Connect with us

News

CBK admits mistake in supporting Sirisena presidency

Published

on

Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, now the Patron of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), delivered a stark critique of the current political climate in Sri Lanka during a recent address.

Kumaratunga expressed her concerns about the prevailing state of politics, emphasizing the pursuit of power through questionable means and the prevalence of dynastic politics within the nation.

Kumaratunga highlighted the troubling trend of individuals with dubious backgrounds occupying positions of power, noting the need for a departure from such practices.

Refusing to align herself with the current political establishment, she declined an offer to chair the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, citing her commitment to ethical governance.

“Today, our political leaders behave as though there was never an Aragalaya, at least from what I can observe. I find it baffling—the state of politics today. It seems the entire nation is bent on pursuing power through unsavory means. Merely holding onto power seems to be sufficient, enjoying the perks that accompany it, regardless of the consequences for the country or its people. I have never engaged in such politics,” she said.

Responding to allegations of potential collaboration between the SLFP and the United National Party (UNP), Kumaratunga vehemently denied any intention to support the UNP, reaffirming her dedication to strengthening the SLFP.

She expressed confidence in the party’s potential for revitalization through the infusion of new leadership.

Addressing questions about potential presidential candidates from the SLFP, Kumaratunga acknowledged the party’s current challenges and emphasized the need for concerted efforts to rebuild its strength.

She lamented missed opportunities in the past and underscored the importance of strategic planning and unity within the party.

Regarding recent media briefings by SLFP members at various locations, Kumaratunga cautioned against actions that could further divide party supporters.

Reflecting on her own political journey, Kumaratunga reiterated her commitment to stepping away from active politics at a designated age, contrasting her approach with those who cling to power beyond their term.

She acknowledged her return to politics in 2015, driven by a desire for honest leadership, but expressed disappointment in the outcome.

“When I assumed office, I made a commitment to the people that I would step away from active politics at the age of sixty. Unlike some, I refuse to cling to power with a wheelchair and a walking stick. True to my word, I retired from politics in 2005 upon reaching sixty years of age. For years thereafter, I remained steadfast in my resolve, resisting any attempts by the Rajapaksas to draw me back into the political arena. Despite their relentless efforts to undermine me after handing over the leadership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, I held my ground against their onslaught. However, circumstances compelled me to reenter politics in 2015. I united several parties to form an alliance, driven by our shared aspiration for a leadership untainted by corruption and deceit. Yet, our ambitions were dashed. It became increasingly evident to me that post-2019, the prospect of clear and honest leadership in our nation was dim,” she elaborated

Responding candidly to inquiries about Maithripala Sirisena’s presidency, Kumaratunga admitted regret over supporting his candidacy and sought to rectify the decision through legal avenues.

(News 1st) 

(This story, originally published by News 1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

BIZ

All necessary procedures to launch Starlink services in SL competed – Dy. Minister

Published

on

By

The government has completed all necessary procedures to launch Starlink services in Sri Lanka, says Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne.

According to Deputy Minister Weeraratne, once the expected information dashboard is received from Starlink, the service could be launched without any operational delays.

He made this statement while attending a bilateral meeting organized by the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore, held alongside the 2025 Tech Summit Asia in Singapore.

The matter was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne and Ambassador Stephan Lang, the United States’ Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy at the U.S. Department of State.

During the meeting, several strategic areas were also discussed.

Ambassador Lang emphasized the importance and urgency of these initiatives, describing them as both challenging and essential for Sri Lanka’s digital future. He reiterated the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in implementing these transformative digital policies and programs.

(adaderana.lk)

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

Continue Reading

News

2 more arrested over shooting Halloluwa’s vehicle

Published

on

By

Two more individuals have been arrested over the shooting incident targeting the vehicle of former Executive Director of the National Lotteries Board –  Thusitha Halloluwa.

According to the police, the duo was arrested by the Colombo South Divisional Crime Detective Bureau today (02).The suspects, aged 27 and 37 have been arrested in Kadawatha and Ganemulla.

According to Police, a cache of 13 rounds of T-56 type ammunition and 10 grams of the crystal methamphetamine also known as ICE were also found in the suspects’ possession.

The suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (June 03).

Further investigations are underway.

Continue Reading

News

MoH issues update on Covid-19 situation

Published

on

By

Secretary of the Ministry of Health – Dr. Anil Jasinghe has issued a special statement with regard to the Covid-19 situation in Sri Lanka.

“According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), a global increase in the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, has been reported since February 2025. Based on the International Respiratory Surveillance System, several countries, including several countries in Asia have reported a notable rise in COVID-19 cases in recent months, the statement states.

In May 2023, the WHO officially declared the end of the COVID-19 global pandemic status, and since then, COVID-19 has been treated as a disease that circulates endemically, similar to other common respiratory infections. It is a known phenomenon for the SARS-CoV-2 virus to undergo genetic mutations during its transmission,” the statement added.

“It is a known phenomenon for the SARS-CoV-2 virus to undergo genetic mutations during its transmission. The currently circulating variant reported in many countries in 2024 has been identified as a sub lineage of a previously known genetic variant. In 2024, this same variant has been detected in Sri Lanka as well.”

“In May 2025, specimens tested by the Medical Research Institute (MRI) confirmed the presence of these previously identified sub-lineages. Therefore, these are not novel variants, and no evidence of increased severity or complications has been reported,” the statement further notes.

Noting that seasonal increases in respiratory illnesses like influenza are commonly observed in recent times, especially under prevailing climatic conditions, the statement states that health authorities remain vigilant in monitoring disease trends, and the public need not panic unnecessarily.

“If individuals experience fever or respiratory symptoms, there is no need for hospital admission out of fear. However, if someone experiences difficulty breathing, medical attention should be sought,” Dr. Jasinghe says.

“Nevertheless, it is important to maintain good respiratory etiquette and general health practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections, such as influenza. Recommended measures include covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or the elbow when coughing or sneezing, avoiding unnecessary contact with the face, and ensuring frequent hand hygiene through proper hand washing or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. It is also advisable to avoid touching the face with unclean hands. Individuals exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness should wear a face mask to minimize the risk of transmitting the infection to others and avoid crowded public settings unless essential. Special attention must be directed towards high-risk populations, as they are more susceptible to developing complications from respiratory infections. These groups include older adults, pregnant women, and infants and young children, whose immune systems are either compromised or still developing. Furthermore, individuals with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, chronic respiratory illnesses, diabetes, renal disease, cancer, or other chronic diseases, as well as those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, are at increased risk and require additional protection,” the statement further adds.

The full statement is as follows :

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved