News

President claims EC decision to hold LG polls unacceptable

Published

3 years ago

2023/02/24

By Saman Indrajith

President Ranil Wickremesinghe informed the Parliament yesterday (23) that the National Election Commission (EC) had not taken any official decision on a date to hold the local council polls.Making a special statement to Parliament, the President said that the election has not been postponed.

“There was no election in the first place for it to be postponed,” he said, adding that a motion had been filed before the Supreme Court against the Finance Ministry Secretary and other officials. The claim by the Election Commission that the Finance Ministry Secretary had informed the Treasury that the Ministry was unable to provide necessary funds for the election was false.

The President said that decisions pertaining to the election had been taken by two members of the EC while the other three members were made to accept the decision, showing a significant difference of opinion. “This proves that no official decision has been taken pertaining to the Local Government election,” the President said, asking how the relevant authorities could release funds when an official decision was taken pertaining to the Local Government election by the National Election Commission.

The President said there was no intention to postpone elections, and the government did not have funds for the election due to the current economic situation but discussions could be held to find a way to resolve the matter.

“There is no intention to suspend the election. There are no sufficient funds now. And now there is no election as well. There are no funds to conduct an election and now no election to conduct even if there are funds. What are we arguing about here?” the President questioned.

Stating that the Parliament had the power to appoint a select committee to look into the matter, the President said the committee must be appointed and present facts to the Supreme Court to resolve the matter pertaining to the Local Government election.

The President said that he had called on SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman and instructed him not to resign from the MP post. “I told him that he would lose his seat. I had concerns because it was I who brought him to parliament. He did not listen to me and I am not going to talk about it further,” the President said.

“In December 2022, I informed the Election Commission members that it was not feasible to conduct an election under the current circumstances due to the economic crisis and an election could be held after the number of Local Government members was reduced to 5,000,” the President said.

After the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, the National Election Commission had been identified as a caretaker Commission operational on a temporary basis and reports to Parliament, the President said. During a meeting with the Commission members along with the Prime Minister and Attorney General, a suggestion was made to hold the election on 23 Dec 2022, but the Commission informed it was not possible as a decision had not been taken on the date for the acceptance of nominations.

Even though the Attorney General advised the Commission to discuss and nominate a date for election nominations, it had not done so due to a difference of opinion among the Election Commission members, the President said.

Wickremesinghe said that when the budget 2023 was prepared eight billion rupees had been allocated for the election. After the budget was passed, the Election Commission had issued a letter requesting Rs. five billion when the government was looking at a budget between eight to twelve billion rupees.

“The Commission stated that it could conduct the election with five billion rupees while the Police stated that they required more money to conduct the election taking into consideration fuel prices, etc.,” the president said.

The President pointed out that another official had signed certain important documents requesting funds for the election on behalf of the Chairman of the National Election Commission, and it was a violation of the Constitution.

President Wickremesinghe said that the letters sent by the Election Commission requesting funds had not explicitly mentioned that another officer had been vested with powers to make such requests and sign on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission.

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Navy seizes a consignment of narcotics and apprehends 06 suspects in offshore operation

Published

6 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Answering to the call of the national mission ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy has tightened its grip on the island’s maritime boundaries.

Striking deep in the southern waters, a successful naval mission
resulted in the seizure of a local fishing trawler and six (06) suspects, foiling a major drug smuggling attempt.

The intercepted trawler, carrying 02 suspicious sacks, and suspects were escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today (08 Mar 26).

A specialised inspection conducted by the Police Narcotic
Bureau (PNB) confirmed that the sacks contained more than 102kg of heroin and over 900g of cocaine.

The detection was inspected on-site by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), alongside the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Minister emphasized that under the guidance of the President and the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, the Tri-Forces, Police, and intelligence
agencies have intensified the “A Nation United” national mission, leaving no stone unturned.

He noted that during 2025, the tri-forces and police, in coordination with domestic and international agencies, conducted numerous successful operations. Notably, the Navy seized over 75 billion rupees worth of narcotics.

Despite national disasters and the escalating global conflicts
and growing reports of vessel distress in Sri Lankan waters, the Sri Lanka Navy stands vigilant around the clock, tirelessly fulfilling its critical mission in alignment with international maritime conventions.

Accordingly, the Deputy Minister commended, on behalf of the President, the Navy’s vital role in ensuring public safety and protecting the youth from drugs.

Adding further, he declared drug trafficking has become a major menace, stressing that all of society, not just authorities, must help eradicate it. He urged traffickers and dealers to quit the trade, noting that drugs cannot enter the country by sea or air. Addicts were also urged to do away with the habit, as a huge amount of money is spent on their rehabilitation.

The Deputy Minister further stated that the toxic drugs seized will remain in highly secure custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings, and arrangements have been made to destroy a large quantity of toxic drugs and case exhibits for which legal proceedings have been completed.

He also emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been granted the opportunity to operate independently. Accordingly, the public was urged to provide information regarding drug
traffickers via the hotline numbers 1818 and 1997.

Additionally, the event acknowledged the responsible journalism carried out by media institutions and journalists in raising public awareness about the drug menace.

The multi-day fishing trawler, along with the haul of narcotics and 06 suspects was handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for further investigation and legal proceedings.

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Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity – PM

Published

18 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarsooriya in her message on International Women’s Day 2026 says that the governments goal is to build a Thriving Nation where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity.

The PM’s message:

“I extend my greetings to all sisters and daughters in Sri Lanka and around the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day.This year, the United Nations has declared the global theme for International Women’s Day as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the realization of rights, the delivery of justice, and meaningful action for all women and girls.

Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating women as mere beneficiaries and recognizing them as active partners in national development, ensuring that they receive the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Within our policy framework, special focus has been placed on women. We are committed to recognizing the economic contribution extended by women as housewives, promoting women’s entrepreneurship, and expanding access to the technical and financial support necessary for self-employment alongside strengthening the legal framework required to ensure women’s safety in public transport, workplaces, and within the family environment. Further, we are taking steps to create the environment to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies at national and regional levels. Special attention is also being given to implementing targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being.

Women are not a group seeking sympathy; they are vital social partners endowed with intelligence, resilience, and creativity. Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity

On this International Women’s Day, I sincerely hope that it marks the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of all women in our country are realized as they shine before the world.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

Published

18 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 07 March 2026, valid for 08 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala 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.