News
Prez agrees to form interim government with new PM, cabinet: Sirisena

ECONOMYNEXT – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has agreed to form an interim government with a new prime minister and cabinet of ministers, former president Maithripala Sirisena said on Friday (29).
Sirisena’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), which recently quit the government, had a discussion with Rajapaksa on Friday about the way forward.
“The talks were successful. The president agreed to form an interim government under a new prime minister with a new cabinet.
“They will send invitations to all parties in the coming days. The new cabinet must be small, with just 15 to 20 ministers,” said Sirisena.
The president has also agreed to appoint a National Council as proposed by the SLFP, he said at a press conference Friday afternoon.
However, reports had emerged earlier that the president had, in fact, decided not to go for an interim all party government and that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa would continue in his role.
Meanwhile, main opposition the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva said Thursday (28) night that his party will support an interim all-party government only if President Gotabaya Rajapaksa steps down.
President Rajapaksa was scheduled to meet party leaders Friday morning but reports said the meeting was postponed at the last minute. However, a meeting with the SLFP parliamentary group went ahead as scheduled.
Sri Lanka’s worsening economic crisis has triggered an unprecedented political crisis amid rising public anger.
News
The term of Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar extended

The term of Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar has been extended.
Accordingly, Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar took his oath before President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (17). Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present on this occasion.
Latest News
Colombo High Court serves indictments against SLPP Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa

The Colombo High Court has served indictments against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa.over alleged misappropriation of Rs. 70 million provided by Krrish Company for development of rugby in Sri Lanka.
Latest News
SLNS Vijayabahu returns after taking part in AMAN – 2025

Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Vijayabahu which took part in the multinational naval exercise AMAN – 2025, hosted for the ninth time by Pakistan Navy, arrived the island on successful completion of the exercise on 17 Feb 25.
Upon her arrival, the Navy welcomed the ship in compliance with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo.
AMAN series of multinational exercises were started in 2007 with a view to promote regional cooperation and stability, greater interoperability and to display a united resolve against piracy, terrorism and crimes in maritime domain.
The multinational naval exercise which encompassed both Harbour and Sea Phases, was held from 10 to 14 Feb, centered around Karachi and the Arabian Sea and the exercise saw participation from 11 countries, involving 22 naval ships, 02 submarines, and aircraft.
Representing the Sri Lanka Navy, SLNS Vijayabahu took part in an assortment of exercises including; maritime security, counter piracy and humanitarian assistance, manoeuvres and formation, firing practices and a wide range of other exercises.
The ninth edition of AMAN 2025 successfully concluded following the International Fleet Review, which marked the end of the Sea Phase.
Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Thushara Karunathunga represented the Sri Lanka Navy at AMAN Dialogue – 2025, held with the attendance of navy chiefs, intellectuals and stakeholders from the maritime fraternity, on the sidelines of the multinational naval exercise.
Moreover, Rear Admiral Thushara Karunathunga had the opportunity to call on Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Additionally, the Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy took time off to visit SLNS Vijayabahu and the significant occasion was marked with an exchange of mementoes.
In conjunction with this event, a cultural exchange programme was organized, featuring a series of vibrant cultural performances by the Navy’s cultural troupe.
SLNS Vijayabahu also participated in a food gala, showcasing an array of traditional culinary delights.
The Pakistan Navy had organized cross ship visits to witness the operational effectiveness and technical equipment of the participating vessels. During this event, the crew of SLNS Vijayabahu had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge regarding the capabilities of both regional and extra-regional navies, as well as to exchange valuable experiences.
Taking part in this nature of naval exercises would open new avenues to the Sri Lanka Navy to build inter-operability with regional and extra-regional partners, exchange best practices and procedures in maritime operations, identify new challenges in maritime domain and collectively find solutions to overcome those issues.
-
Midweek Review7 days ago
How USAID influenced Sri Lanka
-
News7 days ago
AKD’s attention drawn to ITAK’s threat to demolish Tissa Raja Maha Viharaya
-
News7 days ago
Open verdicts returned on deaths of two foreigners
-
News6 days ago
Oracle Corporation pledges support for Sri Lanka’s digitalization
-
Sports3 days ago
Remarkable turnaround for Sri Lanka’s ODI team
-
Editorial6 days ago
Groping in the dark
-
Editorial7 days ago
Buses as Chariots of Death
-
News7 days ago
Gevindu opposes Karu’s move to promote Yahapalana federal proposals, points to NPP-US nexus