Leader of the National Freedom Front – MP Wimal Weerawansa says that the agenda of making Sri Lanka the 29th Indian state is in the hands of Ranil Wickramasinghe whom he has referred to as the ‘Vibheeshana of the modern age’.

He said this while recently launching his book “Rama Ravana and Vibheeshana Noothana Kathawa”, at the Laxman Kadiragamar Institute in Colombo.

He further said :

“I decided to launch this book with the objective of initiating a genuine social dialogue on the current challenge we are facing as a state and a nation. You know, a few years back there was a movement in Ukraine called the ‘Maidan Uprising’. Ukraine is now in a ‘post-Maidan Uprising’ period. It was this struggle that led to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Likewise, the ‘Galle Face uprising’ in Sri Lanka has now led the country to a similar state, but to a war without live ammunition. According to the ‘Ramayana’ epic, Vibheeshana is Ravana’s brother, who later betrayed him. Although Ranil Wickramasinghe is not Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s brother by blood, he can be symbolically called as such. Due to several factors including the ‘Galle Face uprising’, the reins of power went to Ranil Wickramasinghe’s hands. Today, we are faced with the duty and responsibility of rescuing and reviving the state, which is being taken on a path which will lead to the end of its sovereign existence.”

All liquor shops across the country will be closed on May 23 and 24 in view of the Wesak festival, the Excise Department has announced

In the Matale city limits the liquor shops will be closed from May 21, 22, 23 and 24th as the State Wesak festival is being held in Matale this year.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that Sri Lanka is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian and other senior Irani officials.

“I express my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the government and the people of Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of President Raisi and his entourage,” the President said in a X message.