News
Sagala’s status has to be decided by Public Administration Secy: EC
Chairman of the Election Commission R. M. A. L. Rathnayake has said it is the responsibility of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Pradeep Yasarathna, to decide on President’s Chief of Staff (CoS) Sagala Ratnayake’s status.
Rathnayake said so in response to The Island query whether the President’s CoS could campaign for the UNP leader, as the party’s National Organiser.
Asked to explain the delay in responding to journalist Lasantha Ruhunage’s query, dated 23 March, regarding the former Public Security Minister’s current status, Rathnayake said that Ruhunage’s question had been referred to the Public Administration Secretary as the President’s CoS came under his purview. Ruhunage has requested the Election Commission to inquire into former UNP MP Ratnayake’s role in President Wickremesinghe’s presidential election campaign.
In a letter dated 23 March, 2024, addressed to EC Chairman Rathnayke, Ruhunage has pointed out that as the President’s CoS, Ratnayake cannot campaign in his current capacity as a public servant.
Sagala Ratnayake addressed the inaugural UNP presidential polls rally held at Kuliyapitiya on 10 March. Referring to the relevant Constitutional provision, Ruhunage has questioned the EC whether a public servant who didn’t enjoy such political rights could also function as the National Organiser of the UNP.
Ruhunage told The Island that the EC was yet to respond to his letter.
In his letter to EC Chairman Ratnayake, Ruhunage has urged the Commission to also look into President Wickremesinghe’s declaration at the Kuliyapitiya meeting that benefits of Aswesuma social security scheme would be doubled.
Ruhunage said that it would be the responsibility of the EC to ensure a level playing field for all political parties at the forthcoming national election. EC Chairman said that his office recently reminded the Public Administration Secretary of the issue raised by Ruhunage. (SF)
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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