News
Oxford Union cancels address by Namal
The Oxford Union has cancelled a scheduled address by SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa due to protests by British Tamils and student organisations.
Having invited MP Rajapaksa, the Oxford Union, subsequently withdrew its invitation amidst criticism and planned demonstrations. However, MP Rajapaksa went ahead with the planned visit to the UK. He was accompanied by Milinda Rajapaksa.
In a statement to Cherwell, Oxford’s independent student-run newspaper, Oxford Union President Katherine Yang said the decision was taken after students raised serious concerns about their safety and ability to participate.
“A core part of the Union’s purpose is enabling direct, open questioning from students. In this case, a significant number of the students, most closely connected to the subject matter, communicated that they did not feel safe asking questions openly. While alternative formats (such as submitting questions indirectly) were considered, Matthew [Remedios] and I felt that the inability of those most affected to participate directly undermined the substance of the forum.
“An event where key stakeholders cannot engage on equal footing does not produce the kind of robust debate the Union is intended to facilitate.”
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished bys the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to extend Visas of those unable to leave Sri Lanka due to the
cancellation of flights to the Middle East from 28.02.2026 for another 14 days without any payments and re-extend the extended Visas for another 14 days without payments if the flights cancellations continue.
Taking into consideration the resolution furnished by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Council, and Local Government, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to appoint Sunil Galagama, a Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, who is currently serving as an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, as the District Secretary to Badulla Administrative District with immediate effect.
The Cabinet of Ministers, taking into consideration the resolution furnished by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Council, and Local Government, have decided to appoint Anupama Mangala Wickramaarachchi, a special grade officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, who is serving as the Additional Commissioner General of Agrarian Development of the Department of the Agrarian Development at present, as the District Secretary , Ampara Administrative district with immediate effect.
Cabinet approves 14 day Visa extension
Sunil Galagama appointed as District Secretary Badulla
Anupama Mangala Wickramaarachchi appointed District Secretary Ampara
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