News

Turkish terror group’s links to Easter Sunday carnage under investigation

Published

5 years ago

2021/03/16

By Shamindra Ferdinando

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in terms of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) report on the 2019 Easter Sunday carnage has issued specific instructions to the Police/Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and other relevant authorities to expedite investigations, SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday.

Addressing the regular SLPP briefing at the Waters Edge, Prof. Peiris, who is also the Education Minister said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa intervened on behalf of the government whereas the Attorney General proceeded with own actions.

Prof. Peiris said that the entire set of PCoI volumes was handed over to the AG recently to enable him to proceed. The SLPP Chairman emphasized the pivotal importance in taking tangible measures to secure the arrest of those suspects living abroad.

Prof. Peiris said that as part of the overall investigations law enforcement authorities had been instructed to probe the alleged FETO (Fetullah Terrorist Organization aka the Gulen movement) links to the Easter Sunday carnage. Prof. Peiris explained that the proscribed Turkish organization had provided funding to some persons named in the report and a thorough inquiry was called into foreign involvement in the attacks.

The PCoI revealed that the previous government had turned a blind eye to information provided by Turkey regarding FETO activities in Sri Lanka. FETO leader Gulen has secured US protection.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to bring Easter Sunday perpetrators before court, Prof Peiris revealed the arrest of 99 persons in connection with the attacks and also efforts to secure the extradition of 35 others. However, the Minister didn’t explain the status of the extradition process pertaining to those 35 living overseas.

Prof Peiris said that the 36 separate investigations into various aspects of the Easter Sunday attacks had been completed. The police were directed to hand over the relevant files without delay, the minister said.

Appreciating the services rendered by the PCoI, Minister Peiris said that specific information hitherto not available were now with authorities and quite useful in the investigations.

The former top law academic also discussed the Wanathavilluwa detection made by the CID in the run up to the Easter Sunday attacks. Making reference to three wounded persons in custody, Prof. Peiris said that the police were directed to conduct thorough investigations into their alleged involvement.

Archbishop of Colombo Malclom Cardinal Ranjith moved Court of Appeal regarding the recovery of swords and daggers in the wake of the Easter Sunday attacks. The SLPP spokesperson said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issued specific instructions as regards the detection of some 1,440 swords and daggers. The academic explained the judiciary addressing the Easter Sunday issues while President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issued directives to expedite the overall process.

Prof. Peiris censured the previous government over allowing extremist elements a free hand. The minister pointed out how foreign preachers were allowed in without any scrutiny. Dismissing Opposition and civil society criticism of planned prohibition of burqa, Prof Peiris emphasized the right and the responsibility on the part of the government to take tangible measures to neutralize the threat.

Blaming the previous government for issuing visa on arrival to dangerous foreign elements, Prof Peiris explained how irresponsible and foolish conduct of the previous administration created an environment for extremists to destroy Buddha statues at Mawanella. If the government of the day properly inquired into Mawanella incidents, including the attempt to kill the then Minister Kabir Hashim’s coordinating secretary, the Easter Sunday carnage could have been averted, the minister said.

Minister Peiris also questioned the rationale in one-time Western Province Governor Azath Salley’s declaration that his community wouldn’t care about laws of the country and would abide by Muslims law. The minister said that no one would be able to take such a stand under any circumstances.

Commenting on PCoI recommendations and findings, Prof. Peiris said that 54 persons living abroad were categorized as wanted in connection with the Easter Sunday investigations. Of them, 50 had been already extradited and were under investigations whereas actions were being taken to bring down the remaining four in foreign custody.

Minister Peiris said that the government would soon request Australia to inquire into some persons who had been arrested in Qatar in Oct 2020 and subsequently sent Down Under.

According to Minister Peiris, the PCoI called for the establishment of a separate unit at the AG’s Department to handle terrorism cases, bring in amendments or introduce new laws in parliament as regards foreign funding matters, extradition and money laundering et al, setting up a National Intelligence Organization by way of a parliamentary act, restrictions on setting up of private organizations by lawmakers and special court to hear Easter Sunday case and any other case related to it.

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News

President chairs discussion on 2027 Budget Proposals for the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development

Published

56 mins ago

2026/07/16

Priyan

A pre-Budget discussion to review the progress of projects implemented under the 2026 Budget allocations for the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and to discuss proposals for the 2027 Budget was held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (13) afternoon.

The progress of projects implemented by each division of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the institutions under its purview using the 2026 Budget allocations, as well as proposals for the 2027 Budget, were reviewed separately during the discussion.

The President also focused on the current status of the programme to establish industrial zones in areas including Dambulla, Ingiriya, Valachchenai, Millaniya and Katunayake. Discussions centred on issues that have arisen in allocating land and developing infrastructure, including electricity, water and roads, as well as the urgent measures required to resolve these issues.

President Dissanayake instructed officials to make every effort to complete all projects already initiated under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development within the stipulated timeframes. He also highlighted the need to clearly identify the Government’s role and limitations in relation to the industrial sector.

Attention was also drawn to the current situation regarding the development of state-owned enterprises, while issues affecting the sugar and salt industries and alternative proposals to address them were also discussed.

The current status of the process to consolidate institutions under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development was also reviewed. The President pointed out that large institutions had been established at different times to meet various needs, ultimately creating a situation in which such institutions had to be maintained using taxpayers’ money.

He stressed that the consolidation of these institutions should not only improve their efficiency but should also result in a relative reduction in operational expenditure compared with the costs incurred prior to consolidation.

Officials also briefed the President on the proposal to establish the Entrepreneurship and Industry Transformation Authority (EITA) and the programme proposed under the Authority.

Attention was also focused on the challenges faced by exporters and industrialists in carrying out their activities. The President instructed officials to submit proposals on general concessions that could be provided to encourage exporters and industrialists.

The President further pointed out that Sri Lanka could develop distinctive expertise by identifying several key areas within the industrial sector and providing the facilities necessary for their development.

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti; Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando; Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi; Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russell Aponsu; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma; and Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, along with officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, participated in the discussion.

[PMD]

News

Prime Minister meets the Amir of the State of Qatar and conveys condolences on the passing of the Father Emir

Published

1 hour ago

2026/07/16

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, visited the State of Qatar to convey condolences on the passing of the Father Emir, at Lusail Palace in Doha on Wednesday (15 July).

Upon her arrival, the Prime Minister was received by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Interior of the State of Qatar. The Prime Minister subsequently met with His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya conveyed to the Emir the deepest condolences of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani; Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, Speaker of the Shura Council; senior members of the Royal Family.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Current El Niño Status in Sri Lanka

Published

13 hours ago

2026/07/16

Priyan

At present, El Niño conditions have developed and are classified as being at a weak level. Forecasts indicate a 63% probability of a very strong El Niño event developing during the period from November 2026 to January 2027. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is approximately a one-third probability that El Niño will remain below a very strong intensity.

Typical Climatic Conditions Associated with El Niño
Based on analyses of past El Niño events that occurred between 1950 and 2025:
• Rainfall during July and August may be below normal, particularly in the dry zone areas.
• From October onward, rainfall is generally expected to be above normal.
• If a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) develops, enhanced rainfall conditions may continue until December.

Sectors Requiring Attention
• Appropriate measures should be taken for water resource management during July and August.
• Increased rainfall expected from October onward may lead to floods and landslides, requiring preparedness and close monitoring. The forecasts are important for sectors such as, Agriculture /Water management /Livestock /Health /Energy /Other climate-sensitive sectors
• Attention should be paid to official information issued by the Department of Meteorology.

Actions by the Department of Meteorology
The Department of Meteorology continuously monitors the evolving situation and issues:
• Weekly and monthly seasonal forecasts and Monthly analyses of rainfall data to monitor meteorological drought conditions.
As weather conditions are influenced not only by El Niño but also by other climatic factors, updated forecasts and advisories are regularly shared with relevant stakeholder organizations (Irrigation/ Water Management Committee /Department of Agriculture/National Building Research Institute/Disaster Management Centre (DMC)/Ministry of Health /Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation…etc). The Department also provides technical support to the committee established through a Cabinet decision to address climate-related impacts. The Department’s monthly rainfall outlook for July to September 2026 is attached

Monthly Rainfall Forecasts for July, August and September 2026
Month Rainfall forecast
July 2026

During July 2026, there is a higher probability of having near normal rainfall across most parts of the Western and Southern Provinces. The remainder of the country is expected to experience below normal rainfall.

August 2026

There is a higher probability of having below normal rainfall across most parts of the country during month of August 2026.

September 2026

There is a possibility of above-normal rainfall across most parts of the Western and Southern Provinces, while near-normal rainfall is expected in the Sabaragamuwa Province. Below-normal rainfall is likely in the remaining areas during September 2026.

Note: These long-range forecasts may change due to strong day-to-day atmospheric variability associated with the movement of weather systems such as atmospheric disturbances, low-pressure areas, and depressions, as well as intra-seasonal oscillations such as the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). Therefore, in addition to the weekly and monthly forecasts, it is important to pay attention to the Department’s official announcements, weather advisories and warnings, as well as the daily weather forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology.