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

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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)

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3 DMT officials remanded until July 07

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Three officials from the Narahenpita branch of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), including the Deputy Commissioner, have been remanded until July 07 following allegations of accepting bribes totaling nearly Rs. 04 million.

The suspects were presented before Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga earlier today (June 20) and court ordered their continued detention as investigations are continuing.Authorities allege that the officials solicited bribes from members of the public seeking vehicle licenses and registration services with these bribes reportedly discovered in their possession during the arrest.

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Billion rupee loss due to Southern Expressway design changes – Bimal

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Minister Bimal Ratnayake revealed in Parliament today (June 20) financial losses running upto to billions of rupees has occured due to politically influenced changes made to the original design of the Southern Expressway.

He stated that two interchanges, which were not included in the expressway’s initial plan, were constructed under political pressure – leading to unnecessary cost escalations and inefficiencies.

These interchanges are located in Kapuduwa and Bedigama, the minister revealed.

Minister Ratnayake emphasized the need to protect large-scale infrastructure projects from political interference to avoid waste of public funds and ensure proper planning and execution.

He also revealed that there is only one rest area in the Southern Expressway which has been leased by the Rajapaksas for a prolonged period of 99 years for a mere Rs. 10,000.

(Video : VoiceTube)

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FDI records 90% increase in Q1 of 2025

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The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka has successfully increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by US$96 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024.

This was disclosed today (June 20) during a progress review meeting of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, chaired by President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.

BOI officials also noted that, relative to the first quarter of 2024, domestic investment rose by US$21 million, while export income increased by US$176 million during the first quarter of 2025. In total, Sri Lanka has attracted US$4,669 million in foreign investment thus far in 2025.

The meeting also focused on the issues and challenges associated with attracting investment to the country and discussed potential strategies to address them.
Addressing the gathering, President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the Board of Investment holds a pivotal role in enhancing the national economy and improving the living standards of the rural population.

 He stressed that opportunities to attract investment in traditional sectors are becoming increasingly limited and therefore the nation must identify new areas for investment, an endeavour that falls under the BOI’s mandate.

The President further noted that Sri Lanka has attracted only around US$22 billion in investment since 1978. In comparison to other countries in the region, he stated, Sri Lanka must advance rapidly, referencing Vietnam’s achievement of securing US$23 billion in investment in 2022 alone.

He went on to state that the BOI should prioritise the expansion of investment in the services sector and proactively seek new investment opportunities, rather than focusing solely on recapturing missed ones.

The event was attended by senior officials of the Board of Investment, including Mr Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs; Mr Arjuna Herath, Chairman of the Board of Investment; and Ms Renuka Weerakone, Acting Director General of the Board of Investment.

(President’s Media Division)

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