Govt. blames them for misbehaviour in Parliament

MPs of the SJB and some other Opposition parties staged a walkout in Parliament yesterday, protesting against the Speaker’s refusal to allow them to discuss the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and its potential impact on Sri Lanka.

The walkout was followed by a special meeting of Opposition leaders, held at the Parliament complex, chaired by Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa. Among those present were MPs Dilith Jayaweera, Namal Rajapaksa, and Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna.

Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka said that the protest was against the Speaker’s refusal to allocate time for an urgent debate on the Middle East conflict, which Opposition MPs argued poses serious risks to Lankan nationals and businesses, particularly about 10,000–20,000 Lankans currently working in Israel.

Premadasa accused Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne of silencing the Opposition, stating that he had been denied the opportunity to raise a matter of national importance. “We no longer approve of your conduct in this House,” he said, warning that continued disregard for parliamentary procedure would lead to more protests.

Premadasa emphasised the need for immediate government action to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans in the war-torn region and to mitigate economic fallout from the conflict, which, he warned, could escalate into a broader war with possible nuclear implications.

Health and Mass Media Minister and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured Parliament that the government would address the issue during an adjournment debate later in the day and that a statement from the Foreign Ministry would follow.

Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekara criticised the Speaker for suppressing Opposition voices, adding that the decision to boycott the remainder of the day’s sessions was a direct result of repeated restrictions.

Leader of the House, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake rejected the allegations, placing blame on the Opposition for ‘unacceptable conduct within the chamber’.

ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam opted to remain in Parliament and participate in the debate, though he, too, condemned the government’s repeated efforts to curtail the Opposition’s right to speak.

By Saman Indrajith

Nimal Senadheera officially assumed duties as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom on Monday, 16 June, at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. The occasion was marked by a traditional and dignified ceremony.

Senadheera succeeded Rohitha Bogollagama who took over the mission in Nov 2023 during Ranil Wickremesinghe tenure as the President.

Senadheera was warmly welcomed by officials and staff of the Mission. In his address, he highlighted the Government’s vision to strengthen the Mission’s role in advancing Sri Lanka’s interests abroad, reflecting the aspirations of the people and the mandate entrusted to the current administration. He called on all staff members to work collaboratively in further enhancing Sri Lanka–UK relations.

The formal assumption of duties included the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, followed by the serving of milk rice and sweetmeats, in keeping with Sri Lankan customs.

Senadheera is a senior officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) with over two decades of experience in public administration, diplomacy, and education. He has previously served at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria and held senior positions in the Central Provincial Council and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration.

He holds an MSc in Public Policy from the University of Strathclyde (UK), a Master of Public Administration from Flinders University (Australia), and a Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Kelaniya (Sri Lanka). He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Peradeniya, specialising in English, Economics, and Sociology.

Senadheera and his wife arrived in London over the weekend. Upon arrival, they were received by Gordon Wetherell CMG, Special Representative of the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

Later in the evening, the High Commissioner, accompanied by his wife and staff, visited the London Buddhist Viharaya to invoke blessings as he begins his new diplomatic assignment.

Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London

Sri Lanka and France have reached agreement on a debt stock of EUR 390 million until 2042, with a five-year grace period and a cap on original interest rates.

The following is the text of a statement issued by the French Embassy in Colombo: “On Monday June 16th, 2025, France and Sri Lanka signed a bilateral agreement to implement the recommendations of the Memorandum of Understanding on the debt restructuring of Sri Lanka, concluded on June 26th 2024, with the official creditors committee − co-chaired by France, India and Japan and composed of these countries with the Paris Club creditors.

The bilateral agreement reschedules a debt stock of EUR 390 million until 2042, with a five-year grace period and a cap on original interest rates.

The bilateral agreement signed on June 16 by Mr. William Roos, Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Affairs, Trade and Development at the French Treasury, and Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, Secretary to the Treasury of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, is a key step in France’s support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.

The agreement was signed in presence of the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka Rémi Lambert and Sri Lankan authorities, including Deputy Minister Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma and Governor of Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe

This agreement aims to restore Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability, based on a coordinated approach between the country’s main official creditors and in compliance with the principle of comparability of treatment for third-party creditors in the scope of the restructuring. It also supports the implementation of the International Monetary Fund’s multi-year financing programme amounting to EUR 2.8 billion.

The signing was an opportunity for France to reaffirm its support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.