News
Welgama’s seven point plan to make a difference in country
SJB MP Kumara Welgama Thursday (April 28) presented a proposal to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena saying that the Parliament should intervene within the existing constitution in order to save the country from the abyss it and the people are facing today.
The SJB Parliamentarian’s proposal includes the following seven measures that parliament should implement in order to recover from the political crisis.
o Slash all presidential budgets to the last rupee in the next parliamentary session forcing the president to resign.
o Appoint the Chief Justice as the Acting President for a term of three months to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the President.
o Within those three months, pass the constitutional amendment to abolish the executive presidency and appoint the most senior Member of Parliament as non-executive president.
o Meanwhile, remove several national list members of political parties and appoint professionals such as former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, former Central Bank Governor Indrajith Coomaraswamy, former Auditor General Gamini Wijesinghe and current Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe to Parliament.
o Appoint an Interim Cabinet of not more than 20 including the appointed professionals and uncorrupted professional members of the current parliament for a term of not exceeding an year.
o Within two weeks of the formation of the Interim Government, take steps to provide commodities essential for everyday life at concessionary prices and to expedite the adoption of a national policy in areas including education, health, economy, youth affairs and transport.
o Dissolve Parliament and hold General Elections within one year of the Interim Government.
Parliamentarian Weligama has also informed the Speaker that he will not sign any motion on an interim government or a no-confidence motion. “I will not vote in favor or against any of it. I will not support any government action until the last moment when Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the Head of State.”
MP Welgama has concluded his letter to the Speaker by wishing the “Gota Go Home” people’s struggle victory. He said:
“From 1970 to 1977 a group of intelligent patriotic patriots represented our country in Parliament. The preferential system of voting that came with the introduction of the open economy in 1978 gave the opportunity to a group of greedy businessmen, and not intelligent patriots, to enter parliament. This is a dangerous situation and a reason for the country’s decline. What is needed now for the future of the country and for future generations is to come up with a development plan that can be implemented in a systematic and systemic manner,” he said.
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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