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Karu advocates unity in adversity

Published

5 years ago

2021/05/18

Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday appealed to all Sri Lankans to unite as one and move away from engaging in politics, based on hatred and revenge, as the entire country has been pushed into a major crisis, amidst a surging pandemic.

Addressing the media in Colombo he said: “Today the country is facing a severe crisis. All forces that hope for a prosperous future for the country must come forward together in order to overcome this crisis. All political parties and civil society organisations in this country have a huge responsibility in this regard.

“We have seen some positive signals that showed we still have some hope left during the past week. We saw many parties publicly express their support for the Government’s commitment to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Leaders of a number of political parties, as well as a number of civil society organisations, have publicly affirmed their support. All religious leaders, including the Maha Sangha, had intimated that they would extend their blessings to such a noble cause. These developments are very positive and creates optimism for the country. The people of this country also have high expectations.

“Such an environment is rarely created in the country. In such a situation, the President should have extended the hand of friendship to all. Uniting as one, they should create a plan to save the country that has been engulfed by the pandemic. It is still not too late for that.

“If such a sincere effort is to be made, it must be carried out according to a specific plan and programme. We are confident that we can overcome this crisis through such a strategy. There are a number of goals that needs to be fulfilled to realise such an endeavour.

“The first step will be to inoculate every citizen over the age of 10 in this country before December 31, 2021. The country’s inoculation drive should target around 15 million people.

“What is needed is proper planning coupled with sound management. We should try to utilise foreign grants and assistance as well as through foreign loans. In addition, we can get the support of the people of the entire country. In particular, the country’s business community can also be involved in this process.

“As far as we are aware, a good portion of leading companies including banks, insurance and communications companies, recorded some of the largest profit margins ever during this year. At a time when the country is facing such a national catastrophe, such institutions will be motivated to carry out their civic duties and responsibilities. Accordingly, we can partner with them to find around USD 500 million that is required to attain our goals.

“There are other avenues that we could take to realise our targets. The proposal to manufactures vaccines in Sri Lanka is one such method. Providing vaccines through private hospitals is another option. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to provide Russia’s Sputnik vaccine to private hospitals in India through a private company known as ‘Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.’

“As such decisions have national implications, it is imperative that we do it with the full consent of Parliament. All political and civil forces must contribute to towards this end.

“First of all, we would like to emphasise that the National Movement for Social Justice fully endorses such an endeavour. That is our fervent hope. Irrespective of the power the ruling party may command in executing such a national responsibility, it would be difficult to take action without the support of the Opposition political forces and the people of the country.

“Many sections have inquired whether they could expect such actions from a government that already boasts a two-thirds majority in Parliament. It is clear that such reservations are justified in the wake of a statement made by one of top leaders of the Government where he called on the Opposition to inform them in writing regarding the need for an all-party agreement.

“As the former Speaker, our proposal to conduct an all-party conference was realised when two such conferences were held in March and April under the patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. The absence of the President at these meetings made it difficult to reach consensus and as a result it became a failure. Further, the Government’s sole objective at that time was to curb the spread of the coronavirus and failed to come up with a long term plan to deal with the pandemic. Today, we propose a complete vaccination programme. Everyone must understand that in order to face such a pandemic successfully, all forces in the country must give their consent and participate in this. That is why Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited the Opposition to help the Indian government’s efforts to cope with the Covid crisis. As a country, we too must understand that responsibility.

“Therefore, the President and the government must clarify their stance to the general public. There are three main points that we as an organisation would like to inquire.

1. Does the government expect the support of the Opposition and civil society organisations to defeat the deadly pandemic engulfing the country?

“If the answer is yes where the Government is ready to overcome this challenge through collaboration, then the Government must be honest about changing the narrow political strategies that could hinder such a joint mechanism. Entire process must be democratic in nature. Accordingly, the answer given by the Government to the second and third questions that we have is very important.

2. Will the Prime Minister’s recent resolution based on the so-called recommendations and proposals of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimisation be tabled in Parliament? Will the Government continue to pursue a policy that could wreak havoc on democracy and the rule of law in this country?

3. Will the Government release political prisoners who have been taken into custody on various charges simply to further their narrow political agendas but are yet to be formally charged in Court? Will they release these political prisoners including politicians, government officials and police officers who have been languishing in prisons for a long period of time now in the name of humanity and justice? The Government must also understand that the death of suspects in police custody will tarnish the image of Sri Lanka.

“The President must address these allegations directly as soon as possible. In order to mobilise all forces on a nationally important issue, it is necessary to move away from narrow political objectives. Therefore, the Government must pay close attention to this and take measures to rectify these shortcomings immediately.

Port City Bill

We also urge the government to avoid arbitrary decision-making at a time when the country is facing a serious pandemic. The Government’s refusal to heed the request for a parliamentary debate on the Port City at this moment cannot be accepted. We also acknowledge that the Opposition parties’ request was extremely justified. The government should have listened to that request if it had acted in accordance with the traditions of democratic governance.

“It is in the best interest of the country to develop the Port City. However, the laws and special provisions imposed for this purpose should not harm the sovereignty of the country. All Opposition political forces in the country have stated in Parliament that the Government’s aspirations and actions require clarifications. It is a very reasonable and justifiable request. As a civil society organisation, we too hold a similar position. For those of us who have experience working in the private sector, we understand the value of foreign investment coming into the country through the Port City project.

“As we all know, large investors in China as well as in Europe, Japan and the United States have expressed their interest in investing in the Port City.

“However, their interest seems to have faded due to the anti-democratic policies practised by the Government with regard to the passage of this Bill. In a country where democracy is abused or where there is no rule of law, reputable investors will not come forward to invest in businesses.

“We also believed that with had we proceeded with a proper plan, we could have created a successful investment zone as seen in Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore through the Port City.

“In addition to all these facts, there is one more thing that has caught our attention.

“We struggle to understand the abrupt departure of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who is the head of a number of task forces including the task forces responsible for controlling the Covid pandemic and economic revival.

“When close family members have publicly stated that he had no illness that warranted medical treatment abroad, it seems that there is a great deal of resentment among the public about his sudden departure in this manner.

“It is an insult to the people of the country as the person who had been entrusted with a special and decisive role with regard to governance in the country could act in this way, especially at a time when the country is at a critical juncture in the midst of a pandemic.

“Considering the responsibilities assigned to him, it is clear that a large number of Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers as well as the Commanders of the Armed Forces, the IGP and senior government officials are working in institutions and task forces under his purview. Although we are not surprised that this is happening in Sri Lanka today, we have never heard of such an administrative unit functioning in any democratic state in the world. It is the duty of the Government to explain how a person who has been entrusted with such a special responsibility could leave the country during a crisis.

“However, as an organisation that loves the country and stands for its prosperity, we present these suggestions with noble intentions. It is the responsibility of the Government to focus on these proposals and work for the benefit of the people. In order for these proposals to be successful, the programme should be operated under the supervision of the President.”

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Construction of Accident and Emergency unit at Mannar District General Hospital begins under President’s patronage

Published

2 hours ago

2026/09/16

Priyan

Construction work on the Accident and Emergency Unit at the Mannar District General Hospital commenced this morning (16) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The Accident and Emergency Unit, which is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 600 million with a grant from the Government of India, will be equipped with all modern facilities and will further expand healthcare services for the people of Mannar. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2028.

Upon completion of the project, the people of Mannar will be able to receive emergency trauma care and other specialised healthcare services without having to travel to Colombo or other major cities. At the same time, the Government has taken steps to provide the Mannar District General Hospital with the medical equipment and staff required to support these services.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who attended the commencement of construction work on the Accident and Emergency Unit, also engaged in a cordial conversation with members of the hospital staff.

Addressing the ceremony held thereafter, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that as the Mannar area, which is expected to make an important contribution to the national economy, develops, this project will help ensure quality healthcare services for its people. The Minister further emphasised that, in creating a “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, the Government is committed to ensuring healthy and disease-free lives for all 21.7 million citizens of the country.

Further remarks by Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

“The Mannar District is an area that is expected to make an important contribution to our national economy. A large number of local and foreign tourists will visit this area both now and in the future.

With the development of transport facilities, Mannar will experience further economic growth. In such a context, upgrading the services of the Mannar hospital will be important in ensuring quality healthcare services for the people of this area as well as those who visit the region.

Accordingly, construction of this Accident and Emergency Unit will be completed and the facility will be made available to the public in the first quarter of 2028. In addition, staff quarters for doctors at the Mannar District General Hospital are being constructed in a four-storey building at a cost of Rs. 243 million. These construction activities are also expected to be completed within one and a half years. Construction of the new Paediatric Unit, being built at a cost of Rs. 230 million, is also expected to commence within this year.

Similarly, the CT scanner that you have been continuously requesting will be provided to you by around February next year. It is worth approximately Rs. 250 million. While these building facilities are being developed, we will also provide the staff required by the hospital. You have also received intern medical officers for the first time in the history of this hospital. Several more intern medical officers will be assigned to you this October. At the same time, steps are currently being taken to address the shortage of specialist medical officers.

On 31 October, we will recruit 2,600 new nurses, and a portion of them will be assigned to this hospital. Personnel required for the allied health professions are also currently undergoing training. Once their training is completed, the services of several of them will be made available to this hospital. In addition, we will recruit 1,100 Public Health Midwives, a portion of whom will also be assigned to this area.

This Government is taking numerous measures to provide people with healthy lives. Through these initiatives, we hope to improve the health and quality of life of the people in this area.

More than Rs. 600 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Health over the past two years, and the President continuously monitors all its projects. Going beyond that, I am deeply grateful to the President for joining us today.

We have received the support of the Government of India for this project. I extend my special appreciation to the Government of India, including the Prime Minister, and its people, as well as to the High Commissioner of India and his staff, who have been committed to coordinating these activities and ensuring the success of this project.

Among district hospitals, the Mannar hospital is one with very limited facilities. Despite these shortcomings, I appreciate the dedication of all members of the staff, including the doctors, who remain committed to providing the best possible service to the people. I also consider the President’s visit to be a recognition of your service.

Two years ago, on 21 September 2024, the people of this country gave a clear mandate to create a “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”. That mandate was further strengthened in November 2024. Under the mandate to create a “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, we have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring healthy and disease-free lives for all citizens of this country.

Your area of residence, profession, wealth or ethnicity is of no relevance to us in this regard. The Government’s objective is to create a beautiful life through healthy and disease-free living for all 21.7 million citizens of Sri Lanka.”

High Commissioner of India Santosh Jha:

“The agreements for the emergency unit in Mannar and the medical ward complex in Mullaitivu were signed under President Dissanayake’s leadership. I am happy to see these commitments transitioning smoothly into swift implementation.

His Excellency the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has said that the development assistance extended by India to Sri Lanka comes with a deep sense of responsibility, a duty that one naturally feels for one’s family member.

We remain firmly committed to working closely with the Government of Sri Lanka and the people of Sri Lanka for the well-being and prosperity of all communities across the island. As neighboring countries and close partners, we will continue to walk together this shared path toward lasting progress and development of our peoples.”

Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe

“For several decades, injuries and accidents have been the leading cause of hospital admissions in Sri Lanka. As Mannar is geographically somewhat isolated, it is extremely important for the district to have access to quality, free healthcare services without delay.

The assignment of intern medical officers to this hospital commenced this year. Arrangements are also currently underway to purchase a CT scanner for the Mannar District General Hospital. The hospital is expected to receive improved radiology facilities by the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

I must say that, during my 36 years in public service, last year was the only period during which I did not face any financial difficulties in carrying out my duties. The prudent macroeconomic management of the current Government, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has created the fiscal space required to develop the country’s health services.”

Mannar District Bishop Rt. Rev. Gnanapragasam Anthonipillai, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan, Members of Parliament representing the Mannar District, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Chiefs of the Defence Services, officials of the Ministry of Health, officials of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, Consul General of India in Jaffna Sai Murali S. and officials of the Indian Consulate in Jaffna, among others, attended the occasion.

[President’s Media Division]

News

Special Cabinet Subcommittee and Officials’ Committee appointed to address El Niño Climate Impact meet

Published

9 hours ago

2026/09/16

Priyan

The Special Cabinet Subcommittee and Officials’ Committee appointed to take necessary measures to address the impact of the El Niño climate phenomenon met for the fifth time at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (14) afternoon , under the chairmanship of Minister of Environment Dr Dhammika Patabendi.

As the El Niño climate impact is expected to transition from the current dry conditions to wetter weather over the next two months, the committees held an extensive discussion on measures to address the anticipated change in weather conditions.

The committees decided to raise public awareness on potential disasters, including floods and landslides that could occur due to increased rainfall. Attention was also given to conducting disaster preparedness drills to familiarise the public with the appropriate measures to be taken in the event of such emergencies.

It was instructed that initial preparedness drills be conducted in the districts of Kandy, Badulla, Matale and Nuwara Eliya, which are considered vulnerable to landslides and that the necessary measures be taken without delay.

The meeting also decided to implement a public awareness programme through electronic and print media. Discussions were also held on the importance of preparing the public in advance by establishing operational centres at Divisional Secretariat level.

In addition, the committees reviewed the progress of relief measures already being implemented for people affected by the prevailing El Niño conditions, as well as the progress of the planned measures ahead.

Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr Susil Ranasinghe, Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne, Secretary/Convener of the Special Cabinet Subcommittee, Chairman of the Officials’ Committee and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation D. P. Wickramasinghe, Director General of the Department of Meteorology A. L. K. Wijemanne, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre, Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (retired), Director General of the National Building Research Organisation Dr Gamini Jayatissa, General Manager of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board Engineer T. Bharatheedasan and officials from the relevant institutions were also present at the meeting.

[President’s Media Division]

News

Where is Gnanasara Thera?Police pass buck to court

Published

13 hours ago

2026/09/16

Sahan Weerasooriya

Gnanasara Thera

by Norman Palihawadane

Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera’s whereabouts have remained unknown since the Supreme Court, on Monday, annulled a presidential pardon granted to him in 2019.

Prison officers visited the Thera’s temple in Nawala, Rajagiriya, to take steps to return him to prison to serve the unexpired portion of his six-year sentence. However, monks at the temple had reportedly informed the officials that they were unaware of his whereabouts.

Police spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said a separate court order was required for the police to trace the Thera, or assist in taking him into prison custody. No such order had been issued so far, he claimed.

Meanwhile, sources close to Gnanasara Thera said he was expected to attend a book launch in Colombo tomorrow (17),

The development follows the Supreme Court declaring the 2019 presidential pardon granted to Gnanasara Thera, by then President Maithripala Sirisena, null and void.

A three-member Supreme Court bench held that the pardon had been granted arbitrarily and violated public trust and principles of natural justice.

Gnanasara Thera had been serving a six-year prison sentence for contempt of court when the then President Sirisena granted him the pardon, in May, 2019. He had served only about nine months of the sentence at the time.

With the pardon annulled, the original sentence remains in force and the Thera is now required to serve the balance of his six-year term.

The Supreme Court ruling has raised questions over the procedure to be followed to return him to prison, with police and prison authorities yet to take custody of him.