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Catholic Church to boycott Independence Day celebrations

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The Catholic Church has decided not to attend the 75th National Independence Day celebrations, Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando says.

Speaking at a media briefing today (01), he said that they question what kind of independence can be celebrated with dignity in a country where many burning issues prevail.

“We question what is the kind of independence can be celebrated with dignity in a country with debt defaults, where 30% of the population goes hungry, where 33.4% of children under 5 years of age are suffering from malnutrition, where many are losing jobs and small industries are collapsing, where the rule of law is severely shattered, where the freedom of expression is hindered, where uninterrupted power supply cannot be given during the GCE A/L exam and where there is no sufficient medicine,” Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando added.

Spending Rs. 200 million for this kind of ’empty’ kind of celebration is a sheer waste and crime against the people. We strongly condemn wasting such a staggering amount of funds to hold the 75th Independence Day. What really should have been done when celebrating the 75th independence Day, was a public apology by political parties and leaders who have ruined this country in the past 75 years.

We refuse to celebrate this Independence Day in this manner. No one representing the Catholic Church will participate,” Fr. Cyril Gamini further said.

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NPP wins Tangalle Urban Council in first LG election results

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The Election Commission has released the first official results from the 2025 Local Government polls, with the National People’s Power (NPP) claiming victory in the Tangalle Urban Council, Hambantota District.  

Tangalle Urban Council Results
National People’s Power (NPP): 2,260 votes (9 seats)  
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): 1,397 votes (5 seats)  
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP): 795 votes (3 seats)  
United National Party (UNP):  265 votes (1 seat)  
Sarvajana Balaya (SB): 177 votes (1 seat)  

The JVP-led NPP’s strong showing in this southern urban council marks a significant shift in the region traditionally dominated by the SLPP. 

Political analysts note this could signal changing voter sentiments amid economic pressures.  

Voting concluded at 4:00 p.m. today after a largely peaceful process. 

Counting continues for 338 other local bodies, with results expected through the night.  

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LG polls : voting concludes peacefully

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Voting of the 2025 Local Government elections concluded at 4.00 pm today (May 06).

The Election Commission has stated that the voting process was peaceful overall, with no incidents of violence reported during the polling period.

Voting ended with varying turnout in various districts as most districts have reported turnout of about 50% or less as at 3.00 pm.

Meanwhile, police say that special security arrangements are continued even after voting is concluded.

Police Media Spokesperson, SSP Buddhika Manatunga, has urged the public to remain calm and peaceful during the post-election period as well.

A total of 75,589 candidates are contesting from various political parties and independent groups at this year’s Local Government election.

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World Bank group President to visit SL tomorrow

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World Bank group President – Ajay Banga will visit Sri Lanka tomorrow (May 07).

It is the first visit by the head of the multilateral lender in 20 years, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake last year.

“The visit comes at a critical moment, as Sri Lanka continues its path toward economic recovery and seeks to build a more resilient, inclusive, and private sector-led future,” the World Bank says.

Banga will meet President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and senior government and private sector leaders.

“These discussions will center on how Sri Lanka can overcome current challenges and seize new opportunities as it continues to recover economically and socially,” the World Bank added.

The World Bank Group currently maintains a portfolio of projects in Sri Lanka valued at $2.2 billion, encompassing both public and private sector investments. While recent reports have acknowledged Sri Lanka’s progress, the Bank continues to emphasize the need for poverty reduction and reform continuity to ensure sustained recovery.

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