News

Harini criticises govt.’s handling of international agreements

Published

2 years ago

2024/08/10

Thilina Walpola

Harini Amarasuriya

NPP set to unveil election manifesto in third week of August

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The JVP-led National People’s Power (NPP) will unveil its election manifesto in the third week of August, likely on 20 or 21 August, according to NPP MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.The NPP has already introduced several policy frameworks focusing on various sectors, including the Science and Technology policy framework and Engineering Policy Concept Papers.

Dr. Amarasuriya mentioned that over the past three years, the NPP has actively engaged with communities in rural areas to broaden its voter base. Initially, the typical NPP voter was a city-dwelling professional, but their outreach efforts aim to diversify their support. However, they now have significant support in the villages, she said.

She stated that the current formation of political alliances is opportunistic and often driven by the parliamentary election that follows the presidential election.

“This is what motivates most MPs. They support various presidential candidates because they believe that aligning with the winner on 21 September will secure them a seat in Parliament. However, I don’t think this approach is effective anymore,” she said.

Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted that a significant danger of the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration is its tendency to enter agreements with international actors without sufficient consideration. Once these agreements are in place, extricating oneself from them becomes extremely complex.

“We have signed an unfavourable deal with the IMF, and renegotiating it is intricate. We have always been honest with the public. However, it is also incorrect to claim that these agreements are non-negotiable. The government needs to be astute and patient to amend what is necessary and secure the best possible deal,” she said.

Amarasuriya said another agreement regarding the establishment of a wind farm with Adani in Mannar. There are two agreements: one with Adani and another between the two nations. “The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the agreement with Adani, but the agreement we signed with India on renewable energy remains in place. Two influential Ministers claimed that the agreement with Adani was a government-to-government deal. Kanchana Wijesekera stated this in Parliament, while Ali Sabry mentioned it during a press conference in India. The specifics of the deal are unclear, as we only know what the government has disclosed,” she said.

The NPP stated that the party must demonstrate its capability to govern the country and engage in diplomacy. “We must show the people that we possess the necessary maturity, and I believe we are doing so during the election process. We must also be principled and show respect to people. Our opponents cannot compete with our policies or our leadership. Now they are trying to scare people. Our opponents no longer claim we are losing; instead, they say we will be dangerous in power,” she said.

She noted that there has been a significant brain drain over the past two years, which must be stopped and reversed. The solution, she suggested, is to create an environment where people can work with dignity and contentment.

“Most professionals are simply unhappy. People are leaving not because of salaries and taxes. Professionals are discontented. They cannot work while maintaining the dignity of their profession. This issue affects teachers the most, whether they teach at a university or a school. Instead of teaching or conducting research, much of our time is spent filling out forms. Those who teach postgraduate students have not been paid, and the government expects these institutions to finance themselves. Rather than improving courses, we have become marketers,” she said.

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Latest News

Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.

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.

News

Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.

Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.

During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Latest News

Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

16 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 19 April 2026, valid for 20 April 2026.

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

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 011-7446491.