News

GL tears into Ranil saying that under his leadership people have suffered immensely

Published

2 years ago

2024/09/13

Thilina Walpola

G. L. Peiris

“…. led an arrogant, insensitive, and thoughtless government”

By Saman Indrajith

The only people who should vote for Ranil Wickremesinghe in the presidential election on 21 September are those who wish to endure needless suffering for another five years, SJB MP Prof. G. L. Peiris has said in a televised interview.

Prof. Peiris said that under Wickremesinghe’s leadership, Sri Lankans had suffered immensely and that he had done nothing to build a resilient, strong economy capable of facing future challenges.

“He speaks of ‘continuity’, but the only continuity you experience is continued suffering. Over the past two years, poverty has doubled, we now have a 27 percent child malnutrition rate, around 500,000 children have dropped out of school, 1.1 million households have had their electricity cut off, and approximately 250,000 small and medium enterprises have collapsed. This is unprecedented. We have an arrogant, insensitive, and thoughtless government,” he said.

Prof. Peiris remarked that the standard of living had drastically declined during the past two years, making claims of economic improvement under Wickremesinghe baseless.

He noted that a large number of Sri SLPP MPs had joined Wickremesinghe, putting their political futures at risk. “I don’t think anyone seriously believes that Wickremesinghe will win the presidential election on 21 September. What has happened to the SLPP MPs who joined him?” he asked.

Prof. Peiris added that he had been campaigning in the north for the past few weeks, and the voters there were keen to support Premadasa. He mentioned that northern voters as in the rest of the country were concerned about the rule of law, the collapse of the health and education systems, and restrictions on freedom of expression.

“Additionally, the sheer incompetence of this government is shocking. Look at the chaos they’ve caused with the issuance of passports. They are unable to provide the most basic services. The Constitution guarantees the freedom of movement and the right to choose one’s residence within Sri Lanka, as well as the right to return to the country. Whether one uses one’s passport for foreign travel is not the government’s concern. This is a government incapable of guaranteeing basic needs, but Wickremesinghe’s supporters attempt to portray him as a genius,” he said.

Prof. Peiris also criticised the government’s race to embezzle as much money as possible within the limited time available to ministers, citing the VFS scam, which cost the country billions.

“We can make noticeable changes in six months if we simply get the basics right. With the correct policies and efforts to curb corruption, we will see positive results in just a few months,” he said.

He noted that while professionals were forced to pay exorbitant taxes, many billionaires paid none at all. “Tax breaks have been given to these billionaires, and the state has lost billions in revenue. When offering tax breaks, we must ensure that they lead to increased economic activity that offsets the losses. There have been instances where we questioned officials about the rationale behind certain tax breaks, and they had no idea what the expected outcomes were. Clearly, these tax breaks were intended to benefit friends of politicians,” he added.

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News

Russian circumnavigation team arrive in Sri Lanka

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

The Russian circumnavigation team, the 5 Oceans Club, made a brief stop in Sri Lanka as part of their second global sailing expedition.

The six-member crew, visited the Russian House in Colombo, on Friday, (24th April) where they shared insights from their journey.

What makes this expedition particularly inspiring is the club’s commitment to inclusivity. They actively encourage children with limb disabilities to experience the ocean and participate in sailing as equals, fostering confidence and a deep connection with nature.

The team also spoke about a specialized sailing school based in Siberia—one of Russia’s most picturesque regions—where children with such challenges are trained and introduced to maritime life. During the session, they offered a glimpse into their daily life aboard the yacht and highlighted how they integrate elements of science into their explorations, making their journey both adventurous and educational.

The crew consists of, Dmitry Kuznetsov – (captain of the boat of the 5 Oceans Club), ⁠Vladimir Dudkin – (crew member), ⁠Dmitry Dudkin –(cabin boy), ⁠Ksenia Kuznetsova – (cabin boy), ⁠Natalia Shahinyan – (founder of the charity foundation “Life on the Move”), ⁠Sofia Sheremet -(ward of the foundation)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

11 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

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 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

11 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.