News
Delayed PC polls: Election monitors warn Govt. of international implications
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The postponement of the Provincial Council (PC) elections had created issues for Sri Lanka, internationally, Executive Director of the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) Manas Makeen told The Island yesterday.
“This is something that Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indian Minister of External Affairs, hinted at when he was here. Postponing PC elections has given external actors an opportunity to exert their influence here. PCs are a part of our law and either we abolish this system or hold elections.”
Makeen said that election monitors had met the Election Commission last week and the delay in holding PC polls was an issue all monitors raised. “When the new Election Commission was appointed its members Prime Ministry Mahinda Rajapaksa, who asked them to hold elections as soon as possible, and that’s the right position to take. And we at CaFFE hope that the PC elections will be held soon.”
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri LankaDewi Gustina Tobing, met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties for mutual benefit.
A key area of focus was expanding tourism exchanges, including religious tourism, which holds significant potential for growth.
The two delegations also explored opportunities in trade, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to support Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
Collaboration in the IT industry was highlighted as another promising area of partnership, alongside discussions on integrating electric vehicles into Sri Lanka’s public transport system.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sagarika Boghawatta, included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian delegation was represented by Deputy Ambassador . Fiki Oktanioand Minister Counsellor Mrs. Lailal K. Yuniarti.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Matara Magistrate’s Court today [20], ordered that former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon be further remanded until April 03..
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the upcoming Local Authorities Poll will be held on Tuesday 06th May 2025
The acceptance of nominations for the poll concluded at 12.00 noon today (20).
Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka calls on PM
Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon further remanded until April 03.
Local Authorities poll on 6th May
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