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Opp. asks EC to hold LG polls in late April; budget debate, O/L exam cited as reasons

Published

1 month ago

2025/02/14

Several Opposition parties have urged the Election Commission (EC) to postpone the local government (LG) polls until late April 2025 in view of the upcoming budget debate and the Sinhala and Tamil New year.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), among others, have formally submitted a written request to the EC, citing multiple concerns.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, SLFP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera highlighted that the 2025 Budget was set to be presented soon and it would impact the LG polls campaign.

He said the Budget process, which begins on 17 February and concludes at the end of March, would span an entire month, hindering the opposition’s ability to campaign effectively.

“All members of our parties are from various regions across the country and need to engage in campaigning. However, it will be impossible for the 66 opposition MPs to do so, as they will be required to attend the Budget debates. This will severely hinder their campaigning efforts,” MP Jayasekera stated.

Meanwhile, SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, also addressing the media, emphasised the need to take into consideration April New Year celebrations and the upcoming GCE Ordinary Level Examination. He also said the Opposition usually played a key role in the budget debate and all its MPs would have to be present in the House, and therefore they would not be able to take part in election campaigns during that period.

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Two books written based on parliamentary legacy presented to PM

Published

7 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was presented with two books namely ’Darkness at Daybreak’ by . Nandasiri Jasen Thuliyan and ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ by Attorney-at-Law Nihal Senewiratne on March 15, at the Parliament premises.Both publications were written based on parliamentary recollection of events. Notably, Mr. Nihal Senewiratne, who served as the Secretary General to Parliament for 17 years, authored ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ based on his extensive 33-year tenure in parliamentary service.The event was attended by the Attorney, Mrs. Dhanushki Liyanapatabendi.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence – President

Published

8 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake instructed police chiefs of the Southern Province to carry out their duties without any influence. The President further stated that his government would facilitate this process by ensuring political authority provides the necessary assistance.

President Disanayake made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with police chiefs of the Southern Province.

The President emphasized that everyone must abide by the country’s fundamental laws and stated that enforcing these laws is the responsibility of the police department.

During the discussion, police chiefs of the Southern Province briefed the President on reports related to organized crimes and drug-related offenses. In response, President Disanayake instructed officials to take all necessary measures swiftly to combat crimes.

He also directed the officers to strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Southern Province police chiefs were also present at the discussion.

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President holds discussions with Western Province Police chiefs

Published

8 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that steps will be taken to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse, as well as to introduce new legislation.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with the police chiefs of the Western Province.

He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a key responsibility of the Police Department.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake further stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Western Province police chiefs were also present at the event.