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Chandrasekar alleges extremists in South and North hinder development

Published

4 weeks ago

2026/01/15

Minister Chandrasekar welcomes Australian HC Duckworth at the NPP Jaffna office

Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar has said that extremists operate both in the South and, to some extent, in the North, and that they often ignore the genuine needs of the people. Minister Ramalingam alleged that these extremists try to obstruct development efforts, the Ministry said.

The Minister said so when the Australian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth met him at the National People’s Power (NPP) office in Jaffna.

The Minister also assured that, unlike in the past, strong security guarantees have now been firmly established under the NPP administration, creating a conducive and confidence-building environment for diaspora Tamils and foreign investors to invest in Sri Lanka without hesitation.

During the meeting, the High Commissioner and the Minister engaged in extensive discussions on key political, economic and development-related issues. Particular attention was given to the long-standing friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Australia, partnerships founded on democratic values, and the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

The discussions also focused on post-conflict development efforts in the North, governance reforms, transparency, accountability and the evolving political culture under the administration of the National People’s Power.

Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar expressed his sincere gratitude to the Australian Government for the humanitarian assistance extended to the people of Sri Lanka affected by Cyclone Ditwah. He noted that standing with people beyond political differences during times of disaster is a true reflection of genuine international friendship. The Minister also briefed the High Commissioner on the ongoing national programmes aimed at restoring normalcy and strengthening resilience.

Highlighting the growing public trust in the government, particularly in the Northern Province, the Minister emphasised that development programmes are being implemented in a manner that safeguards this trust. He elaborated on development initiatives currently underway in the North, under the NPP-led administration, stating that these efforts are backed by firm political decisions to transform post-war reconstruction from promises into tangible action.

Special emphasis was placed on strengthening the fisheries sector, protecting aquatic resources and promoting the marine economy in ways that directly enhance the livelihoods of the northern communities. The Minister further explained that the proposed investment zones in the Northern Province are designed not merely as land allocations, but as comprehensive projects that generate employment, facilitate technology transfer and ensure a balanced regional economic development.

Calling for Australian cooperation in these investment initiatives, Minister Chandrasekar encouraged Australian investors, as well as members of the Sri Lankan diaspora living in Australia, to actively participate in Sri Lanka’s development journey. He urged the High Commissioner to play a facilitative role in easing diaspora and foreign investment engagement, noting that overseas Sri Lankans—particularly those investing in the Northern Province—can become a vital force in promoting national unity, economic equity and sustainable development.

The Australian High Commissioner stated that the National People’s Power government clearly reflects the emergence of a corruption-free administration. He observed that governance, based on transparency, the rule of law and accountability, has earned the confidence of the international community. He further assured Australia’s full support for the development of the Northern Province.

Duckworth affirmed that Australia is keen to explore investment opportunities, industrial development prospects, job creation and sustainable economic growth in the North, and that Australia recognises and welcomes development efforts supported by political stability and clear policy direction.

Emphasising reconciliation, the High Commissioner remarked that racism must be defeated in Sri Lanka, and that the deep wounds and trauma, embedded in people’s lives over decades, must be healed. True reconciliation, he said, should be born in the country itself, grounded in justice and equality, and not remain merely a slogan.

The meeting was attended by National People’s Power Members of Parliament K. Ilangumaran, J. Rajeevan and Sri Bhavanandaraja, Jaffna Municipal Councillor S. Kabilan, representatives of the Australian High Commission, and several other invitees.

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Landslide Early Warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya extended

Published

6 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya by the Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 0600 hrs on the 14th of February 2026.

Accordingly,
The Level II [AMBER] landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Walapane and Nildandahinna in the Nuwara Eliya district and

the Level I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district have been extended till 0600AM on Saturday [14]

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Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” departs island

Published

13 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” which arrived in Sri Lanka for replenishment purpose, departed the island on 12 Feb 26.

In accordance with naval tradition, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a customary farewell to the departing ship.

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“We will not make decisions for rural level schools while sitting in Colombo” – PM

Published

15 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that aligning with the development activities carried out under the new education reforms, decisions at the rural level will not be taken from Colombo and plans should be sent based on the requirements of the rural level through the District Coordination Committees by structural committees. She further noted that all officials, from the Ministry of Education down to the school level, must commit to working efficiently and with a human-centered approach.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held with education authorities of the Hambantota District on Thursday [February 12] at the auditorium of the Hambantota District Secretariat regarding the new education reforms and prevailing issues in the education sector.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister provided an opportunity for education authorities including chief prelates of pirivenas, zonal education directors, teacher advisors, and principals to present the challenges they face and officials raised concerns including salary disparities among principals, developing school infrastructure, issues arising from the division between national and provincial schools, and uplifting pirivena education.

Further elaborating, Prime Minister stated:

“The new education reforms were initiated from 2025 through dialogue, consultations, and the collection of necessary data. As officials, you have extended your support to us during this process. We have embarked on a difficult and long journey, and we look forward to your continued cooperation.

We initiated these reforms in response to a strong social demand. Many have attempted such reforms at different times. Within our political vision, we understood clearly that if this country is to be rebuilt, an educational transformation is essential. The human resource is the most valuable resource of this country and it should be nurtured properly.

Solutions to many of the crises our country faces lie within the education system. Addressing the issues in economic challenges, social issues, drug abuse, violence, the breakdown of political culture, corruption, waste, and even the deterioration of human relationships all lie within the education.

In order to achieve the transformation we envision as a government, that an education transformation is necessary.

This education system should focus on reducing the pressures within the system, minimize school dropouts, increase employability, and instill confidence in children about their future.

There are disparities within the school system, between rural and urban schools, national and provincial schools, and difficult schools. This should not happen. All children must have equal opportunities.
⁣
Decisions regarding the establishment of schools or expansion of classes should not be political decisions. They must be decisions taken through Structural Committees. Those representatives understand their divisions, village economies, and population dynamics. Based on your decisions and assessments of needs, prepare the plans, discuss them with the District Coordination Committees, and submit them to us. We will then take steps to provide the necessary allocations and other support. We will not make decisions for the rural level while sitting in Colombo.

We are taking steps to minimize salary disparities. A Cabinet paper regarding the salary anomalies of principals has already been prepared for submission. Steps are also being taken to introduce new reforms in pirivena education through the Pirivena Committee of the Ministry of Education. We require the support of the chief prelates in this regard.

A significant number of teachers turn to human rights due to delays caused by inefficiency. Therefore, all officials from the Ministry of Education down to the schools must commit to working efficiently and in a humane manner”

The discussion was attended by Chief prelates of pirivenas, deputy ministers, Members of Parliament, zonal directors, principals, and other education sector officials.