News
Powerful force pressuring Govt. Printer to delay printing of ballot papers- Union
By Saman Indrajith
Ballot papers for 10 districts had already been printed but progress was slow due to an unseen hand, trade unions of the Department of Government Printing said yesterday.Secretary of the Government Printing Employees Union, Asanka Sandaruwan, said that they started printing ballot papers on 12 February.
“We are still printing ballot papers. In our history we have never taken this long to print ballot papers,” he said.
Sandaruwan added that the Department has adequate material for printing, the necessary equipment and a trained staff. Therefore, the Department should not have any problems printing ballot papers, in a few days, in a secure and reliable manner.
“It’s not like we have not done this before. There are people here who can print these with their eyes closed. It is obvious that some powerful force is applying pressure on the Government Printer to delay the printing of ballot papers, in order to delay elections,” he said.
Earlier this week, Government Printer, Gangani Liyanage informed the Elections Commission that she can’t print the ballot papers, unless the full estimated cost of printing (Rs. 401,594,852.56) is settled.
She had cited, as the reason for the delay, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s order, on January 31st, as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies, to curtail government expenditure, with a warning to public officials that they would be personally held responsible for whatever goods and services they obtained on credit.
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IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon informed to be present before the Committee of Inquiry on 19th May
IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed to be present before the ‘Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power’ on the 19th of May 2025.
This Committee met in the Parliament premises on several occasions as of now, and accordingly, for the first time, IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed by the Committee, to appear before it, for future investigations.
News
UNESCO Director General candidate Dr. Khaled El Enany meets Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka
Dr. Khaled El Enany – the UNESCO Director General Candidate of the Arab Republic of Egypt met with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Risvie Salih at the Parliament premises recently (May 05).
During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed the long-standing and cordial bilateral relationship between Egypt and Sri Lanka, emphasizing their shared commitment to further strengthening ties in areas of mutual interest. Dr. El Enany outlined his vision as a candidate for UNESCO leadership, highlighting his dedication to fostering cultural collaboration and understanding among nations. Dr. Risvie Salih also highlighted Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy and long-standing relationship with Egypt.
The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, and Chaminda Kularatne, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Samantha Ranasinghe was sworn in today (May 08) before the Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, as a Member of the Tenth Parliament.
Following the oath and affirmation before the Speaker, he signed the Members’ Roll placed before the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.
Member of Parliament Samantha Ranasinghe has been thus appointed to fill the vacancy created due to the demise of Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, who served as a Member of Parliament from the Kegalle District representing the National People’s Power.
IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon informed to be present before the Committee of Inquiry on 19th May
UNESCO Director General candidate Dr. Khaled El Enany meets Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka
Samantha Ranasinghe sworn in as a Member of Parliament
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