News
Mano says talks failed due to SJB’s lukewarm response
Tamil MPs’ caucus gathers momentum
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader Mano Ganeshan MP yesterday (17) said that he along with SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem initiated talks with the UNP to explore ways and means of bringing the SJB and the UNP together following a spate of requests from SJB lawmakers as well as members of the now defunct Local Government bodies.
Lawmaker Ganeshan said so in response to The Island query whether they acted unilaterally in opening talks with the UNP in January this year.
Asked whether they obtained prior approval from SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to make the move, MP Ganeshan said that they didn’t. “There was no question of obtaining the SJB leader’s approval, since it was not a finalised concrete mission but a mission to check all possibilities. Besides, most SJB MPs informally requested that we make such a move.”
Responding to another query, MP Ganeshan said that during talks with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, they were told of the UNP leader’s decision to nominate persons to represent him and he suggested the SJB leader did the same. The President expressed the belief that minority parties, too, would be there, MP Ganeshan said, adding that they briefed both the SJB leader and SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara MP regarding the developments.
Asked to explain the current status of their initiative, MP Ganeshan said that they gave up the effort in February/March this year due to what he called the negative response of the SJB leader and SJB General Secretary.
MP Ganeshan said that President Wickremesinghe never offered premiership to the SJB leader though some speculated and claimed so.Asked whether the failed effort was in any way linked with his effort to establish a Tamil MPs caucus in Parliament and bring the UNP and the SJB together, MP Ganeshan emphasized that there was no connection at all.
The MP said that he really appreciated the declaration made by TMK General Secretary C.V. Wigneshwaran that he too would join the Tamil MPs’ caucus.The former NPC Chief Minister has informed MP Ganeshan of his readiness to back the move.
MP Ganeshan said that as of yesterday, TELO, DPLF, TMK of the north-east and TPA constituents in the South, DPF, WNF, UPF were in agreement to the proposal mooted by him.Only the TNA’s response is awaited, MP Ganeshan said.
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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The Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 03 May 2025, valid for 04 May 2025.
The public re warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) sources said that plans were afoot to file charges in connection with 15 major fraud and corruption cases in the near future.
The Commission sources said that these cases stem from thorough investigations into complaints that had previously gone unexamined, with recent file reviews prompting the decision to proceed with legal action. The forthcoming charges are based on detailed inquiries that uncovered substantial evidence pointing to serious misconduct.
To date, CIABOC has initiated inquiries into over 300 complaints received during the recent period, reflecting an expanded commitment to tackling corruption at multiple levels of governance.
Commission sources said that several former ministers and political affiliates from past administrations are among those implicated in the ongoing investigations, though specific names have yet to be disclosed.
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