News
Legal action can be instituted against Ranil over his campaign expenses report: IRES
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Legal action could be instituted against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe over his presidential election expenses report, Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) Manjula Gajanayake said yesterday (05).
Gajanayake noted that former President Wickremesinghe’s campaign finance report for the 21 September 2024 presidential election contained only two pages although nearly one billion rupees was spent on his election campaign.
“He officially spent over Rs 990 million, making this the second-highest amount spent by a candidate on the election,” he said.
Gajanayake said Wickremesinghe had been nominated for the presidential election by his brother Channa, who is also required to submit an expenses report to the Election Commission (EC).
“According to the campaign finance laws, the candidates and the general secretaries of the political parties or the persons who nominat them must submit detailed campaign expense reports. Channa Wickremesinghe has not submitted a report at all. The former President’s report includes categories of expenses and amounts spent, but campaign finance laws clearly require that all expenses be itemised with sources of funding mentioned. If the Election Commission should take this seriously; it can notify the police, who could seek the advice of the Attorney General to file a case,” he said.
The IRES Executive Director added that Wickremesinghe’s casual approach to election laws reflected his disregard for legal and financial accountability.
Earlier, Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake said candidates who failed to submit their campaign expense reports reports or attempt to mislead the Commission in their filings could face fines or imprisonment. Additionally, a candidate may lose their civic rights for a period of three years.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Latest News
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and 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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Sun directly overhead Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon. today [12]
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (12th) are Cheddikulam, Kebithigollewa, Gomarankadawala and Nilaveli about 12:11 noon.
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
Sanju Samson and Jamie Overton deliver first points for Chennai Super Kings
Arya, Prabhsimran and Shreyas help Punjab Kings ace another 200-plus chase
Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western and Uva provinces and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district
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