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SF calls for system overhaul, protests against corruption

Published

2 years ago

2023/10/28

Thilina Walpola

Field Marshal Fonseka speaking at Thursday’s event

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, MP, has stressed the pivotal importance of public protests against waste, corruption, irregularities and mismanagement.Alleging that those who had been entrusted with the task of governing the country have instead ruined it, Chairman of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Fonseka, on Thursday, said that every citizen should bear the responsibility for taking a stand against what he called an utterly corrupt political party system in place.

The war-winning Army Commander said so at an event organised by the Foundation for Good Governance at the Galadari Hotel Grand Ballroom.

Referring to the acceleration of political-economic-social crisis after the last presidential election held in Nov. 2019 and the rapid ruination caused during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency, lawmaker Fonseka urged the electorate to think prudently before exercising their franchise.

Urging the public to protest against politicians destroying the country, the Field Marshal said that it would be a grave mistake on their part to turn a blind eye to what was going on in the country. “Do not expect others to take up issues which affect the entire community. Accept your responsibility to engage in protests whenever you feel things aren’t right,” the Gampaha District lawmaker said, adding that he didn’t speak keeping an eye on the presidential election.

MP Fonseka said that if the public took a strong stand against wrongdoings on the part of the executive and the legislature, far reaching changes could be achieved in two or three years and a comprehensive change in seven years.

Those who really believed in Gotabaya Rajapaksa ended up disappointed and the country was now in a deepening crisis as it struggled to overcome the severe economic down caused by successive governments, one-time leader of the now defunct Democratic Party (DP) said.

Fonseka served the Yahapalana government (2015-2019) as a Cabinet Minister after UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe accommodated him on his National List. DP failed to secure a single seat at the 2015 general election and was subsequently dissolved.

At the onset of the event, President of the Foundation for Good Governance Richard de Zoysa declared that Fonseka whose role in the eradication of terrorism for once and for all couldn’t be disputed, and he is the man to lead the country out of the current crisis. Zoysa said that Fonseka had the strength and capacity to create an environment conducive for the younger generation to move in and play a spearheading role in politics. Zoysa emphasised Fonseka’s readiness to undertake reforms with the focus on the education sector. The need and the right of children living in the remotest parts of the country to receive an English education was stressed by Zoysa.

MP Fonseka dealt with a spate of contentious issues, including privatisation proposed as a key element in the country’s response to the economic crisis. The Field Marshal said that profit-making state enterprises shouldn’t be privatised under any circumstances. The MP stressed the urgent need to consolidate industries to cut down on imports and a cohesive effort to attract both foreign and local private investment.

The SJB MP said that one didn’t need to have achieved the status of an economist to realise that the country was on a wrong path and those responsible for managing the national economy had badly let down the country. Comparing what Sri Lanka could offer to foreign tourists with that of the Maldives, Pakistan and India, the former Army Commander questioned the pathetic failure on the part of successive governments to improve and expand the tourism sector. The MP recommended the setting up of more night clubs and casinos and other facilities to attract tourists in line with overall strategy to cater to their needs.

The lawmaker explained how even the super-rich here experienced the continuing crisis. When those who owned several expensive vehicles stepped out of their luxurious air conditioned homes they found the environment depressing for obvious reasons, the number one war hero said, warning of the growing threat posed by young people leaving the country.

Fonseka explained how low level politicians over the past decades caused such a catastrophe, the young simply wanted to get away from their motherland. Even the super-rich and the rich hadn’t been spared, the Field Marshal said, alleging that the bankrupt country was in the grips of what he called a Mafia network that devoured the national economy. The money was in the hands of the Mafia, MP Fonseka declared, alleging that the country had been looted and the money deposited in offshore accounts. Fonseka declared that the country had to be saved from these crooks who controlled all sectors and plundered the national wealth at will.

The Sinha Regiment veteran said that the country was in such a precarious situation he didn’t see a way out of the deteriorating crisis. Alleging that politicians destroyed the country, MP Fonseka found fault with the public service and what he called corrupt dealers. The MP asserted contrary to various estimates as much as 70 percent of the country were poor.

Fonseka said that the country should identify the priorities and take tangible measures to address the issues at hand. The soldier-turned-politician stressed the responsibility on the part of the government to rectify the foreign exchange crisis while paying sufficient attention to strengthening agriculture, fisheries, health, and education sectors. The MP made special emphasis on the need to improve public transport system at all levels to help the public to cut down on expenses. Those struggling to make ends meet had been compelled to spend so much on transport they couldn’t cope up with other expenses, the MP said.

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News

House erupts over suspension of Deputy Secretary General

Published

9 hours ago

2026/02/4

Sahan Weerasooriya

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday raised concerns over the recent suspension of Parliament’s Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff, G.K.A. Chaminda Kumara Kularatne, alleging that the process appeared to be mala fide. Addressing Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament, Premadasa said that the existence of a personal disagreement between the Speaker and the suspended official had created a potential conflict of interest.

Premadasa said disciplinary action against senior parliamentary officials had to be taken in keeping with established parliamentary precedents. He also questioned the legality and propriety of a lower-ranking official leading an inquiry against a senior officer.

“For the first time, we are witnessing a rift between the Speaker and the staff of the Secretary-General. All parties must step back, act democratically and ensure that the fundamental rights of Chaminda Kularatne are safeguarded,” he added.

ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said Kularatne had not been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations made against him.

“This is a disgraceful situation. A complaint has been lodged against you with the Bribery Commission. Parliament is the supreme institution of democracy in this country, and the precedent being created here is dangerous,” Rasamanickam said, addressing the Speaker.

SJB Kandy District MP Chamindranee Kiriella said the Speaker was duty-bound to inform the House before disciplinary action was taken against a parliamentary official. SJB MP Ajith P. Perera said it was unethical for the Speaker to assume a leadership role in the inquiry, and called for the matter to be entrusted to an independent authority.

Responding on behalf of the Government, Chief Government Whip and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said the chief investigating officer, S.K. Liyanage, an Additional Secretary, had been appointed by the Staff Advisory Committee on 25 August, 2025. He said Liyanage had been selected from a pool of qualified officers at the Ministry of Public Administration and had prior experience in conducting investigations.

Leader of the House and Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the Staff Advisory Committee had agreed on the respective powers of parliamentary officials, noting that the Secretary General would hold powers equivalent to those of Ministry Secretary, while the Deputy Secretary General would hold powers equivalent to those of an Additional Secretary.

“There is no irregularity in the conduct of the investigation or in the appointment of the investigating officers,” Rathnayake said.

On 24 January, 2026, Parliament announced the immediate suspension of Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff Chaminda Kularatne with effect from 23 January, citing concerns relating to his appointment. Kularatne had assumed duties on 15 September, 2023.

On Monday, Kularatne filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, alleging corruption. His legal counsel, Attorney-at-Law Mithun Dias, said the complaint had been filed against the Speaker in his personal capacity and not against the government.

However, Dr Jayatissa told the House that the investigation into Kularatne was based on concerns relating to his appointment, qualifications and the process by which he had been confirmed in that post and was not linked to any personal dispute with the Speaker.

By Saman Indrajith

News

78th Independence Day celebrations at Bogambara Stadium

Published

9 hours ago

2026/02/4

Sahan Weerasooriya

The 78th Independence Day celebrations in the Central Province are scheduled to be held today from 8:00 AM at the Bogambara Stadium, Kandy.

The celebrations are jointly organised by the Central Provincial Council and the Kandy District Secretariat. The Governor of the Central Province, Prof. S.B.S. Abeykoon, is expected to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The event will also see the participation of Kandy District Members of Parliament, the Chief Secretary of the Central Province, Mr. Ajith Premathilake, as well as representatives from the Tri-Forces, Police, school students, and various voluntary organisations.

The ceremony will feature a formal parade and cultural performances by school children.

By S.K. Samaranayake

News

Colombo-Kandy railway line to be fully restored this year – Minister Bimal

Published

9 hours ago

2026/02/4

Sahan Weerasooriya

Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake, has announced that the reconstruction of the Colombo-Kandy railway line, which was severely damaged by landslides in the Balana and Kadugannawa areas, will be completed within this year to restore normal train services.

The Minister made this statement during the Kandy District Development Committee meeting held at the District Secretariat. He noted that work will commence following the observations and technical reports provided by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) regarding the stability of the landslide-affected areas.

Financial Management and Development

Minister Rathnayake emphasised that the government possesses the necessary funds for development projects.

“Our government has the funds. However, all officials must ensure these funds are managed efficiently so that they are fully utilised for development, without being returned to the Treasury at the end of the year,” he stressed.

Improvements in Public Transport

Highlighting the progress in the transport sector, the Minister shared several key updates

• Recruitment: 700 new employees have been recruited to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and are currently undergoing training.

• School Transport: Steps are being taken to strengthen the ‘Sisu Sariya’ school bus service within the Kandy District.

• Infrastructure: The reconstruction of the Peradeniya Black Bridge (Kalu Paalama), which was damaged during the ‘Ditwah’ disaster, is nearing completion.

Welfare facilities for Private Transport Workers

The Minister also revealed plans to support the welfare of private bus drivers and conductors.

“We must look after the workers in the private transport sector as well. We are planning to establish a welfare fund for them and are taking steps to include them in the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) system,” he added.

Concluding his remarks, the Minister urged state officials to perform their duties responsibly and ensure that the inefficiencies seen under previous administrations do not recur.

By S.K. Samaranayake