News
Failed govt, not failed State – SJB leader
By Saman Indrajith
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday denied that he had used the term ‘failed state’ in his speech.
He argued it was the government that had failed and not the state.
After delivering his speech in the third reading debate on budget 2021, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that it was wrong to use the term ‘failed state’ and that it would be expunged from the Hansard record of yesterday’s proceedings.
Speaker Abeywardena: You mentioned the word ‘failed state’. We will expunge that from the Hansard record.
Opposition Leader Premadasa: I did not say so. What I said was a ‘failed government’. This is a failed, inept and incompetent government. I never call my country a ‘failed state’. (inaudible as his mic was switched off)
Who is switching off the mic? Is there anyone who took the Reverse tablet in that room controlling microphones? I did not mention it as a failed state. So, you cannot expunge what I said. Please understand the difference between failed government and failed state. I know my English. This is ludicrous.
MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam: On what ground the term ‘failed state’ is expunged? There are no provisions in the Standing Orders for that. The concept of ‘failed state’ is an opinion. It is how we see and describe a state. There is nothing wrong with that term. It cannot be expunged from Hansard.
Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera: It is only natural that a TNA MP is supporting the Opposition Leader on this score. This is what they want to see. They want to call our country a failed state.
Opposition Leader Premadasa: I am surprised by the utter ignorance displayed by the government members. Ignorance should not be permitted in this House.
Speaker Abeywardena: Yes, and it should be applicable to everybody.
Latest News
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
Latest News
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
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