News
‘Former CEB Chairman’s claim should be investigated’
By Norman Palihawadana
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP, S.M Marikkarhas called for an investigation on the former CEB Chairman MMC Ferdinando who recently claimed that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had told him that the Indian Prime Minister asked him to grant the contract for an energy project to India’s Adani Group.Marikkar said that Sri Lanka would be in deep trouble if India stopped providing fuel. Ferdinando’s claim had already created a diplomatic issue, the SJB MP said.
“Now, Ferdinando has resigned but he can’t be allowed to get away with it. People must be told what is going on. We really can’t afford to antagonize India at this juncture,” he said.Marikkar said that it was impossible to attract tourists when there are queues for essential items. Everyone in the world is aware that Sri Lanka has crippling fuel shortages and the priority should be to end the queues.
“I urge the Prime Minister to discuss with the Middle Eastern countries and secure fuel for six to 12 months. Get a credit line from them. Then we can use the money we spend on fuel to buy gas and fertiliser. If we can secure fuel, the country will be back to normal in September when the tourist season starts,” he said.
If Sri Lanka can attract the usual number of tourists between September to December, another 250 million dollars will enter domestic circulation, the MP said.
“There is no need to scare people by holding press conferences. We need action. Get rid of the queues, attract tourists, and convince the foreign employees that we have a plan,” he said.
The SJB MP said that while encouraging agriculture is good, they are suspicious about releasing some lands in Colombo for agriculture.
“There are enough lands that can be used for food cultivation. Why are we releasing high value commercial land in Colombo for farming? We think that the government is trying to give valuable state land in Colombo to its business allies,” he said.
News
Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya stated that the necessary financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces. She emphasized that these funds must be utilized effectively for school development and requested that relevant authorities submit proposals to address existing shortcomings in school infrastructure.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during a cordial meeting with Muslim women in the Wellawaya area on 1st of March.
Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with the Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Wellassa region and the Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Most Venerable Galtemwatte Nandarathana Nayaka Thero, and briefed him on the current progress of the new education reforms.
She further stated that, while ensuring due recognition for vocational education, steps are being taken to develop 50 vocational training centers equipped with modern courses, covering all 25 districts of the country. She also noted that new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 starting in 2027, and that the printing of new textbooks will be entrusted to the Educational Publications Department of the Ministry of Education.
The occasion was attended by Uva Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana, Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene, local government representatives, the Buttala Divisional Secretary and the District Secretary.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Department of Immigration and Emmigration has decided effective from 28th February 2026, to grant a free fourteen (14) day visa extension to all tourists who are unable to leave Sri Lanka due to flight cancellations. 
The Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrived at the Port of Colombo for replenishment purposes on 02 Mar 26. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.
The ship is a 48.9m long Offshore Patrol Vessel which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Nafiu Mohamed.
Meanwhile, the ship’s crew is scheduled to visit several tourist attractions in the city of Colombo, during their stay in the island.
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