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Govt. causes split in SJB by appointing Mayantha as COPF head instead of Harsha

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3 years ago

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By Shamindra Ferdinando

The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has been divided over the appointment of its National List MP Mayantha Dissanayake as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF).The Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government yesterday (23) picked Dissanayake in spite of Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella on behalf of the Opposition proposing Dr. Harsha de Silva as the COPF’s head.

Prorogation of parliament for the second time within seven months by President Ranil Wickremesinghe resulted in the dissolution of three watchdog committees namely COPF, COPA (Committee on Public Accounts) and COPE (Committee on Public Enterprises)

Alleging that the government got rid of him as he in his capacity as COPF Chairman opposed corruption at every level, an irate lawmaker de Silva told The Island that he expected SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and the entire opposition to take up the issue.

The economist said that depending on the response of the SJB leader and the Opposition the matter would be settled before what he called the public court.The former UNPer alleged that his proposal to set up a casino regulatory authority made by him in his previous capacity as COPF Chairman and criticism of Sri Lanka’s premier investment promotion agency the Board of Investment (BoI) prompted the government to force him out of the watchdog committee.

Lawmaker de Silva vowed to defeat what he called the gang of thieves. MP Mayantha Dissanayake didn’t answer his hand phone. Dissanayake is among seven SJB National List MPs in the current parliament. One of them, Diana Gamage has switched allegiance to President Ranil Wuckremesinghe and was rewarded with a State Ministry.

Chief Government Whip Prasanna Ranatunga yesterday (23) told parliament that the Committee of Selection chose Mayantha Dissanayake. Minister Ranatunga alleged that the Opposition was making an attempt to mislead the public over this issue.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena heads the 11-member Committee of Selection. Responding to Minister Ranatunga, MP de Silva said that the Opposition proposed him as the Chairman of COPF the day before yesterday.

De Silva said: “Chief Opposition Whip told him that Speaker Abeywardena endorsed his nomination. But, the Committee of Selection met again. The Opposition again proposed me as the head of COPF but government members of the Committee of Selection proposed Mayantha Dissanayake.”

MP de Silva said that the government group exploited the situation to appoint a person of their choice.

SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem who is also a member of the Committee of Selection declared that Dr. de Silva was the most qualified person to serve as the COPF head. Attorney-at-law Hakeem said that such tactics employed by the government would result in public losing confidence in the vital committee. Lawmaker Hakeem said that in terms of the Standing Orders the Committee of Selection should accept the MP nominated by the Opposition. The MP alleged that the government exploited its majority in the Committee of Selection.

The SLMC contested the last general election under the SJB ticket. SJB MP Asoka Abeysinghe alleged that the government couldn’t stomach his colleague Dr de Silva’s role as the COPF head. Therefore, the government conspired to get rid of him, the Kurunegala District MP alleged.

Gampaha District SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna alleged that the government wanted to cause division hence the move to deprive Dr. de Silva of the top post.

Minister Ranatunga insisted that the appointment of Mayantha Dissanayake was in line with the Standing Orders. The SLPP heavyweight said that the Standing Orders referred to the appointment of an Opposition MP. There couldn’t be any issue as Mayantha Dissanayake was an Opposition MP. MP Rajakaruna emphasised that the nomination should be made by the Opposition not government members.

Minister Ranatunga said that members of the Committee of Selection once appointed to that body shouldn’t be differentiated as Opposition and Government members.

Leader of the House Susil Premjayantha endorsed the position taken up by Minister Ranatunga. Premjayanth did so in responding to MP Rajakaruna’s query whether he accepted Mayantha Dissanayake’s appointment.


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The book “Intimidated?” presents a significant and timely contribution to understanding challenges, resilience, and innovation in the modern world, offering valuable insights for education, research, and social transformation – PM

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48 mins ago

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2026/03/30

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the book launch of “Intimidated?” authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Head of Department at the National University of Singapore, held on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Lotus Hall of BMICH.

Authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the book “Intimidated?” reflects on contemporary global and personal challenges, innovation, and the importance of resilience, offering readers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective grounded in academic experience and global exposure. The publication, along with its English translation, was ceremonially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Congratulating the author on this important publication, the Prime Minister stated that such scholarly work plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, particularly students and young researchers, to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation in shaping a progressive and inclusive educational environment in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also ceremonially launched the programme to distribute 5,000 copies of the book free of charge to students and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of making knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy  Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education  Nalaka Kaluwewa, family members of Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, university Vice Chancellors, professors and lecturers, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, and invited guests.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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It is the government’s objective to create an education system that provides every child with access to modern technological opportunities — Prime Minister

Published

56 mins ago

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2026/03/30

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Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held on Saturday (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.

A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and  over 500 students,  presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.

Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.

Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork”,

Sri Lanka participated  in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, which  marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister,  Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

1 hour ago

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2026/03/30

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 March 2026, valid for 30 March 2026.

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

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.

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