News

JVP: SLPP members won’t be able to distance themselves from Budget 2024

Published

2 years ago

2023/11/15

Sahan Weerasooriya

Vijitha

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Jathika Jana Balawegaya (JJB) MP Vijitha Herath yesterday (14) said that having supported the preparation of the 2024 Budget proposals, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) couldn’t complain now of what was presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Finance Minister.

The Gampaha District lawmaker pointed out that both State Ministers of Finance, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya (SLPP Kegalle District) and Shehan Semasinghe (SLPP Anuradhapura District) had been present at the finalisation of the budget proposals at President Wickremesinghe’s official residence at Mahagamasekara Mawatha (formerly Paget road) on Sunday (12).

MP Herath said so when The Island sought JJB’s response to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and ex-Minister Namal Rajapaksa distancing the SLPP from the budget proposals. The JVP leads the JJB. MP Herath pointed out that SLPPers in the Cabinet, too, endorsed budget proposals therefore the Rajapaksas attempt to question budget proposals didn’t hold water.

Except for President Wickremesinghe and Ministers Manusha Nanayakkara and Harin Fernando (both members of the SJB) all other members of the Cabinet, including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena were either elected on the SLPP ticket or appointed on its National List.

The JVPer stressed that Budget 2024 was Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government’s baby, therefore the SLPP would have no option but to vote for it. Responding to another query, the top JJB spokesperson reminded the SLPP that Wickremesinghe was chosen as Finance Minister and President in April and July, 2022, respectively by the SLPP and then it overwhelmingly endorsed the UNP leader’s mini budget presented on Aug 30, 2022.

A total of 115 MPs voted for the interim budget whereas the JJB’s three members and two All Ceylon Tamil Congress MPs voted against it.

Soon after the presentation of the 2024 Budget MP Namal Rajapaksa said most of the proposals in Budget 2024 had been announced at the mini budget. “Those proposals haven’t been implemented at all therefore they were presented again,” MP Rajapaksa said, declaring that the SLPP was waiting to see whether this year’s presentation too was only talk.

MP Rajapaksa said that as Wickremesinghe presented Budget 2024 as Finance Minister of the Pohottu government, the ruling party’s proposals, too, should have been included.

MP Herath said that as two SLPP MPs functioned as State Ministers of Finance, the party owed an explanation whether the SLPP parliamentary group furnished proposals to the Finance Minister. The JVP insisted that the SLPP couldn’t under any circumstances deny Budget 2024 being its responsibility unless they voted against it.

The President’s party UNP is represented in Parliament by single National List MP Wajira Abeywardena. Lawmaker Herath said that President Wickremesinghe during the budget presentation reminded the SJB that they reached consensus on some of the proposals when they were on the same side. The President was referring to the 2015-2019 Yahapalana administration.

MP Herath said that the contrary to SJB statements, the main Opposition party could easily reach consensus with the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa budget proposals.

The JVPer pointed out that the proposal to divest 20 percent stake in each of the two major State Banks had been a longstanding project of the UNP and President Wickremesinghe seemed hell bent on implementing what he couldn’t do in the 2002-2003 and 2015-2019 periods.

Commenting on the SLFP, MP Herath said that those SLFPers who had received portfolios would back the budget hence the party’s stand is irrelevant, the JVPer said.

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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

Published

16 mins ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

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)

News

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

Published

23 mins ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

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)

Latest News

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

50 mins ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

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.