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CBK admits mistake in supporting Sirisena presidency

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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)

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Colombo Central Bus Stand to be upgraded

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In line with the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, the government plans to upgrade the Colombo Central Bus Stand within the next year.

In line with the same initiative, 50 major bus stands nationwide are scheduled for renovation, with assistance from the Sri Lanka Air Force.  

The renovation of the Colombo Central Bus Stand will include the refurbishment of key facilities such as the canteen, rest area, ticket counters, administrative unit, operations room and driver quarters.

Established in 1964, the Colombo Central Bus Stand spans 1.42 hectares and currently handles between 1,500 to 2,000 buses daily.

These details were revealed during a discussion held yesterday (June 23) at the Presidential Secretariat on the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, Secretary of Defence, Senior Officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force and other government officials.

(President’s Media Division)

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Oil prices plunge as Trump announces ceasefire

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Oil prices fell sharply to their lowest in more than a week on Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump said a ceasefire has been agreed between Iran and Israel, alleviating worries of supply disruptions in the Middle East – a major oil-producing region.
Brent crude futures were down $2.08, or 2.9%, at $69.40 a barrel around 0330 GMT, after earlier tumbling more than 4% and touching its lowest level since June 11.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude declined $2.03, or 3.0%, to $66.48 per barrel, having dived 6% to its weakest level since June 9 earlier in the session.

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights meets PM Harini

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Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, held a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office on 23 June.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya welcomed the High Commissioner and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working constructively with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). She noted that the recent political transition marks a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s political culture, rooted in a historic mandate received from all communities.

The Prime Minister outlined the Government’s focus on three key pillars: alleviating rural poverty, advancing digitalization, and pursuing legal and political reforms alongside the necessary social transformation and institutional changes. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to protecting and promoting the full spectrum of human rights, including social, educational, health, and economic rights, and emphasized that reconciliation remains a priority, supported by strengthening domestic mechanisms such as the Office for Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for Reparations (OR), and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR).

High Commissioner Volker Türk expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s continued engagement and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in advancing human rights, democratic governance, and national reconciliation.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, and other officials from the United Nations. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism; and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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