News
JVP says it has right to maintain relations with US
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The JVP yesterday (06) strongly defended its right to address Sri Lankans and Americans of Sri Lankan origin living in the US.
Gampaha District Jathika Jana Balawegaya (JJB) MP Vijitha Herath dismissed criticism directed at the party by various interested parties, both in and out of Parliament, over the visit undertaken by party leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The JVP-led JJB is represented by three MPs in Parliament.
“We maintain relationships with all countries. There cannot be any justification in questioning our right to meet US Ambassador in Colombo Julie Chung. We have had meetings with Ambassador Chung before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ouster and after,” lawmaker Herath said.
MP Herath added that the party leader addressed meetings at Los Angeles, Houston, Boston, Norfolk, Washington and New York where he had an opportunity to interact with Sri Lankans. MP Dissanayake is expected to be back in Colombo this week.
Responding to The Island queries, those who had been trying to deceive the masses that there was a clandestine understanding between the JVP/JJB and the US Embassy here conveniently turned a blind eye to the growing relationship between the Parliament and the US.
Heads of Sectoral Oversight Committees of Parliament and a group of House officials recently visited the US on the invitation of the USAID, the JVPer said. Pointing out that there were number of other projects implemented by Parliament with the USAID funding, MP Herath questioned the rationale in attacking the JVP/JJB over maintaining cordial relations with the US.
MP Herath said that bankrupt political activists had sought to mislead the public by highlighting the display of US flag at meetings addressed by the JVP leader. The MP said that the American law prohibited the display of a national flag of any country on its soil unless the US flag, too, was displayed.
MP Herath said that the JVP/JJB received quite a significant response to MP Dissanayake’s appeal for the support of those living in the US.
Addressing his final meeting in New York on Nov. 06 at the Hilton Garden Inn, lawmaker Dissanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka now experienced an environment conducive for a political change. The continuing crisis has compelled the Rajapaksa camp to team up with UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as both camps struggled to contain the emerging popularity of the JJB, MP Dissanayake said.
The social crisis caused by the continuing political and economic upheaval had created a perfect environment for a much desired political changes, the JVP leader said, alleging that the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government would do everything in its power to thwart the JJB.
Acknowledging the immense power wielded by the government, the JJB, as the real Opposition, had to depend entirely on the people’s power to resist the government. MP Dissanayake said that though President Wickremesinghe made Local Government and Provincial Council polls to disappear, the presidential election couldn’t be put off under any circumstances. The JVP leader said that in terms of the Constitution, the presidential election has to be held before Oct. 17 next year and in case an attempt was made to put it off the people would come to the streets.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Acting Ministers for four ministries before his departure on an official state visit to Vietnam.
The appointments cover three ministries under the President’s purview — the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, which comes under the purview of Minister Vijitha Herath, who is accompanying the President on this official visit.
Accordingly, the following Acting Ministers have been appointed:
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Digital Economy.
Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Defence.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
[PMD]
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
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