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Sirisena remains defiant; SLPP-SLFP ties deteriorate

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GL frowns on SLFP leaping to Susil’s defence

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The stage is set for a major clash between the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and its second largest constituent, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

SLPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (10) flayed the SLFP for the latter’s backing for Colombo District SLPP MP Susil Premjayantha, who was stripped of his portfolios following his criticism of the government.

Prof. Peiris told the regular weekly media briefing at the SLPP office at Battaramulla that the former President and the SLFP leader Maithripala Sirisena’s position that instead of disciplinary measures the government should rectify its mistakes and shortcomings, was not acceptable at all.

The SLFP group in Parliament consists of 14 members, including one National List MP. Of them, 12 members, including party leader Sirisena, have contested the last general election on the SLPP ticket and one (Dr. Suren Raghavan) accommodated on the SLPP National List.

While acknowledging the right to dissent, Prof. Peiris emphasised that public criticism wouldn’t be tolerated. The FM declared that those who had taken a different stand on a particular issue could raise such a matter at the government parliamentary group meeting, cabinet and party leaders’ level.

Polonnaruwa District MP Sirisena has repeatedly declared his support for Premjayantha, who was unceremoniously removed on 04 January, two days after his outburst at the Delkanda fair. One-time SLFP General Secretary Premjayantha lambasted Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane and Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage for having made disastrous policy decisions.

In addition to Premjayantha, several other lawmakers have strongly criticised the government. Three ministers, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Nanayakkara have even backed petitions against the controversial Yugadanavi deal, while State Minister Vidura Wickremanayake has lambasted the entire Cabinet of ministers. Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, recently levelled corruption allegations against the Chinese and the current political leadership.

Senior SLFP Vice President Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa said that the SLPP was not in a position to dictate terms to its constituents. Having behaved in unjustifiable manner and caused irreparable damage, the SLPP was now struggling to regain control, Prof. Piyadasa said. The warning issued to constituent parties looked silly as a section of the Cabinet had moved the Supreme Court against the Cabinet of ministers, Prof. Piyadasa said.

Responding to another query, Prof. Piyadasa declared that the SLFP wouldn’t succumb to pressure. Prof. Piyadasa who had served as the SLFP Chairman during the last presidential election campaign said that it would be a grave mistake for the SLPP to believe it could consolidate its position by threatening other political parties.

Prof. Piyadasa pointed out how two dozen lawmakers representing several political parties had taken a common stand against the Yugadanavi deal though only three lawmakers moved the court.

Prof. Peiris asserted that the failure on the part of the government to speak with one voice caused turmoil not only locally but internationally as well. The Foreign Minister explained how dissenting views could undermine government efforts to attract foreign investments.

Prof. Peiris asserted that those in the government couldn’t play double roles simultaneously. How could they perform the role of government and Opposition MPs at the same time? Prof. Peiris asked.

At the onset of the briefing Prof. Peiris countered the assertion that the government had been isolated internationally as a result of being ignored by some sections of the international community. Referring to the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit to Colombo over the weekend, Prof. Peiris briefed the media on his recent visit to Dubai and Seoul where the focus was on South Korean assistance and more employment opportunities to Sri Lankan workers there.

Prof. Peiris expressed confidence that as promised South Korea would increase the number of Sri Lankan workers employed there soon. He said that South Korea would make an announcement in that regard next month.



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Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA departs island concluding her visit

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The Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a formal visit, departed the island on 18 Jun 25.

The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing
ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the Turkish Naval Ship engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Gajabahu in Colombo seas. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sri Lanka,  Semih Lütfü Turgut, accompanied by the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship, Lieutenant Commander Anil
BİLGİN met with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda at the Navy Headquarters on 13 Jun 25. The cordial discussion mainly focused on several matters of
bilateral importance and it importance of the occasion.

During her stay in Colombo, crew members of TCG BÜYÜKADA took part in several programmes including sporting events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the island.

Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit the Turkish Naval Ship gaining insights into the ship’s operational capabilities.

Meanwhile, the enhanced cooperation and interoperability fostered through this nature of port calls made by foreign naval ships will provide a strong foundation for the Sri Lanka Navy to
collectively and effectively respond to emerging trends and challenges in the maritime fraternity.

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Students of Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School visit President’s House

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A group of students from Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School visited the Presidential Secretariat and the President’s House on Wednesday (18).

The visit was facilitated under the ‘Vision’  programme series, a collaborative initiative for schoolchildren organised by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

As part of the visit, the students toured the Old Parliament building located within the Presidential Secretariat and received a briefing on the history of parliamentary democracy in Sri Lanka.

The students and teaching staff were also briefed on the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as well as on the functions of the executive branch and the importance of the rule of law.

To symbolically emphasise the importance of environmental preservation,  K.M.N. Kumarasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, presented the school with a valuable plant sapling.

Among those in attendance were Colonel Dhananjaya Senarath, Deputy Director of the Tri-Forces Security Operations Coordinating Unit;  N.A.L. Wijerathna, Principal of Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School; and members of the school’s teaching staff.

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President commends the service of outgoing Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Wednesday (18), lauded  Mahinda Siriwardana, the outgoing Secretary to the Treasury, for his exemplary service, stating that it is the responsibility of public officials to strive to prevent adverse outcomes and contribute to positive change.

The President particularly commended Mr Siriwardana’s exceptional dedication and commitment in expertly navigating the nation’s economy through the transformative period following the recent economic crisis, ultimately achieving significant economic victories for the country. President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for Mr Siriwardana’s invaluable contributions.

These remarks were made by President Disanayake at a farewell ceremony organised at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (18)  morning  to mark Mr Siriwardana’s retirement from his post as Secretary to the Treasury.

The President highlighted the need for a new value system focused on individual merit in an era where material possessions often overshadow genuine human values. He stressed that the country requires a public service driven by humanity and empathy towards others, fulfilling its duties rather than one marred by excessive consumerism and corruption.

President Disanayake further emphasised that the public service should not be an inaccessible mechanism aloof from citizens. He underscored the importance of considering the impact of decisions on people’s lives when making policy choices. The President concluded by stating that young public officials have much to learn from the distinguished career of Mr Mahinda Siriwardana, a senior public servant with extensive experience and profound understanding.

In his address, Mr Siriwardana described his three-year tenure as Secretary to the Treasury as the most significant period of his professional life. He thanked the President for maintaining confidence in him and allowing him to continue in the position despite a change in government leadership, noting that the President’s support was a great source of strength. Mr Siriwardana added that the country might not have overcome its economic crisis without President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s faith, resilience and boundless dedication.

During the ceremony, the President also presented Mr Siriwardana with a token of  appreciation for his outstanding service.

The event was attended by Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development; Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy; Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs; other government officials; and family members of Mr Siriwardana, amongst other invited guests.

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