News
SJB, JVP defy curfew and protest
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Several political parties held demonstrations yesterday (03) in defiance of the curfew in force.
Hundreds of supporters of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) held a demonstration near Independence Square, where the police and STF were deployed in large numbers.
The protests were led by Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.
MPs Patali Champika Ranawaka, Harsha de Silva, Kabir Hashim, Mano Ganesan and several other parliamentarians. The SJB supporters chanted ‘Go home Gota’ as they approached the barricades. The MPs urged the police to let them hold a demonstration opposite the statue of DS Senanayake.
“We have the freedom to go to the Independence Square. We need to hold a demonstration opposite the statue of the Father of Sri Lankan independence. You are here to protect the people, not to protect a family. People can’t live. This is a peaceful demonstration. We assure you that there will be no violence,” OSpposition leader Sajith Premadasa told the Police.
He added that the sudden imposition of curfew had disrupted public life. There were practical tests for the GCE A/L examination and student, he said. “Because of the social media ban people who run online businesses were affected. “Why is there a curfew? Is there a threat to national security? A tsunami? The curfew was imposed to save the Rajapaksas from public anger,” he said.
Meanwhile, MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said that the police could not stop MPs from exercising their rights.
“Obstructing an MP like this can land you in jail. You are violating the constitution. Don’t forget Gota will run away to America and you will have to face the consequences of your illegal actions, he said.
The Jathika Jana Balawegaya (JJB) also held a demonstration at Maharagama against the high cost of food, power outages, demanding the immediate release of protestors and halting the sale of state assets to India and the US.
Former MP K. D. Lala Kantha said, “Gota has to go home. Let someone who can run the country do it. There are many serious issues and the government has no answer. The curfew was imposed to stop mass protests today,” he said.
Meanwhile, JJB MP, Harini Amarasuriya said that the people no longer trusted the government and that the President no longer had any right to stay in power.
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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