News
Johnston predicts SJB split, promises fertiliser
The SJB would suffer several splits soon, Minister Fernando said on Saturday during a ceremony held at the Provincial Council auditorium in Kurunegala to launch aqua farming entrepreneurs in the district.
Responding to questions by journalists who asked the minister to comment on recent statement by SJB MP Diana Gamage that the party would split into several groups, the Minister said the Opposition party’s leader Sajith Premadasa had lost twice and party followers had no hope that he would be able to steer that party to victory.
Asked to comment on prevailing shortages in the market, the Chief Government Whip said that the shortages had resulted from lockdowns and the situation would improve with the passage of time. “Farmers have complained of a fertilizer shortage and I am asking them to resume cultivation because fertilizer would be there on time. I ask them to have faith in this government. We will eradicate the fertilizer shortage in a few weeks’ time. Even if their crops fail, we will compensate them. These shortages of milk powder, gas and some other items are temporary and they have been caused by forex shortage and the pandemic. We as a government have been able to save the lives of people from the pandemic. The worst part of the pandemic is over. We have removed price controls and in the coming days shortages will be replenished soon.”
Asked to comment on the possibility of holding provincial council elections soon the Minister said: ‘Elections should be held on time. Holding elections shows the prevailing of democracy. All those shouting by the opposition will come to an end when an election is announced. The opposition is afraid of elections because it knows that it cannot win. Even last time they went before courts to delay the elections.”
Asked to comment on reports that some MPs would resign to contest for chief minister posts and monies had been allocated for electorates last week the minister said that funds had been allocated not for elections but for improving infrastructure facilities in the rural areas and developing economies of farming communities. “We are ready for an election any time. We do not need to allocate funds and make preparations for elections to win them like other parties. We have made impressive achievements such as restoring national security, winning against the pandemic and marching from strength to strength. People want a government that protects them. We are the only party that could save them and bring victories to them,” the minister said.
Pope Leo XIV appealed for “no more war” in a message to world powers during his first Sunday address at the Vatican.
Reflecting on current conflicts, the newly selected pontiff called for a “lasting peace” in the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and welcomed Saturday’s agreement to end recent hostilities between India and Pakistan.
He said he was “deeply hurt” by events in Gaza, expressed hope for a “lasting accord” between India and Pakistan, and wished for a “authentic, true and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
The Pope also recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, to the crowd in St Peter’s Square.
Latest News
May this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings – PM
In her Vesak day message, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya wished that this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings
The full text of the prime ministers vesak day message:
“It is an honor to extend my Vesak day message to all citizens of the nation during this sacred period in which Buddhist community across Sri Lanka come together to pay homage to the Lord Buddha, upholding both material and spiritual offerings and commemorating the threefold sacred events of the Lord Buddha’s life.
Since ancient times, the lives of the Sri Lankan people have been deeply rooted by the teaching of the Lord Buddha and this is a greater inheritance we have received through the Dhamma. In our country, where people of diverse ethnicities and religions coexist in harmony, the collective celebration of a major religious festival such as Vesak stands as a powerful testament to that unity.
This year Vesak day celebration marks the first to be celebrated under the current government, which was established with the vision of “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” I believe that this Vesak season is a particularly a time to heal the hearts and minds of humanity, especially as our nation embarks on a path of meaningful transformation. Through this message, I take this opportunity to invite all of citizens to unite in mind and spirit, bound together by mutual respect and compassion.
I join all Sri Lankans in praying that the flames of war burning in various parts of the world at this moment may be extinguished, and that all people across the globe may be blessed with lives of happiness and peace.
May all of you have a blessed Vesak!”
News
Special waste management programme launched under “Clean Sri Lanka” during the State Vesak Festival
Parallel with the State Vesak Festival that commenced on Saturday (10) in the Nuwara Eliya District, a special waste management initiative has been launched under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme to enhance facilities for devotees and ensure proper waste disposal in the city of Nuwara Eliya.
With hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit Nuwara Eliya during the Vesak Week, from May 10 to 16, this initiative is aimed at preserving the cleanliness and beauty of the area.
The programme will focus particularly on areas around the Gregory Lake, a key tourist attraction, and the Nuwara Eliya International Buddhist Centre, the venue for the State Vesak Festival.
In addition, the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative urges visiting devotees to refrain from bringing non-biodegradable material such as polythene and calls on all citizens to act responsibly by properly disposing of waste only at designated locations, while maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the environment.
-
Business7 days agoAitken Spence Travels continues its leadership as the only Travelife-Certified DMC in Sri Lanka
-
Latest News6 days agoNPP win Maharagama Urban Council
-
Business7 days agoLinearSix and InsureMO® expand partnership
-
Features2 days agoSAITM Graduates Overcome Adversity, Excel Despite Challenges
-
Business5 days agoJohn Keells Properties and MullenLowe unveil “Minutes Away”
-
Sports2 days agoASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships from Monday
-
News2 days agoDestined to be pope:Brother says Leo XIV always wanted to be a priest
-
Foreign News3 days agoMexico sues Google over ‘Gulf of America’ name change