News
JVP demands President’s resignation
By Saman Indrajith
JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday demanded the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as no political solution could be found for the present crisis, as long as the incumbent remained in power.
Addressing the media at the party headquarters, in Pelawatte, Dissanayake said that various political parties, civil and religious organisations and professional bodies had suggested solutions. “It is the President who has powers to dissolve Parliament. Even if we pass a motion, in Parliament, and refer it to the President, it is he who has those powers. Any form of administration, suggested as a solution, including the all-party governments, interim governments, or caretaker governments, would have to depend on the executive presidency. How could the President be trusted? For example, a group of MPs met him, and the following day he engineered the crossover of an SLFP MP.
Dissanayake said that the President Rajapaksa should understand that the country could not be run by what he called a bunker administration. Today, he is hiding in the President’s House bunker. No democratic nation should allow it to be run by a ruler hiding in a bunker. “We have information that army units have been brought from Moneragala and Dambulla to Colombo to guard this bunker which is already fortified with armored cars and tanks.
“If the President does not step down we must take to the streets and agitate till he is forced to do so. Our trade unions are ready for a general strike on Thursday. In parallel to that there would be demonstrations and rallies in all main cities. We call on people to join them and raise their voice against this administration. We must send this government and the president home. It is only thereafter we can discuss the mode of an interim administration which suits this country to find solutions for the present crisis. No solution is a solution until this very same administration is in power. All other talks are only tactics to buy time. We will not fall for such tricks.”
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. 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.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
Belgian prince loses bid for benefits on top of £300k royal allowance
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
-
Business17 hours agoColombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
Features2 days agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Business3 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
Business4 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business3 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Sports5 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Features2 days agoModi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Sports4 days agoNew Zealand under 85kg rugby team set for historic tour of Sri Lanka