News
Preferential vote count: SJB cries foul
The SJB yesterday (22) complained to the Election Commission (EC) that officials at some counting centres had commenced the preferential vote count on their own without waiting for instruction from the EC.
SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, MP, and Eksath Janaraja Peramuna (EJP) leader Patali Champika Ranawaka, MP, lodged the complaint on behalf of SJB presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa.
A statement issued by EJP quoted the MP as having told media outside the EC that the party had brought the matter to the EC’s notice as they felt that the unauthorised counting of preferences may have been detrimental to the interests of their candidate.
Ranawaka pointed out that NPP candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake had been able to poll only 42% of the valid votes whereas the SJB candidate secured 32% of the votes.
MP Ranawaka said those who had launched the second count violated democracy and should be appropriately dealt with.
The former minister said their intervention prompted the EC to order a fresh count. (SF)
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri LankaDewi Gustina Tobing, met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties for mutual benefit.
A key area of focus was expanding tourism exchanges, including religious tourism, which holds significant potential for growth.
The two delegations also explored opportunities in trade, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to support Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
Collaboration in the IT industry was highlighted as another promising area of partnership, alongside discussions on integrating electric vehicles into Sri Lanka’s public transport system.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sagarika Boghawatta, included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian delegation was represented by Deputy Ambassador . Fiki Oktanioand Minister Counsellor Mrs. Lailal K. Yuniarti.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Matara Magistrate’s Court today [20], ordered that former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon be further remanded until April 03..
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the upcoming Local Authorities Poll will be held on Tuesday 06th May 2025
The acceptance of nominations for the poll concluded at 12.00 noon today (20).
Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka calls on PM
Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon further remanded until April 03.
Local Authorities poll on 6th May
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