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Pre-poll interview with young UNPer

Published

1 year ago

2024/11/3

Thilina Walpola

Keshal Jayasinghe

By Saman Indrajith

Keshal Jayasinghe is one of the young political leaders contesting under the gas cylinder symbol from the Colombo District. He received his school education at Royal College, Colombo, and earned an honors degree in International Relations from the University of San Francisco. After returning to Sri Lanka, he joined active politics under Mangala Samaraweera, focusing on enhancing political literacy through the Radical Centre institution.

“Mangala foresaw the crises we would face under the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government, and our aim has always been to challenge deceptive electoral politics. Following Mangala’s passing, I served as the Digital Media Director for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, successfully facilitating our engagement with the IMF. Now, as I stand with the UNP and contest under the gas cylinder symbol, I aim to further Mangala’s vision of truthful politics for the benefit of our nation,” Keshal said in a brief interview with the Sunday Island.

Excerpts:

Q: Why do you think people should vote for the gas cylinder symbol?

A: In 2022, Sri Lanka faced an unprecedented economic crisis that led to severe political instability. During this time, many representatives in Parliament shied away from taking responsibility. Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped in to tackle this situation and initiated discussions with the IMF to address our economic challenges. This crisis is unlike any we’ve faced since 1948, and I was privileged to be involved as the President’s Digital Media Director, witnessing the turmoil firsthand. Our primary expectation is to help ensure stability and contribute to the recovery of our economy through responsible governance.

Q: Some say the public has rejected Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision. What are your thoughts?

A: It’s unfortunate that public perception has been shaped by a history of political disappointment. Many past presidents won elections through hostility and broken promises. However, President Wickremesinghe has focused on what needs to be done rather than engaging in divisive politics. Despite the challenges, he has kept the public informed about his actions, tripling government welfare expenditures and increasing public sector salaries. I believe that the NPP has no choice but to continue President Wickremesinghe’s vision if they are genuinely interested in moving this country forward.

Q: Are you suggesting that for the NPP there is no other path apart from Ranil’s?

A: Many parties promised sustainable withdrawal from IMF loans but now claim it’s not feasible. They’ve backtracked on promises such as reducing taxes on essential goods and electricity bills. This inconsistency reveals the gap between their words and actions. They’re struggling to uphold commitments even regarding public sector salaries. This situation underscores the validity of Ranil Wickremesinghe’s plans, which aim for a realistic and responsible approach to our economic recovery.

Q: With current polls indicating the NPP’s potential victory, what role do you see for yourself and the UNP contesting under the New Democratic Front?

A: The last presidential election revealed a strong public sentiment against the current leadership. It’s crucial that this voice is represented in Parliament. I believe that many political parties are making false promises that promote nationalism and communalism, which we must counter. My journey has been rooted in citizen-centered politics, and I aim to foster genuine political engagement that speaks to the people’s needs. As an opposition, we will support the government when necessary but also propose viable alternatives to benefit the populace.

Q: What are the economic challenges ahead, and how do you plan to tackle them?

A: We face a long road to recovery. By 2028, we need to increase our national income by 15% of GDP to manage our debts effectively. By 2032, we aim to reduce the total debt to 95% of GDP. Achieving a minimum of 2% surplus in the primary account is essential to this goal, which will require a strong voice in Parliament. Failure to meet our obligations by 2028 could lead to a situation worse than what we saw in 2022, making it critical to address these challenges head-on.

I urge the public to vote for those who promote truth instead of falsehood in our political discourse.

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Heat Index at Caution Level at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

2 hours ago

2026/05/1

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 30 April 2026, valid for 01 May 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, and North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

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.

News

USD 2.5 mn fraud probe: Interdicted MoF official found dead at home

Published

2 hours ago

2026/05/1

Thilina Walpola

An Assistant Director of the External Resources Department (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance, interdicted pending an investigation into the diversion of US$2.5 million in Treasury funds to a rogue account was found dead at his residence in Kuliyapitiya.

The deceased has been identified as Ranga Nishantha, 50.

Police said the officer had been found in the garden of his house and they believed that the officila had committed suicide. However, investigators have not ruled out other possibilities, and inquiries are continuing.

The official was interdicted along with three other senior Finance Ministry officials over a cyber-enabled financial fraud.

Those interdicted include a Director and an Assistant Director from the ERD, as well as a Director and an Additional Director General from the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO).

Police sources said that the CID had on two occasions asked Nishantha to make a statement in connection with the ongoing investigation, but he had failed to comply.

Police said the CID probe into the alleged cyber fraud is continuing, with investigators examining the circumstances surrounding the diversion of funds through compromised communication channels.Kuliyapitiya Police said further investigations were underway to establish the exact cause of death.

News

Alarm raised over plan to share Lanka’s biometric data with blacklisted Indian firm

Published

2 hours ago

2026/05/1

Thilina Walpola

FSP accuses govt. of reducing Sri Lanka to a puppet of India by giving away sensitive data

Jana Aragalaya Movement, affiliated to the Frontline Socialist Party, yesterday raised alarm over a move to hand over Sri Lankans’ fingerprint and iris biometric data to a blacklisted foreign company.

Speaking at a media briefing in front of the Ministry of Fisheries yesterday Jana Aragalaya Movement National Operational Committee Member Wasantha Mudalige alleged that India was seeking access to Sri Lanka’s sensitive national data systems in a bid to exert influence over the country.

He said that decision-making authority over the proposed biometric identity card system was being ceded to India.

Mudalige said the electronic identity card project, launched in 2012, had already cost Rs. 5.6 billion in software development, with a further Rs. 600 million needed for completion. However, he alleged that in 2021 the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration had moved to integrate the project

with India for biometric implementation, despite substantial local investment already made.

He said a government tender process had been initiated but later stalled after bidders failed to meet required qualifications.

He alleged that in 2023 the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration had attempted to award the project to Madras Security Printers, a company blacklisted over an excise-related fraud case, and that the move was halted following public opposition.

Mudalige added that after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office, Sri Lanka had signed an agreement with India in January 2025 under which tendering authority was also transferred.

He alleged that while five Indian companies were initially registered, a sixth company—Madras Security Printers—was later added by March 2026, raising further concerns.

Calling for urgent clarification, Mudalige warned that Sri Lanka risked undermining its sovereignty and national security, insisting the country must not be reduced to what he termed a foreign “puppet state.”

by Chaminda Silva