News
Ranil has not been stabiliser of economy; he’s the wrecker: AKD
By Saman Indrajith
Most of the International Sovereign Bonds (ISB) were issued by a government led by Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose economic decisions had played a significant role in the current financial crisis, National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Wednesday (11), addressing a rally in Kandy.
Dissanayake highlighted what he called the irony of Wickremesinghe claiming credit for stabilising Sri Lanka’s economy, given the latter’s involvement in the policies that had precipitated the crisis. He assured that an NPP-led government would revitalise the economy through a carefully structured development drive, harnessing the country’s human capital and resources.
He criticised past governments for consistently pledging to boost exports, while the share of exports had either stagnated or declined over the years. “Take a look at our export performance during the last two years. It’s been in decline. Has Ranil taken steps to study the economy, identify our strengths, seize opportunities, and develop industries to leverage these opportunities?” Dissanayake questioned.
The NPP leader accused Wickremesinghe and his associates of being primarily focused on enriching themselves at the expense of the nation, neglecting development priorities. He said some people still believed that Wickremesinghe had a master plan up his sleeve, but history suggested otherwise. “He has no plans. He will lose the election and go home. Some fear that the government might attempt to manipulate the vote count, but with 80 percent of state officials on our side, we are confident in the integrity of the process,” he said.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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