News
No other govt. became so unpopular within such a short period – JVP
By Saman Indrajith
There has been no government in the known history of this country that incurred so much public displeasure within such a short time as two years, JVP MP DR Harini Amarasuriya said on Saturday.
Addressing the media at the JVP head office in Pelawatte, Dr Amarasuriya said that the government’s popularity was rapidly decreasing. “In the face of losing popularity and mounting public displeasure the government has resorted to racist politics. This has been a strategy used by many governments in this country for the past 73 years. The loss of lives and shedding of blood as a result of such strategy have been of no concern to them. Their motive is to cling to power despite public displeasure. We call on people not to fall for that trap. Communal disharmony would help none but the government to stay in power. They need it now to divert public attention from their problems such as price increases and shortages of essential commodities.”
Senior lawyer Lal Wijenayake stressed the need to ensure judicial independence, which he said could not be achieved without the rule of law. It is doubtful whether rule of law exists now; if you look at the way the Attorney General has been withdrawing cases.
Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala said that the country’s democracy was under siege and was facing serious threats. “This started when the President during a Gama Samaga Pilisandarak programme stated that his word took precedence over circulars. Five including the Convener of the Inter University Students Federation have been detained for over 100 days. Fr Cyril Gamini too is fearing arrest. Ven Ganansara thero has been handpicked to head a presidential task force. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka too has condemned these acts. In the meantime, cases against top government ministers are being withdrawn by the Attorney General. We call on the Attorney General to resign with respect because he is paid with public funds to serve the interests of the people.
“We call on people not to be duped by government tactics, the latest being the show of dissension within the government ranks. None of these dissenters including Ali Sabry, Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila have resigned. They cannot fool people all the time. The budget vote is to be taken in Parliament on 12 Dec. If they are not happy with the government, they can vote against it. They are running with the hare and hunting with the hounds.”
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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