News
Johnston: Why are they silent on mastermind behind grenade in church?
Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando told Parliament on Friday that those who had been clamouring for the need to find the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks were silent about the recent detection of a grenade at the All Saints’ Church in Borella.
Participating in the adjournment debate on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Throne Speech, the Minister said: “Nobody is asking us to find the mastermind behind the grenade incident. The mastermind of this incident should be found. We hope that those responsible for these acts will soon be exposed.
“Similarly, the gas explosions too should be investigated. As I said these incidents are not accidents. There should be a mastermind behind them as well. Their objective is to place the government in difficulty. The objective of those who planted a hand grenade at the church too was the same. These should be investigated.
Responding to a query from the Opposition with regard to the non-removal of the Chairman of Litro Gas, the Minister said: “The President did not remove him. The President visited that office and made a decision to keep the incumbent chairman in the same post. It is wrong to blame the President on these issues. The President is a democratic leader. He visited the place and after getting first-hand information he decided to retain the chairman. He made similar decision when he visited Lankagama. There he decided to renovate that road linking Lankagama with the nearby town. It is within his power to make such decisions. The President makes right decisions. He has been given powers to appoint and remove chairmen and ministers.”
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
PM returns to the island
Navy divers restore sluice gate of Bomburuella Reservoir
Gujarat Giants comfortably overcome sloppy UP Warriorz
After fall from grace, Asalanka aims to bat on for Sri Lanka
PM holds High-Level meetings with EU, UNDP, and corporate leadership at World Economic Forum
Trump withdraws Canada’s invite to join Board of Peace
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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