News
SJB accuses PM of not doing anything other than safeguarding Rajapaksas
By Akitha Perera
By accepting the post of Prime Minister, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had prevented the Rajapaksa clan from being banished from politics, SJB MP Mujibur Rahman, said.The MP said that Wickremesinghe continued to protect the Rajapaksa family at the expense of the country..
Addressing the media in Colombo, Rahman said that Wickremesinghe had not offered any solutions to the problems faced by Sri Lanka.
“Prices of all essential items have gone through the roof. People can’t even buy fuel or gas even if they have money. People are becoming dependent on the black market. It has been two months since Wickremesinghe came to power. A few days ago, he made a second statement on the state of the economy. He says that we need to continue our discussions with the IMF; that we need to restructure our debt and that we need to convene a conference seeking further loans,” Rahman said.
The SJB MP said that those proposals had already been made by a number of politicians and individuals since 2020. He added that when SJB leader, Sajith Premadasa made those proposals in early 2021, the government ignored them.
“They said they have enough reserves to pay loans and that there was no need to panic. If the government had listened to experts, we wouldn’t have been in this mess. Now, Wickremesinghe is repeating what the Opposition law makers have been saying for years,” he said.
Rahman said Sri Lanka should have a fallback position in case talks with the IMF failing to yield expected results.The Prime Minister was trying to ensure that Gotabaya Rajapaksa kept enjoying the powers of the executive and strip the next president of powers, Rahman added.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
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 table below 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.
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