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Emergency for fear of street protests: Kiriella

Published

5 years ago

2021/09/5

by Saman Indrajith

The government has brought about emergency laws as it is worried of the possibility of people taking to the streets against the suffering, says the main Opposition SJB.

Addressing a press conference held at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo on Friday, Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella said that the government was engulfed by the fears of public outcry and massive protests.

“It is afraid that people will take to the streets. That happened in India when the government there could not control the prices and provide for people. It is easy to predict that the public outraged by the shortages and suppression by the government could repeat the same here. So they have introduced emergency rules to mobilise the forces against such rallies and protests,” Kiriella said.

He said that the government introduced the emergency rules stating that it was for the purpose of price controls of essential goods. “You do not need emergency laws to implement price controls. We have enough laws for that purpose. We have the Consumer Affairs Act and the prices of essential goods and services could be controlled under the provisions of that Act,” he said.

The Chief Opposition Whip said that the government was gripped by the fear of a wave of public protests. “It is afraid that it would face the same fate that its Indian counterpart had experienced when around 2.5 million farmers took to the streets of New Delhi several months back.

“The government knows that whenever it opens the country there would be protests by public servants, teachers, farmers and youth will come out condemning this rule by an impotent cabal. Some political parties have already made public statements to that effect and pledged that they would bring people to the capital to protest against the government.

“It is for the purpose of controlling that rising opposition against the government that they have introduced the emergency rules,” Kiriella said.

SJB National List MP Mayantha Dissanayake also addressed the press.

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Opp. alleges CIABOC tool in govt.’s hands

Published

10 hours ago

2026/05/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

An opposition grouping alleged yesterday (18) that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had become a political tool in the hands of the JVP/NPP to suppress the Opposition both in and outside Parliament.

Former Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris accused the CIABOC of fabricating cases against political opponents by manipulating those summoned. He tore into the institution, alleging that it drove people to suicide.

Addressing the media at the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office, Prof. Peiris alleged that former SriLankan Airlines CEO, Kapila Chandrasena, had been a victim of that despicable strategy. Director General of CIABOC, ex-High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, had warned Chandrasena of dire consequences unless the latter fully cooperated with the Commission, Prof. Peiris said.

Prof. Peiris emphasised the responsibility on the part of all concerned to examine Chandrasena’s affidavit regarding the intervention made by the Director General.

Chandrasena committed suicide while being on bail in connection with an investigation into the alleged USD 2 mn bribe to facilitate an Airbus deal during the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Prof. Peiris alleged that the CIABOC Director General had taken control of the Commission and was pursuing an agenda inimical to the law. (SF)

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Over 5,000 military personnel promoted to coincide with 17th anniversary of victory over terrorism

Published

10 hours ago

2026/05/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

In line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls on 19 May, a total of 5,289 Tri Service personnel have been granted promotions to their next respective ranks in recognition of their dedicated service rendered to the nation, the Defence Ministry announced.

The National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day is commemorated annually on 19 May to honour and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices and exemplary service of members of the Tri Forces who contributed immensely towards restoring peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland.

Accordingly, these promotions have been awarded, based on the recommendations of the respective Service Commanders, and in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Tri Forces.

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Inclement weather: Kalutara District worst affected

Published

10 hours ago

2026/05/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

Kalutara is the worst affected district due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of approximately 200 houses partially damaged so far, about 90% are in the Kalutara district.

DMC said that 22 houses had been damaged in the Ratnapura District, 14 in the Galle District, 4 in the Moneragala District, 25 in the Batticaloa District, 5 in the Colombo District, 4 in the Jaffna District, 25 in the Gampaha District, 2 in the Hambantota District, 2 in the Anuradhapura District, 5 in the Mannar District, and 2 in the Trincomalee District..

One house was destroyed in the Ratnapura District.

The DMC further stated that 1,582 families had been affected by the inclement weather.

The affected families are in 66 Divisional Secretariat divisions across the country.

Accordingly, a total of 5,267 individuals from 1,582 families have been impacted by adverse weather, according to the statement issued by the Centre.