News
Now, UNP-SLPP alliance changes ‘Swan’ to ‘Gas Cylinder’ symbol

General election:
by Shamindra Ferdinando
The Election Commission (EC) has permitted political parties to change symbols before the handing over of nominations, in keeping with the Parliamentary Elections Act.Authoritative sources said so when The Island sought an explanation as to how the New Democratic Front (NDF) had changed its symbol ‘Swan’ to ‘Gas Cylinder’ to enable the UNP and main breakaway faction of the SLPP contest the parliamentary election scheduled for 14 Nov.
According to the amended constitution of that party, posted on the Election Department’s website, ‘Swan’ is its symbol.
Sources said that, however, there was legal provision for the change of symbol contrary to the party constitution approved by the EC. According to the party constitution, the primary objective of the NDF is to promote the vision and ideals of the late Lalith Athulathmudali.
The NDF first gained public attention in 2010 when the then retired General Sarath Fonseka contested on its ticket with ‘Swan’ as its symbol. Although the war-winning Army Chief failed, Maithripala Sirisena won the 2015 presidential election on the NDF ticket. The then UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa, too, contested the 2019 presidential election on the NDF ticket.
Political sources said that UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe could have contested on the NDF ticket at the recently concluded presidential election if the SLPP rebel group agreed. Wickremesinghe contested as an independent candidate.
MS Shyamila Perera, one-time aide to Athulathmudal, assassinated in April 1993, is the Secretary of the NDF whereas one of the Vice Presidents is Onela Karunanayake, daughter of former minister Ravi Karunanayake.
The NDF was in 1995, two years after Athulathmudali’s assassination, known as the Democratic United National Lalith Front. It was renamed as New Democratic Front in 2009 ahead of the 2010 presidential election.
Former Premier and MEP leader Dinesh Gunawardena is on the NDF National List. NDF Secretary Shyamila Perera is second on the list. Ex-parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake is 10th on that list.
The SLPP grouping led by Gunawardena backed Ranil Wickremesinghe’s candidate at the presidential election. Wickremesinghe polled just over 2.2 mn votes at the presidential and came a distant third. Immediately after the election, the UNP leader declared he wouldn’t contest the forthcoming parliamentary election.
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Jaffna, Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Kurunegala districts

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 26 April 2025, valid for 27 April 2025.
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala, Hambantota, Jaffna, Mullaittivu, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Kurunegala 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.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs pays his last respects to Pope Francis

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath represented Sri Lanka at the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday [26]
News
RW to visit CIABOC on Monday

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) tomorrow (28) over the statement he had made on MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, his lawyers have informed the Commission.
Accordingly, the former President will appear before the commission at 9.30am on Monday.
Wickremesinghe was initially summoned by the Commission to CIABOC on April 17 in relation to a statement he had made about the corruption case filed against NDF (gas cylinder) MP Dassanayake.
In response to the previous summons, Wickremesinghe had indicated that he is prepared to appear before the commission but requested a different date citing that his lawyers will not be available in Colombo during the New Year holiday period.
Accordingly, a new was provided and Wickremesinghe requested to appear before the commission at 09.30 a.m. on Thursday (April 25).On April 7, Wickremesinghe had said that MP Dassanayake withdrew the fixed deposits belonging to the Uva Provincial Council, over which he is now facing corruption charges, in accordance with a circular issued during Wickremesingher’s tenure as Prime Minister.
The former President questioned whether the MP’s arrest over the matter was in response to Dassanayake’s vocal criticism of the government in parliament.
The sitting MP is currently in remand custody for allegedly misappropriating a sum of Rs. 1 million of the Uva Provincial Council in 2016.
He was taken into custody on March 27, over three separate corruption-related cases.
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court previously granted bail in the cases filed against him but he remains in remand custody due to an order issued by the Badulla Magistrate’s Court.
According to the CIABOC, Dassanayake had solicited funds from three state banks, claiming they were intended to provide bags for preschool children in the province.
Two banks complied, granting him Rs. 1 million and Rs. 2.5 million, which were later transferred to his foundation account.
However, when a third bank refused to provide funds, Dassanayake reportedly retaliated by withdrawing the Uva Provincial Council’s fixed deposits from that institution.The CIABOC filed a case against the MP, citing the government incurred a financial loss of Rs. 17.3 million due to his actions.
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