News

Namal blames President for coal scam

Published

4 weeks ago

2026/04/3

Namal Rajapaksa

SLPP National organiser MP Namal Rajapaksa yesterday said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake should be held responsible for the coal scam.Rajapaksa made the allegation while addressing the media at his party’s Nelum Mawatha headquarters. He claimed that the President’s action to protect those allegedly connected to the coal fraud and his failure to recognise the matter as a fraud indicated that he too was responsible for the racket.

Rajapaksa said the policies of the present administration were similar to those of the former Good Governance Government of Sri Lanka.

“Just as a pickpocket shouts ‘thief, thief’ and runs to divert attention, this government too is acting in a similar manner,” Rajapaksa said, alleging that the administration was attempting to mislead the public.

He asserted that the individual allegedly linked to the coal procurement racket had been brought into the ministry when the current President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, was serving as Agriculture Minister. Rajapaksa said the individual had subsequently faced indictment over another alleged fraud and claimed that a similar irregularity had now occurred in relation to the coal procurement.He also criticised the government’s handling of the economy, claiming that decisions were being taken without due consideration for the difficulties faced by the public.

Rajapaksa noted that fuel prices had increased but allowances paid to public servants, doctors and other essential service providers had not been revised accordingly. He said field officers attached to institutions such as the Attorney General’s Department of Sri Lanka, local government bodies and Divisional Secretariats were facing severe difficulties due to rising fuel costs.

He said that the cost of living was continuing to rise while the government had failed to introduce effective measures to control it.

Rajapaksa also pointed out that although the Agriculture Minister had earlier claimed there was adequate stocks of rice in the country, the Consumer Affairs Minister was now preparing to import rice exposing their lies.

He warned that importing rice at a time when the paddy harvest was being collected would adversely affect local farmers and raised concerns that global tensions could lead to fertilizer shortages if contingency measures were not taken.

Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic period, Rajapaksa said the previous government had attempted to provide relief to low-income groups despite financial constraints, including through the Rs. 5,000 allowance distributed on several occasions.

He alleged that the present administration was attempting to shift the burden of the alleged coal fraud on to the public while increasing power tariffs.

Rajapaksa called on the government to consider increasing fuel allowances for essential service providers and field officers and to introduce special programmes to support entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-scale businesses affected by rising fuel and electricity costs.

He also urged the government to adopt policies to strengthen local farmers and ensure food security rather than relying on imports, and to take urgent steps to ease the burden of the rising cost of living on low-income groups.

All News Advertisement

News

Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM

Published

8 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April

Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.

Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.

The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM

Published

8 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.

Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

8 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

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 the 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.