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SLPP accuses govt. of fascist power grab and recent killings
Questions how unprecedented port congestion vanished immediately after the release of 323 mystery containers without checks
Former MP and SLPP General Secretary, Sagara Kariyawasam, yesterday alleged that the recent murder of social media activist Dan Priyasad, who first exposed the massive “Container 323” fraud, signals a dangerous slide toward fascist rule under the current government.
Addressing the media at the SLPP headquarters at Battaramulla yesterday, Kariyawasam charged that Priyasad had been killed inside his own home, and that the people have serious suspicions that these killings are linked to an effort to establish authoritarian rule.
“We are witnessing a situation worse than the one during the LTTE era or even the JVP terror period of 1988–89. People are being gunned down in courts, in police custody, and even in their homes. The government seems to be trying to normalise extrajudicial killings,” he said.
Kariyawasam said that the government was attempting to deflect attention from these murders by labelling victims as drug dealers or underworld figures. “But the public must understand—governments are elected to uphold the rule of law, not to undermine it.”
He said that Dan Priyasad was the first to reveal the controversial “Container 323” scam, yet his murder has been conveniently swept under the rug. “This killing is not an isolated incident; it fits into a broader pattern. We strongly suspect it is a cornerstone of a fascist power grab,” he added.
Kariyawasam claimed that organised criminal activity is now more brazen than ever before, even in the post-war era. “We’re seeing shootings right in front of police stations and inside courthouses,” he said.
He warned that national security is being deliberately compromised to mask the government’s incompetence and to suppress political opposition. “This is a dangerous attempt to silence political rivals and dissident voices.”
Referring to the Container 323 scandal, Kariyawasam alleged it was one of the largest frauds in Sri Lankan history. “This occurred just months after this so-called ‘rescue government’ came to power. We are talking about 323 red-labelled containers being cleared from the port without any inspection.”
He noted that both the Ports Minister and the State Minister at the time had acknowledged awareness of the clearance, which casts doubt on their denials now. “How did such massive port congestion disappear as soon as this government took office? What was in those containers? No one knows. The government is yet to reveal the contents.”
Kariyawasam compared current events to the political accusations made during the Rajapaksa administration. “Back then, opposition figures like Anura Kumara Dissanayake would allege that every hotel, every piece of land, belonged to the Rajapaksas. But now it’s evident those claims lacked substance.”
He went on to accuse the Yahapalana government—of which Dissanayake was a part—of orchestrating the infamous Central Bank bond scam, calling it a key contributor to the country’s economic downfall.
“In contrast, today’s government has committed what could be the largest fraud in the country’s history,” he said, referring again to the Container 323 affair.
“We must ask: Is the JVP-led government now pursuing the very chaos that the LTTE once dreamed of? Is it deliberately weakening Sri Lanka to satisfy some ideological fantasy?”
Kariyawasam concluded with a stark warning: “The people didn’t give this government power to divide or destroy the country. The truth behind Container 323—who received them, what they contained—must be revealed immediately.”
By Anuradha Hiripitiyage
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
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 the 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.
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