a date for a debate between the two leaders is a relatively simple task. “The SJB just has to give us a date if they can’t make it on the dates we proposed,” he said.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
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The Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 03 May 2025, valid for 04 May 2025.
The public re warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota 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.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) sources said that plans were afoot to file charges in connection with 15 major fraud and corruption cases in the near future.
The Commission sources said that these cases stem from thorough investigations into complaints that had previously gone unexamined, with recent file reviews prompting the decision to proceed with legal action. The forthcoming charges are based on detailed inquiries that uncovered substantial evidence pointing to serious misconduct.
To date, CIABOC has initiated inquiries into over 300 complaints received during the recent period, reflecting an expanded commitment to tackling corruption at multiple levels of governance.
Commission sources said that several former ministers and political affiliates from past administrations are among those implicated in the ongoing investigations, though specific names have yet to be disclosed.
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