News
Prez asks Opp. to cooperate
By Chaminda Silva
President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (May Day) urged the JVP-led NPP, the SJB and other political parties not to undermine ongoing economic recovery efforts.
UNP leader Wickremesinghe said they were duty-bound to ensure the continuation of the measures taken since July 2022 to restore normalcy in the country.
Addressing the UNP May Day rally at Maligawatte, Colombo, Wickremesinghe warned them of dire consequences unless they supported his efforts.
The President disclosed that he would introduce a law inclusive of the agreements that the government had reached with the IMF. The President asked the Opposition to help him pass the law to continue to safeguard the current stable situation that the country has acquired.
President Wickremesinghe said: “We should modernise the economy of the villages to eliminate poverty. We have already commenced that programme. I will create a strong export-oriented economy and bring forward a proper method of creating a better future for the youth of this country.”
“So I request the SJB and the JVP not to remain in the traditional politics but to join hands to safeguard the economy and to create a better future for the youth of this country”, he added.
“Some people say that I am a dictator,” the President said.
“Today, different parties hold rallies and processions around Colombo city. SLPP is in the Campbell Park, SJB is holding a rally at Chatham Street, [Palani] Digambaram is in Thalawakele, the CWC [Ceylon Workers’ Congress] is holding their rally at Kotagala, JVP is in Jaffna…”
“This is democracy. Everyone can hold rallies, and they can even criticise me. This situation was not prevalent in the country two years ago”, the President said.
“At one point the Opposition Leader was attacked on the Galle Face Green and chased away. Today, we have given him the space at Chatham Street. Isn’t this democracy?” he asked
“I express my gratitude to each and every party that supported me in building up the country to this state again. Members from the SLPP, a group from the SLFP, Douglas Devananda, the CWC and several others joined hands with me”, the President said.
“I invite the other parties, the SJB, the JVP should not oppose this, to reach an agreement with the government to safeguard this situation for the people.”
President Wickremesinghe also recalled the circumstances under which he accepted the challenge after the SJB declined to accept the premiership and the events leading to the Army thwarting a bid to seize control of Parliament.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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