News

“Cabinet’s decision to call new LG polls will gain full support”

Published

1 month ago

December 10, 2024

editor

Chairman of the Freedom People’s Congress and Executive Committee Member of Samagi Jana Sandhanaya Dullas Alahapperuma has expressed strong criticism against the decision to annul the nominations for the local government elections, initially called 22 months ago, and to schedule new elections.

Alahapperuma stated that the Cabinet’s decision to annul the nominations for the local government elections, called 22 months ago, and to call for new elections will receive the support of all political parties and the public.

In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Alahapperuma condemned former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s decision to postpone the local government elections in January 2023. He emphasized that the delay resulted in the loss of over Rs. 720 million of public funds, money which he clarified was taxpayer money, not the personal wealth of politicians.

The letter was also sent to the Opposition Leader, all Members of Parliament, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, and the leaders of all political parties.

Alahapperuma expressed his belief that former President Wickremesinghe, by insulting the Election Commission and its Commissioners who decided to hold the elections, and by humiliating the Supreme Court, had confirmed his involvement in a political conspiracy.

He further criticized the decision to delay the elections, describing it as a clear case of collective corruption and political and economic crimes carried out in broad daylight.

Alahapperuma also pointed out that the delay in holding the elections, alongside other political scandals such as the bond scam, sugar scam, and visa issue, should be viewed as part of a larger pattern of political misconduct.

He stressed that those responsible for these actions must face severe punishment, regardless of their political privileges granted by the Constitution.

Dullas Alahapperuma also called on the current President to take decisive action against the perpetrators of these economic crimes and expressed hope that the people’s expectations would be fulfilled through a new election date.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

2 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.

News

China pledges to back sovereignty, territorial integrity & independence of SL (Video)

Published

2 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (Jan. 16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.

During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China – Majintha Jayesinghe, were also present at the event.

(President’s Media Division)

BIZ

SL President holds talks with globally renowned Chinese companies (Pics)

Published

2 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

During his four-day state visit to China, President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a series of strategic discussions with several globally acclaimed leading Chinese corporations following his participation in an investment forum organized by both public and private sector entities in China.

Among the prominent companies involved in these discussions were the China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC), Huawei and BYD Auto.

President Disanayake highlighted the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka and assured these corporations that the government is committed to providing all necessary facilities and support to investors to foster a business-friendly environment.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also participated in these significant engagements.

(President’s Media Division)