News
Deals China strikes with Selendiva will be declared null and void without compensation
Wijeyadasa writes to Chinese President:
SLPP MP Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has in a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping said any transactions that China enters into with Selendiva Investment Company will be annulled ab initio without any compensation.
In his 45-point letter, Rajapakshe has said that when the present administration ceases to hodl power, the people will call upon the new government to revisit all agreements and contracts entered with foreign nations during the last 15 years. If these agreements are not in compliance with best practices they can be cancelled.
Rajapakshe has also claimed that most of the projects carried out with Chinese funds have been wasteful and large commissions have been paid to the corrupt politicians and officials to secure such projects.
“Transactions you have secured through corruption will be cancelled and we hold no liability to pay back any loans obtained for such contracts. In the event of any restructuring, under no circumstances the period of any agreement will be permitted to exceed a period of 15 years from the date of the inception of such contracts,” he said.
The MP has said that China has assisted Sri Lanka greatly in the past decades in economic, military and diplomatic spheres, but that has changed in recent times.
“The longstanding relations of ours have turned into a different course since your country launched “One Belt-One Road” policy on the pretext of strengthening the foreign policy and economic strategy of China. It is manifestly visible that your friendship with us is no more genuine and candid; instead you use our relations to achieve your ambition of becoming the world power at the stake of lives of our innocent people. Further you are dismantling the peace in our region as well as in the world by making our nation the first victim of your power struggle with other nations of powers that be.”
Rajapakshe has said that since Sri Lanka has got close to China, other major powers in the world, too, are making various demands from Sri Lanka. “Moreover, due to our overreliance on China, other friendly nations have moved away from us, isolating the country in the international sphere.”
(Full text of MP Rajapakshe’s letter to the Chinese President is available at www.island.lk)
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
Latest News
The Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 03 May 2025, valid for 04 May 2025.
The public re warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota 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 above table 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.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) sources said that plans were afoot to file charges in connection with 15 major fraud and corruption cases in the near future.
The Commission sources said that these cases stem from thorough investigations into complaints that had previously gone unexamined, with recent file reviews prompting the decision to proceed with legal action. The forthcoming charges are based on detailed inquiries that uncovered substantial evidence pointing to serious misconduct.
To date, CIABOC has initiated inquiries into over 300 complaints received during the recent period, reflecting an expanded commitment to tackling corruption at multiple levels of governance.
Commission sources said that several former ministers and political affiliates from past administrations are among those implicated in the ongoing investigations, though specific names have yet to be disclosed.
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