News

Johnston predicts SJB split, promises fertiliser

Published

4 years ago

2021/10/11

The SJB would suffer several splits soon, Minister Fernando said on Saturday during a ceremony held at the Provincial Council auditorium in Kurunegala to launch aqua farming entrepreneurs in the district.

Responding to questions by journalists who asked the minister to comment on recent statement by SJB MP Diana Gamage that the party would split into several groups, the Minister said the Opposition party’s leader Sajith Premadasa had lost twice and party followers had no hope that he would be able to steer that party to victory.

Asked to comment on prevailing shortages in the market, the Chief Government Whip said that the shortages had resulted from lockdowns and the situation would improve with the passage of time. “Farmers have complained of a fertilizer shortage and I am asking them to resume cultivation because fertilizer would be there on time. I ask them to have faith in this government. We will eradicate the fertilizer shortage in a few weeks’ time. Even if their crops fail, we will compensate them. These shortages of milk powder, gas and some other items are temporary and they have been caused by forex shortage and the pandemic. We as a government have been able to save the lives of people from the pandemic. The worst part of the pandemic is over. We have removed price controls and in the coming days shortages will be replenished soon.”

Asked to comment on the possibility of holding provincial council elections soon the Minister said: ‘Elections should be held on time. Holding elections shows the prevailing of democracy. All those shouting by the opposition will come to an end when an election is announced. The opposition is afraid of elections because it knows that it cannot win. Even last time they went before courts to delay the elections.”

Asked to comment on reports that some MPs would resign to contest for chief minister posts and monies had been allocated for electorates last week the minister said that funds had been allocated not for elections but for improving infrastructure facilities in the rural areas and developing economies of farming communities. “We are ready for an election any time. We do not need to allocate funds and make preparations for elections to win them like other parties. We have made impressive achievements such as restoring national security, winning against the pandemic and marching from strength to strength. People want a government that protects them. We are the only party that could save them and bring victories to them,” the minister said.

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Sixth anniversary of Easter Sunday carnage: Special security provided to churches

Published

42 mins ago

2025/04/20

Thilina Walpola

Police and armed forces personnel will be deployed at all churches today as the sixth anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks is marked.Police stations have been instructed to provide special security to churches in their areas and seek assistance from the STF and tri-forces where additional manpower is needed.

Security arrangements have been made under the direction of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya.

Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha convened a special meeting on Thursday, instructing the Commanders of the Tri-Forces to implement a comprehensive security plan to safeguard worshippers attending Easter Sunday services.

He further directed that the measures be taken in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Security to ensure effective implementation and to allow Christians to attend services without fear or inconvenience.The main commemoration service is set to begin with a procession from St. Lucia’s Cathedral at 7:00 a.m., with participation from Catholics

in nearby parishes—particularly from Colombo Central, Colombo North, Wattala, and Ragama—as well as brothers from junior and national seminaries, priests, and religious leaders. Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is expected to conduct the prayer service, which is scheduled to begin at 8:40 a.m.

A separate commemoration will also take place at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, in two sessions—one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 4:30 p.m.

By Norman Palihawadane

News

Easter Sunday carnage: Catholic Bishops’ Conference renews call for justice

Published

43 mins ago

2025/04/20

Thilina Walpola

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka says that ascertaining who the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 were and those who have aided and abetted in the dastardly act, is a matter of urgency.

In its special message for Easter the conference says: “This Easter also marks the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks on innocent worshipers at Catholic and other Christian Churches and in other places in 2019, causing death and injuries to hundreds of people. In this regard, we observe that certain positive steps have been taken by the present government to ensure an independent and impartial inquiry into this brutal attack.

While we appreciate the efforts made so far, we insist that as a matter of urgency and justice, the final aim of the inquiries should be to ascertain who the perpetrators are and those who have aided and abetted in the dastardly act.

We shall continue to pray earnestly for wisdom and courage for the leaders of our country, as well as solace and healing for the victims,” the message signed by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka, Bishop Harold Anthony Perera and Secretary General Bishop Anthony Jayakody said.