News
NMSJ Chairman offers plenty of armchair advice
The people’s representatives, in Parliament, must now work together for one year with the blessings of the people to save the country from the abyss it has fallen into, Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ), Karu Jayasuriya, said at the fifth district-wise conference, titled ‘A New Constitution for a Better Country,’ organised by the NMSJ and the Collective for National and Religious Harmony.The meeting was held in Ratnapura. He said that the NMSJ has expressed its views on various national, religious and societal issues in our country.
“We are fearless in appreciating the correct measures taken by any governmen or leadership in power while also criticising it when it makes incorrect decisions that are detrimental to the people. Our movement is in constant contact with Sri Lankans living in many countries around the world. We often receive ideas and proposals from Sri Lankan intellectuals living abroad. To date, we have held 96 meetings, via Zoom. Based on these discussions, we have released various publications regarding the subjects affecting the country. These publications can be accessed through our Facebook page or through the website www.sadharana.org,” he said.
Given below are excerpts of the speech he gave : “We were able to create a common consensus on important issues, such as economy, education, agriculture, fisheries, electoral system, the new constitution and especially the ‘common minimum programme’ proposal for building the country.
Today, we are facing many national crises, never before experienced in the country’s past. The country has already been internationally recognized as being bankrupt. The economy has been fully destroyed.
Power cuts, high cost of living and malnutrition are on the rise. “These problems can be solved only if there is a national consensus in the country. Unfortunately, this has not taken place yet. On the other hand, we appreciate the government taking steps to provide solutions to many problems faced by the people, such as traffic congestion, and fuel and gas shortages.
“As a national movement, we have always suggested that all national leaders, regardless of political affiliation, work together through Parliament to seek solutions to these issues. The people will then refrain from pointing fingers at the Parliament. We can then rebuild this country, while setting aside all divides, through the participation of the leaders, and the blessings of the county’s citizens.
“If 24-hour electricity and continuous fuel supply are established, the day-to-day lives of the people will be restored. Industries and exports will increase rapidly. Tourist arrivals will increase and we can further develop the industry, during the winter season in Europe.
“Next, we must ensure the development of the agriculture industry. Experts have pointed out that if farmers are given the necessary seed, fertiliser and pesticide requirements at a fair price, we can expect record-breaking higher yields in the Maha season.
“We have also expressed our stiff opposition to the arrests of trade union leaders, and student activists by misusing the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The people’s representatives in Parliament must now work togethe for one year with the blessings of the people to save the country from the abyss it has fallen in and to restore the country and the lives of the people. This is what must happen today. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution must be enacted in its entirety to protect democracy and human rights. We make this appeal to all our public representatives. Citizens can then choose a leader, political party or MP of their choice to represent their area. This is a request we make on behalf of the future generation.”
It has been reported quoting police sources that the death toll from the renewed unrest at the Negombo Prison which this morning, has risen from nineteen to twenty five (25).
A clash initially broke out between two groups of inmates (a group of remand prisoners and a group of convicted inmates serving sentences) at the Negombo Prison at around 1.00 p.m. on Sunday (05).
Two inmates died in yesterday’s clash, while around 40 others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at hospital.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the children of Sri Lanka are well capable of viewing the world with creativity and critical ways of thinking, and that the Government is committed to equipping them with the required knowledge and modern technologies necessary to realize their full potential.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening of the ’Arumasiya’ Exhibition and the occasion of laying the foundation stone for a new three-storey building at Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, on the 4th of July.
During the visit, the Prime Minister officially declared open the exhibition showcasing the students’ innovations and creative talents and commended them for their remarkable achievements. The Prime Minister also participated in the ceremony of laying the foundation stone for the construction of the College’s new three-storey building.
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
“It is a pleasure to participate in this special event at Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, the school where Sri Lanka’s first female Prime Minister received her education
I had the opportunity to visit the exhibition featuring the outstanding creations and innovations of the students. What I witnessed was a group of talented young people who have moved beyond textbook learning and are capable of viewing the world with creativity and critical thinking.
We are introducing a new education reform process that moves away from a rote-learning, examination-oriented system towards a practical and skills-based one. The Government is now systematically completing all the necessary preparations to implement the new education reforms scheduled to commence in 2027.
Our objective is to ensure that every child leaving school has access to vocational and technical education that matches their individual talents and meets the demands of the modern labour market. We are committed to transforming vocational education into a field that enjoys the same dignity and recognition as university education.
Finally, I commend the Principal and the academic staff of Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College for organizing this exhibition, and to the students and parents whose dedication made this event a success.”
The event was attended by Members of Parliament for Ratnapura District Wasantha Pushpa Kumara and Sunil Rajapaksha, the Mayor of Balangoda and members of the Municipal Council, the Zonal Director of Education, the Principal and academic staff of Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, parents, and students.
Prime Minister’s Media Division
The appointment of a Special Parliamentary Ombudsman (SPO) to inquire into the complaints against the Attorney General, as promised in the NPP manifesto, is on hold, pending the establishment of an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers.
Authoritative sources told The Island that the Justice and National Integration Ministry was awaiting the recommendations, regarding the new legislation for the establishment of such an Office, from a Committee of Technical Experts, chaired by Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, PC.
Responding to a query raised in Parliament by SJB lawmaker Ajith P. Perera about the delay in appointment of SPO, Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the government couldn’t take a decision until the Kodagoda Committee made recommendations.
Nanayakkara said that the positioning of the SPO couldn’t be decided before they differentiate the powers of the Attorney General and the an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers.
According to the NPP manifesto, provincial Sub Officers were to be established under a senior Additional Solicitor General.
Opposition sources pointed out that the relevant Cabinet decision was taken on 7 May 2025. According to the Cabinet Office, the government decided to establish an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers in line with a proposal made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in her final report on Sri Lanka, submitted in September, 2024.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Death toll in violent clashes at Negombo Prison rise to 25
The Government is committed to equipping children with new technology and knowledge – PM
Bellingham inspires 10-man England to beat Mexico 3-2 in last-16 thriller
Haaland scores twice as Norway stun Brazil 2-1 in World Cup 2026 last 16
A few showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts
Appointment of SPO to probe AG on hold until establishment of Ind. Public Prosecutor’s Office
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Features7 days agoClimate action to bring South Asia together
-
News7 days agoChamuditha to seek removal of injunction on Youtube programme
-
News2 days agoSingapore-based Buddhist monk marks nearly four decades of humanitarian service
-
News3 days agoFreedom 250: US Embassy celebrates America’s 250th Independence Day through magic of American cinema
-
News4 days agoCIABOC to question Harak Kata on Rs. 200 mn bribery allegation
-
News4 days agoSLAF conducts successful rescue mission under UN command in Central African Republic
-
Opinion7 days agoMatara Maha Keralla– Uprising against the Dutch
-
Midweek Review6 days agoH’tota port’s strategic status remains focal point of geopolitical scrutiny