News
So-called patriots sold most state assets while claiming to protect them – SJB
By Saman Indrajith
The Samagi Jana Balavegaya yesterday alleged that the governments of the so-called progressive political forces had been responsible for the biggest sale of national assets to foreigners and local companies. SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Maddumabadara addressing the media at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo on Tuesday (2) said that governments of SLFP, PA, UPFA and SLPP had sold off the highest number of public enterprises to the private sector or to foreign investors. “Among them are Colombo Gas Company, Orient Lanka, Rajarata Agro Chemicals, Lanka Salt, Puttalam Salt, Sri Lanka Telecom, SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Insurance, Overseas Realty, Kelanitissa. In most of those governments Mahinda Rajapaksa was in the Cabinet. They sold the Colombo International Container Terminals to China and South Asia Gateway Terminals to a local company. In both cases the government stake was a mere 15 percent while the buyer got 85 percent of shares. They handed over 600,000 acres of land belonging to the state sector plantation corporations to private companies and foreigners. They are the very ones who came to power, promising to save national assets.
Madduma Bandara alleged that those involved in the East Container Terminal deal were notorious for commissions. They took commissions from the Southern Expressway project, the extension of Railway to Beliatta, purchase of MiG aircraft, etc. We are planning to expose these deals to people in the coming days. They sold the land belonging to the Army Headquarters. Soon after coming to power this time they sold three acres in the land near Galle Face. We have information that some areas in Colombo are being surveyed to be sold to foreign companies. That land includes the Bank of Ceylon Headquarters’ land and Police Headquarters’ lands.”
Maddumabandara said that one of the main accusations against the UNP and the SJB was that they would sell national assets. “They with the support of the media and their propagandists succeeded in having the public believe that UNP was the party that privatised and sold national assets. What we did actually was enabling employees of the corporations to buy 10 percent of shares. But statistics show that it was the so-called progressive camp that sold off the highest number of public enterprises.”
Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella also addressed the media.
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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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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