News
Restructuring of CEB not a matter that can be addressed solely through SC determination – Prof. Peiris
Alleging that the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa combine was in an indecent hurry to privatise the Ceylon Electricity Board on the pretext of restructuring, dissident SLPP MP Prof. G. L. Peiris yesterday (29) said that the issues arising out of the move couldn’t be addressed by seeking the Supreme Court determination in that regard.
Addressing the media at his Kirula Road residence, the former law professor pointed out that the SC would determine whether the relevant Bill would be compatible with the Constitution.
Acknowledging the pivotal importance of the SC determination in respect of the relevant Bill, the former External Affairs Minister found fault with the government for not discussing the vital issue with stakeholders in and out of Parliament.
A section of the SLPP dissidents, led by Prof. Peiris, has aligned with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). Prof. Peiris questioned the rationale in pushing ahead with the privatization of the CEB in the run-up to the presidential election scheduled for Sept/Oct this year.
On behalf of the Opposition, Prof. Peiris urged the Wickremesinghe-led government to put on hold the proposed CEB restructuring plan meant to break-up the state enterprise into eight sections.
The ex-top law academic emphasized that it would be a grave mistake on the part of the government to deal with this particular issue on the basis of the SC determination alone.
Prof. Peiris said that the ruling SLPP couldn’t throw its weight behind President Wickremesinghe move to sell state enterprises in violation of mandates received at presidential and parliamentary polls in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
The former Minister reminded the SLPP that it secured 145 seats, including 17 National List slots, at the last general election, whereas UNP leader Wickremesinghe couldn’t even retain his Colombo District seat. The UNP was reduced to just one NL slot, Prof. Peiris said, reiterating the Opposition call for the suspension of privatization until the conclusion of the presidential poll.
The ex-Minister questioned whether the government pursued a hidden agenda in seeking to privatize key institutions ahead of the presidential poll. (SF)
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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