News
EC Chief warns candidates: Violation of election laws could cost them even their civic rights
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Chairman of the Election Commission (EC), R.M.A.L. Ratnayake yesterday (15) urged all candidates contesting the 21 September presidential election to follow election laws as the violation thereof is a punishable offence. He warned that the offenders would face disqualification.
Addressing the 39 candidates who signed nomination papers, the EC Chairman said human and physical resources of state institutions, including state owned banks, local and provincial councils must not be used for electioneering.
The EC Chief said the candidates had to ensure that their supporters behaved within the confines of the law. Candidates must make their supporters behave because the misbehavior of your associates could cost you your civic rights, he said.
Talking to the media, after signing the nomination papers, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that 39 candidates and their supporters had arrived at the EC on Thursday. “This was possible because I have solved the most basic of problems.”
Opposition leader, Sajith Premadasa said a future SJB administration would safeguard the democratic rights of the citizenry.
“We wont postpone elections and will strengthen civil and political rights. We will also come up with a new Constitution that guarantees economic, social,
cultural, religious, educational and health rights.”
Meanwhile, National Peoples Power (NPP) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said that the country finally had a chance to have fresh start. “There is a lot of talk on a digital and a smart economy, but our politics is dirty. We must cleanse our political culture first,” he said.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
Belgian prince loses bid for benefits on top of £300k royal allowance
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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