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Wimal warns of Western interventions,Indian agenda as situation deteriorates

Published

4 years ago

2022/06/15

Sahan Weerasooriya

… frowns on mismanagement of relations with Russia

By Shamindra Ferdinando

National Freedom Front (NFF) leader and MP Wimal Weerawansa has warned that the current politico-economic-social crisis could lead to foreign military interventions.

Appearing in a Hiru TV programme on Monday night, the former industries Minister declared that Western powers could intervene on the basis of the ‘responsibility to protect’ (R2P) doctrine.

The Colombo District lawmaker said so when he dealt with possible scenarios in case the much touted IMF debt restructuring programme failed to materialize. The police and the armed forces wouldn’t be able to deal with the situation efficiently, the MP said, recalling how the May 09 violence changed Sri Lanka’s image overnight.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa sacked Weerawansa along with his Cabinet colleague Udaya Gammanpila, in the first week of March this year. They were sacked soon after a group of rebel lawmakers presented an alternative action plan consequent to a split in the ruling SLPP over the finalization of the Yugadanavi deal.

MP Weerawansa said that international media coverage compared the situation here with that of South Sudan. The NFF leader said that the Indian Army would probably lead the foreign military deployment here.

Commenting on India’s renewed interest in Kachchativu island south-west of Delft, MP Weerawansa explained how Sri Lanka could end up like Bhutan and Nepal where Indian currency is widely accepted. The former minister alleged that it was a different kind of take-over.

Appreciating the financial support extended by India at Sri Lanka’s hour of need, lawmaker Weerawansa asserted that the political environment was so dicey, powerful external elements and their local agents undermine and manipulate the hapless country.

Asked whether the NFF was happy to see the back of Basil Rajapaksa, who recently quit his National List seat in Parliament, lawmaker Weerawansa emphasized how Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe could sustain the former finance minister’s agenda.

The MP examined the current developments and various external interventions in the context of ‘Quad’ alliance comprising the US, Japan, Australia and India. The one-time JVP heavyweight said that foreign powers may find developments here conducive for their overall plans. Therefore, the government and the Opposition should not in any way contribute to destabilization projects underway, MP Weerawansa said, warning of dire consequences unless those in authority responded to the threat.

The ex-minister alleged that there hadn’t been a proper assessment of the crisis so far. Therefore, the government responses to the developments could be either late or irrelevant at the point they were taken, MP Weerawansa said.

MP Weerawansa said that Sri Lanka could seek assistance from friendly countries without primarily depending on India. Accusing the incumbent dispensation of having antagonised China, Japan and Russia, MP Weerawansa discussed how former finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa followed an agenda inimical to Sri Lanka. Asserting that UNP leader Wickremesinghe was capable of executing Basil Rajapaksa’s strategy, MP Weerawansa reiterated previously denied unsubstantiated accusations directed at Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in New Delhi, Milinda Moragoda.

Referring to ‘Pathfinder’ organization established by Moragoda in 2008, MP Weerawansa alleged that Sri Lanka had been snared in a clandestine US operation. The former minister said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa couldn’t absolve himself of responsibility for the situation. The Parliamentary High Posts Committee cleared former Minister Moragoda nominated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka’s HC in New Delhi with the rank of a Lankan Cabinet Minister.

MP Weerawansa said that the growing Indian role here should be examined against the backdrop of the IMF deliberately delaying much needed assistance as happened at the height of the war.

Commenting on Western attempts to isolate Russia, especially in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, MP Weerawansa pointed out Sri Lanka’s pathetic failure to seek closer trade ties. The former minister commended several countries, including India and Vietnam for conducting their relations with Russia prudently.

Referring to the recent detention of an Aeroflot flight following an order issued by the Commercial High Court of the Western Province, MP Weerawansa questioned the role played by a section of lawyers in the ongoing crisis. According to him, since the eruption of violent protests at Mirihana on March 31, some lawyers had acted in a manner supportive of violent elements. The former minister alleged that powerful external elements were busy causing a conflict among the executive, legislature and the judiciary.

Declaring that UNP leader Wickremesinghe had been a beneficiary of the forex crisis, MP Weerawansa said that though Basil Rajapaksa served as the finance minister several weeks less than a year (July 2021 to June 2022) he played a much wider role from the very beginning of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government from behind the scene.

MP Weerawansa regretted their failure to prevent Basil Rajapaksa’s entry into Parliament on the National List. The NFF chief described Basil Rajapaksa as New Delhi’s man and went on to blame the Rajapaksa clan for the irreparable damage caused by the SLPP founder. MP Weerawansa expressed shock and dismay over five Rajapaksas, namely Mahinda, Chamal, Basil, Namal and Shashendra serving in the Cabinet, in addition to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, too, being a member.

Appreciating the pioneering role played by the Galle Face protest campaign, MP Weerawansa said that the movement had transformed itself into something else and was pursuing a destructive agenda. The former minister urged political parties represented in Parliament and other interested parties outside to realize the danger in promoting lawlessness. Those who created chaos, too, often fall prey to the destructive elements, the former minister said, urging the judiciary to be mindful of its role.

Referring to corruption allegations directed at politicians, MP Weerawansa questioned the conduct of senior officials as well. The former minister said that M.C. Ferdinando, who had been embroiled in a simmering controversy over the Mannar wind power project given to India’s Adani Group was among a group of influential officials who exercised authority over major deals. MP Weerawansa claimed that former Secretary to the President Dr. P.B.J. Jayasundera delayed the finalization of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission for the benefit of someone who handled legal matters. If President Gotabaya Rajapaksa managed to finalize the agreement within three months as promised to the Chinese, some investments could have taken place much earlier, the MP said.

The former minister recalled how India won the contract for Colombo West terminal after the Colombo East Terminal project went awry. India was determined to secure the Mannar project for obvious reasons, MP Weerawansa said, urging the government to be cautious in its endeavours.

The NFF Leader lambasted a section of the SLFP for giving up their struggle for personal benefit. Naming Senior Vice President of the SLFP Nimal Siripala de Silva as one of the beneficiaries of the utterly corrupt political party system, MP Weerawansa said that the SLFP played a critical role in Wickremesinghe receiving the premiership. He also accused the SLFP of deceiving the President.

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PM Visits the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Published

1 hour ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on 11 March 2026, and held bilateral discussions with Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development.

During the meeting, discussions centered on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations.

Both sides also discussed the importance of introducing modern techniques and research-driven approaches to rice cultivation in order to enhance productivity and ensure long-term food security. In this regard, IRRI shared insights on ongoing global research initiatives aimed at improving rice varieties, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The discussion further focused on the potential for expanded collaboration between Sri Lanka and IRRI, particularly in areas such as research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for Sri Lankan agricultural institutions and farmers. The Prime Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s interest in strengthening cooperation with IRRI to support the development of the country’s rice sector and to improve the livelihoods of paddy farmers.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of science-based agricultural innovation and international collaboration in addressing food security challenges and enhancing sustainable rice production in Sri Lanka.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Mannar districts

Published

10 hours ago

2026/03/12

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 11 March 2026, valid for 12 March 2026.

The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at
some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Mannar districts.

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 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 011-744649

News

Power sector reforms jolted by 40% pay hike demand

Published

11 hours ago

2026/03/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Nusith Kumaratunga

The government’s sweeping electricity sector restructuring programme ran into fresh turbulence yesterday, with authorities warning that meeting a 40 percent salary increase, demanded by striking power sector unions, could push electricity tariffs up by nearly 100 percent.

Chairman of the National Transmission Network Service Provider (NTNSP), Nusith Kumaratunga, issuing the warning at a media briefing, said the additional salary burden would significantly escalate operating costs in the newly formed power sector companies.

According to Kumaratunga, granting the 40 percent salary increase would raise the monthly wage bill by about Rs. 1.8 billion, amounting to nearly Rs. 22 billion annually, placing enormous pressure on the already fragile financial position of the electricity sector.

“If that additional burden is passed on to consumers, electricity tariffs may have to increase by close to 100 percent,” he said.

The briefing was organised by the management of the successor companies created following the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

Kumaratunga said electricity sector trade unions had presented 64 demands in the wake of the restructuring exercise.

“Out of the 64 demands, 62 have already been agreed to,

while the remaining two have been referred to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for discussion,” he said.

He explained that the majority of the demands related to the continuation of privileges previously enjoyed by employees under the CEB structure.

“During the initial round of discussions itself, the boards of directors agreed to 59 of those demands,” he noted.

Among the concessions already granted was the continuation of bonus payments, similar to those previously paid by the CEB, at least temporarily, until a performance-based incentive system is introduced.

The management had also agreed to grant an allowance of Rs. 11,000, in addition to the existing cost-of-living allowance, bringing the average additional monthly benefit to around Rs. 17,000 per employee, he said.

Kumaratunga stressed that management had approved all demands that could be granted at the ministerial level.

However, he said the proposed 40 percent salary increase would be difficult to justify, particularly at a time when other segments of the public service were not receiving similar benefits.

He also revealed that unions had requested that a 25 percent salary adjustment, granted to senior executives in 2024, be extended to all employees, with retrospective effect from January 1, 2024.

Granting such a request would require amending an existing Cabinet decision, which the boards of directors of the newly established companies do not have the authority to do, Kumaratunga explained.

He pointed out that the newly created electricity sector companies had only commenced operations on Monday, and their work had already been disrupted by the ongoing trade union action.

“It is difficult to understand why the strike continues when the vast majority of demands have already been addressed,” he said.

However, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union clarified that the 40 percent salary increase was not their primary demand.

Union representatives said that the electricity sector employees were originally due for a salary revision in January 2027, but the ongoing restructuring had raised concerns that the scheduled increase might not materialise.

“That is why we requested at least a reasonable percentage increase in order to secure some form of salary revision,” a senior electrical engineer said.

The dispute comes at a critical moment as the government presses ahead with the unbundling of the CEB into separate generation, transmission and distribution entities, a reform programme, officials say, is aimed at improving efficiency and attracting investment to Sri Lanka’s troubled power sector.

However, the restructuring has been strongly opposed by trade unions, which argue that the reforms could undermine employee security and weaken state control over a strategic national utility.

With industrial action continuing and tariff hikes looming as a possibility, the confrontation between the government and electricity sector unions appears set to intensify in the coming days.

By Ifham Nizam