News
Ex-minister lambasts govt. lethargic response
Insurgent attacks on lawmakers’ houses
By Shamindra Ferdinando
SLPP lawmaker Dr. Nalaka Godahewa has questioned the failure on the part of the new administration to investigate the organised violence, unleashed on members of Parliament, on May 09.
Dr. Godahewa, who was the Media Minister at the time violence erupted, countrywide, in the wake of attacks on those who had been protesting opposite Temple Trees and Galle Face, raised the issue at a government group meeting, jointly chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, at the President’s House, on Monday (30).
Dr. Godahewa lost the ministerial portfolio in the latest Cabinet reshuffle, and the new appointments that followed UNP leader Wickremesinghe receiving the premiership, on 12 May.
The Gampaha District MP said the mindless violence that had been directed at ruling party members of Parliament was reminiscent of the 1971 and 1987-1990 insurgencies, mounted by the JVP.
Close on the heels of Dr. Godahewa’s criticism, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a three-member committee, comprising Supreme Court judge Buwaneka Aluwihare, PC (Chairman), retired Senior DIG S.M. Wickremesinghe and Additional Chief Valuer N.A.S. Wasantha Kumara, to probe the well-organized massive violence across the country, with mobs carrying name lists of those they wanted to attack, whether on the streets, individually as they travelled in vehicles, or the addresses of homes of targeted individuals.
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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